Outdoor Wall Fountains: The Many Designs Available

Depending on your needs, you can pick from mounted or freestanding types. You can place a mounted wall fountain because they are little and self-contained. One of the most important aspects of wall fountains is that they be light, so they are normally made of fiberglass or resin to replicate the look of stone. Stand-alone fountains, often referred to as floor fountains, are of considerable size, have a basin located on the ground and a smooth side which leans against a wall. Generally made of cast stone, this kind of water feature is not restricted in weight.

It is a good idea to incorporate a custom-made fountain into a new or existing wall, something often recommended by landscape professionals. Employing an expert mason is your best option to build the basin and install the essential plumbing. It is also essential to include a spout or fountain mask to build it into the wall. If you want a cohesive look for your garden, buy a customized wall fountain because it becomes part of the scenery rather than a later addition.

Contemporary Garden Decoration: Outdoor Fountains and their Beginnings

The central purpose of a fountain was originally strictly practical. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, via 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. Artists thought of fountains as wonderful additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to supply clean water and celebrate the artist responsible for creating it. Bronze or stone masks of wildlife and heroes were commonly seen on Roman fountains. To depict the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages added fountains to their designs. To show his dominance over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden of Versailles. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to exalt their positions by adding decorative baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.

The end of the nineteenth century saw the rise in usage of indoor plumbing to supply drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to strictly decorative elements. Gravity was replaced by mechanical pumps in order to enable fountains to bring in clean water and allow for beautiful water displays.

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