The Genesis Of Garden Fountains

From the beginning, outdoor fountains were simply there to serve as functional elements. Inhabitants of urban areas, townships and small towns used them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash, which meant that fountains had to be connected to nearby aqueduct or spring. Up until the 19th century, fountains had to be higher and closer to a water source, including aqueducts and reservoirs, in order to take advantage of gravity which fed the fountains. Fountains were not only utilized as a water source for drinking water, but also to adorn homes and celebrate the designer who created it. Bronze or stone masks of animals and heroes were frequently seen on Roman fountains. To replicate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages added fountains to their designs. Fountains enjoyed a considerable role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exercise his power over nature. The Romans of the 17th and 18th centuries manufactured baroque decorative fountains to exalt the Popes who commissioned them as well as to mark the location where the restored Roman aqueducts entered the city.

Indoor plumbing became the main source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby limiting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity allowed fountains to deliver recycled water into living spaces as well as create special water effects.

Decorating city parks, honoring people or events and entertaining, are some of the uses of modern-day fountains.

What Are Garden Water fountains Made From?

One of the more common metals for sculptural garden fountains presently is copper. Copper is appropriate for many fountain styles, including tabletop and cascade water fountains, and can be placed inside or outside - making it a great option. Copper is also adaptable enough that you can pick a range of styles for your fountain, from contemporary to whimsical.

If you are drawn to more classic-looking water fountains, brass is probably what you want. Although it is not the most stylish, the creatures and sculptural features you find on fountains are mostly made of brass, thus making them very popular.

Most people today see stainless steel as the most modern option. Adding a modern-looking steel design will immediately add value to your garden and elevate the overall mood. As with all fountains, you can get any size you need.

Because it is both lighter and cheaper than metal but has a nearly identical look, fiberglass is quite common for fountains. It is easy to clean and maintain a fiberglass water fountain, yet another reason they are common.