Installing a water feature in a raised bed
There’s nothing like the relaxing sound of water tricking along rocks whilst you sit and enjoy your garden.
Beautiful water features can easily be incorporated into your raised bed, these could form an attractive centrepiece or if you have a design with a number of different compartments you could add a water fountain to mix up the planting to create a dynamic focal point.
You can add a water feature during the build process. Please note that we don't supply the parts for water features but have included some common parts below.
What do I need to install a water feature?
This is an example parts list that one of our customers' has provided us which was used to create the water feature shown in the photos of this bespoke raised bed case study.
Water Reservoir
This acts as a big bucket to store the water and catch the falling water when in use.
Water reservoir lid
This prevents debris falling into the reservoir and has an opening for the hose.
Hose/ Pipe
Connected to the top of the pump.
Pump
The pump is the main component as it pushes the water up.
Conduit pipe
Pumps are usually supplied with meters of cable. A conduit pipe will protect the cable when buried underground.
Jet Nozzle
To create the fountain of the water.
Jet Nozzle Extender
This is an optional extra to extend the distance between the pump and the jet nozzle.
Waterproof pump switch
Provides a safe electrical connection for ponds and water features if using mains power.
1. Installing pipes and pumps
Before you start to fill your raised bed, it’s a good idea to run the pipe through. This is only necessary if your water feature will be in the middle.
2. Build a solid base
Make a base and fill your WoodBlocX raised bed with sharp sand and compact it down to create a stable base to sit the water feature reservoir at the desired height, then fill in around the edge of the reservoir with soil for planting.
3. Insert the pump
Screw on the appropriate sized fitment to the top of the pump. Feed the cable out the top of the pump. They usually come with 10 metres of cable. Now, attach your hose. Ensure there’s about a 20mm covering of the hose over the nozzle.
4. Fill reservoir with water
Simply run a hose pipe into the reservoir, turn on the tap and fill up just below the top edge of the reservoir, so that it doesn’t overflow.
5. Attach the jet nozzle
Attach your jet nozzle or water feature over the top of the reservoir and cover. You can use stones to cover the lid of the reservoir.
6. Switch on the Pump
Switch on the pump and you should have water flowing out the top. Your water feature is ready!
