Slate Water Feature

The sound of bubbling water is a wonderful asset in any garden. In this indigenous garden a slate water feature is used to bring out the vibrant colours of the natural slate, which adds another dimension to the water feature. Once the selection of great plants is planted and thriving, the transformation of this corner of the garden is complete.

What you Need for your Slate Water Feature

• ± 24 pieces slate of various sizes
• Round fibreglass pond from River Rock
• 8 bricks
• Eden 130G-10M, 3-core 230V, 10m cable pump from KLB Engineering
• 1m of 15mm copper pipe
• 10cm of 15mm copper pipe
• 15mm copper elbow
• 1m plastic tubing to  fit the 15mm elbow
• Electrical point (to provide power for the pump)

Tools

Spirit level, hammer, electric drill, 8mm and 16mm masonry drill bits

Steps

1. The pond must be sited on a level area. Turn the pond upside down and mark its edge with sand. Dig out the area to the depth of the pond plus 50mm and ensure that the bottom of the hole is level and smooth. Spread a 50mm layer of river sand over the bottom. Compact the sand down well and use a spirit level to ensure that you have a level base for the pond.

2. Place the fibreglass pond in position. Make sure that it is stable as any movement could cause cracks in the pond later on. Fill the space between the pond and the sides of the hole with river sand, compacting it as much as possible to give the pond enough support.

3. Build a base for the water feature in the centre of the pond, using the bricks. Make it about ⅔ of the depth of the pond so that the first few layers of slate will be under water. Prepare for installing the water feature by connecting the 1m copper pipe to the 10cm piece using the copper elbow. Next, attach one end of the tubing to the free end of the 10cm piece and the other end to the pump.

4. The water feature consists of layers of slate, with the biggest at the base and diminishing in size so that the smallest is at the top. Drill a hole in the centre of each piece of slate. Start each hole with the 8mm masonry drill bit and then enlarge the hole using the 16mm drill bit (this helps to prevent cracks in the slate).

5. Starting with the biggest layer of slate, thread each piece onto the copper pipe. If the shape of any particular piece of slate is not ideal then simply knock pieces off with a hammer. Swivel the pieces around so that you will end up with a pleasing flow when the water cascades over them.

6.Fill the pond with water, plug the pump into the electricity supply and turn on on your new slate water feature. Any dust from the slate will settle after a while.