Post #766831 by TorchGuy on Fri, Jul 29, 2016 5:39 PM

I'm thinking about installing a rain device behind an exterior window. I'm pretty sure construction would be simple, and I'll describe here how I imagine doing it, but I wonder if I'm missing anything, if there are kinks I'd need to worry about, or if others have found better methods or ways to improve the effect.

I imagine mounting a rectangular plastic planting box, such as might go on a railing, under the window, and caulking up the drain holes. A pump would send the water up a PVC pipe to just above the window, where I'd install, I don't know, another similar planting box, or maybe a section of rain gutter. I suppose I'd just drill holes in the bottom, but I'm not sure if some sort of nozzles make the effect better. And what to do about their layout? Randomness, or even rows? How dense, so that I can still see the plants beyond? A bit over a foot beyond the window, and with its top just below it, is a chain-link fence, and I plan to hang another planter on that and fill it with some lush, large-leafed plants. And then, to lighting: I intended to place a spotlight above, to shine on the plants. Is the effect better when it shines only on the plants, not on the rain? Is green any better than white, or maybe blue for that mysterious vibe of artificial night (which should still make the green leaves stand out)? And last, I think a screen is in order in the lower reservoir, to prevent splash, but I've used screen door-type screen in a small fountain before, and the water bounces off it and splashes, too; is there a better way?

Advice from those who've tackled this sort of thing afore me is much appreciated. I know fountains well, but not so much this sort of thing.