The rest of the world sees garbage. I see potential…in almost everything. This old birdbath jumped into my van a couple years ago while curbside junking {“Curbside Junking Finds”, “Curbside Junking Adventures and Tips”}. It’s quite lightweight and kind of plastic-y, but I love it’s patina. It’s days of giving the birds a refreshing bath and drink are definitely gone; it needs a new lease on life! I decided it was the perfect canvas to be re-purposed into a succulent planter!
Once I cleaned it up and gave it a coat of outdoor poly, I first used this birdbath in my winter porch decor, with a vintage birdcage and greens {“Porch Decorating Fun”}. Now that I want to transform it into a planter, I can’t let the dirt fall through those rusty holes! I cut a circle of flexible, black screening to lay in the bottom:
Then I anchored it down with a couple of rocks:
Then I added potting soil and succulents, with a little top dressing of moss and pebbles. Succulents don’t need much room for their roots, so a shallow, old birdbath is a perfect spot for them. And they will definitely have good drainage!
I love how the patina of the old birdbath harmonizes with the coloration of the succulents and the pebbles. And the wonderful thing about placing plants in a birdbath? The pretty arrangement can be enjoyed right at waist height, rather than down low, like most pots. It adds visual interest and height to your patio or deck.
Other pots of flowers can gather round the base to add further color and texture. I can’t wait to see these succulents fill in and thrive in this tall container!
I put together some of the questions I ask myself when trying to come up with ideas of how to re-purpose something, “5 Ways To Boost Your Re-purposing Ideas”. If you’d like my free downloadable/printable tips to spark your creative ideas, you can get it by signing up for my newsletter! I’ll send you a password that gives you access to my Resource Library, where I’ve got refreshing and re-purposing tips, pretty decor printables, styling tips, and favorite recipes. I add new resources almost every week!
I’d love to send you unique, creative inspiration each week, so you can refresh, re-purpose and style your vintage!
I hope seeing this trash-to treasure project encourages you to always think twice when you see something tired and worn, that someone else has given up on! If you happen to see a has-been birdbath that’s seen better days, re-imagine and re-purpose it as a succulent planter! You’ll probably be able to score it for cheap…or even better…free!
Sharing at these lovely parties:
Sandra says
July 31, 2018 at 4:37 amI took a large bird bath fountain that stopped working and had a slight crack in it and did something simular. I was late to the game this year so it has the dirt, wood chips, birch wood and a fern and one succulent plant. Next year I must get out early and buy some chick and hens for it.
Love seeing others repurpose things!
Lora Bloomquist says
July 31, 2018 at 6:41 pmJust saw a whole bunch of hens and chicks the other day and wondered where I could put more; they’re so fun! I’ve been eyeing my other bird baths now…
Cecilia says
July 29, 2018 at 5:58 pmLora, I’ve done the same thing with a birdbath that looks very similar. They say great minds think alike 😉 Thanks for sharing your charming succulent planter at Vintage Charm! Pinning!
Lora Bloomquist says
July 30, 2018 at 9:09 pmI love how it’s filling out as the season goes by! Very happy with how this one turned out! Thanks, Cecilia!
Chas Greener says
July 26, 2018 at 3:22 pmLooks fantastic! Thanks for sharing on To Grandma’s House We Go!
Lora Bloomquist says
July 27, 2018 at 10:45 pmYour welcome, Chas! Thanks for hosting!
Debrashoppeno5 says
June 28, 2018 at 10:46 pmAbsolutely lovely.
Lora Bloomquist says
June 30, 2018 at 2:12 amThanks, Debra!
Tania says
June 23, 2018 at 1:51 pmCool idea as always Lora!
Tania
Lora Bloomquist says
June 23, 2018 at 7:16 pmThanks, Tania! Every little bit of junk I can turn around, ya know;)