The Many Styles of Wall Fountains

The two types of fountains available to you include mounted and stand-alone models. Mounted wall fountains are small and self-contained versions which can be displayed on a wall. Fountains of this type need to be light, therefore, they are usually made of resin (resembling stone) or fiberglass. Free-standing fountains, often referred to as floor fountains, are sizable, have a basin positioned on the ground and a smooth side which leans against a wall. Water features such as these are typically manufactured of cast stone and have no weight limitations.

Custom-built fountains which can be incorporated into a new or existing wall are often recommended by landscaping designers. The basin and all the necessary plumbing are best installed by a trained mason. It is also vital to include a spout or fountain mask to build it into the wall. A tailor-made wall fountain blends into the landscape instead of standing out because it was a later addition, which adds to a unified appearance.

Contemporary Garden Decoration: Garden Fountains and their Beginnings

The primary purpose of a fountain was originally strictly practical. Residents of cities, townships and small towns used them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash up, which meant that fountains needed to be connected to nearby aqueduct or spring. Up until the nineteenth, fountains had to be more elevated and closer to a water source, including aqueducts and reservoirs, in order to take advantage of gravity which fed the fountains. Fountains were an optimal source of water, and also served to adorn living areas and celebrate the designer. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often used by Romans to beautify their fountains. To illustrate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages added fountains to their designs. The fountains seen in the Gardens of Versailles were intended to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to laud their positions by adding beautiful baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.

Urban fountains built at the end of the 19th century functioned only as decorative and celebratory adornments since indoor plumbing provided the essential drinking water. Gravity was replaced by mechanical pumps in order to enable fountains to bring in clean water and allow for amazing water displays.

Modern-day fountains function mostly as decoration for public spaces, to honor individuals or events, and compliment entertainment and recreational events.

Find Tranquility with Garden Fountains