Flight pattern
More online: Gardening Q&A, seasonal to-do list and new Sprouting Wisdom advice column
Inviting birds to the garden is always fun. There's something therapeutic, and sometimes comical, about watching the birds gobbling up the birdseed I've put out or splashing around in a birdbath. It always makes me smile.
Interestingly, experts say a birdbath attracts more birds than a bird feeder. You may not get huge numbers of the same species of bird, but you'll get a greater assortment.
One of the best things about this project is it can be either a bath or feeder for your feathered friends. Plus it's inexpensive and easy enough to make two—so you can have one of each. The priciest part of the project might be the tile, which can cost as much as $15 per sheet. I found tile on sale for much less, so be sure to check for bargains, since you'll need only a few sheets.
Materials list
- 1 each (12-inch, 14-inch and 16-inch) terra cotta pots (you can use smaller or even larger ones as long as they stack)
- 1 (20-inch) terra cotta pot saucer (if using different than recommended size pots, make sure the tray looks an appropriate size)
- 3 to 4 sheets of 1-inch tile
- 1 container thinset mortar or one tube of liquid nails (you'll need a caulking gun to apply the liquid nails)
- Clamps to hold the tile to the pots
- Sanded grout
- Birdseed
.svg.png){kind=small}
