The Influence of the Norman Conquest on Anglo Saxon Garden Design
The Influence of the Norman Conquest on Anglo Saxon Garden Design
The introduction of the Normans in the second half of the 11th century irreparably transformed The Anglo-Saxon lifestyle. Architecture and gardening were attributes that the Normans excelled in, trumping that of the Anglo-Saxons at the time of the occupation. However the Normans had to pacify the whole territory before they could focus on home life, domestic architecture, and decoration. Monasteries and castles served separate functions, so while monasteries were massive stone structures assembled in only the most productive, wide dales, castles were set upon blustery knolls where the residents focused on understanding offensive and defensive tactics. The barren fortresses did not provide for the peaceful avocation of farming. The early Anglo-Norman style of architecture is depicted in Berkeley Castle, which is conceivably the most untouched example we have. The keep is reported to have been invented during the time of William the Conqueror. A massive terrace serves as a discouraging factor to invaders who would try to mine the walls of the building. A picturesque bowling green, covered in grass and bordered by battlements clipped out of an ancient yew hedge, creates one of the terraces.
Outdoor Fountains Found in Historical Documents
Outdoor Fountains Found in Historical Documents Water fountains were originally practical in function, used to deliver water from canals or springs to cities and villages, providing the inhabitants with fresh water to drink, bathe, and cook with. A supply of water higher in elevation than the fountain was required to pressurize the flow and send water spraying from the fountain's nozzle, a technology without equal until the later part of the nineteenth century. Fountains all through history have been designed as monuments, impressing local citizens and visitors alike.
Crude in style, the very first water fountains did not appear much like present fountains. Created for drinking water and ceremonial functions, the first fountains were simple carved stone basins. Natural stone basins as fountains have been found from 2,000 BC. The spray of water emerging from small jets was forced by gravity, the sole power source builders had in those days. These ancient water fountains were created to be functional, frequently situated along aqueducts, creeks and rivers to provide drinking water. Fountains with ornamental Gods, mythological monsters, and creatures began to show up in Rome in about 6 BC, crafted from natural stone and bronze. A well-engineered system of reservoirs and aqueducts kept Rome's public water fountains supplied with fresh water.
The Dissemination of Fountain Design Knowledge
The Dissemination of Fountain Design Knowledge Spreading pragmatic hydraulic knowledge and water fountain design ideas throughout Europe was accomplished with the written documents and illustrated books of the time. An internationally celebrated leader in hydraulics in the late 1500's was a French fountain engineer, whose name has been lost to history. His expertise in designing gardens and grottoes with built-in and ingenious water fountains began in Italy and with commissions in Brussels, London and Germany. “The Principles of Moving Forces”, a book which became the essential text on hydraulic technology and engineering, was authored by him towards the end of his life in France. Classical antiquity hydraulic discoveries were elaborated as well as changes to essential classical antiquity hydraulic discoveries in the publication. Archimedes, the inventor of the water screw, had his work featured and these included a mechanical means to move water. Natural light heated up the liquid in two undetectable containers adjoining to the beautiful fountain were shown in an illustration. The heated liquid expands and subsequently ascends and closes the water pipes consequently triggering the water feature. The publication furthermore mentions garden ponds, water wheels, water feature creations.
The Countless Styles of Exterior Fountains
The Countless Styles of Exterior Fountains
Is it possible for you to convert your yard into a haven of peace? The soothing feeling created by outdoor fountains is just one of the benefits of adding a water feature in your garden. The splendor of a spouting fountain can be observed when it sends a stream of shooting water into the air. Large, existing ponds can have one of these built-in without much trouble. These kinds of fountains are often found in parks or historical stately homes.
One of the myriad examples of an outdoor water feature is a classy wall fountain. These kinds of fountains make excellent 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 procedure, the water spills out of a spout, trickles down a magnificently textured wall only to be pumped back to the top.
Your garden’s style dictates whether a themed fountain is suitable for you. In a rustic themed cottage or yard, a traditional styled statue for your fountain could include cherubs holding the spout. On the other hand, a more modern garden can include more of a bold design. Let your creativity run free to choose the best option.
The central attribute of tiered fountains is the multiple levels spewing out water. Due to the water streaming down its multiple levels, these are also called cascading fountains.
Since outdoor fountains require a great deal of space, consider putting in a wall fountain or a pondless fountain. Install one of these fountains if your space is limited since their reservoirs are concealed from sight below ground.
Add a Japanese fountain if you are looking for a sense of tranquility. Bamboo sticks act as the piping from which water flows in these kinds of water features. Water then streams into a bucket or a shaped stone, only to repeat the pattern over and over again.
Fountains made of glass are another type available. Providing a more classical appearance are trellis-style fountains which feature shaped metalwork. Water features such as these are best suited to gardens with many sharp corners as well as modern forms and designs. The flowing water produces a striking effect as it moves down the glass sheets. Colorful LED lights are also included in some fountains to illuminate the water as it moves down the sheet of glass. A rock waterfall fountain (often made of imitation rock) showcases water slowly cascading down its façade.
In a bubbling rock fountain, a big rock is drilled with openings and then filled in the middle with pipes. Low pressure is used to spout out the water which then bubbles and gurgles at the top. Downward flowing water appears as soft dribble as it moves down the sides of the rock to go back to its base. This is yet another option for gardens with limited space. Water is moved at low pressure in this type of fountain, so you can be assured knowing that it will not spray all over should the wind pick up.
Powered by sunlight, solar fountains are becoming increasingly trendy. The reasons for this are diverse, from the absence of wires and the reduced complexities to the lower power bills and the beneficial impact on our environment. The varied designs in outdoor solar-run fountains signifies you will not have to compromise on style.
Choose from Many Outdoor Wall Fountain Styles
Choose from Many Outdoor Wall Fountain Styles Small verandas or courtyards are an ideal place to set up wall fountains because they add style to an area with little space. The multitude of styles in outdoor wall fountains, including traditional, classic, contemporary, or Asian, means that you can find the one suitable to your wishes.
While there are countless prefabricated ones on the market, you may need a custom-built fountain if none of these are pleasing to you. There are two distinct sorts of fountains you can buy: mounted and stand-alone. Small, self-contained mounted wall fountains can be hung on any surface. Normally made of resin (to look like stone) or fiber glass, these sorts of fountains are lightweight and easy to hang. In large stand-alone fountains, otherwise known as wall fountains, the basin is located on the ground with the flat side positioned against a wall. Typically constructed of cast stone, this kind of water feature is not restricted in weight.
Many experienced landscapers favor custom-built fountains which can be integrated into a brand-new wall or an existing one. Employing an expert mason is your best option to build the basin and install the essential plumbing. A fountain mask or a spout also needs to be incorporated into the wall. If you want a cohesive look for your garden, get a customized wall fountain because it becomes part of the scenery rather than a later addition.
The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Garden Wall Fountains
The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Garden Wall Fountains Water fountains will keep working a very long time with routine cleaning and maintenance. Leaves, twigs, and bugs often find their way into fountains, so it is important to keep yours free from such things.
Also, algae tends to build up anywhere natural light meets water. In order to stay clear of this, there are some simple ingredients that can be mixed into the water, such as vinegar, sea salt, or hydrogen peroxide. Another option is to mix bleach into the water, but this action can sicken wild animals and so should really be avoided. An extensive cleaning every three-four months is ideal for garden fountains. First you must empty the water. Then use a soft towel and gentle cleanser to scrub the inside. Feel free to use a toothbrush if necessary for any smaller crevasses. Any soap residue left on your fountain can damage it, so be sure it is all rinsed off.
It is highly recommended taking the pump apart to better clean the inside and remove any plankton or calcium. You might want to let it soak in vinegar for a few hours to make it much less difficult to wash. If you want to minimize build-up in your fountain, use rain water or mineral water versus tap water, as these don’t contain any elements that will stick to the inside of the pump.
Finally, be sure to have a quick look at your fountain every day and add water if you notice that the level is too low. Allowing the water to reach below the pump’s intake level, can cause major damage and even make the pump burn out - an undesired outcome!