|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Use any large pot.
Terra-cotta is particularly handsome. If the container does not have
a drainage hole in the bottom, drill one (using a masonry bit) or drape
the pump's electrical cord over the rim. Disguise the cord by guiding
a few stems of one of the surrounding plants along the rim. Set the
freestanding fountain in a garden bed or border that has an electrical
outlet nearby; using an extension cord is not recommended. If you think
you will have a problem with mosquitoes, add a few small goldfish, which
will eat the larvae. The number of fish you can use -- probably not
more than two or three -- will depend on the diameter and depth of the
container.
|
|
A
simple fountain kit can turn
any large container into a
cheerful garden accent. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What You Need: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Container, 24 inches
across or larger
- Pump and fountain
- Premixed quick-dry
cement
- Liquid water sealant
- Bricks
- Outlet with ground
fault circuit interrupter
top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Step
by step |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Threading
cord through
the bottom of the pot.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Instructions:
1. Set a submersible
pump in the bottom of the container. Using
a pot that is at least 24 inches in diameter makes a splash and requires
less water refilling than a smaller pot. Pull the pump electrical cord
through the drainage hole of the pot.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.
Pull out enough cord to
be able to connect to the outlet -- don't plug it in -- and leave sufficient
slack to raise the pump in the pot. Close the drainage hole with premixed,
quick-drying cement. Let the cement dry thoroughly; follow directions
on the package.
|
Caulking
the hole in the
bottom of the pot. |
|
|
|
|
3.
Seal the inside of the pot -- whether it's terra-cotta, wood,
or some other porous material -- with a liquid water sealant that is labeled
for use on wood. Let the sealant dry completely.
|
Sealing
the interior of
the pot. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4. Elevate
the pump in the center of the container. Place it on bricks
to bring it a few inches below where the water's surface will be. Fill
the pot with water and connect the pump to the GFCI outlet. Be sure
the water level does not dip below the pump.
top
|
Elevating
the pump. |
|
