Where did Large Outdoor Fountains Originate from?
Where did Large Outdoor Fountains Originate from?
A fountain, an incredible piece of engineering, not only supplies drinking water as it pours into a basin, it can also propel water high into the air for an extraordinary effect. Pure functionality was the original role of fountains. Water fountains were linked to a spring or aqueduct to supply potable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Up to the late nineteenth century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and more elevated than the fountain so that gravity could make the water move down or jet high into the air. Fountains were not only utilized as a water source for drinking water, but also to adorn homes and celebrate the artist who created it. Roman fountains often depicted imagery of animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks. Throughout the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners included fountains to create smaller depictions of the gardens of paradise. Fountains enjoyed a significant role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exert his power over nature. To mark the entrance of the restored Roman aqueducts, the Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries commissioned the building of baroque style fountains in the spot where the aqueducts entered the city of Rome
Indoor plumbing became the main source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby limiting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Gravity was substituted by mechanical pumps in order to enable fountains to bring in clean water and allow for beautiful water displays.
Modern fountains are used to adorn public spaces, honor individuals or events, and enhance recreational and entertainment events.
The Vast Array of Exterior Water Features
The Vast Array of Exterior Water Features
Is it possible for you to convert your garden into a paradise of serenity? Incorporating a fountain into your garden provides tranquility as well as a variety of beneficial effects that come with having a water feature. A dramatic impact is produced when a spouting fountain sends a shooting stream of water up into the air. It is feasible to have one of these fitted into an existing, ample pond. Parks and traditional stately homes often have one these fountains.
Select a fashionable wall fountain to put outside. These types of fountains make great water features even if you only have a little garden. Wall fountains are not flashy water features when compared with a spouting fountain. In a very simple process, the water spills out of a spout, trickles down a beautifully textured wall only to be pumped back to the top.
Your garden’s style dictates whether a themed fountain is right for you. Consider a classic type of statue, such as a cherub supporting a spout, for the fountain if your residence or garden is rustic in style. Consider including something bolder and unique for a modern-day garden. Feel free to let your hair down and go with something fun and intrepid.
Water spills down multiple levels in a tiered fountain. Cascading fountains is another expression used to identify this type of fountain because water flows down multiple levels.
Since external fountains require ample space, consider putting in a wall fountain or a pondless fountain. Since the reservoirs required for these kinds of fountains are hidden below the ground, you can make the most of the room at your disposal.
Serenity and well-being are a few of the main sensations imparted by Japanese fountains. Bamboo sticks act as the tubing from which water flows in these kinds of water features. Water then flows into a container or a shaped stone, only to repeat the cycle over and over again.
Fountains made of glass are another type on the market. Trellis-style fountains of this kind, showcase molded metalwork which provides a more conventional look. Water features such as these are ideal for yards with many sharp corners as well as modern forms and designs. The flowing water forms a beautiful effect as it moves down the glass panels. LED lighting fixtures are also utilized in some fountains to flash color across the water as it flows downward on the glass sheet. The jagged surface of rock waterfall fountain creates an appealing façade as the water gently trickles downwards.
Bubbling rock fountains are big rocks drilled with holes which are then filled with tubes in the middle. The gurgles and bubbles at the top are the product of the low pressure used to force the water upwards. Flowing towards the bottom of the fountain, the water comes back as a slow drizzle down the sides of the rock. Small gardens are ideal for this sort of fountain. To ensure that water is not sprayed around if it begins to get windy, this kind of fountain is the best option since it only uses low pressure to move water.
The trend of installing solar powered fountains is becoming progressively prevalent. There are numerous reasons for this newly found appeal such as the absence of cables, less difficulty in running them, a decrease in electricity bills, and the advantages to the environment. You will not have to concede on style since there is a wide array of designs to choose from in outdoor solar-powered fountains.
"Primitive" Greek Artwork: Garden Statuary
"Primitive" Greek Artwork: Garden Statuary
Archaic Greeks were well known for developing the first freestanding statuary; up till then, most carvings were formed out of walls and pillars as reliefs. Youthful, ideal male or female (kore) Greeks were the subject matter of most of the sculptures, or kouros figures. Symbolizing beauty to the Greeks, the kouroi were designed to appear rigid and always had foot forward; the males were vigorous, sturdy, and naked. Life-sized versions of the kouroi appeared beginning in 650 BC. The Archaic period was tumultuous for the Greeks as they evolved into more polished forms of federal government and art, and obtained more information about the peoples and societies outside of Greece. Throughout this time and other periods of historic tumultuousness, encounters often happened, including battles fought between city-states such as the Arcadian wars and the Spartan infiltration of Samos.
Keeping Your Fountain Clean
Keeping Your Fountain Clean Water fountains will last a very long time with regular cleaning and maintenance.
Leaves, twigs, and bugs often find their way into fountains, so it is vital to keep yours free from such debris. Another factor is that water that is exposed to sunlight is vulnerable to growing algae. Either sea salt, hydrogen peroxide, or vinegar can be blended into the water to prevent this problem. Some people opt for adding bleach into the water, but the drawback is that it harms wildlife - so it should be avoided. Every three-four months, garden fountains should go through a serious cleaning. Before cleaning, all of the water must be taken out. When you have done this, scour inside the water reservoir with a gentle detergent. Feel free to use a toothbrush if helpful for any tiny crevasses. Any soap residue that remains on your fountain can damage it, so be sure it is all rinsed off.
Make sure you get rid of any calcium or plankton by taking the pump apart and scrubbing the inside thoroughly. To make it less strenuous, soak it in vinegar for a while before cleaning. Neither rain water nor mineral water contain ingredients that will collect inside the pump, so use either over tap water if possible.
Lastly, make sure your fountain is always full by looking at it every day - this will keep it in tip-top shape. Low water levels can damage the pump - and you do not want that!
A Chronicle of Outdoor Garden Fountains
A Chronicle of Outdoor Garden Fountains Pope Nicholas V, himself a learned man, reigned the Roman Catholic Church from 1397 to 1455 during which time he commissioned many translations of old classic Greek texts into Latin. Embellishing Rome and making it the worthy capital of the Christian world was at the core of his objectives. Reconstruction of the Acqua Vergine, a desolate Roman aqueduct which had transported fresh drinking water into the city from eight miles away, began in 1453 at the behest of the Pope.
The ancient Roman custom of building an imposing commemorative fountain at the location where an aqueduct arrived, also known as a mostra, was restored by Nicholas V. The present-day location of the Trevi Fountain was formerly occupied by a wall fountain commissioned by the Pope and built by the architect Leon Battista Alberti. The water which eventually provided the Trevi Fountain as well as the renown baroque fountains in the Piazza del Popolo and Piazza Navona flowed from the modified aqueduct which he had renovated.
The Benefits of Solar Powered Outdoor Garden Fountains
The Benefits of Solar Powered Outdoor Garden Fountains There are various power sources which can be used to power your garden wall fountain. The recent interest in alternative power has led to a rise in the usage of solar powered fountains, even though till now they have mainly been powered by electricity.
Even though initial costs may be greater, solar powered water fountains are the most cost-effective going forward. Terra cotta, copper, porcelain, or bronze are used to make solar operated water fountains. Your decor dictates which type best suits you. Easy to care for and an excellent way to make a real contribution to the environment, they are wonderful additions to your garden sanctuary as well. Indoor wall fountains are a superb option to cool your home as well as to provide an eye-catching addition to your surroundings. Yet another alternative to air conditioners and swamp coolers, they employ the identical principles to cool your living area You can reduce your power bill since they consume less electricity.
Their cooling effect can be activated by fanning fresh, dry air across them. Using the ceiling fan or air from a corner of the room can help to enhance circulation. It is very important that the surface of the water have air continually blowing across it. It is normal for fountains and waterfalls to generate cool, fresh air. The sudden chill we feel is typical when we come near a large municipal fountain or a waterfall. Your fountain cooling system should not be placed in a spot which is especially hot. Direct sunlight, for example, diminishes the efficiency of your fountain to generate cold air.
How Much Do Pets Benefit from Water Features
How Much Do Pets Benefit from Water Features
If you are considering buying a water feature, ensure that your pets like it. Your pooch could think that your stand-alone fountain looks like a big pond to drink from or a pool in which to swim. Integrating a water feature to your yard is a great idea, one which is certain to benefit your pets. You may need to consider where you will locate the fountain as birds may take it as a bathing pond. If you wish to purposely entice birds, however, installing a birdbath is an ideal solution. Setting up a wall water fountain inside your house is a good solution if you want to avoid such concerns. These types of fountains are great for dental and medical offices, not to mention stately homes.