[Grubbypaws]

I have created an arch over my garden gate with a Juniperus × pfitzeriana. It looks fantastic leading the eye into a 'secret garden' beyond. However the area underneath gets little or no sunshine.  It is right next to the steps and needs something growing there. In the lightest bit of shade I have planted Vinca minor 'Gertrude Jekyll'  and in the deepest shade Gymnocarpium dryopteris. It looks fantastic but the fern is going to need watering as the juniper also acts like an umbrella so it is very dry. Whilst I am at home and there is no hosepipe ban that is not a problem but it will be when I am away.

The crazy idea

I was wondering whether I could collect water in something lade on top of the pfitzeriana hidden in the shape of the plant ( it is a large plant so that would be easy) and connected to a tube leading down through the bush and ending in a watering rose! Hence a very dry place would get watered naturally when it rained.

The problem

I cant find anything in the shed garage or shops which would be suitable for collecting the water. I envisage a large shallow  funnelly sort of thing.  I have been waiting for an idea to come to me but so far to no avail.

Does any one have a suggestion?

[arugula]

Something like a tractor funnel?



Or does it need to be shallower than that?

[Grubbypaws]

Any idea of its dimensions ? If it is large enough it should work well. So you dont think that I have lost the plot 

Phew!

[Kleftiwallah]

Knock up a mould and fibreglass your own design.  Plenty of instructions on the web to help you.   
 
Cheers,    Tony.

[Grubbypaws]

Knock up a mould and fibreglass your own design.  Plenty of instructions on the web to help you.   
 
Cheers,    Tony.

Could you point me in the right direction this would be an absolute first for me!

[arugula]

Tractor funnels are often about 12x8 inches across the top, no more than about a tenner to buy...

[smud6ie]

Dustbin lid upside down with a tank fitting in the centre!
smud6ie

[savbo]

or google 'hopper' on toolstation or screwfix...

[Paulj]

Knock up a mould and fibreglass your own design.  Plenty of instructions on the web to help you.  
  
Cheers,    Tony.

Could you point me in the right direction this would be an absolute first for me!

Have a look at this video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOo8gxp3K3w.  When I was at university we built some racing cars and I made 2 full bodyworks, one from carbon fibre for a steel chassis, and then a full monocoque tub like in F3000 or F1.  The first one was done with zero experience.  If you can put a few pieces of wood together to create a mould or the shape you would like you will be able to do the rest of this project in glass fibre really easily. If you do go down this route feel free to ask any questions, or even if you just have questions you want to answer whilst considering it.

Saying all of that it would be easier all round to buy something off the shelf, but the fibreglass route could be cheaper depending on the cost of off the shelf items.

[Grubbypaws]

OK here is what I eventually did and it works a treat.

We now only feed the birds peanuts and fat balls and have  stopped feeding sunflower seeds. Consequently I had a spare feeder with pole and squirrel guard hiding in the garage (http://www.birdfood.co.uk/product_details.php?area_id=2&group_id=27&nav_id=30&prd_id=113) a Christmas present from a few years ago.

I have turned the guard upside down to act as a collecting bowl and screwed in the hollow pole underneath so that it is flush with the bowls bottom. I have placed the bowl on top of the Juniperus × pfitzeriana arch with the pole descending through to water the ferns below.

Perfect!

Less rubbish in the garage   
A Christmas present put to good use   

And happy ferns 

[Chrysalis]

I need a picture, please!

[Grubbypaws]

I need a picture, please!

I am sorry Chrysalis but it wont be possible. The 'bowl' has been expertly placed by OH on top of the juniper and is completely hidden from view. All you can see is the hollow green 'pole' sticking out underneath delivering water to the ferns.

I have to say that I am rather pleased with the solution although I am sure that the tractor funnel would have worked fine as well. I usually try to plant with the conditions in the garden but here have turned  impossible growing condition (bone dry acidic deep shade) into an area where my gymnocarpium should thrive

RHS advice 'Grow in a neutral to acid, leafy, moist soil, enriched with garden compost, in deep shade'

Sorted  :Dx

[Chrysalis]

Good for you!  My visualization is better today and I can now envisage your contraption...
 
Hope the plants do well