Pyramidal Pot Water Fountain

Over three years ago I discovered this "How to" fountain in a Martha Stewart magazine. I was thrilled because it looked simple to do and had a great look to it. I made a mental note to do this is at our new home when we moved to Tennessee. A year later we finally remembered to do it and had created the perfect spot for the fountain. I was able to find large enough pots at a discount store and a garden water pump at Home Depot, the other materials were purchased at a hardware store. All though it seemed simple enough we had issues with it and it took longer than we expected, however it was worth all the trial and errors. I especially love the sound . Ed did a great job with the rocks and placement.

Here is the article and info on how you do it. You can also find it on Martha Stewart's web site.

You don't need a lakefront property to enjoy the benefits of backyard water. Stacked pots filled with a pump and filled to the brim produce sounds reminiscent of lapping waves. The vessels' rolled rims -- and resulting cascades -- amplify the sound of the water.

Water Fountain How-To
1. Collect three "display" pots and two "support" pots. The measurements should not matter, so long as the bases and tops correspond as shown above. (The display pots we used measure as follows: 12 inches wide at top, 6 inches at base; 17 inches at top, 8 inches wide at base; 23 inches at top, 12 inches at base. The smaller support pot is 8 inches at top, 6 inches at base; the larger one is 12 inches at top, 10 inches at base.)

2. Plug the drainage hole of the largest pot with foam sealant. Place the pot on a level surface. Cut a length of 1-inch-diameter flexible plastic tubing that, when inserted into a 375-gallon-per-hour pump, extends through both support pots and 6 inches above the base of the smallest display pot. Insert the tubing into the pump.

3. Place the pump in the base pot, running the power cord over the rim, toward a grounded exterior outlet. Invert the larger support pot over pump, propping it on wooden shims to allow water to flow underneath; feed the tubing through the drainage hole. Spray foam sealant around tubing to seal.

4. Position the second display pot; feed tube through hole. Seal with foam. Repeat with the remaining support and display pots. Add a flow-control valve a few inches from the end of the tube. Add water until the pots are overflowing; plug the pump into the outlet, adjusting pressure as needed.

First Published: March 2006

Square Foot Gardening

I have started to plant my little garden, although here in Tennessee I am just a tad behind. We have had so much rain it has prevented me from doing this little task. I say little because it is. My friend Johnny had shared with me his book on square foot gardening and now I have 3 raised beds 3 x 3 ft (very basic...nothing fancy!) Planting these babies takes like a second, so that is the little task, but actually doing it is another. My husband Ed put these together for me last year and I planted in them but my crops did not do well, the soil settled too much and I had pesky bugs. I tried to do this "organically" so I did not spray and I finally fertilized a little too late.

I have planted some watermelon, squash, peppers, cucumbers and the must have tomatoes, but I still need more things. You see, you only plant a few of each- one plant is suppose to fill one space in the grid, so you get a big variety in a small area. I planted one planter full of silver queen corn. I planted the same last year and I did get some good ears but most of them were dwarf, so this year I am hoping for a better crop.

Here are the goofy just planted pictures and I will keep you posted on the growth (lets hope there is some!) Like I said I still need to plant a few more things.