KEVS PROJECT

Things you will need:
*Peg, string *Garden Spade *Plastic/galvanised steel tank or bin, e.g. 60x45x56cm (24x18x22in) *A little cement *Sand *Flexible pond liner *Pump (submersible) * Waterproof tape *About 1m (40in) rigid pipe *Strong metal grille, such as heavy chicken wire *Pebbles.
PEBBLE FOUNTAIN
Create an attractive water feature with this very easy-to-follow guide
To make a pebble pond and fountain

Taking it
Step-by-step

Dig your hole

1. Begin by marking the shape of the finished pond on your chosen site, which should be cleared of all vegetation and large stones. Measure a circle with a radius of about 60cm (24in) from the centre of the outside edge. The easiest way to do this is to tie some string to a long central peg and mark it out, like a big compass. You might decide to make the pond smaller or larger once you can see the finished circle. Using the spade, take off the topsoil to a depth of 8cm (3in) within the circle.
   
   
2. To make the hole, mark a rectangle inside the circle. This needs to be slightly larger and about 4cm (2in) deeper than the tank. Use a marked stick to check the depth.
   
   
3. To stabilise the tank fork a good dusting of cement into the top 2.5cm (1in) of the soil and compact it down. You don't have to mix it with water as the soil contains enough moisture for it to harden up and give the same result.
   
   
4. Fit the tank. Lower the tank into the pit so that it sits squarely on the bottom. Make sure the rim is just below soil level. Fill in the spaces around the outside of the tank with soil to hold it steadily in position.
   
   
5. Build up the soil on all four sides so it slopes up from the tank to the outer circle. Along the two sides of the tank, flatten the ground with your feet to make two strips 8cm (3in) wide; this will form a level base for the grille. Spread a layer of sand over the soil to act as a buffer for the pond liner.
   
   
6. Cut a circle of the pond liner 8cm (3in) larger in diameter than the circle you have marked on the ground, then measure and cut a 15cm (6in) hole in its centre, to accommodate the pump. Lay the liner in position, with the hole sitting over the centre of the tank.
   
   
7. Lower the submersible pump into the tank so it rests on the bottom. Run the cable from the pump over the liner, fastening it in place with waterproof tape. Connect a length of rigid pipe to the outlet pipe on the pump so it sits slightly above the level of the tank. This will act as a fountain- head.
   
   
8. To provide support for the pebbles lay the metal grille in position across the top of the tank. Where the edges come into contact with the liner, place scraps of the liner underneath the metal to prevent it from puncturing the material. Adjust the grille so the fountainhead protrudes between the metal bars.
   
   
9. Fill the tank with water to cover the pump. Switch on, and adjust the pressure. If it does not adjust, raise the pump on a brick to increase the pressure. Pile with pebbles.
   
   
10. Finally, place a layer of pebbles over the grille and the collar of the pond liner, filling all gaps. Cut away any excess liner protruding beyond the edge of the circle. Turn the pump on again so that eater shoots from the fountain onto the surrounding pebbles before flowing back into the sunken tank.
    
    
    
    
    
    
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    Tuesday, July 20, 1999
    

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