Transform Your Garden with DIY Water Fountain Planters

Photo byTammy Adams

Adding a water feature to your garden can enhance its beauty and bring a sense of tranquility to your outdoor space.

One of the most creative and cost-effective ways to do this is by creating a water fountain using planters. This DIY project is not only simple but also customizable to suit any garden style.

I recently added a small water feature to my birdbath and love it. You don’t have to spend a ton of money on a water feature by using what you have. More later about my DIY fountain.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create your own water fountain from planters.

Why Choose a Water Fountain Planter?

Water fountain planters are versatile and can be adapted to fit any garden size or style. The water feature above is a great example of using a large planter for a fountain.

• Add Visual Appeal: The combination of flowing water and lush plants creates a stunning focal point.
• Provide a Relaxing Atmosphere: The sound of trickling water brings a calming ambiance. I love listening to that.
• Cost-Effective: Using planters you already own or inexpensive ones from garden centers makes this an affordable project.

Materials You’ll Need

You will need to decide if the fountain will circulate inside the pot or let the water run out of the pot to an area below to recirculate. The example above is a pot that recirculates from a water-holding vessel below it.

• Planters: Choose at least two planters of different sizes that can nest together. Ensure they are made of sturdy materials like ceramic, metal, or high-quality plastic. The fountain examples I have given have detailed instructions to use.
• Water Pump: A small submersible water pump that fits inside your planter or a solar fountain.
• Tubing: To connect the pump to the top of the fountain.
• Decorative Elements: Rocks, pebbles, or marbles to cover the pump and add aesthetic appeal.
• Plants: Optional, but water-loving plants can add to the beauty.

Step-by-Step Guide

It’s an excellent idea to sketch out your fountain to keep in mind how it will all work and to figure out what parts you will need. I love this double pot bubbling fountain idea above.

1. Choose Your Location: Select a spot in your garden where the fountain will be visible and where you have access to an electrical outlet for the pump. Unless you are using a solar pump where you will need an area where the solar panel is in the sun most of the day, fountains will not produce algae as quickly if they are kept in the shade.
2. Prepare the Planters:
3. • Place the larger planter in your chosen location.
   • If using a second planter, position it inside the larger one to serve as a pedestal for the top planter.
4. Install the Pump:
5. • Place the submersible pump inside the bottom of the larger planter.
   • Run the tubing from the pump up through the drainage hole of the top planter. Cut the tubing to the desired length so it reaches just above the rim of the top planter.
6. Assemble the Fountain:
7. • Place the top planter (the fountain bowl) on the pedestal (the upside-down smaller planter). Solar fountains just lay on the top or float on the water.
   • Fill the top planter with water, making sure the pump is fully submerged.
8. Add Decorative Elements:
9. • Cover the pump in the bottom planter with rocks or pebbles to hide it from view.
   • Add additional decorative elements to the top planter around the tubing.
10. Plant and Finish:
11. • If you’re including plants, position them around the fountain. Choose moisture-loving plants like ferns, moss, or water lilies.
    • Plug in the pump and adjust the water flow to your liking.

Maintenance Tips

Solar water pump features are the easiest way to go, but you still have to keep it clean so that it works well.

• Keep It Clean: Regularly clean the pump and remove any debris to ensure smooth water flow. This is a must because, during the summer, algae is the pump’s enemy.
• Water Levels: Check and maintain the water level to prevent the pump from running dry.
• Winter Care: If you live in a cold climate, take steps to winterize your fountain by draining the water and storing the pump indoors.

My Solar Pump Fountain

I took an old birdbath and simply added a solar fountain. As long as the small solar panel is in the sun, the fountain works. The solar panel is about 8 feet from the fountain and it sits in the sun most of the day, but the fountain sits in the shade. The birds really love playing in the water. This solar fountain comes with different heads to add to the pump for different sprays. The small solar panel can be fastened to a fence too. When I cleaned the pump and water, I would add a fountain water protector to help keep it cleaner longer.

I hope to find a concrete birdbath to replace the old metal birdbath I have since it’s starting to rust and I will add the solar pump back to it.

Creating a water fountain from planters is a rewarding DIY project that can transform your garden into a serene oasis. With a little creativity and effort, you can enjoy the soothing sights and sounds of your very own water feature. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this project is a great way to enhance your outdoor space.

Read more HERE on my blog.