Water for all the creatures in the garden

Life throughout the garden is very diverse so when it comes to providing water I use a variety of systems. All systems need to be in a shaded area where water can be easily accessed.

Auto fill using a plastic bowl.

The best birdbaths are those that automatically fill as evaporation rates are very high in summer. I have several around the gardens and also in the orchards. These are fitted with a float valve connected to a water supply. Just drill a hole to fit the float valve I have used terracotta, ceramic and plastic for these.

terracotta auto fill birdbath

Auto fill bird bath in the orchard with shade to keep the water cool.

The geese, chooks and dogs all are in the gardens at some time each day. Their water containers are simple, usually large cooking utensils minim of 10 litres just placed on the ground that is easily accessed and close to a tap for refilling.

There are some simple bird/insect baths that consist of a bowl usually sitting on a frame so as they cannot be accessed by the poultry and dogs. This one is a ceramic bowl on a frame used to hold a garden pot. It has a rock in the centre so creatures can land. It needs to be near a water source for refilling .I also use a series of bowls on the ground for the skinks and other lizards.

A simple series of bowls on the ground.

a bowl in a pot frame

The fun bird baths are made out of vases, bowls, plates-really anything that takes your fancy. I usually find these in local op shops. Having fun  I’ve added a plant level .These are all just glued together depending on the materials ( I have been guided by our local hardware shop  which are very helpful) Some have drainage holes but some glass is hard to drill but the plants seem to be doing well in both systems. Here are a few I’ve made the small birds love them all as do the bees.