Decorative Cherub Garden Fountains
Cherub garden fountains can be found all over the world. Featured in some of the most luxurious and beautiful gardens ever created. The cherubs that line the Allee d'Eau, at Versailles, beckon the weary traveler ever deeper into the gardens themselves with the sound of trickling water. Discover copies of these beautiful water fountains in nearly any city. For the home garden, as in the beautiful historic gardens of the past, cherub fountains add beauty and tranquility.
Symbolism
Cherubim represent knowledge and heavenly wisdom. They have been a favorite subject of artists and sculptors for centuries, becoming extremely popular during the Renaissance, and again in Victorian times. What we think of as cherubim, chubby faced angels, are actually putti from the art of the Italian Renaissance.
The placement of one putti or cherubim in a garden can take the space from ordinary to extraordinary immediately.
History
The first putti fountains were created in Italy in the 1400s. Artists like DaVinci and Michelangelo made the cherubim of the Bible into a popular design element. The use of these child-angels spread all over Europe. Cultures soon collided as fountain bases of cherubim supported Greek mythological heroes in formal palace gardens, as well as on large country estates.
Fountain Placement
Developing a garden plan is the starting point for placing any garden fountain. Place the fountain correctly; otherwise, the garden can have a cluttered and busy appearance. The fountain can be centrally located in a formal garden. In a cottage garden, the decoration should be nestled amongst a variety of old-fashioned flowers.
Appropriate Themes
Theme gardens are a great way to feature these garden decorations. The following are some of the types of gardens cherub fountains would fit in:
- Victorian garden
- Rose garden
- Cottage garden
- Formal style garden
- Prayer garden
- Butterfly garden
A Touch of Romance
Romantic, cherub garden fountains can provide visual interest in almost any garden situation. Depending on the placement, the flowers, and other plants used, the ambiance could be anything from a place for meditative prayer to moonlit romance. Appropriate flowers for a romantic theme would be fragrant and old fashioned:
- Roses
- Peonies
- Hollyhocks
- Ivy
- Iris
Especially if you plan to use the garden for moonlight strolls, add silver foliage like Dusty Miller. White heirloom roses will add fragrance as well as look beautiful in the moonlight.
Where to Find Cherub Fountains
The popularity of the cherub makes these fountains easy to find:
- Home improvement centers
- Nurseries
- Architectural salvage
- eBay
- Thrift shops
- Flea markets
Public Fountains
- Santa Barbara
- National Gallery of Art
- Keeler Tavern Museum
- James Pulham and Son Fountains website is a fascinating pictorial of Victorian fountains created by this important Edwardian company.
- Bethesda Fountain, Central Park, New York
Barbetta Garden
The Barbetta Garden is a beautiful, New York garden. While viewing the images, it is easy to understand why it is a popular place for summer dining. The gorgeous putti fountain adds the relaxing sound of trickling water, while the eyes are treated to a plethora of 100 years old trees, fragrant flowers, and the romantic, formal design of the space. The garden, attached to the Barbetta Restaurant, is available for special occasions as well. The image at this site is a fantastic example of the use of cherubim in the garden.
Make Your Own Fountain
If you have found a wonderful, vintage cherub, you may want to try making your own fountain. By purchasing a pump and some accessories available at Lowes, Home Depot, or other home improvement stores, you can design and create the fountain of your imagination.
Care of Your Fountain
All concrete and cast stone is subject to cracking if it freezes. It is important if you live in an area where it freezes, to keep the fountain empty during periods of very cold weather and protect the pump by storing it inside for the winter. If the temperature gets below 20F then you should cover the surface completely with a good fountain cover. During the summer keep the debris cleaned out. You can add a little white vinegar to the water to cut down on algae, but nothing else; remember that birds and other wildlife may be using the fountain as a water source.
Taking good care of your fountain will keep it in tip-top shape and a source of enjoyment, for years to come
If you are considering an antique fountain be sure to read the information on this website, Restoration and Care of Vintage Cherub Fountains. It is full of excellent information for the collector or the museum curator.
