Simple Fountains 1580170153, 158017048X, 1580170803, 0882669761, 0882666061, 1580170927, 1580171907

Citation preview

.

rir r for indoors

r

il _L_L_LlJ

& outdoors

step-by-step projects

">

£H

DORCAS ADKINS

OS!

x3K

'

r

''

-

fountains Mm

Nothing smoothes the furrowed

brow

like the soft lap

of wavelets

it'

on a lakeshore, the rythym of surf on a barrier island, or the silvery tinkle

of a stream

falli ng through

he springforesL At

home^^i

bouse or in the garden gentle,

the

melodic patt^tt0kiter

spilling from

the

—

the

same

a fountain

offers

£3

tranquility.

Dorcas Adkins, a fountain designer and manufacturer, brings

soothing relaxation to your

this

home

using readily available materials,

simple crafting techniques, and her

own

step-by-step instructions. She

explains everything

you need

to

know

about fountain materials, supplies,

and assembly, whether you choose

work with wood,

to

stone, ceramic, or

other materials and whether or not

you have any building experience.

Throughout Simple Fountains for Indoors

& Outdoors, Adkins's can-do

attitude will give to

you the confidence

experiment and have fun: Relax,

she urges, and take over.

let

your creative

talents

Sf.'l*'

H

M--*

Digitized by the Internet Archive in

2012

http://archive.org/details/simplefountainsfOOadki

simple fountains for indoors &

outdoors

simple fountains outdoors for indoors &

20 step-by-step projects

DORCAS ADKINS

STOREY

BOOKS

Schoolhouse Road Pownal, Vermont 05261

The mission of Storey Communications

is

to serve

our customers by publishing practical information

that encourages personal independence in

harmony with

the environment.

Edited by Deborah Balmuth and Nancy W. Ringer

Cover design by Mark Tomasi

Cover and

interior photos

all

Maggie Oster on pages 48,

by Giles

51,

Prett except those

54,64,66, 88,90,95,

on pages 6 and 44; Bob Romar/cfp photography

for

by David Egan (Hampstead, Maryland) on page

1

12;

101, 114, 117, 120, 123, 126, 130, and 138; Jerry Pavia

Maryland Aquatic Nurseries on pages 22, 26, and 27;

and Sabine Vollmer von Falken on page 78

Bowl on pages 16 and 21 by Constance Talbot, High Hollow Text design and production by

Pottery,

Windsor,

MA 01270

Mark Tomasi

Line drawings by Terry Dovaston

Indexed by Susan Olason, Indexes

©

Copyright

No

All rights reserved.

reviewer,

of

this

who may

part of this

quote brief passages or reproduce

book

is

1999 by Dorcas Adkins

illustrations in a review

other — without

and complete

true

this

publisher, except by a

credits;

nor

any form or by any means

may any

—

part

electronic,

written permission from the publisher.

to the best

out guarantee on the part of the author or Storey Books.

with the use of

with appropriate

in a retrieval system, or transmitted in

mechanical, photocopying, recording, or

in this

Knowledge Maps

book may be reproduced without written permission from the

book be reproduced, stored

The information

&

of our knowledge. All recommendations are made with-

The author and

publisher disclaim any liability in connection

information. For additional information, please contact Storey Books, Schoolhouse Road, Pownal,

Vermont 05261.

The

designs for the projects in this

book

are the copyrighted property of the craftsmen

Readers are encouraged to reproduce these copyrighted projects for their

duction for

sale or profit

Street, Alexandria,

VA

is

However, repro-

Adams

& Adkins, Inc.,

104 South Early

22304.

premium and promotional

Custom Publishing Department

Hong Kong by Regent

Printed in

gifts.

personal use or for

forbidden by law without permission in writing from

Storey Books are available for special tion, please call the

own

and craftswomen who made them.

at

uses

and

for

customized editions. For further informa-

1-800-793-9396.

Publishing Services

109876 543 BR BR

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Adkins, Dorcas

f

Simple fountains for indoors and outdoors

:

20 step-by-step

projects

/

Dorcas Adkins.

J

cm.

p.

Includes index.

ISBN 1-58017-190-7 1

.

Fountains

(alk.

— Design and

TH4977.A33 1999 731.72— dc21

.

paper) construction.

2.

Water

in landscape architecture.

I.

Title.

99-18137

CIP

H49'/7

A33 999

Dedication I

dedicate this book to

When was

a child,

When was

a teenager,

I

I

Now that my own my

I

my

parents.

thought that they could make anything.

I

thought that

if

children are grown,

parents have given to

all

of us

—

I

they could make

appreciate

a love for

it,

anybody could.

more than ever the

making

things.

gift

Acknowledgments book

This

the result of

is

with Bob Adams.

my

When he

past

decade of partnership our

built

portable

first

fountain-pond nobody had ever seen anything

like

it.

We found

demand

ourselves meeting a growing

for this

new

necessity and have

responded with the steady stream of

new

designs

we

currently

produce and

market worldwide. Without Bob's and energy,

vision

have been very Pat

than

in

I

different.

me

shown me more

more breathtaking

to

falling

settings

could have believed possible.

Additionally,

of

book would

Muhoz, by teaching

kayak, has

water

this

she has given her words

encouragement and her hours of

editorial patience to

the work

Deborah Balmuth, Nancy Prett,

itself.

Ringer, Giles

and MarkTomasi of Storey Books, with

good humor and

shown me

that

it

willingness to

takes a village to

work

make

their

hard, have

a

book.

Introduction

Chapter

1

Vlll

Materials and Supplies

:

1

\

Chapter

2:

Chapter

W

Tabletop Fountains

3:

Chapter

4:

I

39

Projects in Ceramic, Concrete,

71

Chapter

5:

Building a Full-Sized Waterfall

135

Appendix

A:

Bringing Life to Your Fountain

144

Appendix Index

^

Bamboo and Wood

Stone, and Metal

Appendix

k

Projects in

11

C:

B:

Maintenance

Mail-Order Suppliers

146

147

148

we

Introduction

create increasingly elaborate garden

many

refuges for this purpose. For

Feng Shui

rea...

sons, not the least of

Of

all

nature's elements, water

haps the most essential to

life,

is

per-

health,

and happiness. For many species of plants

and animals,

provides increased oxygen. This

that the

is

The ancient Chinese

^ >^'-'

splash of falling water can be used to

mask

sounds, fountains enhance

traffic

these gardens, both indoors

The indoor

water

falling

which

and

out.

of placement, called feng

has long used fountains to place

shui,

water

fountain can provide the

and garden. According to the feng

of

workplace. By setting

carbon, enabling waste from these

outdoors beside your computer, you

organisms to decompose quickly. For

can add humidity to

this piece

fests

crayfish,

adequate dissolved oxygen

the water

is

required for

have acknowledged the tance of water in our

water

with-

out sufficient water to drink or to

humidify the

around

air

us,

we

fies

water

is

in

motion,

the surrounding air

human

more

it

many

thought by

quickly

humidi-

readily. It

which the water decorates

an elaborate sculpture and

falls

scoured clean of life forms

—

of wavelets on a lake-

water

lilies

on

island, or the silvery tinkle falling

through the spring

a barrier

of a stream

taining our

The Sound of Moving Water Modern

life is

a

sensory overload

is

common. Many of

us recognize that the only antidote

communion with

forces, yet too often

is

natural

we cannot

spare

the time to go into the wild to find the

peace and relaxation

VIII

and

lessons

we

own

face the challenges of susplanet's

we

need. Instead,

as

well.

the entryway of

in

Not only does

this

piece of

decorate a space often

added

but

interest,

it

in

need

also attracts chi

through the front door and into the

home. As appreciation

of feng shui

expands worldwide, more and more of us are using water

in

our

living spaces.

complex and crowded

ingly geometric in form, to a natural

mountain

Zen

ple

Or

And

a spare

and sim-

bridge, can appear in

was once an unused the

to bring

future.

cataract.

garden, complete with koi

pond and

environment into

what

alley.

same small pumps allow

us

our love of water into the

inner spaces of our homes. Beside the

very busy. Technological

advances have resulted in a world where

frequent

offish, frogs, snails,

can learn in such a classroom are

we

health, happiness, love,

fountain bubbling

quickly becomes a successful

invaluable as

forest.

contributes

and sustainable ecosystem. The all

in

the noise of the

pond

shore, the thunder of surf

into a pool

cooling humidity to the garden environ-

full

not just

your house, then, can have benefits on

of

ment while masking

in

Placing a fountain

water feature. Even the most formal founin

—

and general good fortune

art

into a

us.

but

water

Nothing smoothes the furrowed brow like the soft lap

to soothe the

money

be more natural than the inclusion of a

A more natural

produces sounds that relax

of

levels.

street.

also

release

spirit as well.

— one

the

attracts

or energy. Chi mani-

chi,

as "wealth"

itself

many

tain

become uncomfortable.

When

is

fans.

In the outdoor garden nothing could

bodies

made up mostly of water, and

are

negative ions that takes place in falling

impor-

Our

lives.

The

in

and monitor

water

shui,

often dried by

heaters

we humans

vital

air

and

life itself.

Since the earliest times,

principles

of the all-important

fish, snails,

home

key locations within the

in

melodic sound of falling water in the

all-

important ingredient combines with

aquatic animals such as

art

Modern Fountain Design The convenience of the

electric

computer

pump,

recently developed in tiny yet reliable

models, allows

all

of us to

small fountains for our

The

style

we choose

easily create

own

gardens.

for a water feature

can range from a formal pool, sooth-

station,

where quiet

is

inter-

rupted by only the occasional chirp and whir, the chuckle ful

and burble of a bowl-

of stones can be clearly heard. In this

you

to

offer a

book

I

hope

make your own

to

encourage

fountains.

wide selection of projects

I

employing

many of the

as

running water

suitable for use with

Some

possible.

materials as

can be constructed

using recycled objects and your

own

hands. Most require that you have

By reading

access to tools.

the intro-

duction to each project, you can deter-

mine whether

procedures are within

its

your reach.

Each individual fountain project

I

include here has step-by-step directions

— but

I

offer these only as a guide or

starting point.

encourage you to

I

browse these chapters, go buy a pump,

and plunge

Combine elements

right in.

of different fountains, simplify, and

improve on the suggested

Remember,

that

thing by doing dare to

make

No

takes.

you can

it

nearly any-

fix

over again; relax and

the all-important mis-

written description has the

power of hands-on give

steps.

and

trial

error to

you the confidence and

joy of

making your own operating water

art.

Designing your

add immeasurably

The

it.

lessons

we

own to

a very forgiving

sensible, the

pen

is

that

up the is

your enjoyment of

On

the one hand,

medium;

if

you're

worst thing that can hap-

you find yourself mopping

floor.

On

the other hand, water

a formidable force.

or later will, find crevice,

fountain will

can learn from water,

the master, are many. it's

piece of

move

its

It

can,

way

the earth,

This simple yet elegant design for a small tabletop fountain

copper. The water drips

copper

tail,

and

is

down from

constructed almost entirely of

the top of the arcing pipe, slides

down

the slowly spinning

gently flung into the reservoir.

and sooner

into every

and break down

Still, as

use

it

you work

for

to contain water

and

your purposes, the scattered

mountains. Working with water teaches

interruptions of your day will fade into

respect, even to the respectful.

the background. You'll

demands

is

discipline, patience,

It

and

focus.

pletely present in

become com-

your work.

my

It is

you

hope

started.

play with designs. tantly,

it.

Buy Try

Make

that this

book

will get

pump and begin to out your own fountain a

mistakes.

Most impor-

have fun.

Introduction

IX

.

.

.

9£f* ,

-•

ft

r.sT»-';

.>*> .

-

.

E

w?

Materials and Supplies

A

fountain

late

is

by nature an

illusion.

You, the fountain maker, strive to

emu-

nature and to conceal the machinery that makes the illusion possible.

You build an image of a credible natural water source, flowing downhill through your garden, perpetually pouring from an indoor tabletop fountain, or

spilling

from

a

a

moss-covered clay

bamboo spout

jar in

spiked at the

top of a wellhead.

There for

a

is

an

infinite variety of materials

and supplies you could

select

your fountain project. The constant recirculation of water that creates

fountain requires only a few basic parts to function; the type of part

you choose, and how you arrange personal journey.

all

the parts together,

is

a uniquely

pumps keep water

Down

Getting

to Basics No

matter

fountain

how

is, it

small or large your

will consist

of a few basic

elements: the reservoir, the

pump, and

the fountain piece.

constantly recirculat-

water

falls

into the reservoir. Plastic or

ing through the system, fountains are

copper tubing

not wasteful of water. Only that

water from the pump's outflow

lost

is

often used to carry the fitting

through evaporation must be replaced,

to the highest point in the fountain

and the humidity

piece,

this provides benefits

both plants and animals that nearby.

small

Most fountains

are

pumps submerged

from which

it falls.

Water gardening and fountain

live

powered by

in the reser-

making ity.

are gaining

enormous popular-

Most good garden

home

centers

and even

centers these days carry a selec-

tion of

all

the necessary materials, in-

cluding pumps, fountain attachments for

pumps, pool

liners,

and preformed

pools. Several mail-order suppliers are listed in

appendix

C

(page 147).

Location, Location,

Location Before you begin to design your fountain, is

consider

eventual location. If it

to be used indoors, will

on the

reservoir

its

on

floor or

you place

it

a table or desk? If on

the floor, be sure your flooring material

pump is

All

fountains are

composed

of three basic parts: the reservoir, the

pump, and the fountain

piece.

water-safe (stone,

since even the

maker

The

reservoir

is

the part of the foun-

tain in

which water

stored,

and from which water

It

collected

is

usually contains the

tain element.

pond

It

drawn.

pump and

doors,

it

If

it's

foun-

as large as a

or as small as a serving dish

your cupboard.

some

can be

is

and

from

to be used in-

must be watertight. Outdoors,

electricity, either solar-

or house-powered,

and allow you

from which the pumps draw water

to

enjoy a steady stream of water. Because

Materials and Supplies

will spill

linoleum),

careful fountain

water occasionally, and

accidents will happen.

On

a table or

into their housings, or outside shells,

desk, be sure the finish can tolerate

through some sort of intake. From there

some moisture.

body of

the water passes through the the

pump, where

peller, a

it is

driven by an im-

water propeller spun by electric-

ity that forces

the water from the

pump's outflow fountain

leakage can be tolerated.

Pumps run on

voir,

most

tile,

Most

fitting.

pumps have flow a.

small

control to

regulate this outflow of water.

The. fountain piece sculpture, or spout

is

the waterfall,

from which the

Location

may

the fountain.

An

also dictate the size

of

outdoor waterfall

needs to be large enough to be heard

from outdoor

living spaces nearby.

requires a relatively large

pump. Conversely,

This

pond and

the indoor fountain

needs to be tidy in operation. Splashing is

very destructive and can quickly

create a

water-damaged zone around the

fountain.

Choose an indoor pump of

hold enough water so that the

Many

pump

or flexible rubber

materials

of plastic or rubber specifically made

small size and with variable flow to pre-

doesn't run dry too

vent splashing.

are suitable for fountain reservoirs.

Wood.

Choosing

a Reservoir

Your fountain's reservoir

will collect

store water, as well as contain the

and fountain element. In

pump

a large out-

door fountain, the reservoir may be

pond

and

a

or large container. In a small

Beautiful

fast.

and

relatively easy

to cut

and

tions,

must be protected from

join,

but

in

most applica-

For outdoor fountains, where

water.

wooden surround

wood) around

A

Concrete.

fill

molded and produces

allow

it

to swell,

watertight container that will

or plastic laminate directly to wood,

you

line a

wooden

fiberglass

reservoir with a piece

sweat

slightly,

but

easily

is

a pleasantly

rustic surface.

Metal.

last for

watertight and deep enough to allow

you can apply

a rigid

porous material that

to

producing a nearly

frame of

plastic tub.

want

with water and

(a

copper liner or

a

will always

years. Indoors,

pump, and must

build a

leaking will do no harm, you might a half barrel

liner (a sheet

for use in waterproofing ponds), or

initial

indoor fountain, the reservoir must be

to conceal the

pond

copper,

An

antique pan or trough of

or lead makes a beautiful,

tin,

practical reservoir.

Any

leaks can be

patched with silicone caulk.

Ceramic. Fashion your own

large

stoneware bowl, or find one for a craft in an all

fair,

in a

import

sale at

secondhand shop, or

craft shop.

Be sure

to test

pottery for watertightness. If you

find that

"sweats" moisture, coat

it

it

with silicone caulk or concrete waterproofing solution.

Ceramic

tile.

Watertight

thoroughly bedded in silicone caulked

onto

tile

when

adhesive or

a rigid surface.

The almost unlimited range of tile available allows

you

to create a stun-

ning fountain. Resin. into

A catalyzed

molds

shapes.

to create a

With

material poured

huge

variety of

the introduction of stone

or bronze dust, resin can approximate the surface qualities of these materials.

Reservoirs

come

in a

variety of sizes

and

materials.The eventual location of your fountain,

including the atmosphere you

create, will voir for

want

determine the appropriate

to

reser-

your project.

Materials and Supplies

Many

garden centers

Most small

large resin

sell

plastic

pumps

pumps

bowls for planting. They're watertight,

mag-drive type. These

and can be worked

powerful than direct-drive

easily

with

a drill

or router to create such features as a

(sometimes an advantage

cord notch.

tains)

only

are of the

Solar Power

are less

pumps

in small

foun-

but more prone to jamming. Not there a whirling impeller to

is

Solar-powered appliances,

jr

^A~

Shishi Odoshi, or

Deer Scare

\

copper tube

base of sculpture

slate platform

spray nozzle

vacuum

tee For optimal water flow, gently

pump

pond

tubing into graceful, form-fitting arches rather than sharp angles.

Outdoor spouting sculpture fountains can be long as the water

is

shut off before the

the tubing to protect

68

Projects

it

in

from

splitting

first

when

lovely

garden ornaments even through winter so

hard freeze. The water must also be drained from ice forms.

Bamboo and Wood

bend copper

The danger

is

you

that

attempt

will

too extreme a bend in one spot, and the tubing will crimp to correct.

You

flat.

This

hard

is

need to straighten

will

the tubing and grasp

with

it

pliers to

squeeze the points of the crimp back into as close to a round shape as possible.

Still,

the tubing will never

again be likely to bend in this spot

without crimping.

Once tighten

the tubing

its

the sculpture,

fits

curves slightly so that

cling to the

form and

it

will

stay put.

Providing Support

A three-armed vacuum

tee

sculpture from outside

jets.

will

allow you to set up multiple spouts, so that you can spray your

In or just outside the reservoir, the

sculpture needs to be supported at or

stores are very helpful in this sort

near water level so

endeavor.

ble. In a

it

will be fully visi-

pond, you can build a

level,

secure footing by setting concrete

blocks

on

a

pad of pea

flagstone laid

on top

gravel.

will

A

make

flagstone, set the

pond, attach the hose sculpture to the

pump

slab of

the

in the

fitted to the

pump

outflow (by

adding successively larger sections of hose

if

necessary),

vacuum

ders, serving

platform more attractive. Place the art

on the

as a

A small

and begin experi-

tee

can accomplish won-

both

up

from the

pump

so that

more than one spray tee

The

The Pump and

vacu-

vinyl tubing can be slid.

Locking

from the

ridges

on the outside of the

keep the

your pump.

tubing from slipping the

tee's

off.

A pond

the form.

increase the inside diameter and, hence,

able for hidden tubing, aesthetically

it

may

to

Get

the flow of water from the arm.

sculpture

suit-

benefit

from being sprayed by

jets

you can

A

create your

handy place

nozzle

is

to

own

anchor a spray

a large, stable, potted

on

same

bog

the water.

that for a

ing

you buy

a standing sculpture adapts nat-

resistant,

of hardware available

Remember

whom

C

of lighting. See

on page 147

for suppliers

of pond lighting. These lights are water

waterworks.

plant with soil near or at the surface of

auto-supply

from

on capacity

that features jets of water play-

appendix

of water from a distance. Various pieces in

retailer

urally to the addition

yourself a handful of vacuum tees and is

System on

Lighting

three arms are tapered so that

you can cut off some of the length

Whether or not your

Electrical

The ends of

menting with the play of water on

Spraying the Sculpture

needs to

sure to review

try to get advice

which

tee

it

page 4 before buying one. In addition,

you can

a T-shaped coupling onto

is

to raise water

of the sculpture,

pump. Be

fountain

you can have

nozzle.

and

two or

be more powerful than the average

network of tubes

a

three spraying outlets to the top

as the spray nozzle

to rig

um

to create the pressure to feed

known

plastic fitting

and

itself

of

pump

and you can place them

in the

plants as the spray nozzles, wash-

ing both the sculpture and the spraying

water with light from an unseen source.

Projects

in

Bamboo and Wood

69

i >

\V

;

;

'••"

^»;

:-.'

••

r#?i«

"'1 -

.

»

& .•-

Projects in Ceramic,

Concrete, Stone,

and Metal

Because of their permanence and the beauty of concrete, stone, and metal are

all

their surfaces, ceramic,

highly prized media for water

the most part they are not absorbent or soluble, and as such

artists.

all

For

are natural

partners for water.

If

you're alarmed by the thought of undertaking construction with

these more durable materials, take heart they're not the least bit difficult to

incredible results.

streets

and

If

with,

your view of concrete,

for

and they can example,

curbs, then consider sandcasting to

texture, or try plaster casting,

of the

work

— with some time and patience,

most subtle

details.

is

produce

which makes possible

offer

you

limited to city

a rough,

a faithful

sandy

reproduction

Hypertufa mixes peatmoss into the formula for a

color and texture close to that of natural stone.

As with

all

fountain projects,

allowed to make mistakes. After over again. So

relax!

remember all,

you can

that you, the fountainmaker, are

fix

nearly anything by doing

it

Concentrate on enjoying the time spent working

with your hands, and allow yourself to experiment with the different construction

media described

here.

71

tf

US

A

uw»#>

.

Small Mosaic Fountain indoor-outdoor

his

fountain

allows you to take advantage of found objects. There

is

almost no

wooden

block

supporting spout vinyl

hose

to the

limit

back panel

range of materials you can use

in

mosaic patterns. Generally, they need to be small

enough

to attach to the

backing board and to

embed

in

grout;

they should also be impervious to water. You can use small pieces of clay

from

shards

broken

pottery,

tiles,

beads, coins, stones, beach glass; the list is

long.

This fountain includes a

of

tion

bought from

tiles

company and

rounded beach

The

tile

in

the

reservoir

a plastic

on

glass,

pebbles. The fountain piece

provided by water ledge

a

small objects found

a beach: softly

shells,

combina-

is

from

a small

embedded beach

stones.

is

falling

formed by surrounding

tub with

tiled

plywood.

plastic

wooden frame

pump

reservoir

around reservoir

Projects

in

Ceramic, Concrete, Stone, and Metal

73

urn A

T E R

I

A

S

L

Reservoir and Fountain Elements •

approximately

•

1

2 x

'/2"(1 3

1"x

6 sq •

1

"

ft

with flow control, 80

GPH

(304

•

GFCI outlet located near fountain

(2.5 x 2.5

(1.8

Vinyl hose:

(outdoor) plywood: V2

m

x 1.2

cm)

tiles:

2" (30

cm) lengths of

(6

pump

requires

1/2" (30

mm)

Wand ID

if

•

•Table saw

4d penny galvanized

bits

Clear silicone caulk

thickness •Tile

•

with '/2"and 3 /s"(1 3 and

•Tile nippers •

in

mm)

drill

•Tile scoring tool

— any objects approxi-

W(6 mm)

Electric

•Tile mastic

Tools

and 9 mm);

Vs" ID

mately

approximately

Bandsaw, coping saw, or saber saw

9

Collection of beach glass, shells, small

beach pebbles

m)

sq m) 1

•

•

site

Decorative Elements

mm) CDX

glue

•

I

6 x 6" (30 x 40 x

cm)

sheet, 4' x 4' (1.2 •

1

Pump

•Wood

per hour)

Small plastic storage bin or dishpan,

15

Pump

For the •

grout

Rubber spatula

•Toothbrush finish nails

and

hammer

Broken pieces of colorful

tile,

whether

left

over from another project or the result of

"mistake" from this project, can be used to form the mosaic panel.

74

Projects

in

Ceramic, Concrete, Stone, and Metal

a cutting

Planning the Layout Step

1

:

Choose the Reservoir

Step

and Your

first

step

is

be based on

You may

piece.

Draw

your supermarket being sold

lar

it.

It

as a storage

Once

a

wooden frame around

this decision

is

2:

a

plywood

lip

2 inches (5 cm)

Having drawn your frame, your next

sides of the box.

will

the mosaic surface

and water spout.

step

be the back with

draw the back panel

for the

mosaic

lip.

up

You'll build

(5

cm)

in thickness

strips

of

!/2-inch (13

strips

of

'/2-inch

mm)

by adding

plywood.

by 2-inch

by

(1.3

to the front

and two

5

sides

the lip around the tub to build

by 6 inch (30 by 40 by 15 cm) bin,

by 16

1

draw a box with outside dimen-

sions of 14 inches (35

it

tiles

on the

cutting them.

cm) wide by 18

(5

ramic

cm)

can buy these

to

tiles

ness of the

breathing inside

plywood and

room

—

so your

inside face rather than

T

will

so that

the dimensions of the

cm)

with

tile

for a fin-

meets on

flat

wooden

you build

tile all

commercial

fit

tical

surfaces

plywood

it.

frame). 7.5

cm)

tiles

it.

frame,

if

In this

outside surfaces tiles,

except the tile

ver-

(including inside the

around the top of the

Then

lap these surfaces with

on the horizontal

The

cm) 14

lip

first

tiles

you can adjust

front of the back panel. Plan to

(35

You

Design the exact layout of the

on your drawing

inch of

pan

ce-

an outside corner.

for the thick-

Vi

as-

with "bullnosed"

ished effect wherever the

design, you'll

mm)

cutting.

and rounded) edges

cm) deep. This allows an additional Vi inch (13

cm) square

and do some

necessary, before

—

am

I

failing this, plan to use

tiles;

(finished

at this

a source for the

traditional 1-inch (2.5

inches (45 cm) long by 7 inches (17.5

inch

Planning

you have

larger tiles

of

up

that

Add

inch (2.5 cm), so that you can use

whole

plastic

to change.

select,

wooden frame

suming

2 inches

are using a 12

may need

it.

you

size tiles

(35 cm) above the

plywood

you

Depending on what

will tile

stage saves a lot of time later.

Dimensions that

how you

surface, extending another 14 inches

Estimate the Frame

Assuming

to plan

is

the dimensions of your

the back panel around the edges to total

made, you can

design the rest of the fountain.

Step

Estimate the Tile

4:

Dimensions

Decide which side

Now

needs to be rectangu-

or square rather than round so that

you can build

Dimensions

wide around the lour

this all-important

find the perfect item in

bin or dishpan.

Lip

Step

to locate the plastic

basin for the reservoir. All dimensions will

Estimate the Back Panel

3:

surfaces.

front of the back panel will be

finished with a circular arrangement of

found objects surrounded by a border

(§)

tip

As you design a

wood frame

of 1-inch (2.5 cm) commercial for

the fountain,

remember

contrasting color. limits to

how

small the frame can be, because water falling from any height

will

its

flow. The

to create a fountain that splashes

dimensions give here are I

enough

splashes water onto indoor furniture and

that

you can hear

it,

a guideline. The goal

but not so

much

floor.

that

is

it

in

I

recommend using

tiles as

a border

around the

mosaic on the back panel and around the lip of the pool, with a sand-colored tile

Projects

a

splash

dark blue according to the velocity of

tiles in

that there are

for the sides of the pool.

Ceramic, Concrete, Stone, and Metal

75

Cutting and Assembling the Wooden Parts Step

1

:

Step

Cut the Plywood Parts

2:

Construct the

Step

Base Surround

Now

that your frame

on

The

best

a table saw,

ners

and

way

of your

Now, using

the

Draw

is

the illustration at the

as

following

soon

list

and wood

glue,

bottom

cal

3:

it.

Using

size

illustration at the

and wood as

bottom

glue, as-

shown left.

nail

on the

lines

•

1

front deck piece

together three additional pieces of Vl-

•

2 side deck pieces

inch (13 to the

front deck build-up piece

mm)

2 side deck build-up pieces

cm)

•

2 pieces for framing sides of back

wide framing

panel to 2 inches (5 cm) thick

and two

bottom of back

strips

built-up

sides of the

hole

drilled

back panel. Then

Step

lip

Apply

5:

Tile to

of the base

the Frame

cut the arch, using a bandsaw, coping

T

Spread

time,

T

tile

mastic over the base and the

of the back panel one section

sides

combing

it

tiles

at a

to maintain even

thickness. Press the 1-inch (2.5 pieces used to build

Moorish arch

T

cm)

around the bottom

3 pieces for building up top of back

panel to 2 inches (5 cm) thick

back panel assembly are joined.

total 2 inches (5

in thickness. Nail the 2-inch (5

saw, or saber saw.

panel to 2 inches (5 cm) thick •

and the bottom of the

plywood, fastening them

back panel to

•

piece for framing

of

lip

Build up the thickness of the back panel

behind the arched top by sandwiching

1

electri-

of the Moorish

back panel

•

a

drill

cord through the area where the

Be sure

1

1

a

in the

•

•

inch (2.5 cm),

With

arch detail, where you're going to cut.

front of base surround

2 sides of base surround

1

of

back panel

not to

•

finish nails

semble the back panel,

as

reservoir:

1

least

the base surround

as you've cut

•

of at

together.

lip

Construct the Back Panel

onto the

Dimensions depend on the

and screw them

the base

on the

hole for the hose and the pump's

the

should serve

Set the back panel vertically

drill bit

left.

cor-

Step detail directly

finish nails

assemble the base surround, as shown in

and back

which ensures square

back panel piece

a guide.

all

to cut the pieces

straight edges.

Moorish arch

The

to cut

parts for the frame

plywood

to the Base

designed and the

you need

tiling laid out,

panel.

is

Attach the Back Panel

4:

into the adhesive, butting

cm)

them

up back panel firmly together.

have miscalculated the dimen-

If you

sions

and have

fit, first

want

score

to cut.

with the line.

Save

back panel for the

deck bu base surround

pieces

76

Projects

in

Ceramic, Concrete, Stone, and Metal

tile all

to trim a

its

tile

to

make

surface with a line

Then

it

you

nip away small pieces

nippers until you reach the

good-sized broken pieces

mosaic on the back panel.

Forming the Spout Step

1

Drill a

:

Making the Mosaic

Hole for the Spout

Step

tiled all surfaces

decorative back panel.

The spout needs

cut a 12-

First,

ID. Although this

probably too small to outflow,

it

size

of hose

lead the water is

your pump's

fit

allows a smaller, easier-to-

conceal hole in the mosaic of the back panel.

Add

lengths of larger-sized hose

to telescope fit

to the proper diameter to

it

mm)

-Vs-inch (9

bit, drill

a

hole in the center of the back panel for the hose.

The

hole should

fit

the outside

diameter of the hose tightly enough that the hose stays in the hole.

When

Then

a ledge of some kind to

from the hose out into the

Plan the Mosaic Pattern

:

the water

falls

the

way

it

should,

begin arranging pieces of your mosaic materials

on

a board or table in a pat-

tern that pleases you. This gives

something that

rough guide for which pieces go

in

what order

to the

and

smooth,

lip

glass or a piece

of an old beach bottle

of shell. Glue

bottom of the to

plywood

you can to the

wooden

transfer

them

back panel.

Step it.

at this

to carve out

for this spout.

Assemble the Mosaic

2:

If

fasten a small scrap of

back of the panel

and more support

you

a

some

hole, carving out

make more wood

as

you

this into

accommodate and support

necessary,

spot to

slightly curved,

2 inches (5 cm) long, such as

at least

the rounded

the

is

T

Glue the mosaic pieces onto the back Use plenty of silicone caulk

panel.

bed them

as

panel, but

seal the

edge grain of the plywood on the inside

1

air to fall freely into the basin. Select

wood

your pump. Using a

Step

excepr the

inch (30 cm) length of hose of '/4-inch

mm)

Select and Affix

the Spout Piece

Now you've

(6

2:

to

you place them on the

do not

let

the silicone

fill

the

spaces between the pieces; these will be block

supporting spout

of the hole with silicone caulk.

decorative Moorish arch filled

mosaic on back panel

with grout.

As you complete the pattern of beach

glass, bits

of tile,

shells,

and small

spout

pebbles,

@) tip

For the decorative ele-

ments of the mosaic,

I

for

the

flat,

commercial

tile

mastic used

tiles.

Silicone sets

place until

building,

it

spaces wider than vinyl

assembly onto

its

tilt

back to

let

the whole

3:

Test the Water Flow

fit

puzzle

Still, if

Place the hose in the spout hole, set the

pump in the water, and plug it in to see how the water falls. If the water splashes excessively,

you can move the hole

the hose

and spout

changes

now

to a lower spot.

for

the ideal.

is

some

You can

the silicone

set firmly before gravity pulls the pieces

downward.

inch (6

pieces so that they

avoid

Step

A

l

mm) may

crack from shrinkage. Arranging the

hose

does, though, so while

you should

fill

the small spaces with grout, but any

slowly and cannot hold anything firmly in

to place the pieces as

close to each other as possible. You'll

prefer to use clear

silicone caulk, not the

remember

fill

together like a can't

larger spaces, don't worry.

any cracks that form

grout with more grout

When

you

in the

later.

you have finished covering

the back panel with mosaic, set

it

aside

to dry thoroughly.

Any

can be concealed by the

small stones and beach glass you will use to

make

the mosaic.

Projects

in

Ceramic, Concrete, Stone, and Metal

77

Finishing Touches

Applying Grout Step

1

:

Grout the

Step

Tile

1:

Finalize the

Step

2:

Add

Plants

and

Fish

Fountain Elements

While you

are waiting for the

you can apply grout

dry,

Mix

the fountain.

With

mosaic to

to the rest of

a quantity of grout

Your fountain

is

now

complete. Glue

the hose to the spout hole with silicone

When

the basin with

with water according to the instructions

caulk.

on

water and drop in the pump. Attach the

the container. Using a rubber spat-

ula,

work

into the spaces

it

and scrape the surfaces

between

clean.

Run

tiles

the

it's

dry,

fill

hose to the pump's outflow and plug the

pump

in to a

GFCI

outlet.

handle of a toothbrush (or other small

implement) over the the grout

joints to

and round the

grout dries, polish

it

compress

joints.

off the

tile

As the surfaces

with a sponge and old towel scraps.

Step

2:

Grout the Mosaic

Grouting the mosaic surface takes

more

patience. Before

you begin, check

for silicone protruding pieces.

Trim

this

from between

with a sharp knife so

that the grout joints will be continuous

and uninterrupted by

Now apply grout time. Spread it

it

clear silicone.

to small areas at a

thickly

and compress

into the joints with the toothbrush

handle.

Wipe

surface as

it

the excess off the uneven

dries

and polish with

towel scraps.

Pique

from

assiette, a

bits

technique of making mosaics

and pieces of broken ceramics,

another wonderful form to use

is

in this

mosaic fountain.

78

Projects

in

Ceramic, Concrete, Stone, and Metal

its

large pool area, this fountain

can house a variety of water plants (potted or floating) and even a few small goldfish. See appendix

some

suggestions.

A

for

tfrr E C

H N

— you can expect up

use

Q

I

U

E

to 10 percent

shrinkage in your clay during the

initial

drying period.

Working

your sculpture,

to fire

with Clay

it

may

be possible

you

clay,

Whenever you

you should use

as scoring

making

to enroll in a local pottery class to

Check with

obtain access to a kiln.

Working with

friends willing

art

the drier one,

forced to disconnect by crack.

you have no potter

If

more than

and

and they

means of a

join

a

are

two pieces of

technique

known

slipping. This entails

a series of scratches in the sur-

faces to be

bonded

(scoring), then

associations, continuing education pro-

painting them with a slurry of watery

hands-on into the shape and formation

grams

clay (slip).

of your fountain piece. However, before

guilds.

you

times run studio programs. Even

get going

clay allows

on

a clay

to delve

modeling pro-

read through the considerations

ject,

some of the more common

Ceramics supply

you

start

stores

craft

someif

they

when

starting points

It

Pliable

In any ceramic project

The Ceramic Spouting Wall

Fountain,

manage

the drying of the clay.

It

possible) as long as

use clay construction for their fountain

more

elements, and

become wet under

clay to

remove

it.

kiln for firing the clay pieces. Before

will

you begin

become too dry

firing,

you should

learn sev-

about the kiln you plan to

you plan

Allowing the surface to

detail.

its

Allowing

will

make

it

it

difficult to

without cracking. The best solu-

is

successfully at this temperature?

cover

Usually, the best policy

paper towels and a sheet of soft

plastic,

such

wrapped

same

who

is

already using the kiln.

should also ask

how

You

big the kiln

is,

in.

and

what

size pieces

date.

For example, some of the lotus

it is

able to

to try to finish the piece in

day. If you

clay as the potter or ceramic artist

*

to

tion

to use the

c

plastic covering

What is the temperature of the firing? Which clay body will mature is

drying can slow the process enough to

add

to

to

use:

Keeping the clay well covered during

if

add

eral things

their moisture contents.

should

Small Ceramic Spouting Sculpture

require access to a

and equalize

important to

it is

remain "leather hard" (or even softer

all

it

must

store

it

unfinished,

with well-squeezed-out

as the bags

Tuck

tight seal

one

dry cleaning

is

damp

the plastic underneath for a

and check

frequently.

The most basic

accommo-

are,

Scoring and Slipping

tools for

you may model

for the Splashing

Cracking happens whenever

clays

working with clay

counterclockwise from the top: a sponge,

wooden modeling leaves

two

and dry without cracking.

Splashing Ceramic Lotus Fountain, and all

scratches help the

allow them to shrink at the same rate

frustrations.

a Kiln

The

surfaces exchange water across the joint

asking for leads on kiln access.

Keeping Using

good

don't they're

outlined here. They'll help you avoid

and

at local universities,

tool, fettling knife,

and

of wire trimming tool. Of course, you can always

Ceramic Lotus Fountain may be in

diameter than the

pieces will

fit

kiln.

into the kiln

larger

different drynesses are joined

and then

Be sure your

allowed to dry so quickly that they

you plan

cannot equalize. The wetter one shrinks

to

Projects

in

make do with and

a kitchen

sponge, spoon,

knife.

Ceramic, Concrete, Stone, and Metal

79

(

/

t

f Jn

m

/

his

Tsukubai

adaptation of the Japanese is

a small, portable fountain

suitable for use indoors

and

out, in

copper crossarm

copper wire

even the smallest of spaces. The spout for this fountain

is

soldered from cop-

per tubing to resemble is

bamboo. Wire

soldered around the tubing at

vals to

suggest

joints,

inter-

and wrapped

where the two pieces

intersect to bind

them

would bamboo.

together, as you

You can substitute

a

spout of real bam-

boo, such as that featured

in

the

Concrete Coin Basin project (page 119),

if

you don't have metalworking

equipment

available to you.

pumps electrical

* By using

a reservoir

you can create

a

with

cord

a flattened side,

electrical-wire

wall-hung fountain.

support

reservoir

pump

Projects

in

vinyl

hose

Ceramic, Concrete, Stone, and Metal

105

ZMi

T

R

E

I

A

L

S •

Patina solution (for

homemade

see Antiquing Cooper on page

For the Reservoir • •

Large bowl of ceramic, metal, or resin

For the

"A"

needed

Pump, 80 GPH (304

•

GFCI outlet

per hour)

I

•

ID vinyl hose:

3'(1

m)

to

fit

stiff

electrical wire 1

all •

copper tubing

for

(for

8" (20

ter;

1

cm) piece of

9" (22.5

1

5-10 pounds

106

(2.5

Projects

sizes, a

few

cm) diamesmall baking potatoes

W(19 mm)

in

if

such as

insulation

•

Silicone caulk (optional)

•

Hacksaw

Ceramic, Concrete, Stone, and Metal

and round

press or variable-speed

hand

drill

Center punch

(60 cm),

Tools

18-gauge copper wire

14)

Clamps

or vise

'/2"(13

mm)

Steel

and

drill bit

for

as large as

metal (twist

wool or scouring pad

Soldering flux with brush

Disposable gas torch

(2.3-4.5 kg) small river

"bamboo" spout:

cm) piece of

diameter •

"

Drill

wire spout support)

stones of varying 1

2'

Files, flat

pump

Romex, about 4 gauge,

Fountain Elements Rigid

mm)

1

plus short pieces of larger diameters

Pump

•

•

(6

recipe,

1

Solder Pliers,

wire nippers

Cotton swabs

bit)

Selecting the Reservoir You'll

need

an attractive bowl

to find

The bowl you

for the reservoir.

Constructing the Spout Step

1

Cut the Spout Parts

:

Step

select

Now you

For the standpipe, cut an 8-inch should be

4 inches (10 cm)

at least

deep and 16 inches (40 cm) ter.

Any

diame-

in

material that holds water will

(20 cm) length of 1-inch (2.5 cm)

copper tubing with

a

hacksaw. Cut one

end square and the other

serve the purpose: ceramic, metal, poly-

angle

— about

1

ID

at a slight

With

5 degrees.

need to

drill a

hole for the

vinyl hose in the crossarm, Vi inch (13

mm)

in diameter.

drill press,

but

the following:

a

the Crossarm

2: Drill

if

This

is

best

done on

you don't have one,

With

a

try

a nail or center

ester resin. If the material tends to file

sweat, as terra-cotta often does,

you can

or grinder, create a slight cradle in

the high and low sides of this cut to

stop this by coating the inside of the

Now cut

hold the crossarm securely.

bowl with

Allow

silicone caulk.

a

inch (19

mm) ID

on

a stand

tubing.

Cut one end

made of metal; water will flow,

these are often sold in ters.

Usually

good garden cen-

made of wrought

at a

sharp angle

about 30 degrees. Smooth

all

—

with your

cuts

side

of the tube

If

bamboo

bottom

side

curely to your bench to

using a Vi-'mch. (13

do

mm)

this.

se-

Then,

drill bit at

slow

drill

through the tubing where dent.

Remember

to use

slow speed and a few drops of oil to

lu-

slightly.

crossarm

bricate the drill as

wall of the tubing,

it

breaks through the

y

you wish to substitute

copper

for

long end of

of the crossarm.) Clamp the tubing

you made the

for

tip

as the

the point. (This will be the

speed,

file.

grinding cradle

real

same

and thus protect surfaces

from pots that sweat

(§)

cm) from the pointed end, on the

iron,

they support the reservoir several inches off the table

(12.5

reservoir will also

square and the other, from which the well

dent in the bottom of

the crossarm approximately 5 inches

9-inch (22.5 cm) crossarm from Y4-

work

a

this to

drv thorouaftlv.

A slightly damp

punch, make

you can. Follow step Odoshi project (page

in this project,

3

59),

in

the Shishi

but reduce the

height of the spout to about 6 inches (15 cm), so that

it

won't splash. Cut the

extra length from the

bottom of the

faucet standpipe. Of course, any other

changes

in

proportion required for your

particular reservoir can

be

made

standpipe

freely.

crossarm




A

t

x,

*

.

', ,

•

t

^

*

-4

Concrete Coin Basin

Bamboo Spout

with

copper wire

37T he ^f

vinyl

simple yet elegant coin foun-

tain

famous

is

in

hose

the Zen tradition and

bamboo arm features a stone carved a

in

the shape of

Japanese coin:a short round cylinder

with a square recess

Some

are

the center.

in

very detailed, including

Japanese characters.

Some

are

more

primitive with very rough surfaces. decorative stones

The tain

this

is

reservoir of this

buried

in

outdoor foun-

the ground, making

design suitable for

wire

mesh

soft-soil areas

of the garden rather than paved terraces.

Still, it's

nice to locate

bench or terraced

it

close to a

area, so that

you can

sit

nearby and appreciate the subtlety

of

its

shape and sound. You can make

the coin fountain handle.

in

any

The version here

size

you can

is

relatively

small, with a basin only 12 inches (30

cm)

in

diameter.

some time

The concrete takes

to cure, so this project

flexible liner

will

bricks for

support

take you a few days to complete.

Projects

in

Ceramic, Concrete, Stone, and Metal

119

m

A T

R

E

A

I

S

L

•

For the Reservoir •

Tub or

•

flexible liner for

reservoir, 24" (60

underground

cm) square minimum

•

'A"

mm)

(6

mm)

(6

ID vinyl hose:

3'

(90

cm)

bricks

2-3' (60-90

cm) length of concrete

re-

bar or other metal rod

•

Spray bottle

•

Popsicle stick or chopstick

•Wire brush 1

galvanized wire mesh: piece

1

Decorative Elements

to cover reservoir

•

•Pump

50 pounds (22.7 kg) small beach stones

•

Pump Tools

GPH

140

(532

I

(1

14

5-10 pounds

•

Plastic bucket,

kg)

premixed concrete

and

1.9

1

m) each

This larger version of the coin basin fountain set

up on

of stature

120

a stone platform, lending

and permanence

Projects

in

such as the kind used

in

it

a

flared as

Plastic

for lit-

food container, 4" (10 cm) square x

form

for

the sand mold; can

substitute a round container)

cm) diameters

sand

as possible

4" high (as a

several feet (about

of 2" and 3 /4"(5

tle •

Concrete on page 87)

Bamboo:

(2.3-4.5 kg) builder's

drywall compound — sides

mix or ingredients (see Working with

•

1

•

GFCI outlet

25 pounds

Sheet of lightweight

•Whittling knife

is

sense

the garden.

Ceramic, Concrete, Stone, and Metal

is

plastic,

such as the

wrapped

in

Sharp saw Electric

drill

per hour)

Fountain Elements •

Paper towels

kind dry cleaning 1

For the

wood

Block of

Natural twine or copper wire

•8-12

(can substitute heavy black plastic) •

W

(19

with Forstner

mm)

Clamps

or vise

Sandpaper

bit,

about

W

Casting the Coin Basin Step

Mix

Prepare the Sand Mold

1:

2 quarts (1.9

enough water urate

Step

Mix

of sand with

1)

to almost completely sat-

Pour a 1-inch (2.5 cm) deep

it.

layer ol this into the it

Building the Spout

so that

it

forms a

bucket and smooth

level surface.

pack more of this mixture into a

2:

the

Cast the Concrete Basin

cement with the sand, unless

fully stir the

Then

the final product; too

plastic

a finished piece full

keep the concrete mix

inches high. Carefully invert this in the

ble,

center of the sand floor in the bucket

evenly.

You should be

and tap

on the

surface if you

container.

to loosen

and

free the plastic

You should have

block of sand centered in the bucket. If the sides

of the block seem

you want them, carve the

straight than

straight.

Now

tamp

floor of the bucket with the

block of wood to pack

sand dries ally

as

it

on the

end of a

it is

firm. If the

you work, mist

it

it

occasion-

last

step

is

to groove the

with a

These dimensions

for

point.

sand

strip

com-

for

your fountain. Cut the bamboo

with square ends except for the outer

end of the arm, which should be cut a sharp angle (about

it

at

30 degrees). Sand

the cut ends but keep the angled cut as

from

clean

and

flat as possible,

without

rounding the edges.

the concrete with water to reveal the sur-

Roughen any

smooth with

Remove

find an attractive

of wood until

bucket with a knife to remove

outside of the floor to create the impres-

Use

You may

are a starting

with the

it

48 hours, then cut the drywall

face.

sion of a coin with thickened edges.

in

bination in other sizes that works well

about 9 inches (22.5 cm) deep. Let

set for

mm)

diameter and 6 inches (15 cm) long.

mix. (See

stiff

and tamp

end of a dowel or

around the square block and around the

a popsicle stick or chopstick.

it

short horizontal chute, or arm,

measuring about -^-inch (19

the concrete. Rinse the sand free from

with a spray bottle of water.

The

should be a

in handfuls

A

•

Gently scoop the cement into the

flat

the sand

it

of it

able to see a shine

smooth

mea-

diameter and 20 inches (50 cm) high

as possi-

all

vertical piece, or standpipe,

suring about 2 inches (5 cm) in

and techniques.)

mold

sand with a knife to make the sides

dry

Working with Concrete on page 87 tips

less

as

while taking care to wet

trowel, but

a square

A

•

of air bubbles. Try

to

Working

the spout:

will result in

little

Cut the Spout Parts

Bamboo on page 41. You will need to cut two bamboo pieces for

weaken

will

:

with

water into the dry mixture.

Remember, too much water

1

Before you begin, review

you're using premixed concrete. Care-

container 4 inches (10 cm) square by 4

it

Step

surfaces that look too

a wire brush.

coin basin with

damp

plastic for a three-day

Cover the

paper towels and curing period.

any displaced sand. T

Cutting

bucket

plastic

'X square block

When

_^

^ ~--

pass inside the

grooves

in

sand

located

cutting the standpipe piece, notice the location of the natural walls

the bamboo. You

of sand

where

Bamboo

will

have to

drill

out any wall that occurs where hose must

bamboo. Rather than avoid these drilling will

beautiful features, see to

cm)

layer of

be

Another wall

drilled.

will

probably occur

sand drilled out,

but

if it's

close to the

Projects

in

it

that they are

be easy or unnecessary. Arrange the cuts so that one wall

occurs just inside the top of the standpipe. This forms a natural cap and 1" (2.5

in

down low on

will

not need to

the standpipe. This should be

end of the piece you can do so with

a

simple

Ceramic, Concrete, Stone, and

drill bit.

etal

121

Step

2: Fit

the

Arm

Step

in

the Standpipe

Clamp

bench and

drill

a hole sized for the hori-

arm about 2 inches

zontal its

When

the standpipe in a vise or to a

top.

This

is

easiest to

(5

cm) from

do with

a

Forstner bit the same size as the arm. Insert the

arm stock

standpipe to fit,

make

into the hole in the

sure

you have

a tight

then trim the arm to length.

Remove

its

Wrap the Spout

4:

used as a fountain piece, where

outside dries and

wet,

bamboo

bound

is

inside

its

is

to split.

The

Hose

sure that a crack.

expect

is

relieved

The

it

by the formation of

best approach to this

and use

it

pieces that

pres-

as

to

is

an opportunity

Wrap

it

to

hang loose

from the armhole. Slide the arm over the hose and push

it

hole. Pull the hose

back until you

see

it

tightly into

mm)

galvanized

cover the pool.

form the spout

Wrap

the

'^^/

protruding from the arm.

node

arm

the ends tightly together and snip

off,

twists so that the

Forming the Underground Reservoir

pound,

a hole for

Make in

it

it

reservoir.

cm) bigger

pond

home

from many

supply,

small this

at least 8 inches (20

set the

com-

rubber

a

best and longest-lasting

liner.

You

supply, gar-

and pond supply

stores.

It is

expensive, however. For a

and temporary

may

one, you

ers of

Dig

to

generally agreed to be the

is

somewhat

Dig the Hole the underground

top of this

EPDM,

'

den

1:

enough

Right Material

^-

can buy

wire won't unravel.

Step

large

1/4-inch (6

Choosing the

*f*J*y?

wire around two or three times. Twist

two

On

of

at

end of the horizontal arm, with

leaving at least

a piece

mesh

Set the bricks

it.

coin basin.

the

its

can't

a small hole in

on them support

'-

standpipe and allow

layers, in case

permanently into the reservoir now, and

natural twine or copper wire.

Now thread a 3-foot (1 m) piece of 14inch (6 mm) ID vinyl hose through the

many

plastic sheets, use

and shrinking outside, building up

bamboo

Insert the

Spread the pond liner or heavy black

one has

slanted 3:

Line the Hole

plastic into the hole. If you're using

kept

several points, especially near the

Step

2:

uneven moisture causes swelling inside

for further decoration.

the arm.

Step

installation

such as

substitute several lay-

heavy black

plastic

such as that

used to wrap lumber deliveries or to

make good-guality

diameter than the coin basin and able the reservoir

to hold at least 5 gallons (191) of water,

and

in

will

many

trash bags. After

all,

be hidden from view,

climates,

it

be

will

disas-

or about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm)

sembled and drained

for

the winter.

In

deep and 24 to 30 inches (60 to 75 cm) standpipe

wide.

Make

the

bottom

addition, level for

support of the coin basin. Try stacking the support bricks inside at this point to vinyl

hose

be sure their top surface

is

slightly lower

than the edge of the reservoir. the soil in the hole so that

Smooth

no sharp

roots

or stones will project to pierce the liner

once

122

Projects

in

it's

stretched

full

of water.

Ceramic, Concrete, Stone, and Meta

if it

develops

a leak,

the conse-

even

quences of having to replace very small.

its

liner are

Up the Fountain

Setting Step

Make

a support for rhe spout

a piece

the

Erect the Spout Support

1:

by driving

of re-bar or other metal rod into Slide the standpipe over the rod

soil.

and your spout

will

Step At

this

into a

3:

Test the Water Flow

point you should plug the

GFCI

outlet

The water should

and

fall

test the

pump

system.

in

the center of the coin fountain. Filling

Step

Set

2:

Remove

the coin basin

and make

cut in the wire mesh. Set the the reservoir,

this well, the

Up the Pump

fill it

a small

pump

it

In time

look

an ancient

like

moss may grow on

humid environment of the

in a gentle arc

from the spout into the square well

be supported.

make

water should overflow into

among

Bamboo Dipper on page it

Step

4:

Add

fountain. ferns

of an established Zen garden. You can

pumped back

with water, and pass

in the

the beach stones for the effect

also

into

it

You can plant clumps of moss and

the underground reservoir to be to the spout.

artifact.

make

a small

bamboo dipper

(see

43) and place

across the pool in the coin basin.

Finishing Touches

the hose from the spout through the cut in the wire

mesh

pump. Replace sary, pull

to

plug

it

into the

the coin basin. If neces-

your fountain apart and lower

When

you

are satisfied with the rela-

tionships of the parts, trim the liner to size.

Spread small beach stones or large

the support for the basin so that the

pea gravel over the mesh and around

mesh

the coin basin and spout.

sags into the center, leading

water back to the reservoir,

hole cut

in

hose and

mesh

all

t

for vinyl

electrical

cord

flexible liner

bricks for

support

If

you can

serve as a

find

one

model

the symbols on

of the Japanese coins that

for

its

the fountain base, copy

surface onto the base.

The rough

sandcast surface of the basin should

@) tip

If

the fountain begins to

run low, adding water

is

easy: Simply use

your garden hose to pour water directly

onto the coin basin and beach stones.

Cast-Stone Sluice Flowing into Hypertufa his

site

outdoor fountain requires

where you have or can

Trough

a

build a low

stone retaining wall at the edge of a concrete sluice level terrace.This retaining wall in turn

surrounds

which water pours

—

of hypertufa

sluice

from

into a trough

made

concrete

a

stone you can cast

yourself. The simplicity of the

design

is

very appealing, tricking the observer into the belief that this

is

a naturally

occurring spring flowing from a rustic spillway installed by earlier hands.

The

trough

rustic

is

formed from

hypertufa cast around a Styrofoam box, resulting

in

a

relatively

weight reservoir.The concrete

made from

a

light-

sluice

is

sandcasting mold. The

curing times for both of these materials

makes

this a

long-term project, one

that you will have to set aside for days or

weeks

at a

time before moving on

decorative plants

pump hypertufa-covered trough

to the next step.

Projects

in

Ceramic, Concrete, Stone, and Metal

125

m>

A T

R

E

A

I

S

L

Fountain and Reservoir Elements

Plywood

•

x

1

sheet; approximately 2V2"

2" (6.3 x

30 cm), to form outside

dimensions of

About

•

sluice

m) of

7' (2

lumber to

x 3

1

frame plywood •

1

5

5

(6.8 kg)

Portland

mix of white and gray

(a •

pounds

pounds

(2.3 kg)

if

cement

available)

sphagnum peat

moss, sifted to remove

and

sticks

chunks •

Styrofoam box,

at least

12x16x8"

(30x40x20 cm) •

3-4'

(1

-1

m)

.2

vinyl hose, sized to

fit

pump's outflow; plus 2-3' (0.6-1 m) garden or

enough For the •

vinyl

to

fit

hose sized large

loosely over this

Pump

Pump, 140 GPH (532

I

per hour)

•GFCI outlet Tools •

Drywall screws, for mold assembly

•

30 pounds (13.6 kg) sharp mason's

sand •

Plastic

•

Flat

tub or wheelbarrow

mason's trowel

•Wire brush •

Paper towels

•

Sheet of lightweight the kind dry cleaning

•

1

wood

your trough, you can plant a variety of water plants.

ones to consider are water

126

Projects

in

lilies

(shown

here),

water hyacinth, dwarf papyrus,

Some iris,

Ceramic, Concrete, Stone, and Meta

of the best

and

cattails.

wrapped

glue and brush

•Wide mixing tub

size of

is

such as

-quart (II) yogurt container

•Yellow

Depending on the

plastic,

in

W

-

Hypertufa

a

material

by

English

is

v

^^v

developed

-

alpine

Step

Hypertufa History

_^^/*

Because

gardeners.

plants thrive

when grown

in

alpine

porous

stone troughs, and because the supply

Mix

2:

Mold the Sand

2 quarts

packs tightly and

soft,

dried

it

curving

about a

hump down

that,

and behaves

1

over the

when like

fully

cured, looks

the limestone they

down both

2!/2

(1

of Portland cement

1)

quarts (2Vi

of fresh masons

1)

cement

to 5 parts sand.

water to thoroughly

When just

this

only

Va

mm)

inch (6

raised edges

mm)

of the

wide groove

be is

deep, to form the

enough

dampen

the dry

all

Add

this thoroughly.

all

Casting the Concrete Sluice

finger along

them

to

edge in the concrete.

wood and 1x3 wood

strips.

The

inside

a

rounded

lip for

trowel,

should have a wet shine. the concrete gently into the

mold with

and tamp

the trowel

it

as

you

end of a dowel or

flat

handle of the trowel, taking care not to

Make

disturb the sand

what more exaggerated

this

some-

in the short

will ultimately

from the completed

When

produce a rounded

Plywood Frame construct a shallow box of ply-

it

go with the

Construct the from which water

dry.

you smooth the surface with the

Drop the corners

mixed quite

far stronger if

sluice.

sand into

is

water very sparingly; the concrete will

and seams of the box and run your

First,

with

quart

powder and mix

the center,

long sides where the sand

Pile extra

1:

1

thoroughly mixed, add

inch (2.5 cm) high and wide.

mixture of peat, sand, and

are seeking to replace.

Step

Mix

sand. Use a proportion of 2 parts

with your hands into a

Leave a ^4-inch (19

cement

it

Pour the Concrete

3:

inventive folks have

up, these

developed

it

mix into the center

of the mold and spread

bottom. Form

so that

it,

hard to disturb.

is

a pile of this

stone livestock troughs has

of old

of sand with enough

(21)

water to nearly saturate

Drop

Step

pour

sluice, so as to

the spillway.

end

form

up

in the

mold

mold

below.

Mound

it

so as to follow the inside

shape and produce a sluice of an even thickness

— about VA

inches (3.8 cm).

T

should measure approximately 2 A l

(6>

inches (6.3 cm) wide by 12 inches (30

cm)

long.

Screw the

for easy removal.

they will be

filled

sides to the

The

bottom

mix,

corners, since

tight.

premixed

Simply allow

the sides to overlap the ends

and

This type of concrete

which contains no

aggregate,

with sand, do not

have to be especially

tip is

more

kind.

It

large

gravel

delicate than

works better

in a

the

sand

mold, because gravel aggregate would

fasten

be forced

into the

sand and show on

with one screw per corner. the surface of the finished product. Using no aggregate produces a look

more

like

when

freshly

sandstone.

must be treated

Projects

in

not strong

unmolded, though, and

plywood frame

chance to

It's

carefully until

it's

had

a

cure.

Ceramic, Concrete, Stone, and Metal

127

Step

4:

Remove the Mold

Step

2:

Apply the Hypertufa

Step

3:

Cure the Hypertufa

to the Styrofoam Box Let the concrete set for 24 to 48 hours,

Allow the hypertufa-covered trough

then remove the screws from the sides

Turn the box over and brush

of the mold and pull

it

yellow glue on the bottom as well as the

cast sluice. Rinse the

sand

away from the free

from the

Roughen any

with

damp

mixture to the surface, about

surfaces that look

too smooth with a wire brush. Cover

it

paper towels and plastic for

a three-day curing period.

inch (13 to 19

mm)

flat,

Making the Hypertufa Trough :

will

1

Smooth

Allow

( 1

1)

yogurt container mix:

•

2 parts mason's sand

inches (5

part Portland

fairly

to the look

dry overnight.

last

application,

in a stone

cm) thick

trough about 2

overall.

cement hypertufa mixture

When

the dry ingredients are thor-

oughly blended, add to

just

enough water

thoroughly moisten the mix.

It

should be just wet enough to hold together

when

squeezed, but with no

extra water.

@> tip

Styrofoam box

You can

also cast the

hypertufa over a plywood box to pro-

duce

a

you need

trough

—

it

of will

any

dimension

simply result

in

a

heavier reservoir.

Upon

close examination, you can see the

rough, pitted surface that hypertufa creates.

128

Projects

in

(as

long

as

it's

Ceramic, Concrete, Stone, and Metal

it

outside

not freezing) to neutral-

neutralized by the acidity of rain

cover the entire inside of the box. This

should result

has hardened you can leave

it

coat the sides and top edge the

2 parts sifted peat

courage mossy growth over time, once

Cement

falling

is

alkaline

and

will

be

through the branches of acidic

plants such as evergreens.

When

the

trough has had a few weeks to cure, ready for use.

this section to

•

undisturbed for several days. To en-

ize.

Any edge marks

add

sit

A

Mix the Hypertufa

-quart

• 1

Vi to

3

of cut stone.

next day. For your In a

thick.

stonelike surface.

Then 1

Imme-

with a mason's trowel to produce a

from the trowel

Step

sides.

diately begin applying the hypertufa

concrete with water to reveal the surface.

bottom few inches of the

a coat of

to

it's

it

Building the Fountain Step

1:

Step

Build the Base of

Embed

2:

the Vinyl Hose

Step

3:

and Concrete Sluice

the Retaining Wall

Set the

The is

easiest

way

to build a retaining wall

to cut a level terrace into a slope, leav-

ing a vertical wall. You then use stone to retain this wall against erosion. is

soil

packed behind the stones, supporting

them and keeping them fit

The

in place.

The

of the stones doesn't have to be tight

enough

to hold the wall

up by

and the wall doesn't have

— most of

to

As you reach the top of the

be vertical

need to embed

pump. Then plug

in the wall a length

of

behind them, make sure your wall

dirt

is

fill

the

the

it

into the

pump

into a

old garden hose through which you can

GFCI

run the vinyl tubing, from the trough to

water from your sluice into the trough.

the

pump. Be

sure

it's

a loose

so in

fit,

the event of ice damage, you'll be able

Then embed

of new vinyl through.

the garden hose

and the

If the

outlet

crete sluice into place high clear the

wood

enough, adjust the pump's flow control. This fountain

going to be high enough to clear the top

the vinyl tubing so that

of your trough.

onto the

sluice,

wall while

and

making

it

Bend

running very

gently, even dripping.

sure that the sluice flat

4:

Add

The

Plants

stones of the wall can be encour-

aged to accumulate moss, ferns can be planted in the

finish off the

cap-

soil

pockets,

and

ivy can

hang over the top edge. Marginal bog plants such as pickerelweed

can be

stone to hide the tubing.

at its best

to

discharges

emerges from beneath a nice

is

and

enough

or stone trough.

and observe the flow of

water flows too hard or not hard

Step As you assemble stones and pack

trough,

trough with water, and trim the vinyl

stone as you build the wall. Set the con-

toward the earth being retained.

in the

hose to length and plug

vinyl tubing together in the soil

the taller ones lean back

pump

before you place the concrete sluice, you

to pull a piece

itself,

and

wall,

Test the Water Flow

set to

and

cattails

stand proudly in the

trough. Encourage the whole fountain, if

you wish,

to recede into the vegeta-

tion, especially in a

shady location.

embedded garden hose

Embed

plants along the top of the retaining

wall to

make

it

seem

a part of the natural

landscape.

Projects

in

Ceramic, Concrete, Stone, and Metal

129

**

!V

-

Small Ceramic Spouting Sculpture

Studying the Natural Form

_ V

s

Whenever you attempt

to imitate

Mother Nature,

it's

helpful to study her

For the Reservoir •

Preformed

plastic pool,

diameter x 8" deep (60 For the •

about 24"

cm

^O^'

cm)

x 20

Pump, 80-140 GPH (304-532

5-6 pounds (2.3-2.7 kg) clay

•

'/V (3

faithful a

you can make.The in

library

and

children's bookstores are

different positions.

you

sculpt.

I

good

recommend photocopy-

Once you have

collected

and studied

sit

down

in

front of your sculpture stand

and begin!

It

takes a lot of time and persistence.

The benefits of

all

this

work

include an increased ability to see shapes accurately, and an increased respect for the 2"

ID clear vinyl hose:

Wand W(6 and 9 mm)

1

beauty of natural forms.

If it

1

2" (30

Wor 3

cm) each

mm, hose

(to

to the

ID vinyl

adapt the

pump's

that pleases you, just

takes you

plastic to

ing clay,

keep

you

it

will

soft

remember between

more than one modeling

Tools •

Sculpture stand or lazy Susan

•

Clay-modeling tools

•

Paper towels

•

Several sheets of lightweight plastic,

such as the kind dry cleaning

wrapped

,

small tube

you don't have the time

make your own spouting often purchase ter.They

is

in

Silicone caulk

come

one from

in all

Projects

or inclination to

sculpture, a local

shapes and

in

to cover the clay tightly with

sessions. Feel free to

experiment

begin to reveal the form you are seeking.

outflow)

132

intended to be as

session to create a form

cm)

hose:

If

is

Be patient as you endeavor to translate the two-dimensional photos into a threedimensional work.

•

•

bullfrog you'll create here

ing these for constant reference while

Fountain Elements

•

portrait of the real thing as

reference material,

mm)

The

I

GFCI outlet or extension cord

(30

carefully.

resources for photographs of bullfrogs

Pump

per hour) •

work

in

you can

garden censizes.

Ceramic, Concrete, Stone, and Metal

damp

paper towels and

— by adding and remov-

Creating the Clay Sculpture Step

1

Model the Frog from Clay

:

Pat a

lump of clay

frog's

body, then attach thick bent coils

hind

for the

legs.

into the shape of the

In the initial phase of

forming the sculpture, embed the

mm) ID

inch (3 to

Wrap

it

before that,

pull

pump

will lead

water

embedding

it

finished,

Step

Dry the Frog Sculpture

2:

Step

the frog

dry slowly.

finished, begin to let

is

(6

mm)

The

clay will shrink as

dries,

and

areas.

Drying very slowly over

apt to crack in the thickest

it's

of several weeks

a period

the best insurance

is

paper towels to dry out.

When

the clay

easily.

clay.

back about

frog's lips to

The

Rather

Va

wrappings from the

its

inside of the sculpture.

connect with

other end of the

main body of the

frog, so that the clay

is

nowhere thicker

than an inch (2.5 cm) or

make drying

far safer.

so.

This will

T hollow body

force the tubing into it

as far as

it

go

will

silicone to caulk

it

to dry.

the Sculpture

3: Fire

When

the clay has been bone dry for

several

weeks (no coolness

touch), safe,

it is

absolutely

placing the dry sculpture piece in a

cool oven (150°F, or 66°C) for several

hours

is

a

reason for

good added precaution. The this care

all

is

that

any

Step

Test the Water Flow

resid-

near a

GFCI

the pool

and

in

outlet. Set the fill

your garden

pump

in

the pool with water.

Place the frog in the pool or at

its

edge,

then connect the hose to the pump's outflow, telescoping smaller sections as

ual moisture will vaporize in the kiln.

necessary. Adjust the lengths until the

Water expands

liquid

tubing reaches comfortably from the

this

pump to the frog. Now plug in the pump and adjust the flow control until

volume when

to

it

1

,700 times

vaporizes.

in a piece

its

When

of clay sculpture,

fly in all directions,

stroying not only your

times that of other

de-

work but some-

have been taken,

bring your sculpture to the kiln and it

the water stream

artists as well. So,

after all precautions

fire

to the correct temperature for the clay

body you have chosen.

is

sitting in a

is

as

you wish, the frog

prominent location, and

the sound of the water laxing.

Remember

that

is

audible and

splash always go together. If your fountain splashes water outside the pool,

frog hose

re-

sound and

will require frequent filling.

hose ends just vinyl

2:

Bury the preformed pool

to the

To be

safe to fire.

chips of clay

mouth

silicone caulk

firmly into the hole and allow this as-

sembly

happens

short of

Add more

mouth.

a small hole

Carve clay from the inside of

thick areas, like the

ended before

inch

hose should exit from the bottom of the sculpture.

and

hose tubing and

Step

the hose inside.

sides

its

you

be able to

it

because the clay channel will

Simply squeeze some onto

hose

does not need

where

to reach the point

the channel. Push

will

It

carry the water to the frog's

while allowing the

in plastic

inside the frog's body.

firing,

Keep the sculpture

against this.

mm)

Reinstall the Vs-inch (3

it

has hardened slightly, remove the vinyl

and simply model

between the

Attach the Tubing

it

than letting the hose protrude from the it

:

in the sculpture so

out of the hardening

frogs mouth, hold

1

Up Your Fountain

to the Frog

When

wrapped

mouth.

to the frogs

in several layers of soft plastic

when it

Vs-

vinyl hose in the clay,

form a channel that

from the

Setting

Move

it

the

and adjust the flow control on the

pump

until the flow

is

optimal.

Then

decorate the edges of the pool with stones and plantings as desired.

Projects

in

Ceramic, Concrete, Stone, and Metal

133

1

n SB

t

'***

,

,.

\

:?%«

*W *v

m -*i

•

;

«•

> j*

w *

'V

Building a Full-Sized Waterfall

A

waterfall

and pond are perhaps the most

jects because,

enough

skill

more than any

their enthusiastic fashion

we

all

fountain pro-

others, they closely imitate nature. With

and energy, we can even create an environment where

aquatic animals can reside

how

satisfying of

in prolific

is

them reproduce

health. Seeing

cheering to the

rapidly nature accepts a sensitively

spirit.

It

managed

gives us

to see

offering of habitat. As

we

enjoy the added attraction of a garden pond,

hope

in

are sure to gain an

increased appreciation of natural systems. Fascinated by the

added dimension of water

Webster spends most of water garden features lotus, his

his

for a

in

the garden, Barnabas

waking moments designing and growing

list

of clients.

company, Nelumbo Water Gardens

everything from excavation plans to frogs,

(see

Named

appendix

cattails,

the sacred

C) provides

and ongoing mainte-

nance.The following project gives you Barney's recipe waterfall that

for

installing

for a small

pond and

you can construct without heavy equipment.

J 135

V^S.

*

Small Waterfall and Pond ^f

his project,

designed by Barnabas Webster of Nelumbo

Water Gardens, creates an outdoor pond with about

3 feet

3

(1 .2

by 3

ing

(1

bog

by

2.4

m

by

area.

he locates

a small waterfall

will

m)

If

1

in

need an area of garden

at least

ponds

4 feet by 8

order to construct the minimal-sized pool,

a sloping

site,

so

much

all

usually

m),with the adjacent waterfall and surround-

you have

it

in

biofilter in his

the waterfall. Any waterfall

ponds, and

— small or large

— can accommodate the system he has developed, and

m) high that you can construct without heavy

(1

equipment. You feet

Barney uses a water-hyacinth

boast amazingly clear water because of

need cleaning only once

a year,

it.

His filters

even with

and (even messier)

ingly large populations offish

his

surpris-

turtles

liv-

ing in the ponds.

the better.

water hyacinths decorative plants lava rock

PVC pipe stone ledge

biofilter

tub

planting ledge vinyl

•"'.' -*>:c

".".*.

"i

:

-%'

->($!•

':.•'

\'

"

hose

pump

•

bottom pump's

electrical

cord

uilding

a

Full-Sized Waterfall

137

umi

T

R

E

A

I

S

L

Finding the Right Stones

ISkA You

For the

Pond and Streambed m) each of

•Vinyl hose: 10' (3

ID hose

and

^ ^-'

1

"

(2.5

from

Carpet scraps or

•

Builder's sand,

pounds (380 •

I)

EPDM

liner

best)

is

underlayment

fall

Preformed

biofilter

PVC

pipe:

0'

cm)

ID pipe

(3

tub

m) length of

connectors

1

"

(2.5

PVC pipe

•

3 four-way

•

7

end caps

•

3

hose clamps

•

50 pounds (22.7 kg) broken lava rock

•

Several water hyacinth plants

for

PVC pipe

Pump

Pump: Size and power

will

depend on

the size of your waterfall; review The

Pump and •

Electrical

System on page 4

GFCI outdoor outlet or GFCI extension cord buried in

•

1

PVC pipe

in-line shut-off valve

Tools •

Spade, wheelbarrow, crowbar, strong

back

cement and saw

•

Pipe

•

Electric

drill

with Vi6"

(5

mm)

drill bit

Consider stocking your pond with small

(shown

fish;

larger

ponds can hold

live in

colder regions, check with your local

koi

extension service to determine

here).

If

you

how deep

the pond should be to allow the

fish to safely

winter over.

138

uilding

you have access to rocky

can probably

will

will

land, or

buy

it

offer

stone

in

several types.

create the look of a natural, weath-

already have lichens and

moss

clinging to a fairly

to flourish.

a

Full-Sized Waterfal

amount

of stones you'll need by considering the

and stone ledge. Buy more than you need, so that you

Stone

•

For the

latter

rounded, irregularly shaped fieldstones

humid climate

of building stone

•

•

landscape stone company. The

Estimate the

for

if

the edges of

them. Such stones are highly prized by Japanese garden designers and reguire

For the Biofilter

1

the pond. You can collect stone

line

pea gravel: about 250

pond

Ample supply

supply of stone to form the waterfall and

ered streambed. Sometimes the stones

14 kg) each for 100-gallon

(1

a

Softly

Flexible liner (45-mil

a

fit

pump's outflow

•

need

cm)

a smaller hose, sized to

•

will

is

typically sold

will

volume of your water-

be able to pick and choose.

by the cubic yard and can be delivered by the supplier.

Planning the Waterfall

and Pond Step

1

Excavating the Pond

Site the

:

As you plan rhe

Pond and Waterfall

you have

you envision

a natural

drop

for the

pond.

If

in elevation, site

the elements accordingly, with the waterfall

from the highest ground. Try

rising

not to place your pond run-off will flow into lution

For Example: Your pond measures 3

layout, a rope or garden

hose can be useful for marking the undulating edge

Step

from lawn

in a gully,

it,

bringing in pol-

fertilizers,

tion overfilling the

where

feet

To allow the

pond

feet

for the

2.5

long by 2 feet deep.

rounded corners,

by 3.5 by

13.125 cubic

Multiply

feet.

of 98.44

The

waterfall

is

which

possible, avoid areas beneath large trees,

inches wide. Following the

where heavy shade

mula,

choices of flowering plants.

by 7.5

this

1

x

4

Calculate the Water

need to

will

either build

up the downhill edge of the

pond

away

or cut

its

uphill edge, form-

you can cover with

cliff that

long board to plan the location of the

x

it's

1

inch deep and 4

same

The

on which

the pond

site.

you dig out of

material

As you dig out the pond,

transport the material to the

chosen

waterfall

site

you've

the elevation and reposition

there, packing

it

Volume

for

a small

to site the waterfall, build

one from the

for-

you don't have

If

hill

36 = 144 cubic inches or

7!/2 gallons.

tip

(&)

falling

cubic foot; multiply this by 7.5 gal-

of roughly 2:

you

level,

waterline on this surface while digging.

lons per cubic foot to reach a figure

Step

not

is

stone for the waterfall. Use a level on a

of

3 feet high and at

the spillway (the point at

1

If your site

roughly, 100 gallons.

or,

water begins)

reduce your

total

Pond

Level a Site for the

:

ing a small

gallons per cubic foot to reach a figure

escape of your fish into the garden! If

will

call

1.5 feet.

Multiplying these gives you a

not to men-

pond and allowing

wide by 4

1

it

down

firmly.

should thus reduce the pond's depth by It's

important to make the pond large

—

less

than 2 inches.

Step

enough that

about 8 percent

when you

start the

pump and

The pond descends

fill

Step

3:

Plan for Access to

The

the streambed from the pond, the drop in water level

culating the

not too drastic. By

is

volume of the

Water and and

Another consideration

is

your pond's

proximity to a water supply

drop

filling)

in waterline that will occur.

Calculate volume by multiplying length by width by depth to give you the cubic

volume of water

If you're

measuring

number by

ply this

number of gallons measuring

in the

in feet, multi-

pond.

Do

that will

form your

same

If you're

multiply this

to yield the

of liters.

the

your

7.5 to yield the

in meters,

number by 1,000

in

for the

waterfall.

number streambed

and

the edge of the

dig

(for easy

to electrical service.

You can

have a licensed electrician run a separate circuit

from your

electrical

panel to an

it

to

make

and plants liner.

sure

stones you'll place

Wide

an extension cord already equipped with

barely reaches the

run

it

Wherever the cord

from a house crosses a

outlet.

walkway or

it's

that conceal

you

a level as

broad,

and

level,

cm)

(5 to 7.5

deeper than the waterline. Design the

in width.

GFCI and

Use

uniformly 2 to 3 inches

outdoor outlet with a GFCI, or purchase

a

of ledges.

surrounds the edge and con-

first

tains the stones

cal-

waterfall

in a series

Electricity

then of the pond, you can estimate the

pond.

Dig Out the Stone Ledge

2:

in relation to the waterfall so

but not flooded

on the ledge

pockets soil,

to vary

— where water

keeping

it

wet

— can be planted

as

bog gardens. Some of the showiest flow-

lawn, bury a piece of 2-inch (5 cm)

ering plants, such as

PVC pipe and run the cord through. When you're winterizing the pond, you

flowers, require precisely these condi-

can remove the cord for storage.

enough

tions.

uilding

The

a

irises

stones should

for

you

and cardinal

sit

firmly

to stand on.

Full-Sized Waterfall

139

Constructing the Biofilter Step

Dig Out the Planting Ledge

3:

The pond vertically

wall should

almost

about 10 inches (25 cm) to

the next ledge,

and

now drop

which should be

you can

level as

Most of the

afford.

aquatic plants you'll use do best sitting

on

in individual pots

This

this ledge.

second ledge also serves

:

Assemble the

Biofilter tubs

come

wide molded spout for

1)

to

in size, with a

form the spillway inlet fitting in

the bottom. Plan the grid of it

will

fit

climbing out of the pond.

PVC

pipe

inside the biofilter tub.

Use the four-way connectors

anyone

Step

Biofilter

in black plastic,

your waterfall and an

so that

as a safety fea-

ture, offering a secure step to

1

about 15 gallons (57

wide

as

Step

to

form

on the

the tub

moved from

pile

of fill you have

the pond)

In colder regions, check with your local

extension service to find out

pond needs

how deep

(1

m) above

the pond's surface.

Two

feet (60

Make

cm)

most

areas.

cally

from the plant ledge

is

hose clamp, attach a length of vinyl hose

and run

to the inlet valve

this

down

into

tub

—

the

pond

on the

eventually you'll tuck the edge of liner against the soil,

ting.

it

to the inlet

fit-

Rather than having water rush

inlet,

the

PVC

behind

the rocks that form the spillway. Let the

hose to the tub's inlet soil at a

come out of the

point several inches above the

pond's water

T

level.

grid diffuses

the dirty inlet water, creating a better

plenty in

filter.

the walls drop vertito the

On top

of the

PVC

grid,

fill

the

tub almost to the top with broken

bottom

chunks of lava rock. biofilter

to allow for

maximum

the best protection

water volume;

you can

offer

a

bore a sequence

electric drill,

point of the

frogs can hibernate safely over the

With

With an

into the tub in a solid stream at the

and

to be so that fish

and adjust the

height of its spillway to around 3 feet

Dig Out the Bottom

4:

re-

the pond. Pack a layer of soil around the

bottom, and attach

winter.

a hole for the biofilter tub (or set

and cap each end.

Place the grid inside the tub,

the

Set the Biofilter

three arms, as shown,

of holes through the top of the pipes.

Step

Dig

2:

tub

nlet valve inlet valve

animal

soil

residents is

is

high water quality, which

far easier to

maintain where there

pond

is

adequate water volume. After a season of use, the

pond

Why will

accumulate a layer of mud and debris the bottom. This

is

little

extra

room

"^ in

S

''"

and

fish,

for this layer,

Lava Rock?

Nitrifying bacteria will naturally colonize

an important refuge

for hibernating frogs

vin y! n ose

liner

and crannies of

so allow a

lava

rock's

the nooks

enormous

surface area. These bacteria convert the

t

toxic

ammonia

tively

harmless

of

fish

waste into

rela-

stone ledge

sumed by

nitrates,

in

of the biofilter tub. board,

bottom

140

Building

a

level,

and measuring tape

used to keep the ledges

Full-Sized Waterfall

level

are con-

the mat of water hyacinths

that you'll plant

planting ledge

which

the upper few inches

Finishing the Pond Step

When

1:

Building the Waterfall Step

Size the Liner

you

and shape

are sure of the size

of your pond and waterfall, buy sized as follows:

a liner

pond, and

You can use

nies) to

Add

pressure.

add 2 extra will

Then

(60 cm) so that there

feet

be a foot (30 cm) of extra liner

fill

If

enough

short

is

to in-

filling

it

a layer

it

it lie

as

you

easier for

and, well above water

up underneath

liner

the liner

to

up the

herent in the waterfall makes

pond

outlet, or

with a GFCI,

it

small hole in the rubber

for a 12

vinyl hose

from the

and Shut-Off Valve Begin building the waterfall by setting

into every

—

fairly large, stable

ledge at

this

its

stones in the stone

base. Leave

room

at the side

make changes

of the waterfall for a small chamber

waterfall face

the stone ledge, hidden by a covering

make

stone

a

liner. Pull

biofilter

down

Set the Base Stones

2:

lid,

through which the vinyl hose

connecting the

the

in

pump

to the biofilter

through so

tub can run. Inside the hidden cham-

pump

ber, install a shut-off valve in the vinyl

inch (30 cm) overlap. This overlap must

that

be located in a drop where water does

the pond. This hole should be located

hose. This

not pool, so

where water does not run

flow easier and offers a good place for

avoid leaks.

as to

For Example:

Let's return to

our

it;

pond

that's

and 2

feet deep. It has planting ledges

all

3 feet wide by 4 feet long

around, and a 3-foot waterfall

(3')

plus 2 x depth

(4')

Conclusion:

by 12

feet,

(1'

plus 2 x depth

wide, plus 2 x stone ledges

feet

your goal

to the

directly

in

onto

If

(1'

you buy

you

will

(2'

x 2) = 7'

x 2) = (2'

size

of the tubing, which

is

usually larger at the biofilter inlet than at the

large over-

pump

outflow. (Hardware

stores sell a selection fittings that

of PVC

you can attach

to the valve to reduce the

stone.

9'.

x 2) =

makes controlling the pump's

reducing the

is

hanging

wide, plus 2 x stone ledges

Length

can be run

beneath the

6 inches wide.

Width

it

the air space

that's

as

laid in.

pond while

level,

running the

it

is

long as possible

later. Lift

it,

in

previously described

on the ground

potentially leak. But the elevation inpossible

fitted

it

of builder's sand to

with water to force

crevice. Let

makes

thus avoiding joints that could

to use a scrap of liner for

an extension cord

and place

GFCI

into a

it

the

all

dips in the excavation, smoothing

untrimmed

whole system with one sheet of

it

the pond. Plug

pump

be installing a

shut-off valve in the line,

This prevents

Finally, lay the liner in the

the waterfall

liner,

Use

Pump

to high, since you'll

Step

clude in this calculation, you can cover the

liner.

the surface before the carpet

all

way around.

the

way

(a fi-

under the stretching force of water

it

2.

underlayment

cushion the

rectangle expressed in length by width.

depth times

liner

the

1: Install

Set the flow control of the

pointed stones and roots from piercing

waterfall, yielding a

to this figure

Step

supply of old carpet

a

buy

scraps or

the Liner

Install

brous pad sold by pond supply compa-

Measure the footprint

of your water feature, including stone ledge,

Pad and

2:

size 8'

of the

line.)

Then

attach the hose to the

x 2) = 10'.

pump's outflow.

a liner 10

have a scrap for

the waterfall at least 3 feet wide cut

from one of its

sides.

u

i

I

d

i

n g

a

Full-Sized Waterfall

141

.

Finishing Touches Step

Build the

3:

Overhang

Build up the front of the waterfall by

Bring the edge of the liner to the surface

setting stones over the liner covering the

beside the waterfall stones, cupping the

biofilter,

allowing for an overhanging

ledge where water (

1

falls

6 to 12 inches

30 cm) into the pond. This

5 to

greatly amplify the

sound of the water,

providing an

as well as

will

air

space for any

stream of water on both

around

Making

sides.

none of the stream escapes

sure that

cm) of untrimmed edge

to hide

beneath

stones arranged around the sides and,

necessary breaks in the liner (such as the

necessary, the back of the earth

hole for the hose to the biofilter or pos-

Trim the

„.-'

nique to as well

if

This

if

a

from the

liner

a very

handy tech-

Connect

garden hose to

a

faucet and drop the other end

pond. Turn on the water, and

hose

is

later

it

the pond needs to be emptied

in

the

when

the

with water and begins

filled

mound. spilling into

extra

is

and you can use

learn,

for cleaning.

fold back at least 6 inches (15

it,

Draining the Pond with a Siphon

P "

Step 1:Tuck the Liner

the pond, quickly turn off

around the water while simultaneously crimp-

sibly the overlap in liners

between wa-

the pond, leaving 6 inches (15

cm)

for ing the faucet

terfall

and pond). Continue

With the hose

stone up the front of the biofilter until the liner

shut.

full

still

in

and one end

the pond, unscrew

faucet. Carry this

the spillway.

Step

2:

Plant the Biofilter

and Pond

overhang to Set the water hyacinths in the top layer

amplify sound

of water

to the edge stones.

held firmly in place beneath

is

end of the hose

tucking underneath as you backfill up

to stack

of the

biofilter tub.

plants

and

They

will happily thrive in the ever-

from the

to an area of lower

pond and

release the

crimp. Water should run from the hose, It

will

continue to do

so as long as the other end remains

beneath the surface of the pond water.

flowing water. Note that they are not

doors. If you live in colder areas,

elevation than the

draining the pond.

are floating

winter-hardy and do not winter well

end

it

in-

you may

have to discard your plants at the end of the growing season shut-off

valve

warmer

in the spring. In vinyl

overlapping pond

tube

liners

and purchase more regions,

make

sure that the plants are well contained in

the tub, as water hyacinths are extremely

Step

4:

Test the Water Flow invasive

At

this

point check your waterfall with

water. This

is

a

good chance

pump, although work

to test

your

a garden hose will

just as well. Fill the biofilter to

overflowing and the stones

let

the water run over

you have placed beneath the

You

and

are

will spread quickly.

now

margin of the pond.

ginal

bog

plants,

liner,

suggestions.

some

water.

a

and stones

bury the cord from the

pond

Building

the shallow

the streambed construction.

ledge, too. See

142

Fill

stone ledge with gravel, clumps of mar-

spillway. If you begin to overfill the

you can always siphon out

ready to finish the

Full-Sized Waterfall

left

from

You can

pump

in this

appendix B for planting

This waterfall

is

set over a fairly large

pond.

The mass of water hyacinths forming the top layer of the biofilter create a vivid

green accent.

.

"

*$0r

'

:

•

%

«

Appendix

land,

A:

Bringing Life to

Your Fountain is

nature's determination to

and support

create

more stubborn

life

displayed with

watery setting. Even the smallest indoor fountain can

tem

if you

and allow

become an aquatic

with suitable plants

fill it

it

to function undisturbed.

The amount of light key, as

available

falling

often

and bubbling

produced by the fountain

tain

is

the oxygen level of the water,

is

enhanced by the

A

ecosys-

successful garden

itself.

pond must con-

both plants and animals for a

your region whenever possible. Native

rooted in

animals and plants will survive local

the moisture associated with water gar-

temperature extremes without protec-

dens.

and

they'll

respond to

we

subtle controls of which

dimly aware.

If yours

is

a range

of

are only

a tropical cli-

provide

frost doesn't

a natural control for tropical plants

and

The

leaf shapes

sive

import that

is

an inva-

is

safe to introduce

only into colder climates where

ably to the design of a large or small fountain.

the rocks in moist woodlands. Using

can

it

mostly of ammonia. This

is

made up

converted

peeling texture. Ferns are also easy to

into nitrites, fertilizer,

and

finally into nitrates

—

or food for plants. As the

they are eaten by the animals,

sulting in the excretion of

completing the

144

as

complex

create an environas

an outdoor wet-

you use

for best results.

'^r^.

Definitions

it

does in parts of the southeast-

ern United States.

is

its

And

loosestrife,

magenta spikes

in late

an invasive plant impervious

Whole

x

ecosystems in the

tered

by

its

introduction. lists

thrive.

which they

"^ v

al-

of common

and the

to choose

den center

"

are the terms you'll

situa-

best function or

For more detail on

how

walk into

a gar-

.

to

purchase

plants for your fountain or pond, these

how

to

need to know.

Potted: Needs to be rooted a pot; the pot can

in soil in

then be placed

in

the

pool of water.

propagate and care for the plants, as well as

When you

-~

;

Northeast have been permanently

Marginal: Grows

among them, its

in

shallow water,

leaves extended out of or float-

ing

on the water.

look for a local garden center that specializes in water gardening,

and

Floating: Grows without ing freely

in

soil, float-

the water.

ask for advice there. re-

waste,

cycle.

Whenever you ment

more

centers. If

consult a water gardening book, or

plants flourish in the presence of nitrates,

most garden

find in

with

by the ubiquitous nitrifying bacteria

flat,

them misted

as

tions in

is

around your fountain

ways

The

and animals: Animal waste

They may be found among

these plants in indoor fountains, keep

plants for water gardens,

example of the synergy between plants

of all ferns add immeasur-

never spread to the wild, choking water-

Following are

another hallowed

strong, serrated

unique gray-green coloration and

for instance,

oxygen and produce carbon dioxide. is

and the

able in mosses

^-

nitrogen cycle

variety of bright greens avail-

Water hyacinth,

to frost.

water-breathing animals use up the

level, love

brings the added bonus of the lichen's

system by which plants produce food

and other

above water

into the wild, be especially careful.

summer,

quires carbon dioxide. Fish

soil

while they must be

these rocks

attractive for

re-

ferns,

animals that escape from your garden

healthy balance. Photosynthesis, the

from sunlight, produces oxygen and

and Lichens

Mosses and

mate where winter

persistence than in a

Ferns, Mosses,

best to tread with respect,

stocking plants and animals native to

tion,

Nowhere

it is

There

are

many more

choices than

those listed here, of course. Use these lists

as a

beginning guide, then go out

and explore the options you

in

available to

your region and climate.

Oxygenator: the water.

Diffuses

oxygen

into

Submerged Oxygenators

Plants for Small, Indoor Fountains

Oxygenators diffuse oxygen into the

Small, shade-tolerant plants are proba-

water, a necessary element for animal

bly the

most

taineer.

Many

life.

An

incidental advantage to sub-

merged oxygenators

is

that they provide

cover and habitat for the smallest fishes

and tadpoles. Goldfish

merged stems and likely to

leaves,

and

lighting.

on sub-

are

off into the woods,

•

Dwarf umbrella palm

Plants for Large,

polysperma)

If

(Cyperus haspan)

•

Salvinia (Salvinia auriculata)

Sunny Reservoirs

your pond or large reservoir receives

heavy sun exposure, these are the plants

Keep

mind

that although these

•

Sagittaria (Sagittaria graminea)

plants thrive in full sun,

•

Vallisneria (Vallisneria gigantea)

will •

Showy Flowers

to

show

blooms, there are with

or large reservoir

off some beautiful

many

large, vibrant,

aquatic plants

showy

flowers to

choose from, including:

your pond when

in

will stroll

and some

will arrive

uninvited.

ment value of having animals

live in

your pond, some can have a noticeable

acicularis)

to try.

and want

(Cyperus

remain

will

Aside from the obvious entertain-

aquaticum)

pond

water in

as ditch

Dwarf papyrus

Hygrophilla (Hygrophilla

a

common

law;

•

•

you have

by

are protected

you introduce them, some

Hair grass (Eleocharis

(Myriopbyllum

Some

and

Duckweed (Lemna minor)

•

Plants with

others are as

alternifolius)

caroliniana)

the wild.

catalogs,

•

Cabomba (Cabomba

Parrot's feather

in

from pond supply

Some

•

•

are:

stores,

gramineus)

times sold as Elodea

If

My favorite varieties

office

Aquatic animals are available in pet

spring and can be collected for the asking.

more

— some

under

Animals for Water Gardens

Acorus (Acorus calamus, A.

•

plants.

Anacharis (Egeria densa)

of these trusty individuals

will survive in tiny pools

breed in ponds with plenty of

submerged •

lay eggs

useful to the indoor foun-

Common

do

in

many of them

just as well in partial shade.

Arrowhead arum

(Sagittaria

environmental impact. Turtles and especially large

and big

and greedy

fish like koi

goldfish, excrete large

amounts

of solid waste. This requires large populations of nitrifying bacteria to control

the potentially toxic

and uses

lots

ammonia

you have these animals

•

Blue

be sure to

•

Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

biofilter to treat

•

Cattail (Typha spp.)

ria

•

Imperial taro (Colocasia esculenta)

•

Lotus (Nelumbo spp.)

tadpoles,

•

Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata)

the

pump

and increase

Some

levels,

of dissolved oxygen. If

latifolia)

flag (Iris versicolor)

fish,

in

your pond,

the water through a

with nitrifying bacte-

it

its

oxygen

level.

animals, such as snails and

consume

pond looking

algae

and thus keep

Others, such as

•

Blue flag

•

Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

•

Water canna (Thalia geniculata)

freshwater mussels,

•

Imperial taro (Colocasia esculenta)

•

Water hawthorne (Aponogeton

through their bodies and remove or-

•

Lotus (Nelumbo spp.)

distachyus)

ganic material such as fish waste and

•

Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata)

(Iris versicolor)

•Water canna (Thalia geniculata) •Water hyacinth (Eichbornia

•

lily

•

(Nymphaea

Yellow flag

(Iris

spp.)

pseudacorus)

lily

(Nymphaea

spp.)

filter

pond water

rotting leaves, resulting in

improved

Water plantain (Alisma plantago-

water quality. Even the smallest goldfish

aquatica)

gobble up mosquito larvae to keep the

•Yellow

crassipes)

•Water

•Water

tidy.

flag (Iris pseudacorus)

pond from contributing your garden. tails

Some

this pest to

plants, such as cat-

and water hyacinth,

are also excel-

lent water purifiers.

Appendix

145

Cleaning Fountains and Ponds

Winterizing

Stocking Limits

Providers of

_

You don't want to over-

of ultraviolet

^'

stock reservoirs with ani-

water treatment products ranging from

simple

mals that can't simply get up and leave

natural nitrifying bacteria to a dark blue

depth to which your pond

overcrowded

dye designed to retard the growth of

Anything within

algae by restricting sunlight. Usually the

damaged by

simplest approach

be removed, emptied, washed, and

"j^v

x

tadpoles.

situations,

A good

allow 3 gallons

(1

1

such as

rule of I)

fish

thumb

per inch

and is

to

cm) of

(2.5

take

its

pond

supplies offer a range

skimmers, and

filters,

is

best. Let

Winterizing fountains and ponds for freezing temperatures

nature

course before you assume you

common

this

made

to

Many

Although more exotic animals such as fire

newts and African tree frogs can

be purchased from suppliers,

works best

it

usually

to respect the species native

At

to

your

in

temperature extremes for which they

area.

are not suited.

best, exotics will perish

At worst, they

products.

whether there to

is

me

any product available

out

effort.

Chlorine bleach, added

minute amounts

One

to water, kills bacteria.

drop of bleach per pint (0.5 drinkable and should

is

in

1)

of

the

kill

escape from your garden to flourish

bacteria that cause slime in fountains.

unchecked by natural predators,

Larger amounts

to

upset the balance in the world outside

pump

your

Still,

gates.

may

many

problems.

snails

and other

water animals that accompany them,

Appendix B: Maintenance

probably best not to add any chemi-

it's

including bleach, to the water.

cals,

better alternative

is

remove any

algae. Frost-tender tropi-

and animals can winter

even a bowl on a windowsill. Hardy

and goldfish can be

plants

for the winter with

one

left in

ponds

stipulation:

Goldfish, frogs, and turtles require water sufficiently

zone

deep to provide an

ice-free

for hibernation.

to let

Maintenance

for

Ponds

A

your plants

should

some

know

care,

that

pond, you

ponds do require

but very

compared

little

go dormant

in winter, leaving a layer

of dying vegetation that uses oxygen

decompose. This competes with the

to

For the most part garden ponds and

throughout the small pool, purifying

needs offish, which depend on a

fountains offer a carefree alternative to

the water. However,

high

high-maintenance conventional gardens.

plants, simply

There's no need to weed, as weeds form

every

backbone of aquatic

the

water,

beyond the occasional

which usually manages admire your shining water

lilies.

No

about cleaning ier

life.

itself

fish

and

No

need to

refilling

—

while you delicate

need to be a neatnik it

out, because

it's

health-

with a layer of muck in the bottom.

146

Appendix

If

you're without

wash the fountain

parts

the water to a comfortable

you need

remove the decom-

level,

which can

leave deposits of

posing vegetation. If possible,

on fountain

distilled

water

parts, use

it

deposits often can be dissolved in vinegar.

back

in late

wallow if

make

a pleasure.

you can stand spring,

to

first

cut

summer, when lingering

hot afternoons

in the fountain. If

you're unable to use distilled water,

soaked

At some point before spring

supplied by hard

salts

fairly

of dissolved oxygen for sur-

is

mineral

salt

vival.

level

warms

or so.

your area

water,

if

to

dry-land gardens. Hardy plants will

do the work. Their roots spread

month

an

in

indoor aquarium, water-filled tub, or

If your fountain flows into a

fountains contain

and the small

plants

A submerged pump

attack plastic

parts, causing other

since

zone that can be

be removed and thoroughly cleaned

cal plants

keep fountains sparkling clean with-

water

will

people have asked

will freeze.

the expansion of ice should

stored until spring.

may

a matter of

sense. Estimate the

aguatic creature.

need to interfere by introducing man-

is

this

Then

muddy

as

soon

to get into the

remove

leaves

as

water

in

from the bottom

by simply scooping them out

Be

fuls.

less

blobs before you add

them

to the

— sometimes only

compost

pile

slightest

movement

the fact that this still

hand-

examine these shape-

careful to

bullfrog,

in

will alert

you

Draining a pond and scrubbing the

not the good housekeeping

it

VA

22304,

liner

seems.

692-2837,

site:

www.adamsandadkins.com.

and complete fountains.

Brass Baron, 10151 Pacific Mesa

Web

site:

and decorative fiberbut their web

glass pools; wholesale only, site

Cane and Rush Supply, 7252

ronment perform countless

services of

Heil Avenue, Huntington Beach,

which our understanding

only slowly

92647, (714) 847-0707,

A good

taining your don't

"If

is,

when mainit

ain't

broke,

and

pond

has a biofilter with

site:

www.franksupply.com. Chair cane for weaving,

bamboo spouts, and bamboo poles.

Redford,

lava rocks, clean this with a

garden hose to remove accumulated waste. Store any

plumbing

winter after being sure

drained from

Web

CA

Harry's Special Places, 20489 Denby,

fix it!"

If your

pipes

pond

rule

all

fish

for the

water

is

it.

MI

48240, (313) 531-2212,

Fax (313) 531-2213. Water garden, fountain,

and pond supplies.

C:

Mail-Order

Web

site:

www.MarylandAquatic.com. Water

and pond supplies.

garden, fountain,

Paradise Water Gardens, Street,

Whitman,

1

4

May

MA 02382,

(800)

955-0161, Fax (781) 447-4591,

Web

www.paradisewatergardens.com.

site:

Real Goods, 555 Leslie

CA 95482-5526, Web

site:

Street,

Ukiah,

Fax (800) 508-2342,

www.realgoods.com. Solar

poweredfountain pumps.

Reimer Waterscapes, 55653 RR#3, Tillsonburg,

Bestline,

ON N4G 4H3,

(519) 842-6049, Fax (519) 688-5459.

Water garden, fountain, and pond supplies.

SW

OR 97062,

Gardens Boulevard, Winter Haven, FL

33884-1932, (941) 293-7151. Water

and pond supplies.

garden, fountain,

Web

Van Ness Water Gardens, 2460 North

site:

www.waterplant.com. Water

and pond supplies.

Euclid Avenue, Upland,

Lilypons Water Gardens, 6800

1

Lilypons Road, P.O. Box 10,

7217,

Buckystown, 7667,

Suppliers

(410) 557-7615, Fax (410)

(503) 638-1709, Fax (503) 638-9035,

garden, fountain,

Appendix

Jarrettsville,

Slocum Water Gardens, 1101 Cypress

Hughes Water Gardens, 25289 Stafford Road, Tualatin,

Inc.,

Water garden, fountain, and pond supplies.

has a dealer directory.

Frank's

developing.

CA

www.brassbaron.com.

These inhabitants of your aquatic envi-

is

3427 North Furnace Road,

Web

Cast bronze statuary is

Maryland Aquatic Nurseries,

MD 21084,

92121,

and bacteria from the pond

04 South

Boulevard, Suite 104, San Diego,

your touch!

algae

1

(703) 823-3404, Fax (703) 823-5367,

The

too cold to respond to

Inc.,

Early Street, Alexandria,

Fountain supplies

to

hibernating

a

is

the

Adams and Adkins,

Web

MD 21717,

site:

(800) 723-

www.lilypons.com.

CA

91784-

199, (800) 205-2425, Fax (909) 949-

Web

www.vnwg.com. Water

site:

garden, fountain,

and pond supplies.

Waterford Gardens, 74 East Allendale

Water garden, fountain, and pond supplies.

Road, Saddle River, NJ 07458, (201)

Nelumbo Water Gardens

327-0721, Fax (201) 327-0684,

(Barnabas

Web

Iflocal sources don't exist or don't have

Webster), 44 Collation Circle, North

site:

what you want, you can order aquatic

Kingstown, RI 02852, (401) 294-3717.

garden, fountain,

In the region, water feature installation

Wicklein's Water Gardens, P.O. Box

plants

and fountains

parts (and

times the whole fountain!) from the companies listed below.

Contact them for alogs

and

price

cat-

lists.

some-

and maintenance; provides

everything

from backhoe and grading plan to frogs, cattails,

and ongo-

ing maintenance.

waterford-gardens.com. Water

9780, Baldwin, 6716,

Web

site:

and pond supplies.

MD 21013, (800) 382www.wickleinaqua-

tics.com. Water garden, fountain,

and

pond supplies.

Appendix

147

1

Cedar Water Garden with Bamboo

ndex

Flute,

46-51,46-5/

tions; those in

in italics indicate illustra-

bold indicate

charts.

D "Deck" cutting

Ceramic, concrete, stone, metal projects, 71 Page references

1

1

Birdshower Fountain, 110-15, 110-15

Deer Scare

tip,

31

58-63, 58-63

(Shishi Odoshi),

Bamboo, 42-45, 42-45

Dipper,

Cast-Stone Sluice Flowing into

Hypertufa Trough, 124-29, 124-29

A

Ceramic Lotus Splashing Fountain,

Algae

tip,

Animals

tips,

EPDM

96-101,96-/0/

145

in fountains,

Antiquing

Ecosystem, fountains

145 —46, 146

B Bamboo and wood projects, 39 Bamboo Dipper, 42-45, 42-45 Bamboo Spout with Concrete Coin

80-86 clay,

for a

Pond,

84

Filters, 6,

Bamboo

Flute,

102—3

68—69

58-63

1

animals as

location

1,

Chi,

Clay,

Birdbath, sandcasting a concrete, 116-17,

viii,

79, 83,

viii,

1

for,

Birdshower Fountain, 110-15, 110-15

Coin Basin (Concrete) with Bamboo Spout, 118-23, 118-23

Bonsai Garden Lava Rock Fountain, 22-27,

Concrete. See also Ceramic, concrete, stone,

Coin Basin with Bamboo Cast-Stone Sluice Flowing into Hypertufa

Trough, 124-29, 124-29

77

52-57, 52-57

148

147

Frost

for,

3—4

damage prevention

tip,

103

metal projects birdbath, sandcasting, 116-17,

Cedar and Bamboo Fountain

repairs,

8-9

144-45

reservoirs, 2, 2, 3,

tip,

7-8

oxygenators, 144, 145

84

plants

22-27

7,

2-3

Cleaning ponds and fountains, 147

116-17

electrical system;

145^46, 146

materials, sources for,

1

working with, 79,

in,

maintenance and basic

104-11

6-7

Pump and

fountain piece, 2, 2,

Tsukubai Portable Fountain, 104-1

50

Bamboo and wood

ecosystem, 144-46

fengshui,

stucco, working with, 87

working with, 41, 47, 107, 121

7—8

Tabletop fountains; Waterfall and Pond

16—1 17,

96-101,96-/0/

Beach, Seaside, 16-21, 16-21

2, 2, 7,

Ceramic, concrete, stone, metal

projects;

Splashing Ceramic Lotus Fountain,

Shishi Odoshi (Deer Scare), 58—63,

2, 5

Cedar Water Garden with, 46-51, 46-51

projects;

116-17

rigging sculpture, 68-69,

144

lichens,

6-7

Fountains. See also

lotus plant, 102-3,

sandcasting a concrete birdbath,

64-69, 64-69

1

and

Fountain piece,

Concrete Spouting Wall Fountain,

modeling

viii,

Flow control,

Mosaic Fountain, Small, 72-79, 72-79

Half Barrel with Spouting Sculpture,

Caulk

122

Floating plants, 144

88-94, 88-94 Flute,

46-51,46-51

filters, 6,

79, 83,

Concrete Coin Basin with

52-57, 52-57

Cedar Water Garden with Bamboo

Biological

working with, 79,

Spout, 118-23, 118-23

Cedar and Bamboo Fountain

Fengshui,

Ferns, mosses,

concrete, working with, 87, 127

118-23

tip,

liner,

130-33, 130-33

Ceramic Spouting Wall Fountain, 80-86,

Beveling on table saw

pond

Ceramic Spouting Sculpture, Small,

101, 114

Basin, 118-23,

for

144-46

as,

for a

Pond,

116-17

Spout,

1

18-23,

Gallons per hour (GPH), 5

Ground

fault circuit interrupter

(GFCI), 6

118-23 Spouting Wall Fountain, 88-94, 88-94

H

working with, 87, 127

Half Barrel with Spouting Sculpture, 64-69,

Copper

Basin, Pottery Jar Overflowing in,

28-33, 28-33

64-69 "Head, the" (overflow point), 5

7

Hill building tip,

Hoses, bending

Housings,

139

Portable Tsukubai Fountain, 104-11,

tip, 15, 15,

37

Pottery grinding

Hypertura Trough, Cast-Stone Sluice

Flowing

Sculpture, Half Barrel with, 64-69,

64-69

31

tip,

Old Copper 28-33, 28-33

Basin,

Pump and

electrical

Impeller, 2

defined, 2,

Inside diameter (ID), 7, 8

filters, 6,

2

Stocking fountains

6-7

Stone finding

flow control, 2, 5

gallons per

tip,

ground

tip,

146

138

7,

7-8

hour (GPH), 5

metal projects Stucco, working with, 87

fault circuit interrupter

(GFCI), 6

Surround, 3

housings, 2, 5-6

140

Lotus plant modeling, 102-3, 102-3

impeller, 2

Lotus Splashing Fountain, Ceramic, 96-101,

noise, 5

96-101

Tabletop fountains,

Maintenance and basic

repairs,

147

size of,

4—5, 5

storage

tip,

styles of,

Marginal plants, 144

1

22-27, 22-27

Mountain Seep, 12-15, 12-15

1

4

Overflowing Pottery Jar

and water hyacinths,

6,

6-7

Basin, 28-33,

Metal projects. See Ceramic, concrete, stone,

lotus plant, 102-3,

102-3

3—^

Tsukubai, 34-37, 34-37,

Rigging sculpture, 68-69, 68-69

1,

104-11 Tubing, bending

N

Sandcasting a concrete birdbath,

1

Nojaim, Tim, 87

Wall Fountain Spouting

Ceramic, 80-86, 80-86

Sculpture rigging,

68-69, 68-69

Concrete, 88-94,

Spouting, Half Barrel with, 64-69,

7, 8

in Old Copper 28-33

Overflowing Pottery Jar

Overflow point, 5

64-69 Spouting, Small Ceramic, 130-33,

130-33

Oxygenators, 144, 145

37

W

Schuck, Richard, 6-7, 23

O

tip, 15, 15,

16—17,

116-17

Natural form, studying, 132

Basin, 28-33,

43

43

Tsukubai Portable Fountain, 104-1

Mountain Seep, 12-15, 12-15

Outside diameter (OD),

Old Copper

16-21

Tsukubai, 34-37, 34-37,

Reservoirs, 2, 2, 3,

Mosaic Fountain, Small, 72-79, 72-79

in

28-33

Seaside Beach, 16-21,

R

metal projects

1

Lava Rock Bonsai Garden Fountain,

overflow point ("the head"), 5

M

Modeling

tip,

Stone projects. See Ceramic, concrete, stone,

fountain piece connection,

22-27

130-33 Wall Fountain, Ceramic, 80-86, 80-86

system

Wall Fountain, Concrete, 88-94, 88-94

cost,

Lava Rock Bonsai Garden Fountain, 22—27,

Sculpture, Small Ceramic, 130-33,

4

I

Lava rock

Spouting

Pottery Jar Overflowing in

124-29, 124-29

into,

104—11

Potted plants, 144

5-6

2,

1

88-94

and Pond, 135-42, 136-42 Water hyacinth, 6, 6—7 Waterfall

Webster, Barnabas, 137

Winterizing ponds and fountains, 147

Seaside Beach, 16-21,

Wood frame design tip, 75 Wood projects. See Bamboo

16-21

Seep, Mountain, 12-15,

12-15 6, 6—7

and wood

projects

"Sewage treatment plant," Pique

assiette,

78,

78 144-45

Plants for fountains,

Plaque hanging Plaster tips,

tip,

Sheldon, Shirley, 97 Shell drilling tip, 20,

85

91,92

Silicone caulk tip,

Ponds. See also Fountains

Siphon

Cedar and Bamboo Fountain 52-57, 52-57 draining with siphon liners, 3,

122

20

Shishi Odoshi (Deer Scare), 58-63,

for

a,

142

77

for draining ponds,

142

Solar power, 4

Soldering tip,

58-63

tips,

108, 108

Splashing Ceramic Lotus Fountain,

96-101, 96-101

Index

149

Other Storey Titles You Will Enjoy Home

& Garden,

tures

Transform everyday items into one-of-a-kind

and

step instructions

and

full-color illustrations

harmony and balance

in

living

Feng Shui

fea

dozens of easy-to-use room

designs, plus simple, inexpensive "cures" to positively in-

dishes, ceramics,

wide range of surfaces. With step-by-

glass to a

to create

lustrated, beginner-friendly guide to

by Marlene Hurley Marshall.

works of art by adhering broken

How

and working environment, by Belinda Henwood and Howard Choy. This delightfully il-

your

& Pieces Mosaics: Creative Projects

Making Bits for

Feng Shui:

and

fluence relationships, careers,

and more. 80 pages.

prosperity,

Hardcover.

photographs, readers can create 25 projects includ-

ISBN 1-58017-

170-2.

ing mirrors, frames, clocks, vases, garden pots and urns, stepping-stones,

Hardcover.

Quick

and much more. 96 pages.

ISBN 1-58017-015-3.

Furniture, by Brenda and Brian

& Easy Container Water Gardens, by Philip

Swindells. This visual guide teaches readers

how

to

create exciting water gardens in containers for the

home

or yard. Includes step-by-step instructions,

photos, and drawings for construction, planting, stocking,

and maintaining

pages. Hardcover.

a water garden.

128

and Happiness, by

to create balanced

Gill Hale.

A

will learn

how

outdoor spaces that positively

terraces, plus

book, anyone can make

bent willow furnishings for

in-

doors and out. Projects include a quilt ladder, garden tool caddy, plant stand,

Paperback.

chair, loveseat or

porch

much more. 144 pages. ISBN 1-58017-048-X.

guide includes fully

22

structions for

illustrated, step-by-step in-

attractive projects, including

walls, porches, pools, seats, waterfalls,

a bridge.

Four-color photography and illustrated garden

window

and wide range of pro-

jects in this

rustic

in-

Stonework, by Charles McRaven. This complete

influence health, relationships, and happiness.

plans of balanced

structions

swing, and

fascinating exploration of gardening in accordance

with Feng Shui principles. Readers

Cameron. Using the simple

hanging baskets,

ISBN 1-58017-080-3.

The Feng Shui Garden: Design Your Garden for Health, Wealth,

Making Bent Willow

Advice on gathering and handling stone

and hiring stonemasons

boxes, roof gardens and

and even

pages. Paperback.

is

also included.

192

ISBN 0-88266-976-1.

garden paths, statuary, and outbuild-

ings are included. 128 pages. Paperback.

ISBN

1-

Waterscaping, by Judy Glattstein. This beautiful

guide

58017-022-6.

is

packed with information on moist- and

wet-spot gardening, installing pools, container

Natural Stonescapes: The Art and Craft of Stone Placement, by Richard

Campbell. With

L.

Dube and

this start-to-finish

Frederick C.

water gardens, and border treatments. 192 pages. Paperback.

ISBN 0-88266-606-1.

guide to land-

scaping with stone, anyone can design and build

These books and other Storey books

stone groupings modeled after geological forma-

able at your bookstore, farm store, garden

tions

found

in nature,

Practical tips for

results.

choosing stones and more than

20 sample designs Paperback.

with professional

are included.

176 pages.

ISBN 1-58017-092-7.

center, or directly

are avail-

from Storey Books,

Schoolhouse Road, Pownal, Vermont 05261, or by calling site at

1

-800-44 1 -5700.

www.storey.com.

Or

visit

our

Web

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Library. Please do not remove cards from this

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ms

DORCAS Adkins D.C., with Pat cats,

lives in

Washington,

Munoz and

Harrie and Sushi.

large garden boasting a

their

They

two

share a

pond and

five

fountains with innumerable tadpoles, dragonflies,

and hummingbirds. With

her partner, Steve Meyer, Dorcas can .

'-.

found running Adams

usually be

&

Adkins, Inc. of Alexandria, Virginia,

making fountains and other garden ornaments stores,

i

and

for sale to catalogs, retail

individuals.

/,/

Printed in

Hong Kong

Bring home the soothing sounds of The

murmur and

endless

adds

a

flow of a bubbling fountain

touch of elegance to both homes and gardens.

Now, fountain designer and manufacturer Dorcas Adkins reveals her trade secrets for

a small, tabletop fountain

from

to a dramatic

— an d

fall

making 20

creative fountains

—

put together without a single tool

outdoor spouting wall fountain or

a t far less cost than for those

found

Step by step, Simple Fountains for Indoors

a full-sized

water

in upscale catalogs

& Outdoors explains

everything you need to know. Projects include:

and stones

•

Tabletop fountains made from

•

Lava rock bonsai garden fountain

•

Cedar water garden with bamboo

•

Birdshower fountain

•

Small mosaic fountain

•

Concrete and ceramic spouting wall fountains

•

Shishi Odoshi (or Japanese Deer-Scare Fountain)

Look for other

*

titles

shells

flute

from Storey Books:

•an

ISBN 1-9801] ISI1\ o-HKiMi-hiXvl

ISBN 1-58017-190-7

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