From ancient times to the present people have enhanced the beauty of their yards and gardens with outdoor fountains. In places where water is scarce a fountain showcases water and displays its beauty. Where water is plentiful artistic structures that encourage water to cascade, flow or trickle create a celebration.
Many city towns and villages both old and new feature a fountain in their main square or plaza. Many of these well known fountains have legends attached to them that promise wishes granted or dreams fulfilled. Today tourists pose for pictures in front of the spraying, splashing, cascading waters that once filled the jars of villagers who gathered to rest and gossip before returning to their homes and chores.
Water, sprayed or splashed, cooled the air, provided a pleasant place to take a break from work and gather the latest gossip. It's an ancient tradition that the fountain in the square be surrounded by places where food and beverages can be purchased. The mellow sounds of moving water insulate the visitor from the less enjoyable sounds of traffic and commerce.
Fountains are often used as monuments to famous people or important ideals. Water, whether it is lapping gently, flowing relentlessly or dancing skyward can help to convey powerful feelings. Water can unify the names of participants in a movement or it can convey an image of justice like a mighty stream.
A large garden might have a fountain that serves to unify the other features. It could be a landmark in the center where all the paths meet. It can be a place to pause and survey the beauty of the plants and flowers.
A tiny garden in a yard or even on a balcony can seem larger and more interesting with the addition of a fountain. The right fountain can create a space for meditation or reflection. The sound and sight of water interacting with stones or a lovely sculpture of metal, wood or glass can lift the spirits.
Wildlife lovers will be happy to see that birds are drinking from the fountain or using it for a birdbath. The family dog might use it for a water bowl or take a swim if it offers a pool that's big enough. However there are many designs that are less likely to attract animals if animals are not part of the plan.
Outdoor fountains can be enjoyable for people of all ages if well planned. But even a shallow pool of water can be dangerous for small unsupervised children. However if children are part of the picture there are many types of fountains that can be built into walls or constructed without basins or pools that collect water.
Many city towns and villages both old and new feature a fountain in their main square or plaza. Many of these well known fountains have legends attached to them that promise wishes granted or dreams fulfilled. Today tourists pose for pictures in front of the spraying, splashing, cascading waters that once filled the jars of villagers who gathered to rest and gossip before returning to their homes and chores.
Water, sprayed or splashed, cooled the air, provided a pleasant place to take a break from work and gather the latest gossip. It's an ancient tradition that the fountain in the square be surrounded by places where food and beverages can be purchased. The mellow sounds of moving water insulate the visitor from the less enjoyable sounds of traffic and commerce.
Fountains are often used as monuments to famous people or important ideals. Water, whether it is lapping gently, flowing relentlessly or dancing skyward can help to convey powerful feelings. Water can unify the names of participants in a movement or it can convey an image of justice like a mighty stream.
A large garden might have a fountain that serves to unify the other features. It could be a landmark in the center where all the paths meet. It can be a place to pause and survey the beauty of the plants and flowers.
A tiny garden in a yard or even on a balcony can seem larger and more interesting with the addition of a fountain. The right fountain can create a space for meditation or reflection. The sound and sight of water interacting with stones or a lovely sculpture of metal, wood or glass can lift the spirits.
Wildlife lovers will be happy to see that birds are drinking from the fountain or using it for a birdbath. The family dog might use it for a water bowl or take a swim if it offers a pool that's big enough. However there are many designs that are less likely to attract animals if animals are not part of the plan.
Outdoor fountains can be enjoyable for people of all ages if well planned. But even a shallow pool of water can be dangerous for small unsupervised children. However if children are part of the picture there are many types of fountains that can be built into walls or constructed without basins or pools that collect water.