That old bird bath base, left behind after the bowl cracked or the top blew off in a storm, can become the foundation for a charming and unique planter. Instead of sending it to the curb, you can turn it into a striking vertical garden feature for your patio, porch, or garden path. This project is simple, requires no special skills, and gives new life to something that might otherwise be discarded. Before you start, clean the base thoroughly and decide on the type of planter you want: a classic urn-style planter that sits on top, a trailing plant cascade that spills over the edge, or a tiered arrangement using the base as a pedestal. The steps below cover the most common approach—placing a planter on the base—and include variations for other ideas. You’ll need a few basic supplies, most of which you probably already have.
What You’ll Need
- Old bird bath base (clean and dry)
- A planter pot or container that fits the top of the base (with drainage holes)
- Potting soil
- Plants of your choice (drought-tolerant or trailing varieties work well)
- Small gravel or broken pottery pieces (for drainage)
- Optional: outdoor sealant or primer (if the base is metal or has chipped paint)
- Optional: a drill with a masonry or metal bit (if you need to add drainage holes to a non-draining container)
- Optional: a saucer to catch excess water
Step-by-Step
- Clean and inspect the base. Scrub the base with soap and water to remove dirt, bird droppings, and old debris. Rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely. Check for cracks or instability—if the base wobbles or is severely damaged, it may not be safe to use as a planter. If it’s metal, look for rust; if it’s concrete, look for large chips that could weaken it.
- Prepare the base for outdoor use (optional). If the base is metal and has bare spots, apply a rust-inhibiting primer and then an outdoor paint or sealant to protect it from the elements. For concrete or stone bases, you can apply a concrete sealer to help prevent water damage and staining. Let everything dry completely before proceeding.
- Choose a planter that fits. Select a planter pot that sits securely on the top of the base. The pot should be slightly wider than the top of the base to create a stable, visually pleasing look, but not so wide that it overhangs dangerously. If the base has a central hole (where the bird bath bowl used to sit), you can place the planter over that hole, or you can fill the hole with a small plug or a piece of plastic mesh to keep soil from falling through.
- Add drainage to the planter (if needed). If your chosen planter lacks drainage holes, drill a few holes in the bottom using a drill bit appropriate for the material (masonry bit for terracotta or concrete, metal bit for metal). If you can’t drill, you can use the planter as a decorative outer pot and place a smaller, well-draining pot inside—this is called double-potting. Always ensure water can escape, as standing water will rot plant roots.
- Place a layer of gravel or broken pottery at the bottom of the planter. This helps with drainage and prevents soil from washing out of the holes. Add about an inch or two of gravel, depending on the depth of the pot.
- Fill the planter with potting soil. Use a high-quality potting mix, not garden soil, as it’s lighter and better for container plants. Fill the planter about halfway, then gently place your plants in, arranging them as desired. Fill in around the roots with more soil, leaving about an inch of space below the rim to allow for watering.
- Water the plants thoroughly. After planting, water the soil until water runs out of the drainage holes. This settles the soil and ensures the roots make good contact with the soil. Allow the planter to drain completely before placing it on the base.
- Position the planter on the base. Carefully lift the planter (it may be heavy) and set it on top of the base. Make sure it’s centered and stable. If the base is uneven, you can place a small shim or a piece of rubber matting underneath to level it.
- Add a saucer (optional). If you want to protect the base from water stains or mineral deposits, place a saucer under the planter. This is especially useful if the base is made of a porous material like unsealed concrete.
- Finish with a top dressing (optional). Add a layer of decorative pebbles, bark, or moss on top of the soil. This helps retain moisture, prevents weeds, and gives a polished look.
Common Mistakes
- Using a planter that’s too heavy. A massive ceramic pot filled with wet soil can be extremely heavy and may crack the base or cause it to topple. Choose a lightweight planter, such as plastic or fiberglass, especially for larger arrangements.
- Forgetting drainage. Without drainage holes, water accumulates at the bottom, leading to root rot and plant death. Always ensure water can escape.
- Placing the planter on an unstable base. If the base is wobbly or on uneven ground, the whole arrangement can fall over. Level the base first, and consider securing it with a heavy-duty adhesive or anchor if needed.
- Ignoring the base material. Unsealed concrete or terracotta bases can absorb water and crack during freeze-thaw cycles. Seal them if you live in a cold climate.
- Overfilling the planter with soil. Leaving too little rim space makes watering messy and can lead to soil washing over the sides.
Tips
- Choose plants that suit the location. If your planter will be in full sun, opt for drought-tolerant plants like succulents, sedums, or herbs like thyme and rosemary. In shade, go for ferns, begonias, or impatiens.
- Use trailing plants for a dramatic effect. Plants like ivy, sweet potato vine, or trailing petunias will spill over the edge of the planter, softening the look and drawing the eye down to the base.
- Consider a tiered arrangement. Instead of one large planter, you can place several smaller pots on the base, creating a mini garden. Use a shallow tray on the base to hold the pots together.
- Add a pop of color. Paint the base with outdoor paint to match your décor. A bright color like turquoise or a classic black can make the planter a focal point.
- Protect the base from water damage. If you skip a saucer, consider placing a plastic liner or a piece of rubber under the planter to catch drips.
Troubleshooting
- The planter wobbles on the base. Place a thin piece of rubber or a few layers of felt under the planter to create friction and level it out. For a permanent solution, apply a strong outdoor adhesive to the base before setting the planter.
- Water pools on the base after watering. This means the planter is draining, but the water has nowhere to go. Use a saucer, or drill a small hole in the base (if it’s a solid material) to allow water to escape. Alternatively, raise the planter slightly with small feet or spacers.
- The base is cracked. Small cracks can be filled with a concrete repair compound or epoxy. If the crack is large and compromises the structure, it’s safer to retire the base and use it as a decorative piece only, not as a planter support.
- Plants are not thriving. Check the light levels and adjust the plant selection. Also, ensure the soil isn’t staying too wet—if it is, add more gravel to the bottom or reduce watering frequency.
- The base has an old hole where the bowl sat. If the hole is large and you don’t want the planter to sit over it, cover it with a piece of plastic mesh or a flat stone, then place the planter on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use the base without a separate planter, by filling it with soil directly?
A: Yes, if the base has a bowl-like depression, you can fill it with soil, but you must ensure there’s drainage. Drill holes in the bottom of the depression, or add a layer of gravel and use a liner with holes. However, this is less flexible because you can’t easily change plants.
Q: What if my bird bath base is made of plastic?
A: Plastic bases are lightweight and may not be stable enough for a heavy planter. You can still use them, but choose a lightweight pot and ensure the base is on a flat, stable surface. You might also fill the base with sand or pebbles to add weight.
Q: How do I keep the planter from blowing over in strong wind?
A: Place the planter on the base and then add a layer of decorative stones or gravel on top of the soil to weigh it down. You can also use a heavy-duty outdoor adhesive to secure the planter to the base, or place the whole arrangement in a sheltered spot.
Q: Can I paint a concrete bird bath base?
A: Yes, you can. Clean the base thoroughly, apply a concrete primer, and then use exterior acrylic paint. Seal with a clear concrete sealer to protect the paint from moisture. This can give your planter a fresh, custom look.
Q: What are the best plants for a bird bath planter?
A: It depends on your climate and light, but succulents, herbs, and trailing annuals are popular choices. Succulents are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, herbs like basil or mint are useful and fragrant, and trailing plants like petunias or ivy add a cascade of color.
Q: Can I use the base as a planter for a small tree or shrub?
A: Yes, but be mindful of weight. A small tree in a large pot can be very heavy, so ensure the base is sturdy and the pot is not too large. Consider using a lightweight potting mix and a plastic or fiberglass pot to reduce the load.