Old fountain now an eyesore

[DonnaG]

Hi everyone

There was a fountain in the garden when we moved in which we took apart as the water was continually getting stagnant and we didn't really know anything about maintenance or how to keep it clean. I thought we could just plant something nice in the concrete container and that would be it. I've now discovered that nothing will survive in there as there's no drainage and it's now totally flooded - I just about managed to salvage the little palm tree I'd planted. Can anyone suggest what I can do next? It's an eyesore as it is - is my best bet to try and get someone in to drill some holes in the base of the concrete so I can plant something? Or try and put in a new fountain? Maybe there was a problem with the old fountain pump which was why the water was full of algae and green. Thanks in advance to anyone who can offer any advice.

 

[JohnD]

you can put water plants in it, such as reeds and waterlillies

but please put a wood or sacking bridge over the side, so that animals and birds that fall in can climb out.

 

[just pumps]

Fountain pumps are cheap and generally easy to replace if required, might it be turned off somewhere and is there a small inspection cover anywhere?

 

[DonnaG]

Honestly I have no idea and wouldn't know where to start anyway. I think the best best is to drill some holes - it seems the most straightforward option. Thanks both for taking the time to reply.

 

[HERTS P&D]

Drill holes in the bottom and use it as a planter.

Andy

 

[just pumps]

Wouldn`t recommend you go drilling holes blindly as you could drill through a power cable. If you are sure it was a fountain then there will be a pump somewhere. You will need to empty it of water regardless to see what is there before doing anything.

 

[HERTS P&D]

You would have to empty it first anyway to get the drill in.

Andy

 

[Old Salt]

Empty the water to see what you are dealing with. Drill holes around the sides of the base to the inside and then plant up using some crocks to prevent the holes blocking up.