You don't need a yard to have a water feature. A small one like this container fountain can be added to any space, indoors or out, where you want the tranquil sound of trickling water.

All you'll need is a container, a pump small enough to fit into the container, a spout, a little tubing, and some amenities of your choosing.

This project features a variation on a traditional Japanese design called the shishi-odoshi, or "deer scarer."

Since bamboo is mostly hollow, you can easily make a bamboo pipe and spout yourself, though you may need to do some drilling to completely hollow out the stalk.

Tie the pieces together using decorative twine or copper wire, which will eventually turn a pleasant green. Or buy a preassembled bamboo fountain from a nursery or pool-supply source.

The pot used in this project was sealed and glazed. If the one you choose is not watertight, you can apply a coat of acrylic masonry sealer or epoxy paint.

If your container has a hole in the bottom, plug it and then cover with a layer of pure silicone caulk, which will provide a firm seal when dry.

1. Set up the pump. Rinse out the container and wash the rocks. Then attach a piece of clear vinyl tubing to the pump's outlet. Place the pump on the bottom of the container and place a few rocks around it to hold it in place.
2. Add a plant and rocks. Choose a plant that grows in water, like this miniature umbrella plant, and place it in a submersible dish. The bonsai dish was chosen to add color because it will be seen, but any kind will do. Place the plant dish on the bottom of the container and snake the pump's power cord behind it. Add more rocks to hold everything in place.
3. Install the fountain. Thread the tubing up through the bamboo and place the bamboo on the edge of the container. Then pull the rest of the tubing through, cut off any excess, and attach the spout. Aim the spout toward the spot you want to hit with water.
4. Add water and test. Arrange some flat pieces of slate or flagstone. Fill the container with water to only slightly higher than the pump. Plug in the pump and check that the water moves smoothly through the tubing. Whenever the pump makes a humming sound, add more water.

Garden Pools, Fountains & Waterfalls
A Sunset bestserller, this book provides great design ideas with step-by-step instructions for constructing ponds, fountains, and waterfalls. Includes plant and fish recommendations.


Copyright Sunset Publishing Corporation
Photography: Norman A. Plate