Water Features in the Garden

Listening to the soothing sound of a bubbling fountain or watching birds play in a bird bath enhance relaxation and the enjoyment of a garden. 

Adding a water feature to your garden does not have to be expensive or elaborate. Anyone can create a unique, no cost or inexpensive water feature in a few hours or over a weekend.  

Bird Baths

A bird bath is a quick and easy project that can be completed in a few hours. All you need to create a bird bath is a base and a bowl. An old table leg, plant stand, tall candle holder, ceramic chimney liner, pedestal sink base or decorative planter can be used to make an attractive base.  

For a bowl use an old basin, a galvanized steel garbage can lid, a serving platter or a large clay pot saucer. The bowl should be between 1 ½ inches and 2 inches deep. Secure the base to the bowl and place the bath in a semi shaded area.  Add water and watch the birds play.   

Bird baths require minimal maintenance.  Change water once a week; remove dead leaves or other debris; and add more water as needed.  It may take a few weeks before birds start using the bath. Hanging a bird feeder in the garden will also help attract birds.  

Container Water Gardens

Any water-tight item can be used for a container water garden. Let your imagination run wild. If you are using a container with drainage holes, seal the holes with silicone sealant. 

Aquatic plants are available in two types -- floaters and potted plants. Use a combination of both to give the planter dimension and interest. To contain soil, potted plants should be planted in a pot without drainage holes.    

The principles for planning, planting and maintain a water garden are the same as a traditional container garden. Plan the design and select plants for the container based on the available sunlight. The container should be large enough and deep enough to accommodate plants. Maintain the garden by removing dead flower and foliage and debris that fall in the container. Fertilize with a fertilizer formulated for water garden following the instructions on the package. 

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden offers two designs for container water gardens. Most local garden centers do not offer a large selection of plants suitable for water gardens. A web search will yield several mail order retailers specializing in aquatic plants.    

Creating a Fountain from Found Objects

My neighbor Dave is an artist and master recycler.  David made his fountain using a recycled ceramic cat ornament, an old laundry sink, a small statue and an electric pump. He was able to complete the project in a few hours.    

First David extended the lip of the sink with tile.  He stacked broken slate in the sink which hides the submersible pump and serves as a base for the statue.  He also used a piece of state as a shelf on which he placed the cat.  He pulled the tube carry the water to the cat’s mouth and the boy’s head.  He then added water to the sink and plugged in the pump.

Lowes, Better Homes and Garden Magazine, This Old House , HGTV and Garden Magazine have instructional videos and tutorials for creating fountains in an afternoon on their websites. A solar pump can be substituted for an electric pump. The solar pump’s capacity to move water should be the same as that of the electric pump.  When using a solar pump it is essential that the solar collector receives enough sunlight to power the pump. Read the specification carefully before purchasing.

Fish Ponds

An above ground fish pond can be assembled in a weekend using recycled or new items. A salvaged claw foot tub painted in a bright color and outfitted with a solar powered pump makes a great fish pond.   Purchase fish from a knowledgeable retailer who can advise you on the best fish to meet your needs. Depending on the size and depth of the pond you may need to over-winter the fish indoors.   Start off with inexpensive fish; goldfish are a good option.

If you do want to build a water feature, solar powered water bird baths, fountain and ponds can be purchased from web retailers  and garden centers for under $100.

Sources:  Laspitas.com,  Patricia’sspot.com, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Water gardening.org

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