The Many Styles of Water Wall Fountains

Depending on your requirements, you can select from mounted or freestanding types. You can place a mounted wall fountain because they are small and self-contained. One of the most important features of wall fountains is that they be light, so they are typically made of fiberglass or resin to mirror the look of stone. Free-standing fountains, often referred to as floor fountains, are sizable, have a basin situated on the ground and a smooth side which leans against a wall. Water features such as these are typically made of cast stone and have no weight limits.

Custom-built fountains which can be integrated into a new or existing wall are often recommended by landscaping designers. Hiring an expert mason is your best option to construct the basin and install the required plumbing. You will need to integrate a spout or fountain mask into the wall. If you want a cohesive look for your garden, get a customized wall fountain because it becomes part of the panorama rather than a later addition.

Where did Garden Water Fountains Come From?

Originally, fountains only served a practical purpose. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, from aqueducts or springs nearby. Used until the 19th century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their origin of water such as reservoirs or aqueducts, had to be higher than the water fountain in order to benefit from gravity. Acting as an element of adornment and celebration, fountains also supplied clean, fresh drinking water. Bronze or stone masks of wildlife and heroes were commonly seen on Roman fountains. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to re-create the gardens of paradise. The fountains found in the Gardens of Versailles were meant to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to laud their positions by including beautiful baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.

Since indoor plumbing became the norm of the day for fresh, drinking water, by the end of the 19th century urban fountains were no longer needed for this purpose and they became purely ornamental. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity allowed fountains to provide recycled water into living spaces as well as create unique water effects.

These days, fountains decorate public areas and are used to honor individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.