Birdbath Garden

If you are like me, then you love nature.  Especially, plants.  Bringing the outside in is a great way to provide cleaner air in your home.  It is also proven to keep you happier. Plants are amazing for a number of reasons, but the fact that they look cool and can add a natural touch to any room is a reason all of its own to buy them.

About a month ago I stopped by a garage sale and noticed a beautiful bird bath they had on the lawn. When I asked if it was for sale they said it was $20. For that amount of money how could I let it go! 

Birdbaths can be pretty pricey and finding one you love that is affordable and in good condition rarely happens. At the time I didn't have a back yard but I was thinking of how I can get creative and use it inside my apartment. First, I thought of making it a table by filling it with rocks and shells and then topping it off with a piece of glass. Definitely something you should try  But I was trying to make this a cheaper project so I thought of the next best thing, a birdbath garden.

You can search garage sales in your neighborhood to find a birdbath like I did or stop by the Sayville Antique and Design Center to see if they have any that interest you. Also, the Flower and Garden Shop over on Main Street may carry some as well.  Shopping around is the most work this project entails.  Once you find one you love, the rest is super easy.

Now, since the birdbath is not that deep you can only use certain plants in it.  I find that succulents are the best way to go because they don't need a lot of dirt to live and you only have to water them like once a month.  So, I was on my way to creating a little haven of desert plants. Here is how I did it:

First, buy a couple of bags of rocks, any will do, and place a half inch layer on the bottom of the birdbath.  You need to do this for drainage.  Check out the Four Star home and Variety Store to see what they carry or the Attias Flea Market.  You never know what you will find there!

Then buy some organic soil (unless you have some around the house) and fill a thin layer over the rocks and make sure they are all covered.  I am sure you can find some at the Garden Shop as well.  

Now, plant about four to five plants with a couple of inches in between them.  Give them some room to breathe.  I purchased my succulents at Ikea (they are only $4 there) but any garden center or Home Depot type store should have them too.  Usually, everyone has a store or nursery they like to go so feel free to do what you like or shop around.

Once you have the plants placed where you want them to be, fill in the spaces with some more soil so they are safe and secure.  You don't want the roots sticking out!

Last but not least, place another layer of rocks on top so you don't just see dirt.  This will be the finishing touch that will make your birdbath garden look awesome.  Now make sure you keep your garden by a window because succulents need lots of light. I wouldn't want your new buddies to die to soon!

I hope you have fun shopping around for the elements that will make this DIY project a beautiful addition to your home.  I promise it will look amazing and end up being a cool conversational piece to any room.  Good Luck!  Stay tuned for many more easy and fun ideas you can do in your home - DIY style.  Have design questions or need some tips?  Feel free to contact me and I will be more than happy to share some advice.