DIY Plant Stand Bird Bath & Fountain

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I LOVE bird baths. Like, a lot. I don't why they hold such appeal for me but there is just something so charming about watching a little sparrow daintily bobbing and sipping, or a robin splashing around with the wild abandon of a cracked-out toddler.

I knew that my backyard renovation plans would need to include some bird baths, not just because I enjoy watching a bird bath more than some Netflix shows, but because water is crucial to creating an environment that wildlife will want to visit. Bird baths are beneficial to all animals, not just birds, with rabbits, squirrels and even insects finding them essential pitstops during the summer months.

There's just one problem: bird baths are weirdly expensive. Lightweight plastic or resin versions can run between $50 and $100 for a single basin, while their sturdier stone and wrought iron cousins run even higher. Not really a viable option for my budget-friendly backyard makeover.

Time to get creative!

I knew I would be creating a new garden smack in the middle of my jungle...I mean, yard, and my new bird bath would be a feature in that garden. I wanted something that offered more visual interest than the typical single basin bird bath, so I started hunting around for something that would make a suitable base. A plant stand seemed like the perfect solution.

I was able to create a 3-tiered bird bath and fountain using only four items:

• Metal plant stand - I used the Olivblad stand from IKEA but basically any plant stand would work

• Melamine bowls - Mine came from the dollar store

• Solar fountain - This one from Amazon works well and doesn't cost a lot

• River rocks - Available at most garden centres and hardware stores

After assembling the plant stand, I put the bowls on it and used the river rocks to weigh down the bowls.

Lesson Learned the Hard Way: Make sure your bowls fit your plant stand.

I had to use two different sizes of bowl. I initially bought three of the same size because I really loved the design on them, but it turns out they didn't fit on the middle and lowest levels because of the stand's legs. Back to the dollar store for smaller bowls!

I added water to the three bowls and popped the solar fountain into the top bowl. The fountain floats on the surface and uses solar power to circulate the water. While it came with several nozzles, I use mine without any of them. The fountain is quite powerful and the nozzles cause the water to spray too high. The result is a rapidly emptying basin and a soggy garden. Without a nozzle, the fountain bubbles in a more reasonable manner. I positioned some of the larger river rocks to create a little barricade to keep the fountain in the middle of the bowl and prevent it from dribbling water over the edge.

And that's it! Bird bath done! Seriously one of the easiest projects I've ever undertaken - if you don't count the return trip to the dollar store ;)

Peep my studious little raccoon. He gets pooped on. A LOT.

Some things I love about this project:

1. It took hardly any time at all to build.

2. It cost less than buying a three-basin bird bath or fountain from the store.

3. It can be taken apart at the end of the season and easily stored.

4. The bowls can be replaced for less than $10 if they crack or fade.

5. The fountain runs on solar energy - keepin' it green baby!

I refill the basins daily or as needed, and rinse them every week to prevent algae from growing.

The first time a bird visited my little hydration station I squealed with joy. I'm not even ashamed to admit that fact.

Look at her! Burblin' away.

Special shoutout to my mom, who boldly bought into this idea before it had been proven out. She and my dad were instrumental in the development of the bird bath prototype. We both have a functioning bird bath and a couple extra salad bowls.