How to Make an Easy to Clean Birdbath

A birdbath often looks beautiful nestled into a garden...for the first few weeks that is. Once it develops an unsightly layer of algae or collects dozens of falling leaves it becomes an eyesore. Plus, the idea of lugging several pounds of concrete around to clean it is daunting. Furthermore, lightweight fiberglass or plastic birdbaths often don't have enough ballast in the base, making them easy to knock over. Here are some simple directions for a birdbath that will be easy to clean and will look like a creative focal point in your backyard garden.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• concrete birdbath base (base and basin are often sold separately at garden stores, bases run around $10-$20)
• large plastic pot saucer (20in or bigger)in a thick, sturdy plastic that is rough on the interior and is a pleasing color.
• matching small saucer that fits into the smaller circle on the big one
• a small decorative pot (see my article on finding inexpensive pots) and a small, vertical plant to go in it (I used a small ficus)
• hose

1. 
   Turn base end over end to move

   Firmly pack the dirt in a level spot where you want your birdbath to go. Position the birdbath base on the spot. If you have a hard time trying to carry the base, I find it works well to turn it end over end.

2. 

   Position the large saucer on top of the base so that it is centered well. This will hold the water of your birdbath. It is easy to clean, however, it needs something to hold in place since it is lightweight.

3. 

   Plant the plant in the nice pot and place in the small saucer. Then set both in the small circle of the large saucer. It should be centered directly over the base. The small saucer will keep the soil residues from the plant from flowing into the birdbath when you water the plant. It will also help keep the plant centered. This forms the whole of your birdbath.

4. 

   Fill the saucer of the birdbath slowly with water from the hose. Shift the plant and saucers if the way it fills indicates they are off center on the base.

5. 

   When it is time to clean the birdbath just take off the plant/pot and scrub out the saucer!

Tips & Warnings

• make sure that the saucer has a rough texture. Bird's don't like to wade in birdbaths with a smooth surface
• if you have a running water source in your yard such as a waterfall (see my article on how to make an inexpensive one), place your birdbath near it as the sound will attract birds
• don't let your plant get too big so that it hangs over the bird's water area
• place your birdbath in an area of your yard farthest away from pets that may discourage birds from coming

[Susang6]

on 9/17/2008 this is a great idea, but why scrub, why not just throw away and get a new saucer! 5*

[niellste]

on 9/13/2008 love birding, thanks for the article - check out my bird article

[showpup]

on 9/11/2008 Thanks for the article. Love your illustrations. 5 stars

[MIghtyDreamer]

on 9/6/2008 great illustrations. very nice and fun tips.

[vallain]

on 9/2/2008 It's really worthwhile encouraging birds to visit our yards.