Trade In Your Old Birdbath For A Lowe's Find That Doubles As Garden Decor

Along with offering a place for birds to drink and preen, birdbaths provide a crucially important water source for butterflies and other pollinators. That makes them an excellent landscaping feature, particularly if you're designing a native garden to support local wildlife. Unfortunately, ornate concrete birdbaths or colorful glass ones often stand out in all the wrong ways. As more homeowners are embracing naturalistic design trends over hyper-formal gardens, birdbaths made from metal can be a more understated alternative. Over time, they can acquire an aged patina that blends in perfectly with existing landscapes while still providing a useful gathering place for wildlife. 

The Minuteman International Copper Metal Birdbath from Lowe's is a sculptural option that's both simple and nature-themed. At first glance, it looks more like a sculptural piece of garden decor than a birdbath. Consisting of two hammered solid copper bowls surrounded by black wrought iron cattails and leaves, it has an X-shaped spike foot to keep the structure steady. It has multiple bowls to accommodate more visiting feathered friends. Just keep in mind that this model is selling out quickly. So, if it's out of stock and you don't want to wait, Aoibox's Cast Iron Pedestal Bird Bath is another metal option with a nature-inspired style.

Copper birdbaths, like these styles from Lowe's, easily fit into the growing interest in naturalistic garden design. While understanding your local ecosystem is important, nailing the trend goes beyond landscaping with native plants. The right garden decor can reinforce the movement and shapes found in nature while still reinforcing a sense of structure. 

Of course, where you put your birdbath matters almost as much as how it looks in your yard. For the most naturalistic look, tuck it in an area filled with plants at varying heights. Try echoing a sculptural frame with taller ornamental grasses, yuccas, or broad-leaved perennials. Or, repeat the warm tones of metal with flowers like Blanket Flower (Gaillardia), Copper Iris (Iris fulva), or Chrysanthemums. Surrounding your birdbath with foliage will soften the edges and provide a place for visiting birds or butterflies to seek shelter.