A Birdbath Metamorphosis

A few weeks ago, I made a special trip to Harrisonburg to Harper's Lawn Ornaments hoping to find a special treasure. I found just that-a birdbath shaped like an apple leaf to put in the flower beds at Applejack Lane.

But I need to back track a little in my story.

Meet Dwayne. Dwayne is a designer (he doesn't like to be called one, but he is) at Driver Brothers, a landscape center in Staunton. He was one of my sixth grade students a few years back and I recently caught up with him at the landscape center. He does some fabulous things with plants. I fell head over heals in love with a little succulent arrangement he planted in a broken birdbath.


This arrangement is absolutely stunning. I bet there are more comments about this one piece in the center than any other. And it is Dwayne's work! So I asked him just how he did it so I could make my version.

Start with a birdbath.


Add some pebbles for drainage.


Add a layer of soil.



Add some plants. I used Hens and Chicks in the center. Then, I planted Czar's Gold Sedum at the top and finished with a Tri-color Sedum at the point.



All the starter nasturtiums had been sold at the garden center so I bought a packet of seeds to add for some summer color. These are Nasturtium Alaska. I only had to add a few, and the rest I planted in my perennial bed.



Add a little water and a pinch of patience. Voila! I have very my very own succulent birdbath at Applejack Lane! It's not as grand as Dwayne's, but I am in awe of his work and the inspiration he gave me to try to create one for myself.



Be sure to visit Between Naps on the Porch hosted by Susan to visit other participants in Metamorphosis Monday.