HOW TO MAKE A BIRDBATH/FROG POND
This simple and easy project is great for older kids and adults of all ages. Backyard birds will appreciate this oasis on those hot summer days. There’s nothing happier or more entertaining than a bird taking a splashy bath on hot day. This is a small water feature that is easy to maintain and a joy to watch as birds, frogs and other garden creatures visit the mini pond for a drink or a quick bath.
MATERIALS
- small flat rocks (for the outside edge, collect in advance)
- waterproof liner (we used a black garbage bag)
- shovel
- access to water (garden hose or bucket)
- sticks or small branches
- low border plants
- taller garden plants (for shade if needed)
INSTRUCTIONS
Choose the location for your water feature. Clear area of weeds, plants… Dig a small hole, we chose a kidney shape but you can make it any shape you like. Because we used a garbage bag as a liner our shape was contingent on the size of the bag. We cut one side seam and the bottom of to open it up to largest extent. Make sure edges of the feature are well inside the edges of liner.
Create the shape you want and make one end deeper than the other. Basically a tiny pool with a shallow and deep end. (ours is approx 16″ x 26″ at the widest parts and about 6″ deep in the deepest part)
Fill the hole with water to see where the level lines are for the outer edges. I like to leave a low spot where I can remove a rock and drain the water if need be. When the edges are level let the water drain completely away. Smooth bottom and edges.
Adjust the liner so it fits evenly over the hole. Add a bit of water and straighten if needed. Continue to fill with water until it reaches top edge of liner.
Add flat rocks around outside edge, like puzzle pieces covering as much of the liner as possible so it’s not visible. Tuck under any excess liner or trim it with scissors.
Add a stick or two for birds to perch on. Plant some low edging plants along one side and taller plants along the other. Keep in mind if you plan to birdwatch by the water feature be sure to put shorter plants in field of vision so as not to block the view.
This is also a great opportunity for rock collectors to make use of some of those “special” rocks collected over the years. I love seeing some of my favourite finds being put to good use. We added polymer clay fairies and mermaids.
If you try this project we’d love to see a photo. Post a photo of your masterpiece on Nana’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/GetCreativeWithNana
For more creative ideas visit Nana on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/getcreativewithnana