It’s that time of year again, when I using things from around my house to create a birdbath for my feathered friends. I’ve used this large pewter bowl for about 3 years now, and for the last two years I’ve had it placed atop my rock sculpture in the landscape design. Every day I change out the water so the birds have something fresh to drink from and bathe in.
My color theme for this year is purple and white flowers, it’s the first time I’ve used that combination and I picked those colors based on what was a great price when I went to the store. I went with something totally different in mind but cost won over and I’m liking that it did. If you missed how to make the above DIY garden orb you can read how HERE! (It’s a no tools required project)
Now back to the birdbath. The pewter bowl is from my Dad, he purchased it from a place where he worked many years ago. It was used on a salad bar and they were no longer using it. He picked me up two this size and two larger all for $2 each, what a steal right? I always place a large rock inside my birdbath too, I’m not sure if the birds need it to stand on but I’m giving them the option. Plus I like how it visually looks. I’m like a 10 year old boy, I have a thing for rocks.
I can’t believe how much this sedum ground cover has taken off. When I planted it last year it was the size of my hand and now it’s starting to take over the space in front of the rock sculpture. It’s amazing stuff too, you don’t even have to plant it just throw down a hunk onto the ground and it will take off like crazy.
See that collection of rocks beside the birdbath? That’s what I mean, I find a nice looking rock and I have to drag it home with me. My favorite types are flat and smooth rocks, and I like them best when there wet and shiny. Wow, I am a 10 year old boy…..
You don’t have to go out and buy anything special to create a bird bath. Any large somewhat shallow container or dish will do. I think and enamelware wash pan would make for a perfect birdbath. If you’re lucky enough to have a pewter bowl use it, you won’t be disappointed with how it holds up outside.
It took a little time for the birds to find mine, but now that they have I see them enjoying it every day. I think our dog even gets a drink from it every now and again. So tell me what you use for your own DIY birdbath.
I like your natural approach to your yard and gardening. I will have to look for an orb!!! The birdbath is a great idea and having it near the house means it is easier to clean and fill daily….and observe! Thanks for the inspiration!!
Logan you’re right the birdbath is right near the hose so it’s easy to clean on a daily basis. If I had to haul water I’m not so sure I’d change it so often.
Love how you got your birdbath, pewter! Do you have plans for the other bowls. Your dad was smart to buy them. Love your rock formations too. Well, sad to say Dawn, but our birdbath is not being used. Have it out front eith our Mexican bird of paradise bush and that’s it. Our tree had to be cut down, so many birds loved it too. And pigeons took over my neighborhood. So enjoy the wonder of birds and I love your deer!
Kathleen in Az
Kathleen I use one of the pewter bowls from time to time to hold fruit on the island. I’ve had them for about 20 years and they get used for different things. Sometimes I plant flowers in them on the deck. It took the birds about 2 years to find my birdbath and really start using it. I think maybe our cat scared them all away. She’s passed now so they’re coming back around.
I love it!….and love how it is perched on the rocks…I must take note of the sedum for my next house…my sister-in-law has that it like yours, it has really taken over an area….pretty! … love the rock that you placed in the bowl for a bird perch!
Shirley when you’re ready I’ll send you a batch, just let me know.
I had to turn my birdbath into a planter. The community cats in my area were sitting underneath it, just waiting for a bird to land. I didn’t feel right about continuing to maintain it. I love all creatures, but the poor birds were becoming cat bait, especially the slow moving doves. There are ponds nearby for the birds to bathe in and drink from, so I don’t feel so bad, but I do miss them being close to the house where I can watch them. Sigh…. I try to cooperate with nature, so it was up to me to adapt.
Pat the same happened here when our cat was alive. I wondered why I never had birds in the birdbath, but our cat was stalking them, lol. I love to watch the birds too, I spend the mornings on the deck watching them bath and the hummingbirds flutter about. It’s so relaxing to me.
I love your birdbath, and the fabulous plants around it. I can truly enjoy a birdbath like this. Thanks for sharing.
Ivory, I say use what you have the birds will always enjoy it, and I love watching them 🙂