Do you want to turn your backyard or patio into a relaxing oasis? One of the easiest ways to create a serene, spa-like environment is to add the sound of bubbling water.

The problem is, outdoor fountains can be expensive. So what’s a resourceful person to do? Make your own fountain, of course!

We’ve made two DIY garden fountains so far, and both have been very simple.

This is what you need for this project: two flower pots (one slightly smaller than the other), a plastic flower pot (to go inside), a plastic tube, a fountain pump, a power drill and silicone. For the green fountain we used a 300 gph (gallons per hour) pump, and the terracotta fountain has a 70 gph pump. Both work well, so you could go with whatever works for you.

You need to be able to fit the pump cord and plug through the bottom of the bigger flower pot, so you will probably have to use your drill to enlarge the hole on the underside of the pot.

Once you have the cord pulled all the way through, seal the hole with silicone and let it dry completely.

Next, drill some holes in the side of your plastic flower pot so that water can flow through it. The pot will be flipped upside down inside the bigger flower pot as a base for the second layer of the fountain. You won’t see this part, so don’t worry about making it pretty!

You also need a hole in the top of the plastic pot big enough for your clear plastic tube to pass through.

We wanted the top flower pot to be angled for the terracotta fountain, so we drilled the hole on the side. If you’re just going to set the pot on top like the green fountain, you would drill the hole though the top.

The top flower pot has to have a hole in the bottom too, so the plastic cord can run through it. You may have to use your drill to widen the existing hole. That hole also needs to be sealed with silicone and allowed to dry before you move forward.

The next part is so easy just fill up both pots with rocks! We used rocks from a previous landscaping project, but you can buy a bag of river rocks or pebbles at any hardware or garden store.

Lastly, cut the clear cord to the length you want. Wherever you cut the cord, that’s the spot where the water will flow.

Fill the pot with water from your hose so it can circulate, then turn on the fountain pump. Now you’ve got a custom water feature for your backyard, patio or outdoor space!

The very last step is to grab a drink, put your feet up and enjoy the soothing sound of the fountain!

The best part about this project is that you can customize it to your taste and decor. You can do two tiers or even five, whatever you want! Plus, your new fountain is one of a kind, and you’ll never run into another person with the exact same one. That’s the beauty of DIY!