There is an almost endless number of DIY projects that you can get stuck into over a weekend spent at home. Being a weekend warrior is always a satisfying feeling, especially when your big project goes according to plan. The second best part to it all is being able to sit down, relax, and enjoy the sight of your efforts.
There is an almost endless number of DIY projects that you can get stuck into over a weekend spent at home. Being a weekend warrior is always a satisfying feeling, especially when your big project goes according to plan. The second best part to it all is being able to sit down, relax, and enjoy the sight of your efforts.
So for your next great weekend project, why not take on this installation of a garden water feature? Water features add a little something special to your backyard, are great to look at, can make you feel relaxed when listening to the sounds of the running water, and can even help to increase the value of your home.
Your garden water feature can be as simple or complicated as you want. You can have an extravagant water feature that takes up a wall space alongside an outdoor eating area, or it can be a simple ceramic urn that bubbles water from its top onto surrounding pebbles and rocks.
You can also install an in-ground water feature into your yard and include pretty water plants and lilies and even some fish, if you wish. The choices really are endless when it comes to designing a water feature for your home. And because there are so many, here we’ll outline two different ways you can install a water feature in your background.
Bubbling water urn
You will need:
Large ceramic decorative urn
Water pump
Plastic pond container
Sand
Landscape pebbles
Method:
Start by digging a small hole in the garden or yard where you’d like the garden feature to be installed. It needs to be large enough to fit your plastic pond container.
Make sure you dig the hole to be level and of sufficient size. Lay some sand at the bottom to help even it out, and use a bubble level to ensure it is a level and flat surface.
Place your plastic pond container in the hole. Put the water pump inside and ensure all cables and pipes are not crushed or caught by the lid. You’ll need to have an outdoor power source close to the feature for the pump to be able to be plugged into.
Place the urn on top of the box, making sure the water pipe is able to go from the urn into the box and securely attach to the water pump. Check again that your urn is sitting evenly and level.
Fill the box with water and ensure the water level is over the pump.
Turn on the pump and see if the water is suitable for your urn. Adjust the flow on your water pump until it is at a suitable range.
Cover the plastic container, electric cables, and surrounding area with pebbles and rocks.
In ground water feature
This feature is a bit more complicated, however it can still be completed over a whole weekend. The end result is a stunning water feature for all to enjoy.
You’ll need:
Shovel
Wheelbarrow
Pond lining or plastic pond tub
Level
Sand
Water plants
Rocks and pebbles
Water pump (optional – if you want a fountain)
Fountain ornament (optional)
Instructions:
Choose an appropriate area for your pond. It’s best if you have a space that has around 4-6 hours of sunlight each day. Any more than 6 hours of sunlight may mean that you’ll have a buildup of algae growth. If there are no other areas for your pond, however, you can control algae growth in your new pond by using products specific for that purpose.
Next, choose your size and shape. If you’ve purchased a hard plastic tub liner as your pond, then you’ll already know the size requirements. If you’re choosing your own size and shape, decide on this before you start digging.
Mark out where your pond will be and the shape it will form. If you have a plastic tub liner for your pond, use it as a guide to mark out the size and shape of where you’ll be digging. Otherwise, mark out the pond to your desire if using plastic pond sheeting.
Allow for drainage of your pond. You may want a section at a lower level of the pond to spout out of the pond in case of heavy rainfall. Raise the edges and lower them back down towards plants so that you have suitable run off for your pond.
Lay out your plastic pond lining into the hole. Make sure there is enough lining to cover the outside of the hole and you’re not left short. If using a hard plastic tub, insert it into the hole you have dug out.
If you’re adding in a fountain feature to your pond, add it in now and set up the water pump. Make sure to allow all pipes to be clear from obstruction.
Fill your pond with water and check to see if your water pump is working correctly before covering any cables and tubs.
Once your pond is filled and/or working correctly, add in any water plants that you may wish to include.
Surround the pond with mulch to avoid overgrowth of plants, a few plants, and fish, if you please.
You can also add outdoor lighting to your pond. This can be as simple as adding in some solar lights around the outside of your pond.
Cover any other areas with rocks and pebbles and ensure all cables and pipes are secured and hidden from view.
Sit back and relax all while enjoying your great new water feature in your backyard.
