So Here's the Flippin' Fountain

At last!  A moment or two to show you some photos.  I don't know how life got so busy, but it did.  Probably that last burst of energy before winter settles in. 

As you will see, what we built is more of a water feature than a fountain, but it's still pretty fantastic, I reckon.

When last I wrote, we had built a circle of stones to place the actual pieces in, and Daniel had installed an electrical outlet for the pump.  Remember that?  It was a while ago.

Here's what happened next:

We lined the circle of stones with weed cloth, because...

...we decided to fill the circle with small gravel with the idea that it would make the base easier to level.  But before we got to the gravel, we (by which I mean Daniel), piled in some dirt.  It's certainly cheaper than all gravel - I just stole some from other parts of the garden. Here's an action shot of the Man himself:

Then came the gravel:

Then came the base, and the first of many excursions into the wonderful world of leveling.  Did you know that leveling comes with a swear word or three?  I do now....

We went with larger pebbles for inside the fountain base. 

And then the pump went in...

...followed by an upside down pot with some strategic holes in it to allow the vertical pipe part of the pump to be placed properly.  This involved more leveling.  And quite possibly a swear word; I really can't remember.

Then came the actual fountain part - which is really just a very large pot - followed by, surprise, surprise, a little more leveling.

Strangely enough you need water for a water feature, so out came the trusty garden hose.

And then came the moment we (and the birds and squirrels, as it turns out) had been waiting for...

Electricity!

A few minutes of holding our breath...

And the water feature arrived!

I hope you aren't too underwhelmed after waiting so long to see it.

It still needs some plants around it, and possibly a sculpture if I can come up with an idea for one.  Those two things will have to wait until spring now, because winter is getting close.

It makes a lovely sound, and we've had the chance to enjoy it in the evenings.  The squirrels and birds adore it; I saw a couple of little feathered folk bathing in the basin this morning.

We're going to have to drain it pretty soon, but I'm thrilled to know it will be there in the spring.