I enjoy this time of year. Autumn brings some fantastic weather for working in the garden. I've been wanting to add a water feature in the garden for some time. Here's how I made a basic water spout out of some bamboo that was growing in the neighborhood.
The spout is made from three pieces of bamboo. I cut some 1" and 2" diameter bamboo. The 2" bamboo was cut to one bamboo knuckle (about 6") and the 1" bamboo was cut to about 18" and 24" lengths. I just used lengths that looked about right for a water spout (I guessed).
This is the 2" diameter bamboo not cut to size. I chose only one segment (knuckle) to use.
Here's the 1" diameter bamboo cut to length.
This is where the water feature will go.
I dug a shallow hole for the PVC liner.
I added some rocks that I found in the yard and placed them on top of the liner. The BBQ metal screen adds support to the rocks so that they don't fall into the hole. Once the water feature is up and running, I'll add plants and some small stones to cover the exposed liner. I'll take my time with this step because I want to make sure the fountain works properly in the wind.
Here's the 2" segment of bamboo cut to size between the knuckles.
Next, draw the lines for the 1" diameter spout and vertical post.
Here's some tools I used for cutting out the holes in the 2" bamboo. Just a simple keyhole saw and a drill.
An oscillating sander comes in handy for smoothing the holes, but it's not required.
I drill the line I drew earlier...
...and cut with a keyhole saw. The bamboo is 1/2" thick so take your time.
Next I use a 1" spade drill to hollow out the bamboo core for the water tube.
Slide the water tube into the spout and then slide the spout into the 2" diameter bamboo. No glue required. Friction should hold things together.
I pounded a piece of rebar to support the spout when it gets real windy.
I then routed the water hose into the vertical bamboo. TIP: I used a coat wire hangar to guide the hose into the drilled holes. It would have been impossible otherwise.
Here's the liner I used for the water feature. Liners can be found at home centers.
I installed the solar powered birdbath pump and filled the liner with water.
Ready to go!
I'll test the feature for a month or so before I add the finishing touches.
Here's an update on the raised garden beds I posted a few months ago. This bed has lettuce, cabbage and carrots we have been harvesting during the year.
This bed has broccoli.
The winter crop is just starting to sprout. This is daikon.
Here's the water feature with some azaleas and a weeping maple. More plants will be added later.
I'm also taking cuttings from the New Guinea Impatiens we have been growing all year. Hopefully they will be ready for planting next spring. when it warms up.
New Guinea Impatiens
Well that's it for now. I hope you enjoyed the lesson and I'll be updating the progress of the garden real soon. Take care, stay safe, and don't forget to vote.
