For years, in the centre of my Blue Mountains garden, I had a bowl of grape hyacinths sitting on an old terracotta pipe. It was an interesting feature; rustic and simple. However, as surrounding shrubbery grew it became shaded and half the bulbs failed to flower. One day I decided enough was enough….time for a complete re-think.
I dug up the pipe and moved it to a garden bed below the deck of the new house we are building in Blackheath. The base of a plant pot placed on top made a shallow birdbath. It seemed a good spot, surrounded by hydrangeas and a clump of ‘hotlips’ salvia, thus offering plenty of protection for small birds. There is a canopy of maples above, attracting various insect feeders. Oh yes, and a crabapple for the nectar sipping Eastern Spinebills and New Holland Honeyeaters.
The photo below was taken from the deck. Sliding doors lead out from the master bedroom, so when we move in I’ll be able to observe any activity as I enjoy an early morning cup of tea. 😍
I only have a little pocket camera, so for closer shots I perch on a tree-stump seat just across the cobblestone path.
SWEET SUCCESS
What a delight when an Eastern Spinebill became the first visitor (well the first noticed by me). It had been sipping flowers on a nearby grevillea.
A little thornbill was next to appear, looking for a sip of water.
Somewhat hesitantly I added a terracotta goose. It looked quite sweet, but would it frighten the birds off? My associate Editor Des certainly wasn’t concerned and in the recent hot weather he stripped off for a dip.
Just quietly, blue wrens were what I was really hoping to see. Would they be scared by a motionless goose? On the contrary……oh dear me, the indignity!
I’m sure this little fellow knew he looked good perched on the rim. 🥰
