Setting Up a Fountain in the Garden

Simple fountains are great accents to add excitement to side yards, "secret gardens," and front walks, too.

Fountain mechanics are straight forward. A fountain needs a basin to catch the water at the bottom and a pump to raise the water up. The water falls into the basin and is pumped back up to fall again and again.

To make a fountain, you will need:

• A Pump - An inexpensive submersible pump designated for exterior use -- the larger the pump the more water (or the higher) your fountain can move.
• Electricity - Your pump should have a three-pronged plug and the electrical outlet you plug into should have a ground fault interrupt. That's the safety aspect and it may be required by code.
• A Reservoir - This is a watertight bucket or basin to catch and hold the water that runs through your fountain. It should be deep enough to submerge the pump and allow for evaporation between refills. The pump must remain submerged at all times. The pump will be ruined if it runs dry.
• Tubing - Flexible tubing is easy to work with and can be cut with scissors. Use the right diameter to fit your pump and the fountain head (eg a spitting frog), if you are using one. For some designs, the end of the tubing is hidden under rocks or plants so no formal fountain head is needed.
• Water - Fill the reservoir with clean water. If your fountain is tiered, fill all the basins with water before turning on the pump. You will want to top up the water and rinse out the fountain occasionally so it is handy to locate the fountain within easy reach of the garden hose.

Here are some designs and accessories for many different garden fountains.

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