Alright, confession time: I never thought I’d get excited about a water fountain. But then I combined my love for DIY projects and my obsession with hummingbirds, and all of the sudden, that fountain was all I could think about.
Just imagine a cute fountain, the sound of trickling water, and those little hummingbirds flying around looking marvelous. It’s like a live magic show, and I created it with thrifted find!
No expensive Pinterest-perfect fountain here – just a quirky bowl, a birdbath stand, and some random trinkets. And the best part was telling all my friends I did it on my own!
So, if you are feeling crafty and want to make your garden livelier, all you need to do is gather the materials from your nearby thrift store and get started.
Step 1: Start With The Base
First things first, you’ll need a base for your fountain. Here’s where the magic of thrift stores comes in.
I’ve found so many unexpected gems – things I never would have thought to use, like old platters, vases, and tea cups. Seriously, you never know what you’ll stumble upon!
Look for a shallow platter or plate that’s big enough to hold a bit of water but not so deep that the hummingbirds can’t comfortably dip their beaks in. I found a vintage holiday platter (probably once used for a ham at Thanksgiving) that worked perfectly for the job.
And while you’re on the hunt, grab some small stones or river rocks. Hummingbirds like to have a perch after their splashy little baths, so it’s a good idea to add a few stones for them to grip.
You should also keep in mind that hummingbirds migrate, so it would be a good idea if they had a place where they can relax after their long travels.
Step 2: Find The Perfect Pump
Hummingbirds love moving water. They’re not fans of stagnant puddles (who can blame them?), so a water pump is essential to keep things lively.
While you can buy a pump, I love finding simple solar-powered pumps, especially if your garden gets plenty of sunlight. They’re affordable, eco-friendly, and make the water flow just enough to grab the hummingbirds’ attention.
If your garden is more on the shady side, consider a USB battery-powered pump. It’ll keep the water flowing just as well, and you can hide the pump discreetly under a small garden pot or a statue.
Step 3: Assemble Your Fountain
Once you’ve got the base and pump, it’s time to get creative. This is where the DIY fun happens.
If you’ve picked up a quirky vase or hollow garden statue, you can use that as the centerpiece to hide the pump inside. Stack your platter (or whatever base you found) on top, and you’re already on your way!
I used a small, stackable tea cup set as a quirky base. The water flows down into the platter below, and the whole thing looks delightfully whimsical.
Add your stones or pebbles to the water basin to create perches for the hummingbirds, and voilà – you’ve got yourself a hummingbird fountain that’s equal parts functional and adorable.
However, if you don’t have time or energy to make your own little DIY water fountain, you can find good birdbaths almost anywhere today.
Step 4: Place Your Fountain In A Cozy Spot
Now that your fountain is assembled, it’s time to choose a perfect location. Hummingbirds like water that’s easy to access, so placing your fountain in a sheltered area is key.
I like to put mine near some colorful flowers (they love bright, nectar-filled blooms) or near a hanging hummingbird feeder, just to entice even more guests.
If you’ve got sun, place the fountain where it gets a little light to power your solar pump, but if you’re using a battery-operated one, a shady spot works perfectly.
You’ve done the hard work – now just sit back, relax, and let the hummingbirds put on a show as they flit and sip from your new backyard fountain!