How to Make a Rock Garden Fountain

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Have you always wanted a fountain in your outdoor space? Making a rock garden fountain might be easier than you think. A fountain adds an interesting visual focal point to any garden, and also adds the element of sound--trickling water has an inviting and tranquil sound that can help you relax. Follow these instructions to add a rock garden fountain to your outdoor space.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Shovel
Tamper
Vinyl pond liner
Medium-sized flat rocks
Small submersible pond pump
Pump hose
Utility knife

Step1

Determine where you want to build your fountain. The fountain will consist of a pond and a rock formation. The fountain can be created anywhere, but often look nice in corners or in front of walls, surrounded by vegetation. You will need a nearby electrical outlet for the pond pump.

Step2

Dig a hole for your pond. The pond can be any size or shape you can desire, but should be about 1½- to 2-feet deep.

Step3

Tamp the ground in the pond hole and the ground surrounding the pond where you will be placing the rocks. This ensures that the ground is solid and will not settle, which can cause the rocks to shift.

Step4

Lay the vinyl pond liner in the pond hole. Smooth the liner flat in the bottom of the hole, up the sides of the hole, and flat on the ground outside of the hole. Place a few rocks in the hole at the edges to prevent the liner from shifting.

Step5

Place the pond pump in the pond hole and the water tubing to the point where you want the water to flow over the rocks.

Step6

Determine how you want to get the pond pump electrical cord to the outlet. A good method is to hide the cord through the rock formation and then bury the cord as far as possible to hide it.

Step7

Begin stacking rocks to form the area where the water will cascade back into the pond. You can stack the rocks in any way you like, and as high as you like. Adjust the water tubing as you go so it flows back out into the pond through the rocks. Be careful not to pinch off the tubing with the rocks.

Step8

Cut the pond liner so that a few inches of liner remains on the ground at the top of the pond.

Step9

Place flat rocks around the edge of the pond to conceal the top of the pond liner. Overlap the edge of the pond about 1 inch to hide the edge.

Step10

Fill the pond with water and plug in the pond pump. Adjust the water tube, if necessary, to achieve your desired look.

Tips & Warnings

You can add potted plants to the top of the rock formation, or add plants to the soil around the rocks and water for a natural look.
Consider adding water plants or wildlife, such as fish and frogs, to the pond.
You can buy flat rocks at your local garden center, or hunt for rocks on your own.
Always read the instructions and warnings for the pond pump you purchase to ensure that you are using it properly.
If you collect rocks in a natural setting for your fountain, make sure you do not remove enough to upset the surroundings. For example, hillsides and creeks need rocks to prevent erosion.