Birds and pollinators undertake long journeys every day in search of food, water, shelter, and a lack of a hydrating resting place threatens their survival. But you can help your feathered friends cope with tiring flights by turning your garden, backyard, or terrace into a luxe spa. Just find a large leaf and gather items like concrete, a paintbrush, and tools to build a DIY concrete leaf birdbath at home.
The concrete leaf birdbath acts as a resting station where birds, pollinators, and small local wildlife can quench their thirst. Adequate foliage in your outdoor space can become a temporary shelter where they can get respite from daily travel stress and harsh weather. The best part of this fun DIY is that it eliminates the need to spend a fortune to buy a birdbath.
You get to use your creativity endlessly to capture the intricate beauty of leaves and sculpt them into a functional décor piece. Birds & Blooms tells you how to build a refreshing birdbath for your forest folks. We have broken down the tutorial into easy steps, so let’s dive into the tutorial right away.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Large sheet of plastic
- Mixing tray for concrete
- Paintbrush
- Rag or foam brush
- Scissors
- Trowel
Materials You’ll Need:
- 1 medium to large leaf
- 10-lb. bag Quikrete vinyl concrete patcher
- 50-lb. bag of sand
- Chicken wire
- Disposable gloves
- Nontoxic paint or concrete dye
- Nontoxic sealant, like tung oil
- Vegetable oil
- Water
Also Read: Easy DIY Upcycled Lamp Birdbath Transforms Discarded Lighting Into Garden Art
How To DIY Concrete Leaf Birdbath:
- Spread the plastic sheet on a table and pour sand, creating a 1-2 inch-deep dome, as birds prefer a shallow birdbath. This dome will help the leaf hold its shape
- Make sure to use a large leaf like Burdock or Rhubarb and place it on top of sand with its veiny side facing upwards. Cut the stem and rub vegetable oil on the leaf so that hardened concrete comes off easily
- Mix concrete and water till you have the consistency of a brownie mix. Start covering the leaf with concrete and add a thick ¾ inches layer in the center
- Add chicken wire to every layer to strengthen the birdbath and coat with an additional 1/8 or ¼-inch layer to bury it. Create a flat base at the center of the birdbath for stability
- Wait 48 hours until dry, then pull the concrete birdbath out of the sand. Peel off the leaf from the concrete and let it cure for a week before you paint it or apply a sealant
- Before painting the birdbath, ensure the paint you are using is non-toxic. Apply a thin wash of paint to let the intricate detail show. Continue to add coats until you get the desired hue result
- After the paint dries, apply non-toxic sealant, such as Tung oil, using a foam brush or rag. Wait 30-60 minutes and apply another coat of the sealant. Wait for at least 30 days before adding water, as the sealant needs time to set
That’s it! Your very own concrete birdbath is ready. Find an ideal spot in your outdoor space with ample shade and a little sunlight. Since the birdbath already looks like a realistic leaf, birds won’t get wary and start using it right away. The pollinators also rest and recover at the soothing birdbath while hydrating themselves after a long journey.
