Garden fountains have been the focal point in gardens for centuries. Ancient Greeks used outdoor fountains as a place for social networking. Gardens with fountains often accompanied bathhouses. Fountains also supplied the populace with fresh water from aqueducts, so they served as a social center and a place to meet your neighbors. Ancient Muslims, taking a cue from Persian paradise gardens, based their gardens around the replenishing properties of water. They placed a fountain in the center to replicate an oasis in the desert. In Asia monks carefully arranged gardens to create peace and harmony, using garden fountains as places of meditation, and relaxation.

During the Renaissance period Italy became known for its lavish garden accents. These gardens had ornate sections carefully patterned with flowers and hedges. Garden fountains became quite popular and many gardens during this time contained several. Impressed with Italy's gardens, the rest of Europe's landscape soon had many gardens with the same idea of a garden fountain as a focal point as well as a spot for meditation. Later, "natural" type gardens became popular, with shrubs and trees strewn about to look more rustic. Pond fountains became popular in these types of gardens.

Today no garden courtyard feels complete without some sort of outdoor fountain in it. Garden fountains can be seen everywhere. From a park or home garden, to a front yard, or deck. Architects like to use fountains to create a natural element into their designs and building courtyards. Garden fountains create a sense of serenity and elegance to any size yard. It provides a tranquil space in an otherwise hectic world.

With all the different styles and types of materials there is sure to be a garden fountain available for anyone's style or budget. The most traditional type of garden fountain is the tiered style. This style is best in a large garden since it tends to take up a lot of space. Its tiered style allows water to cascade from higher levels to lower ones and works well placed in the center of a garden. Ornamental garden fountains also work well placed in the center because of their showy attractiveness. These fountains often contain sculptures, such as woman dancing and cherubs as well as animals and flowers.

Natural looking fountains are also quite popular. These are generally pond fountains where water cascades off of rocks into a pond, much like a small waterfall. These types of garden fountains are generally easy to set up and maintain. Pot fountains are easy as well. These fountains are made from pots of different sizes arranged to create a playful water display. Pot fountains are good for those on a budget since they are inexpensive.

Garden fountains can be made from a number of different weather-resistant materials. Stone is the most popular since it is so durable and can handle most weather extremes. Stone can be very expensive though, depending on the type material which is usually granite, slate, and marble. Concrete can be an cheaper alternative, but both stone and concrete are heavy and hard to ship. Today there are composite materials which can be molded into different shapes and textures to create any style. Resin and fiberglass are two popular options. Both are cost effective and light, so they can be shipped easily.

No matter what size a person's budget is, there is a garden fountain that can fit it. With the availability of cheap materials and a variety of traditional and contemporary designs, there is a garden fountain to fit any style or home decor. They create a natural setting and bring a peaceful atmosphere wherever they are placed.

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