Bamboo Water Features

Tsukubai

• A tsukubai is a water basin that is traditionally found in Japanese gardens. It is usually located near the tea house. Participants in the tea ceremony would wash their hands in the basin before they entered the house. The tsukabai is sometimes used as a decorative water feature.

  Tsubakai are made by placing a bamboo faucet inside of a water jar, usually made of stone or resin. They are usually surrounded by plants, decorative stones or even larger rocks. The bamboo faucet needs to be hooked up to a water pump so that the water can circulate.

Bamboo Waterfall

• Some companies sell kits to make bamboo waterfalls. These work with a water pump that directs the flow of water into one of the bamboo pieces. The water then cascades down into the second piece and a third, if the fountain is designed that way.

  The waterfall framework is positioned over rocks or stones to give a pleasing natural effect. Usually some assembly is needed with these kits.

Shishi-Odoshi

• Shishi-Odoshi, which means "deer scarer," is a bamboo water feature used in Japanese gardens to chase away birds and other animals. Originally they were used to keep animals out of agricultural areas.

  A hollow bamboo arm is attached to an upright base so that the arm will pivot. One end of the arm is slowly filled with water from another tube. When the arm fills, it pivots from the water's weight and hits a stone basin, making a clicking sound. It is this sound that startles the animals. The water empties into the basin and the process starts again.