Things You'll Need

Instructions

1

Have a plan. The basic elements of a tsukubai are big rocks, a water jar, stones, plants and a bamboo faucet. Plan the location, the sizes and colors of the elements, and whether or not you want a full-functioning water basin connected to a water source.
2

Gather your materials. Because real boulders are difficult to work with, consider sourcing substitutes from an artificial rocks factory. Fake rocks made of cast stone (used in this project, shown in photo) are lightweight but durable and realistic. Stone jars are also heavy, so consider fiberglass and resin (used in this project, shown in photo). For a full-functioning water basin, the bamboo faucet will have to be connected to a water source. For a decorative fountain, consider connecting a water pump to the bamboo fixture.
3

Position the big rocks first. They will help define the boundaries of your water feature. If you designed a water feature connected to a water source, this would be the time to also install the plumbing.
4

Plant the foliage and position the water jar.
5

Pour the decorative stones and add the bamboo fixture.
6

Fill the jar with water, water the plants, and enjoy!

How To Make the Bamboo Fixture

1

Purchase a 7-foot bamboo pole (from the neighborhood garden center).
2

Using a jigsaw or circular saw, cut off two foot-long sections and tie them together with twine. They will serve as a small platform on top of the water jar.
3

Cut off a 5-inch piece from the remaining pole.
4

Saw off a diagonal section from the 5-inch piece so that it becomes the fixture's spout.
5

Bore holes on the sides of the spout, string a piece of twine through, and tie the spout onto the bamboo pole.