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Birdbaths on a Budget

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-745 -- More Projects »
Master gardener Kate Karam shows how to build expensive-looking birdbaths with bowls and tomato cages.

Materials:

54" round tomato cage
spray paint in color of choice
measuring tape
pliers
plastic dish or tray
large pot
short-growing vines such as sweet pea, clematis or moon flowers

Steps:


  1. Spray paint the cage.

  2. Turn the cage upside down on a level surface, with the unattached legs facing up. Bend the legs at the joint until they lie flat, perpendicular to the cage.
PHOTO

Figure A
PHOTO

Figure B
PHOTO

Figure C
  • Measure up seven inches from the joint where the leg joins the cage and cut the leg.

  • Bend the leg up about halfway down with pliers (figure A).

  • Position a plastic dish or tray inside the bent legs (figure B).

  • Set the cage in a large pot and under-plant with short-growing vines.

  • Twine the vines carefully through the cage (figure C).

  • Fill the tray with two to three inches of water (no more than four inches).

    * Note: Always keep the water clean and fresh. Don't let it stagnate.

    • PHOTO

    Figure D
    Alternative Idea

    Another easy birdbath requires turning a large pot (perhaps one that is chipped or unattractive) upside down. Set the shallow dish on top and fill with water (figure D).

    Also in this Episode
    Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-745
    •Birdbaths on a Budget
    •Cleaning Baby Clothes
    •Spicing Up Canned Foods
    •Smart Solution of the Day
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