Water features in the garden sound expensive and difficult, but Melissa will show you a DIY fountain that’s simple to make yourself. We’ve also got some shade-loving plant options for you to add in and around your multi-level water feature!
Why are water features good for the garden?
There’s more to a small water feature in your garden than just those lovely soothing sounds, which help blank out neighbourhood noises.
For starters, a feature will attract birdlife – but not mozzies, as the water is moving. It can also be a focal point in your garden bed, adding an interesting hardscape element that complements your plants. And, with this simple multi-level DIY project, you can bring your garden up to, and into, your fountain.
How to make a multi-level water feature
Gather your supplies
- Tuscan Path Jasper planters in Rust, with 3 drainage holes – extra large, 460 W and 390mmH; smaller, 21W and 1800mmH
- Potting mix
- Plastic bucket, about 150W and 150mmH
- Fountain kit
- Water pump
- Sturdy wire mesh
- Waterproof putty
- Assorted plants
- Pebbles
You’ll also need
- Soil tamper
- Spirit level
- Wire cutters
- Secateurs/sharp knife
Here’s how
Step 1
Use tamper to compact soil where you want to sit your extra large planter. Ensure it’s level.
Step 2
Position planter, check it’s level, then two-thirds fill with potting mix.
Step 3
Position bucket in potting mix so it sits just below top of planter.
Step 4
Fill planter with more potting mix to about 6cm below rim, so bucket is embedded tightly.
Step 5
Use manufacturer’s instructions to attach fountain tubing to water pump and place in bucket.
Step 6
Cut mesh to shape to rest on top of bucket. Simultaneously slide tubing through mesh (making sure it’s centred).
Step 7
Run power cord over back of planter to your power point.
Step 8
Feed tubing through drainage hole in smaller planter and rest planter on top of mesh so its drainage holes sit over the bucket. Using waterproof putty, plug excess space around the hole that holds the tubing.
Step 9
Cut tubing to just below rim of smaller planter with secateurs or knife. Attach fountain head.
Step 10
Fill bucket with water. Turn on pump to test. Turn off to finish project.
Step 11
Fill extra large planter with plants, then replicate this planting around your garden bed.
Step 12
Place pebbles on top of the mesh and around the plants.
Step 13
Turn on pump.
Tips for installing your water feature
- If there’s no power point near the pump, have one professionally installed.
- Watch for evaporation, especially in hot weather. Top up the fountain if needed; if you can’t see the water, look for changes to its flow.
The best plants to use in a foliage fountain
This garden is south-facing and only gets dappled light, so the plants need to be shade-loving.
Ferns are an obvious choice for this aspect, but there are other shade-loving plants that have colourful foliage and are a glorious substitute for flowers. These include heucheras, fittonias, lamiums, plectranthus ‘Mona Lavender’, native violets and many of your traditional indoor plants such as dumb cane or peacock plant.
Related stories
Native ad body.
