At an auction many years ago, I spotted an old rusty water pump with graceful curves that I just loved! My sweet husband bought it for me but then it laid in storage for awhile, waiting for me to figure out its purpose.
One day, while sitting on the front porch, I was looking at the bare spot in front of me and thinking about what it needed. Somehow I came up with the idea of having a water feature there. I’d be able to enjoy it from the porch, it would be there to greet visitors, and would add a trickling fountain to my garden. That old rusty pump was the perfect thing! Coupled with a galvanized tank, it would make a wonderful rustic feature that was perfectly in keeping with my casual repurposed esthetic.
A Gift that Keeps on Giving
Well…my birthday wasn’t far off, so my husband made a fountain for me. It didn’t take him too long and it has been a gift that has kept on giving ever since.
My Kind of Fun
I’ve had so much fun planting in and around my little garden pond! I planted a purple clematis to wind its way up the pump. I love the delicate curls of its tendrils, and the way its big beautiful blooms contrast with the rusty old pump! I transplanted some sedum and daylilies from around the yard in the beginning, and have gradually added other plants.
I planted a water lily inside and it was the perfect touch! I love how the lily pads and flower contrast with the galvanized metal and rocks. They add softness and color.
The little concrete bear was at our house when we moved in and it had sat neglected and unappreciated. On a whim, I picked it up and sat it atop some rocks so that he looks like he’s fishing. In the spring I like to add some goldfish for even more entertainment.
Enjoyment Inside and Out
I get enjoyment from the fountain both inside and out. While working outside I enjoy the musical trickling as I weed and water. While sitting on the porch I can watch how the light reflects on the water and study the things I’ve planted around it. I even enjoy watching it all weather and gain more patina. And I can’t help but think what a great idea I had!!
Weather permitting, I love to leave our front door open. From inside I can hear the water trickling, as well as the occasional croaking of visiting frogs.
Through the seasons I’ve enjoyed watching different creatures such a birds, frogs, cats and dogs that have been drawn to it.
Click this link to watch a Bird bathing in water fountain.
Who knew that an old rusty water pump would bring so much pleasure?! It was just meant to be upcycled into a beautiful water feature for my garden! I enjoyed sharing it with you and hope it inspires you to see what can be!
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Comments
You know we are moving and the next house has a rather big sunroom which I thought could use a water element, along with a small woodstove for winter. You are making me think! 🙂
Author
I’d love to see what you end up doing!! Congratulations on your new home!
Hi! It’s funny what a person can find when editing old blog things. 😀 What we ended up doing is changing direction in the sunroom a little, realizing we will need it for overflow sleeping arrangements at Thanksgiving, and for toy overflow when grandchildren are here.
So it’s not going to be only a sanctuary, as I’d hoped, but a shared, bright, outdoorsy place we can give the children for playing and sleeping, yet needs to be presentable in the off season, since it is rapidly becoming the main entrance. (The house basically has 2 main entrances, now. Hmm.)
The indoor water element therefore will have to wait until all the grandies are big enough to know better… 😀 We recently received the joy of another newborn, whose next older sibling just began walking, so I think I’ll cool my heels and just enjoy the ride, noise and all. 🙂
That’s so pretty. I’ve always wanted a water feature, especially with a few goldfish in it. The bear is so cute.
Author
Thank you, Kathi! I hope you’re able to make one soon. You’d love it!
I love your fountain! It really is perfect for your garden!
Author
Thank you! I agree!
What a fun project and it add a lot of character to your space. Been seeking ideas for a water feature neat my bird park area so I may have to give it some more outside the box thought. This is perfectly unique!
Author
I’m glad my project inspired yours. I’d love to see what you come up with!
What a creative way to use the water pump. I’ve love one in my yard with fish or water plants in it.
Author
Thank you! I think you’d love it!