A tube is installed from the pump outlet up through the base of the hand-pump. The water then flows out the discharge of the hand-pump. Another popular water feature is the spouting ornament, also known as a spitter. Available in several designs, the spitter is installed on the edge of the barrel and spits the water back in the barrel in a small continuous spout. Most of the aquatic plants used in full-sized ponds can also be used in the barrel garden.
Hardy lilies are particularly popular because of their spectacular blooms.
To add some height, consider planting Iris or Sweet Flag. If you are not ready to try aquatic plants, adding non-aquatic plants is easy to do. A barrel planter ring is simply inserted into the barrel, on top of the barrel liner. This is filled with dirt or other planting medium for growing any number of annuals or perennials, which may be allowed to cascade over the edge of the barrel. The hole in the middle of the ring allows for a flow of water into the middle of the barrel from a water feature, such as a hand-pump.