How to: Garden Fountains
Garden fountains are deceptively simple to create. The basic elements include a basin that catches and contains the water from the fountain, the fountain head and the fountain pump. There are almost limitless variations on design using these three elements: a steel basin tub with a watering can fountain, a wooden bucket with a bamboo fountain head; an inground pond basin with a traditional figurine fountain feature. There is sure to be something to suit your garden perfectly. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Ceramic pot
- Silicone sealant
- Fountain pump
- Pump hose
- Scissors/utility knife
- Fountain head
- Stones (optional)
- Wire (optional)
- Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
Instructions
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1
Check the base of the ceramic pot for drainage holes; most pots intended for use as flower pots have them. If there are drainage holes, fill them with silicone sealant and let them dry. You can use many types of containers as the fountain basin, but if you are using something other than a ceramic dish or pot, check for leaks and seal any leaks before continuing.
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2
Position the ceramic pot in the garden where you want the fountain to be. Place the fountain pump in the bottom of the pot, and run the power lead over the back side of the pot.
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3
Cut a length of pump hose that is long enough to run from the pump to just under the rim of the pot. Attach the hose to the hose nozzle on the pump, and attach the fountain head to the other end of the hose. If you want a statue or other feature in the fountain, cut the hose long enough to run through the center of the fountain feature to the water mouth of the feature, then attach the fountain head once the hose is through the fountain feature.
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4
Obscure the pump with a couple of stones if you are just using the hose and fountain head for the fountain. The fountain hose is quite rigid, but it might sag a little. If the pump hose is not standing upright, wrap a length of wire around the hose to keep it rigid and upright.
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Fill the pot with water to the brim. You should refill the water regularly to replace water that evaporates. There must always be at least 2 inches of water over the pump to ensure proper function.
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6
Plug the power cord into the GFCI, which helps protect against power surges if something goes awry with the pump. Then plug the power cord into the power source, and turn the power on.
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7
Adjust the pump flow meter on the pump until you get the flow you want. Ensure that water from the fountain is flowing back into the fountain basin so that it can recirculate.
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Tips & Warnings
Set the ceramic dish or other fountain basin into the ground for an inground fountain.
You can use almost any item as a feature in the fountain if it is water resistant. Drill a hole through the center of the item to fit the pump hose, then position in the fountain basin.
You can use the same steps to make a fountain in a garden pond.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
