Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects The pond is an old board formed concrete watering trough for cows!

Thanks for asking.
Dan

Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects Hi Shellyklug,

The water in the concrete water feature is constantly moving. There is a recirculating pump in the bottom of the trough. This helps prevent algae growth and mosquito nesting.

Thank you for your nice comment about this project !
Dan

Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects I recieved this information from the landscape architect, Scott Lankford.

The plant in the horse trough fountain is known as Sweet Flag Grass. The Latin name is Carex Elata and the variety is Bowles Golden or Aurea. It is also known as Acorus gramineus ogon 'aurea' or 'bowels golden' and is planted in shallow water in a pot. Or it can be planted directly along a natural water edge at about 6" deep.

A couple of other water "grasses" that will work are:
Iris Laevigata, blue water iris
Scirpus tabernaemontani 'zebrinus', zebra rush
Cyperus longus, sweet galingale

I suggest building a pond using 30 ml. butyl rubber liner over a smooth base. Cover with 4-6" round river rock. Bury edges of liner. Set any focal rock on top of liner. Do not cut liner and try to form around rock. Often the liner will be laid over old carpet to help protect the bottom of it from any sharp objects.

I hope this helps.
Dan