My New, Very Old Birdbath
Sunday, February 10, 2019 at 5:30PM Last year Lou cleared some small dead trees out of the natural area in the center of the woodland garden, and suddenly the area appeared a bit bare. I mulled over the idea of a piece of sculpture, but it would have to be something that would fit into the rustic setting.
Last week I came across a large "vintage estate, pedestal birdbath." I did not need another birdbath, but it was the right size and price. I had ideas on how to make it work. After I hauled it home in the back of the car, my husband complained bitterly about its weight as he was wrestling it into place. I promised him he would love it.
It is a distinctive birdbath with at least a half century of patina. As I said, I wanted a piece of sculpture more than a birdbath. So I filled the bowl with soil and covered that with moss from my garden. Then I placed a crystal gazing ball in the center. 
I put some violas around the ball for instant gratification, though this spring I plan to replace them with something else with tiny flowers. I am not sure yet what will work with moss in this shady area. I will do some research. 
It fits well into the wooded surroundings, but I think I will need to clear out weeds that may detract from it.
I am looking forward to spring when everything turns green and the vinca ground cover around it blooms. Lou does love it, though I had to assure him I will not be calling up any spirits of the dead with the crystal ball!
Reader Comments (13)
No wonder you couldn't come home without that bird bath. It's patina makes it blend in with your garden. In that crystal ball I see a sea of blue under the bird bath reflecting the flowers within.
I love it, Deb. If I had a woodland, I'd be copying your idea to a "T"! I've got a birdbath with a glass sphere and glass pebbles to emulate water in my cutting garden but that's as close to the idea as I get.
Your birdbath looks like a perfect woodland centerpiece - just lovely!
Violets? Or some tiny bulbs crocus or species iris? Wonderful to have little flowers raised up where they can be enjoyed.
Oh, that's really, really pretty! The gazing ball surrounded by the flowers is magical. You have the designer's touch, for sure!
A very nice addition!
I love what you did with this.
(But I sympathize with your husband. Man, that looks heavy!!)
:P
Perfect in the woodland setting; you have the eye for finding objects that are just right!
Very pretty! It looks really nice there in the woodland setting! So nice to see spring daffodils blooming in your garden. It is snowing here. What plant is that near your birdbath that has those big leaves?
Hello everyone, thank you all for your comments! Indie, the plant with the large leaves is Aspidistra elatior, or Cast Iron Plant. Best wishes to you all! Deb
I love what you've done with the birdbath!
Beautiful, and it definitely fits with the rest of your garden look.
How about a maidenhair or Japanese painted fern behind the ball? Or an epimedium or miniature Solomon's seal?
Is the bowl already cracked or does it have a hole in it? If not, you may need to place it so it doesn't get freeze damaged.
Gorgeous bird bath. The gazing ball makes it perfect! How about adding some snowdrop bulbs or Spotted deadnettle (Lamium maculatum) - would either of those work?