Tuesday, July 19, 2011

The Succulent Fountain Overflows

 While water features are a favorite garden addition, welcome for their soothing sounds and looks, not all fountains need be of the aqueous persuasion. A non-functioning pump meant money needed to be spent on either a rather expensive replacement or else plants. Already having another fountain for sight and sound enjoyment made the decision easy!
 Since this is a fountain, after all, made to contain water, the first step in the transformation was to drill holes in the bottom basin to allow for drainage.  Several bags of succulent potting mix were used to fill the three tiers and planting began. Various succulents were gathered from their homes in pots around the garden and much rearranging was done to decide on proper placement.  After a trip (actually three) to search out additional plants the design was completed.
Now, several months later, the succulents have done as hoped and begun to overflow. It is further hoped that plans currently in development (!) will allow the plants to survive the rainy winter. Succulents don't mind our chilly winters if they don't have soaking wet feet and, although I usually move the potted succulents under the patio for protection from the rain, a different solution will be needed...I am obviously not moving the fountain!

I'm really liking the lushness of the plantings as they fill in and, with the lights on, it is pretty cool at night too!

7 comments:

Fairegarden said...

I love this! Well done, Leslie. Maybe the plantings will have to be adjusted after seeing what survives the winter and what does not. There are probably succulents that can pass that course.
Frances

Gail said...

leslie, It's fabulous! I like the uplight for night time viewing. You did good! gail

Dee/reddirtramblings said...

I love that idea. A wonderful way to use succulents.~~Dee

Annie in Austin said...

Cool idea, Leslie! Having different levels makes your succulent fountain very appealing.
It's not a succulent, but if you want even more "drip" would silver ponyfoot grow for you?

Annie at the Transplantable Rose

Tatyana@MySecretGarden said...

What a great idea! Wonderful!

Unknown said...

Oooh... I LOVE this! It makes my little birdbath succulent planter look like child's play. AWESOME job! :)

growingagardenindavis said...

Thanks Frances! i will be monitoring and trying not to be TOO protective. I want it to be easy care.
Thanks Gail! I was so glad it had the lights and THEY weren't the broken part.
You know me Dee...I just can't resist those succulents.
Annie...I looked that up and think it might be a good thing to keep in mind. It might give the overflow effect more quickly and look good mixed in!
Welcome Tatyana, and thanks!
Hi Kim! I just got lucky in that garbage picking we've talked about! My neighbor was getting rid of this...