Hallson Gardens

Hi, all! Need some tips from the experts, please!

I am making a fountain/pond from a wine barrel. I know it isn't very big, so shouldn't be too hard to do, but I am clueless. I'd rather not have to do it by trial and error....

I have the barrel and the liner so far. What else do I need? Any helpful hints?

Just add water

If you want moving water, you'll need a small pump and some sort of fountain head. Most any nursery or even a box store will have these. You'll need a near by source of electricity.

A few water plants. You could grow a dwarf/small water lily, but they don't like moving water. Floaters like water hyacinths and water lettuce are easy...they just float. Most marginal/bog plants need to be potted. A few bricks can be used to raise/lower them to the correct depth.

One or two small goldfish.

That's about it! Quick and easy

Hey! Thanks, Josh!

I guess I must decide whether I want a fountain or a pond?

Are there plants that will grow in gently moving water? I'm thinking of a trickling/gurgling fountain type...not too brisk...

Most anything will do fine in gently moving water. The big thing is to avoid water constantly splashing on leaves. Water lilies are the most sensitive to moving water. A gently bubbling fountain should be fine.

Hey, Charla....you know we need pics when you get it done. Is this going on your new patio? You might have to put a screen on top of it to keep your guard puppies from using it as their own private drinking fountain.
Linda P

Linda P wrote:Hey, Charla....you know we need pics when you get it done. Is this going on your new patio? You might have to put a screen on top of it to keep your guard puppies from using it as their own private drinking fountain.
Linda P

Hi, Linda!

Thanks for your interest in my fountain and my patio! Yes, the fountain is going to be part of the new 'arrangement' around the patio....(after being part of my daughter's wedding ) I am actually acquiring a number of very cool things as a result of this wedding!

I went to the city yesterday and was planning to purchase my pump and fountain head, but in talking with one of the experts there, I think I still have some more thought and research to put into this before I buy anything else.

Here's what I was originally thinking...so please offer your input and advice everyone...

The location where I am putting this fountain has electricity and a hose bibb right behind it, so I would have close access to both power and water. I was hoping that I could use this as a daily fresh water supply for the dogs, if maybe I hooked up some sort of automatic float shut-off system for the water inlet. So is it practical to do this? Is there equipment out there already suited for this? Do I have to worry about the dog slobber getting things gross? (Sorry to be so graphic... )

Also, the water feeding the fountain will be raw pond water, but our pond is really pretty clear most of the time, so the water will have a natural source for algae. Do I need a special filter or anything?

Probably should forget about fish with the dogs and the cats.... Could do without lilies if I had to....the trickling water will be nice in of itself.

It should be easy to clean, anyway, as I can just tip it over and hose it out...

I had no idea this could get so involved!!!

Thanks everyone!

My lst attempt at a barrel water feature only had some circulating water. The next year I added water lilies and pond lettuce with a fountain bubbler. Josh is right, they suffered and got torn with the cascading water. Still I enjoy the sound of trickling or splashing water. Goldfish died within days.

Charla, it's heavy to tip over to empty, probably easier to bail.

That is really nice, Mary Ann! Love the setting surrounding it!

I think I will probably just go for the trickling water sound...that is what I originally planned for...besides, I really don't need anything else to take care of...like fish!

"The location where I am putting this fountain has electricity and a hose bibb right behind it, so I would have close access to both power and water. I was hoping that I could use this as a daily fresh water supply for the dogs, if maybe I hooked up some sort of automatic float shut-off system for the water inlet. So is it practical to do this? Is there equipment out there already suited for this? Do I have to worry about the dog slobber getting things gross? (Sorry to be so graphic... ) "

As far as an automatic water shut off system.... look into horse or cattle supply catalogs. They have them for the water tubs for the pastures. It may be less expensive that way for the same thing directed for your purpose.

Straight pond water on the other hand can be a problem for your dogs and cats. Pets get all sorts of paracytes from pond water and puddles. Giardia for one will give them lots of the runs (I just can't spell the official word, lol) and vomiting.

That is very pretty!
And welcome to Hallsons!