I think I've got everything worked out except what to do with it in the winter. From what I've read, the pump is usually under the rocks in a reservoir. How do you remove it for winter without taking most of the rocks out? Does the reservoir need to be drained, and if so, how do I keep it from refilling with snow or rain through the winter? Do I have to put an ugly tarp over it? I'm assuming that the rock itself won't be a problem if the pump and water are removed because it will have a drain built in.

If this is going to become a large winterizing chore or an eyesore all winter, I'll skip the pump and just make a birdbath.

Thanks,
Rob

The main pond..

Hope that helps

Curt

I like your pond and fountain! I'm planning something similar to the first one, but I plan to use a bigger boulder if I can get it to my back yard.

I'm in zone 4 or 5. Footings have to be dug 42 inches deep here, so the ground doesn't freeze any farther than that. I wonder if water will not freeze below 42 inches if there is only gravel above instead of dirt. I would think that dirt offers more insulation than rocks. Leaving the pump in would be great even if I had to dig my hole deeper.

How did you drill your hole? Your rock looks similar to the type of rock I'd be using (granite field stone). I have directions for hollowing out the top, but I thought I'd have to hire someone to drill a hole.

I would check with one of the box stores to see if they rent the hammer drills like this. I know most of the rental places around here have them.
The rocks, I have drilled several different types; have all drilled easier the concrete.
I bought a 3'x1", and a 18"x1 1/4". I pretty much only use the 1" now as it works easily for sliding the discharge hoses from the pumps into the hole and holds them tight enough to keep them from leaking.

I would go down a good depth so you do not have to worry about a solid freeze. The only thing we do for maintenance on the pondless fountain is a little bleach in the water once in a while.

To move the rocks I use heavy plastic sheeting, (like the old roll up snow sleds)what works good too is a plastic 55 gallon drum opened up. No lifting the rocks onto or off of anything, just roll them, that and I can slide large rocks with my yard tractor and not tear up the grass.
These were the latest rocks we moved in but we have not drilled them yet these are going to be used for lamp posts.

Good luck !
Curt

I also like your rock sled idea. I don't have a lawn tractor, but my neighbor does and my father-in-law has a four wheel drive quad with chains. I have to go over my drain field, so heavier equipment is not an option. You've got me really excited about this project now! I'm planning to do a fire pit and stone patio in the woods behind my house first, so this project will be later in the summer or next summer. I'll post pictures here (probably in "Gardening with Stone") when I get them done.

Thanks again!

We did the same thing last year, added a fire pit, we do not have the patio around it yet. Still trying to decide how we want to do it. It sure is relaxing watching the fire and listening to water... :)

I think this is really a DIY thing with no need to hire someone to drill the rock.

Have Fun and be careful this rock gardening, rock collecting seems to turn into a bad habit LOL

Curt

This picture makes the rock look so small. It's actually almost three feet wide and two feet tall. When they brought it in with the bobcat there was a guy that actually crawled under this and ran the hose through the hole with it suspended over his head. Talk about a high risk job!