How To Make A Bird Bath Fairy Garden

Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.

Transform an old birdbath into a tiny landscape using miniature plants and fairy garden decorations.

If you have an old birdbath that's had its day, give it new life as a planter for a miniature fairy garden. We've listed our favorite plants for this project, as well as landscaping tips.

Plants for Your Birdbath Planter

Succulents: Use succulents for accent plants, such as include stonecrop sedum, limelight sedum, blue spruce sedum and hens-and-chicks. Psst—check out surprising facts about succulents.

Ground cover: Create a mat of green or color with ground cover plants, and a "waterfall" over the birdbath planter. Try golden club moss, Scotch moss or pink cranesbill. Or try these miniature plants that still have a big impact.

Conifers: Provide woodland "shade" and a layer of forest magic with Jervis dwarf Canadian hemlock, Mont Bruno boxwood or lime glow juniper. These are the best dwarf conifers for small spaces.

Materials for a Birdbath Planter

Old birdbath or other container
Bagged potting mix
Planting material
Small stones, gravel or pine bark nuggets
Fairy garden accessories (optional)

How to Create a Mini Birdbath Garden

Place a birdbath or other container, like a terra-cotta pot or wooden box, where it will stay permanently before planting in it. It will be too heavy to move later. Play around with the landscape design with the plants still in their pots to make things easier on you and the plants.
Fill the planter about two-thirds full with soil.
Remove plants from their pots one at a time, knock off soil, and loosen and spread out roots. If roots are matted, spray with a hose to detangle them, then gently pull them apart.
Position the plants in the soil by spreading the roots of each as widely as you can, while leaving room for neighboring plants. This step is especially important if you are using a birdbath or similarly shallow planter. Once you're satisfied, add as much soil as possible to cover the roots, but not so much that watering will wash it away.
Gently water all plants with a watering can or by holding your thumb over a hose nozzle to make a fine spray.
Add decorative features. Try using everyday items in a new way: Gravel can be a tiny stone path; tumbled glass transforms into a shimmering pond. Fairy garden decorations range from minuscule arbors and bridges to tiny houses and animal figurines.