An Introduction to Herbaceous Garden Plants
An Introduction to Herbaceous Garden Plants
Modern Garden Decoration: Outdoor Fountains and their Beginnings
Modern Garden Decoration: Outdoor Fountains and their Beginnings The dramatic or decorative effect of a fountain is just one of the purposes it fulfills, in addition to delivering drinking water and adding a decorative touch to your property.Originally, fountains only served a functional purpose. Cities, towns and villages made use of nearby aqueducts or springs to supply them with drinking water as well as water where they could bathe or wash. Up until the 19th century, fountains had to be higher and closer to a water supply, 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 decorate living areas and celebrate the designer. Bronze or stone masks of wildlife and heroes were frequently seen on Roman fountains. To illustrate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages introduced fountains to their designs. King Louis XIV of France wanted to demonstrate his superiority over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to extol their positions by adding 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 clean, 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 helped fountains to provide recycled water into living spaces as well as create unique water effects.
Modern-day fountains function mostly as decoration for community spaces, to honor individuals or events, and enhance entertainment and recreational activities.
The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Landscape Fountains
The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Landscape Fountains Water fountains will last a very long time with scheduled cleaning and maintenance.
Every three-four months, garden fountains should have a decent cleaning. Before you can start cleaning it you must empty out all of the water. Next use mild soap and a soft sponge to clean inside the reservoir. If there are any small grooves, grab a toothbrush to reach every spot. Any soap residue that remains on your fountain can harm it, so be sure it is all rinsed off.
Calcium and fresh water organisms can get inside the pump, so you should disassemble it to get it truly clean. To make it less difficult, soak it in vinegar for a while before cleaning. Mineral or rain water, versus tap water, is ideal in order to eliminate any build-up of chemicals inside the pump.
Lastly, make sure your fountain is always full by looking at it every day - this will keep it in tip-top condition. If the water level falls below the pump’s intake level, it can hurt the pump and cause it to burn out - something you do not want to happen!