Step by Step Contained Water features

Making a Bamboo Spout Fountain
Step-by-Step

Simple glazed pottery, a pump, and some short lengths of bamboo can be transformed into a simple spout that can bring an oriental look to the home, conservatory or patio. In cold areas this feature should be brought indoors during the winter.

Select two short lengths of bamboo of different diameters. Cut the length with the smaller diameter to form a lip at one end and drill a hole through the large section towards the top end so that the shorter length can be inserted to form a spout.
	Thread the flexible outlet tube from the pump through the newly drilled hole and into the upright bamboo pipe. If the old leaf joint or node in the bamboo forms an obstruction, drill this out to permit the tube to pass through and be connected to the pump.
Glue the short length of bamboo that is to form the spout into the main upright bamboo, threading the outflow tube inside. Seal the joint with a sealant.
	Position the larger diameter bamboo upright in the pot with the spout facing forwards over the pot. Use two or three large cobbles to wedge it in position, at the same time ensuring that it is not pinching the outflow tube.
Place the small submersible pump in the bottom of the pot and connect it to the outflow tube that runs up inside the bamboo. The cable for the pump can be either fastened to the back of the upright bamboo, or with advanced preparation, inside with the tube, being brought out of a small hole drilled at the point where the bamboo meets the pot rim.
	Place a wire support in the pot. This is positioned above the pump and either raised on cobbles or wedged into position about two thirds of the way up the pot.
Select a number of well-polished attractive stones to place on the top of the support and fill the remainder of the pot. Fill the pot with water to just beneath the level of the stones.
	The completed water feature. It is essential to regularly top up with water to compensate for evaporation.