Fountains aren’t any doubt the most effective additions to any garden. The sound of rushing water perfectly complements the green foliage, and also the intricate stone designs morph it into a great point of interest. But garden fountains are definitely more than a lawn ornament–they also represent an origin of sustenance on your plants. Whether there is a small patio or perhaps a sprawling backyard, a well-placed fountain can simply liven up your garden.

HISTORY OF FOUNTAINS

As with a lot of ornamental pieces, fountains begun strictly functional. They were first found in the Middle East, the spot that the weather was hot as well as the water provided respite from the heat. Most of them were simple, flanked by trees and built-in royal courtyards. The Romans also tried out outdoor water features, building their gardens next to public baths. They were mostly used in bathing rituals, that were a vital a part of their culture.
Ornamental garden fountains first appeared in ancient Mesopotamia, however it was only inside the late medieval period that they were utilized in domestic settings. Garden fountains were employed in Spain ahead of the 15th century plus in Italy some years later. It took an additional century for home fountains to succeed in American shores, and also by the early last century fountains were a typical fixture installing home gardens and also in offices, hotel lobbies and shopping centers.

FOUNTAIN DESIGNS

Fountains are available in several styles, but only a number of are suitable for the conventional home garden. Some of the most common are wall, pond, and tabletop.
Wall fountains use a basin-like base as well as a relatively low spray. They are what are named as because they are mounted on a water source coming from the wall. As such, they just don’t take up a lot of space and they are perfect for small home gardens.
If you do have a larger space, you really should consider a pond fountain. These can be literally the size of a pond, but you will discover smaller versions designed for garden and in many cases indoor use. Pond fountains are generally wired and programmed with lighting and spray patterns.
Some gardens are merely too small to accommodate water features. If this is your case, you can go for a lesser tabletop fountain. As their name suggests, tabletop fountains are put on top of tables, usually as centerpieces. They usually are electrically powered and very easy to set up.

MATERIALS

Concrete and ceramic are definitely the best materials for garden fountains. You can select all sorts of shapes, from simple rectangular blocks to intricate stone sculptures. Many are given a sandstone or soapstone finish, which provides them a far more interesting texture. Marble can be very attractive, nevertheless it’s far more expensive and is not practical for medium to large fountains.
Wood, copper and porcelain gives excellent reasons tabletop fountains. Needless to say, they will not hold up well completely size, but a well-made (and well-placed) miniature could have just the same effect. To add interest, try adding interesting lights or bonsai features.
If it’s simply the look you’re after, try fiberglass. Fiberglass fountains are becoming more popular recently because of their weather resistance and adaptability in design. They can be meant to look like wood, stone, marble and glass–while maintaining constant structural integrity. So if you’ve always wanted a wood fixture along with want taking care fuss, fiberglass fountains would be the perfect solution.