Convert an old bird bath into a small rock garden. The flowers and succulents in it add a touch of color to your landscape and the bird bath adds height and interest to existing flower gardens.
Bird Bath Rock Garden
My daughter and I completed a fun and easy upcycle project in our yard recently. We converted an old leaky bird bath into a small rock garden. I am so glad I came up with this idea rather than trashing the old bird bath. It not only reduced waste, but added an interesting feature to out landscape. It didn't take long at all to put together either.
The project was also a great way to reinforce the topics her teacher has been covering in class the past few weeks as well; gardening, plants and insects.
Of course, my rather underwhelming previous attempt at a rock garden from a couple years ago, made the project even easier. Even if you are starting fresh though, all you need is a leaky birdbath (or one you "make" leaky), some soil, plenty of rocks (especially interesting looking ones to feature) and some rock garden plants. I used hens & chicks, portulaca & another small spreading succulent, which I believe is a variety of stone crop.
How We Made The Birdbath Rock Garden
We simply put some sandier soil at the bottom to ensure good drainage, then bagged garden soil mixed with soil from my garden bed to nestle the rocks in.
I ten placed the larger foundation rocks and placed the plants, ensuring their roots were well covered and securely in place. I then had my daughter pass me the mid sized rocks to cover up bare soil and make the plants more secure, finally she placed the smaller decorative rocks around the garden.
We gave it a good water to allay the shock of transplant. I haven't watered it since, as these plants like drier conditions and the pile formation will help hold some moisture. It will really only be watered during drought and occasionally during the hottest weeks of summer.
My daughter was proud of her part in creating our new little garden. Upcycling projects like this teach kids not only about plants and gardening, but also how to look at things beyond their original purpose. Who knows what ideas they could come up with if their young minds are taught to think-outside-the-box early.
After working on our birdbath rock garden, my daughter was ready for a snack. I took some time to weed our small vegetable garden, while she was snacking.... and supervising.
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