Sunday, June 14, 2009

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.

21 comments:

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

This is beautiful, Joan! I love the shape of the birdbath. Planting it is a wonderful idea!

Kathleen at Set to a Tea said...

Great job! and thanks so much for including a shot of the seed pack! I've always loved nasturniums and now I know what to look for!

Anonymous said...

What a great idea! I love this and the plants look amazing!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Puna said...

Oh it's beautiful! Dwyane is very talented.

Dixie said...

well... as we say in Texas... "Thar ya go"...

abeachcottage said...

love the shape and great idea to plant it up

Sarah

Peacock Blue said...

This is so cute! Nice job and great idea!

Barb said...

Joan, what a wonderful birdbath....it is fabulous with the plantings.

Barb

Chandy said...

I like that idea! I think I will do something similar as I was trying to figure what to do for a tall planter that would not cost an arm and a leg! Great one! Thanks to you and Dwayne!

Anonymous said...

THis is a great idea especially since I am having trouble with mosquitos in my birdbaths! I think I might do a change over like this!!

blessings
mary

Tamara Jansen said...

can't wait to see how that bird bath turns out by the end of the summer

Decor To Adore said...

Oh it will be so glorious in a few weeks!

Vanessa said...

Beautiful! I can't wait to try this. It's going on my to-do list!

Mrs. Petrie said...

What a fun idea for a planter! I'm so curious to see how your planter looks when the flowers come up. Stop by my blog, I'm having a giveaway. :)

Cathy said...

It's going to be fab-ulous! Keep us posted on its evolution throughout the summer.

Michelle @ Sweet Something Design said...

I love the shape of that BB...it will be beautiful!

Jadehollow said...

I love it! Both plain an as a planter! You did great!

Marie said...

What a fabulous birdbath make-over - love it as a planter!

Blessings,
Marie
http://emmacallsmemama.com

Lorna ~ Lace and Ivy Cottage said...

Love the birdbath! My hubby recently did that to our birdbath too. It was hard to keep water in it because of the shallow depth in the California heat. I think it shows off better as a planter.Nice job.

Tracie said...

This is soo cute! I have really been interested in these succulent garden pots I've been seeing alot of lately...this is the best so far...hmmm, I do have an old birdbath out there in the yard :>

Kammy said...

Great idea for a broken bath....I will keep my eyes peeled !
Hugs ~ Kammy
p.s. love seeds but hate the wait...I planted a bunch this year cuz they are sooooo cheap !