A Fountain Makes a Wonderful Addition to a Garden

A fountain makes a wonderful addition to a garden. There are many styles on the market: A DIY store can offer many choices, but if you're handy, it can also supply the materials you need to make your own — such as this elegant yet durable bamboo fountain. Materials needed: 1-inch-diameter bamboo pole, 3 feet long 1/2-inch diameter bamboo pole, about 8 to 12 inches long 6-inch piece of 1/2-inch flexible tubing Clear waterproof caulk, bricks, decorative stones Large glazed ceramic pot (without a drainage hole) or half a whiskey barrel Submersible fountain pump with adjustable flow that can power a fountain — maximum height of 3 feet 6 inches Tools needed: 5/8-inch ship auger bit (typically 12 to 15 inches of drilling length) Bit that's the diameter of smaller bamboo pole, about 1/2 inch 1/4-inch drill bit or a rat-tail file Miter saw or handsaw, utility knife, power drill Directions: 1. With a miter saw or handsaw, cut the 1-inch diameter bamboo pole down to 27 to 30 inches. Cut it so that a node in the bamboo is close to one end (this end will become the top, and will block water from flowing out the top of the fountain). The other nodes should be reachable from the bottom end of the bamboo with the ship auger bit; drill out these nodes. 2. Now cut the 1/2-inch-diameter bamboo pole down to 6 inches. If there is any pulp inside it, use a 1/4-inch drill bit or rat-tail file to remove the pulp so water flow is not restricted. Cut one end of this 6-inch piece at a 45-degree angle for the waterspout. 3. With the bit matching the outside diameter of the 1/2-inch diameter bamboo, drill a hole into the side of the longer pole. The hole should be centered on the longer pole and drilled perpendicular to the length of the pole. 4. Slip the flat end of the 1/2-inch diameter bamboo pole into the hole and seal with clear caulking; let dry. 5. Slip the tubing into the bottom of the 1-inch bamboo pole as far as it will go; with utility knife, cut off so it leaves 1/4 inch protruding from end of the pole. Slip the pump's adapter into the end of the tubing to join pole to pump. 6. Set the pole and pump into the pot or barrel; place bricks around pump and pole to hold them in place. Cover bottom of container with bricks to raise the floor. Use decorative stones to cover bricks, if desired. Fill with water. (Remember to set the fountain in place first; it will be difficult to move once filled with water. Oak barrels may leak when first filled, but staves will swell and become watertight.) 7. Plug fountain into a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlet; this is vital for safety. Adjust pump to create desired flow. Source: chicagotribune.com