Materials

• submersible fountain pump that has at least 2 feet of tubing
• galvanized tub (ours is about 18 inches square)
• several clay pots or other filler, such as aluminum cans or foam blocks
• 50 pounds of various-size river rock
• galvanized 10-inch-diameter bucket
• drill and bits
• hammer and chisel (optional)
• metal file
• ceramic or glass 6- to 8-inch-diameter gazing ball

1. Start by placing the pump, with tubing attached, in the bottom of the tub, making sure the intake faces downward. Fill the bottom of the tub with upside-down clay pots or other filler.

2. Place a layer of rocks over the pots, but don’t pile them all the way up to the tub’s rim yet. Make sure the tubing comes up where you plan to set the bucket. For example, if you intend to place the bucket in one corner of the tub, be sure that’s where the tubing is positioned so that you can easily run it up through the bucket when the time comes. Run the pump’s power cord up and out of the tub.

3. Drill a hole for the tubing in the bottom of the bucket, close to the edge. The hole size will depend on the tubing and should be no larger than the minimum required. This could require a fairly large drill bit, perhaps 3⁄4 inch or more. If you don’t have that size bit, drill several smaller holes in a tight cluster, then use a hammer to drive a chisel through them. Be sure to file away any sharp points.

4. Run the tubing up through the hole in the bottom of the bucket. The end of the tubing should extend at least several inches above the bucket’s top rim. Place the bucket in the rock-filled tub. In our example, the bucket is in one corner, but you could also place it in the center. If you want to tilt the bucket so the water will spill over one side, place a rock or two under the bottom of the bucket to give it the desired tilt.

5. Fill the remainder of the tub and the bucket with rocks, being sure to keep the tubing in place. Set the gazing ball on top of the rocks in the bucket, running the tubing up the back side of the ball (opposite from where the fountain will be viewed).
  
6. Place the fountain in your favorite garden spot and fill the tub. After you’ve added water, plug in the fountain pump. Adjust the tubing so the water creates the pattern you like best. Use rocks to hold the tubing in place. Adjust the tubing to alter the fountain’s pattern and change the look, sound, and amount of splash produced.

See more garden projects.