Alternative uses for garden bird baths

Bird baths are a wonderful way to accent the garden and show wildlife you care. What if you just moved into an apartment and have no garden? What if it's winter and the birdbath looks devoid of life? What if the birds are being pestered by squirrels or kitty cats? What other uses are there for garden birdbaths? Here are some interesting uses for birdbaths that might solve your problem.

Indoor or outdoor garden fountain

Bird baths can be used indoors too. Use your birdbath indoors or outdoors as a fountain base. Center a small fountain pump in the bird bath. Surround it with stones or seashells. Extend the tube upward and cover it with the stones or seashells on all sides but leave space for the water to flow up and out. Fill the bird bath with water and turn on the pump. Water will cascade peacefully down the stones or shells.

Indoor or outdoor planter

Line the bottom of the garden bird bath with small river rock for drainage. Add potting soil and fertilizer. Use several different looking plants that require the same care. Cactus make a very pretty rock garden type display in an old bird bath. This idea is especially good for old cracked bird baths that no longer hold water. If the garden bird bath is cracked be sure to use it outdoors.

*Add small houses or furniture for a fairy garden.

Birdbath plus feeder

Turn the bird bath into an all purpose garden bird feeder. Place a water dish in the center. Surround it with peanut butter balls made from peanut butter mixed with bird seed.

Gazing ball holder

Want a gazing ball in the garden and looking for a way to re-use an old bird bath? Fill the garden bird bath up with marbles to hold the gazing ball in place. Gently rotate the gazing ball with a slight pressure until it settles into the marbles for stability. When it rains, these gazing ball bird bath displays add an even more beautiful water show to the garden.