How to Make a Leaf Bird Bath

A complete demonstration of using a rhubarb leaf to make a concrete bird bath. Large leaves are great for garden projects and a rhubarb leaf is perfect for making a sturdy bird bath. Choose any size leaf, cover it with wet concrete, let it cure, and you'll have a permanent addition to your garden that will benefit wildlife. Gardener Scott shows the entire process from choosing a leaf to placing the finished bird bath in his garden.

[@YACABE]

Totally going to do this with my elephant ears. 😍😍😍

[@LucretiaVanPelt]

I've also read that it's a good idea to wash birdbaths every couple of weeks by scrubbing w/ just using a wire brush & boiling water, to help keep birds healthy. 🐦 Thank you for the video! I'm going to give this a try :)

[@H4me7215]

Great advice!

[@emilyabel7653]

Very interesting process. I also liked the pace of the process. Good teacher! Thank you.

[@BirdBath1]

Emily Abel, look at bird bath

[@olgaburgos7780]

Easy and beautiful. Now I need to find a big leave of rhubarb or elephant ear…. Thank you for the teaching !🤗🪴👍😃

[@itsallaboutlight]

Was doing a drip soak watering yesterday and saw a bird taking a bath in a little puddle on the ground. I need one of these. I'm going to make one.

[@Violet_Lotus_]

did you do it? How did it turn out?

[@takethisspamandshove]

This is the first video I have seen of yours, but I will view more. Your steps and description of the process along with what to watch for provides an excellent tutorial. You explain with clear and concise statements which leave the viewer without question about the task you are describing. In addition you show the results that I was looking for. Great bird bath!

[@user-sx6zx9qs3s]

I watched this video all the way through , which is unusual for me. You have a very calm and concise way of putting the subject matter over and you don't shout and talk very very fast, like most American video's.

[@juanitabrooks1811]

This is so cool,,now I need a cpl nice big rhubarb leaves!! Awesome idea!! These concrete birdbaths are ridiculously priced!!

[@wrcsea]

Great video! I like the pace of the video. It portrayed creating a bird-bath like this with deliberate, well-paced, step-by-step creativity. There is great satisfaction in such things. It inspires me. Thanks.

[@BirdBath1]

wrcsea, look at bird bath

[@eddieslittlestack7919]

Very creative leaf bird bath gardener Scott !

[@dlr978]

Thank you - what a fun project! I'm gonna do it this summer!

[@sherrystacyrn589]

I've been on a marathon watch ever since you popped up on my news feed last night. I'm learning a lot. Very good detailed instruction and I love the bird bath. Thanks.

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you, Sherry.

[@jocoffin8582]

That's wonderful. What a great way to keep my great grandmothers ruhbarb!?!

[@BirdBath1]

Jo Coffin, look at bird bath

[@darrenashley5292]

A great tutorial Scott. Youve covered everthing. Thanks for your time and expertise.

[@BirdBath1]

Darren Ashley, look at bird bath

[@sherree1969]

Spray oil on the leaf, it’ll just slip off.... I let mine cure for a few days, flip it over and the leaf slides off... I then let it finish drying in the sun....

[@Karen-mb4ko]

Thanks for the great tip!

[@Kwood10]

Thank you so much for making this video Looks absolutely beautiful 🤩

[@maryannladner2275]

Dodie This is the best instruction I have found. I hope to try it out soon !! Thanks

[@1962coral]

Great video, thanks!

[@RF-hb9rg]

Thank You for sharing how to make this. 😃

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks for saying that. :)

[@siameseire]

Thank you thank you for telling us how to "cure" it at the end of the process, thus making it safer for the birds, etc. I knew about the concept and searched many videos to find these details. At 17:15 ish, he tells us the simple details: fill the new birdbath with water (presumably away from the wildlife), let it sit a few days, pour it out, and repeat this for a few weeks to leach out some/most of the lime that isn't great for the birds, etc. Thanks again for the great video.

[@mdtamimiqbal25]

((L

[@BirdBath1]

siameseire, look at bird bath

[@joanneyoung1081]

Thank you. Wonderful piece of art for nature.

[@karenmcquiston4176]

I absolutely LOVE this! Thank you‼‼‼

[@BirdBath1]

Karen McQuiston, look at bird bath

[@HelenaMikas]

Great talent and endless patience .I'm only a bird photographer ...Lovely idea :)

[@bryanvagenos5089]

Very nice

[@karenspecial4875]

I enjoyed this video and I am going to try this project. Thank you for the lesson.

[@clawdia123]

I too, am on a marathon watch. I found you a couple of days ago on KZbin. I am recovering from foot surgery and I cannot wait to get to my . I have 3 concrete raised gardens and now tons of ideas for the rest of my yards. My 2nd summer in this small cottage. This bird bath is one I will try. Thank you so much. I have learned so much.

[@GardenerScott]

I'm so glad you're finding the videos helpful.

[@samanthaking119]

Only learnt recently how to even use you tube and your site at a ripe old age.would love more easy ideas for my garden which is quite bleak.thanks for this.we are about to make it

[@BirdBath1]

Samantha King, look at bird bath

[@vinayapatil6553]

Thanks

[@elsafischer3247]

Thank you for your clear instructions. From Switzerland

[@BirdBath1]

Elsa Fischer, look at bird bath

[@gaytor10]

Scott, what a great idea! I just love it! So natural and so easy, and beautiful! Thank you, I am going to try one! :)

[@brendahebert6684]

Beautiful ❤

[@briangenereux2202]

Brilliant Scott. Thanks!

[@danieldore4103]

When I make my cement leaves I use Portland cement and sand not sure why you would want to use concrete with all the little rocks in it I guess it's personal choice. If you cover your sandmound with Saran Wrap you will have less messy edges just something I do that I picked up from other sites other than that I like your leaf and I just made a birdbath myself

[@lauwe54]

Thanks so much i enjoyed watching this great video i must try this for sure

[@sandraweiler5971]

Hi from Medford Oregon… What a great video, I’m so excited to watch more. 🌸

[@mariabaumgartel766]

You answered All my questions! Thank you

[@jean-pierreposman7282]

very nice work of art

[@stevelirette5421]

Great Idea!

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks, Steve.

[@pamelacharles3061]

Amazing

[@gafairbanks2434]

I think you should coat with a brush the top of the leaf with vegetable oil before adding cement. Also clear your sand around the rim and coat wood with oil. Makes it easier to remove the leaf and better finish of rim. Beautiful peice for first attempt. Birds love a pool !

[@followyourbliss973]

Very nice. Thx for sharing!

[@cherylthrash4375]

Beautiful, I’ll try it

[@jerrychetty2524]

Very nicely done thank you sir for your post

[@joanmikasha-alexander8771]

It’s beautiful

[@victoriajohnson5304]

AWESOME VIDEO!🌻 ❤FROM DALLAS TEXAS

[@BirdBath1]

Victoria Johnson, look at bird bath

[@susanb8354]

Exactly what I’ve been looking for, including your great description of the process. I’d love to see it completed with whatever stain you decide on. Why not do a short? Thanks for posting.

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks. I'll do that.

[@faithhenderson1446]

Love it.

[@ChristineDuval-cy5ck]

Nice

[@shaggydog5409]

Instead of using hardware cloth try using window screening. I like it better.

[@Death-Sticks]

I like this guy

[@H4me7215]

I loved your video, as I love all birds n having water baths are essential for them, especially in the summer. I wish you could do a small water fountain for birds..n show EVERY STEP ON VIDEO, as I am the one that would build it. Thank you, Scott.

[@GardenerScott]

I have a number of videos that show how to make fountains. Here's an easy one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3zcdnt5a9ugjqM

[@H4me7215]

@@GardenerScott Thank you so much for replying...I will mark your app..n as soon as it stops raining will get on with the project....thks. again! Have a great day.

[@kimberlysharrock4999]

That's just down right awsome

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks!

[@itsallaboutlight]

That's just beautiful!

[@BirdBath1]

Vanessa Kennedy, look at bird bath

[@D.D.1963]

For me, I would get a big leaf at a store, hobby lobby, craft store, wherever put vegetables on the backside of it peels right off no toxins from a rhubarb leaf for the birds.

[@billzardus95]

I try and look for smooth, white bird baths, because that makes it much easier to tell if the water is dirty. Dark colors and mosaics are the worst for seeing dirt. Birds are the only creatures that will see these designs and I doubt they care about the design inside the BB. The crevices around an interior design inside a bowl are also the most likely place for mold to begin growing and these crevices also make it much harder to clean the bowl (If you don't care about dirty water it doesn't matter.) I also keep a tightly wound handle strainer hung-up near the bird bath and use that to clean very minute debris and birdcrap out of the birdbath between changes of the water. (I buy 3 or 4 at a time at the dollar store) I change the water at least once a day. Some species of birds like doves and sparrows will crap in the water on a regular basis. I try and remove it while it is still fresh and intact. I went to a Lowes to buy a birdbath recently and I was very surprised to see that most of them were designed very poorly in my opinion. But I guess a lot of people buying their first birdbaths are novices who are more impressed by aesthetics than the utility of the design(?) I never use my clay/pottery/cement bird baths in the winter. The constant pressure on the sides from freezing ice at night and thawing during daylight will cause these bird baths to disintegrate much sooner than they should. One day they appear to be fine and then the bowl will suddenly collapse. I'm only aware of this because it happened to a neighbor of mine. I use a heated, white, plastic bird birdbath in the winter but I don't fill it up too high because the water on the lip will freeze. I thought the heater had stopped working until realized I was filling it too high. I try and remember to turn off the heater and empty it at night in the winter but sometimes I forget to do this. But I live in the suburbs of Philadelphia and people in warmer climates probably don't have to worry about this. WRZ 2021-09-01 Delaware County, PA

[@BirdBath1]

Bill Zardus, look at bird bath

[@this2shallpassmoveon]

It’s beautiful, but definitely a winter project!!!!! I don’t have weeks to wait for it to dry out and clean up before allowing birds to drink from it! Lol

[@billzardus95]

The problem with birds is that most species will pee and poop in their own drinking water. For that reason I try and change the water at least once a day and I clean the bowl when I do this. Cleaning this bowl looks too time consuming to me. I suspect the main reason so many diseases are transmitted by birds is because they don't know enough not to crap in their own drinking water. It's kind of surprising they have existed and survived since prehistoric times. WRZ

[@BirdBath1]

This2ShallPass MoveOn, look at bird bath

[@belindaresor.78]

Love this idea, but concrete has Lye in it. A lye is a metal hydroxide traditionally obtained by leaching wood ashes, or a strong alkali which is highly soluble in water producing caustic basic solutions. "Lye" most commonly refers to sodium hydroxide, but historically has been used for potassium hydroxide. Wikipedia.     View all Sodium Hydroxide. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also known as caustic soda or lye, is a highly versatile substance used in a variety of manufacturing processes.

[@janetholt2674]

I'm so excited I found your site. I can't wait to get ready to try this! Are there other types of leaves to use that I would have access to in South Carolina? You are an amazing teacher and I look forward to learning more from you!

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks, Janet. You can use any type of leaf, though you'll have to layer smaller leaves. You might consider trying palmetto or magnolia leaves.

[@janetholt2674]

@@GardenerScott Magnolia! I'll be sneaking on peoples land to find the right leaves! I'll keep you posted as I'm going to try this!

[@Karen-mb4ko]

I've just started making these and use the leaves from elephant ear plants. They get huge so you can make all different sizes!

[@deborahandrews9728]

Elephant ears are great for this, as well.

[@Nanomi369]

Also anther leaf that is lovely for a smaller version for a decorative bowl are the Broccoli or zucchini leaves. I look forward to making these too.

[@friedrichernst6258]

If you fill the bird bath with water while its curing (and keep it filled) it will be 50% stronger.

[@hendrikjbboss9973]

Thank you for a very good video with good narrative, however could you please tell us the ratios of the materials that you used to make the concrete mix?

[@GardenerScott]

I used a bagged concrete mix so the ratios were pre-set by the manufacturer.

[@valentinasmith9227]

Nice I am making one with a taro leave

[@BirdBath1]

Valentina Smith, look at bird bath

[@philisbramlett6890]

Gsrdner Scott, No one really shows me the water container w/ the machine to run the H2o up into a fountain and back again. Where can I find the pump for my project. Ive learmed do much from you. Im not afraid to try anymore Thank you Sir. Your voice is so encouraging . I have to try this Thank you!

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks. I have a few videos that show how to set up a fountain. You can find different pumps at home centers and at Amazon. I have links to a few in the descriptions in my videos.

[@jennsprague6080]

Liked and saved your video, thanks for posting! If i use a portland sand mix instead of concrete, do i still have to leach it out once cured?

[@GardenerScott]

The leaching helps neutralize the pH if lime is part of the mix.

[@vinayapatil6553]

Hi, this is very well instructed but if i want to make it with mixer of sand and cement what will be the proportion or ratio

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks. I haven't mixed concrete that way and don't have a good ratio. A standard ratio for fenceposts or slabs should work.

[@louel9272]

Great video sir, very instructive and helpful! Just want to ask, instead of putting water and draining over and over to leach the bad stuff out, can i just soak it in a tub of water for several days? Tnku!

[@GardenerScott]

Yes, soaking can help with leaching..

[@rubeniamanzanares1495]

Amazing work! I wish I would have watched this video before a few of my leafs broke. You explained it to detail. Question , do you think using plastic will help to avoid sand particles? Also, I see the leaf is thick. How many inches would you say the leaf is? Please respond. I will appreciate it. Thank you

[@GardenerScott]

Plastic will help keep sand off, but it is difficult to spread perfectly flat and any folds will come through on the concrete. My leafs are about three inches thick in the middle and taper to about two inches on the edge.

[@rubeniamanzanares1495]

@@GardenerScott thank you so very much for replying.

[@joanmikasha-alexander8771]

Loved how mine came out except the hole where the stalk had been. Thank you and I know you said to be careful of that. I tried quick Crete caulk and it’s flexible and won’t dry. Could you please suggest what I can use? Thanks Joanie. It still leaks

[@GardenerScott]

If you still have concrete mix or mortar you can fill the hole from the back and reinforce it thicker. You might also try a silicone grout.

[@angelabluebird609]

@@GardenerScott Only food grade silicone aquarium grout is safe for birds. Others contain mildewcides and other chemicals that will leech and poison the birds.

[@queeneywarren9474]

Beautiful can you make a stand for this

[@GardenerScott]

Sure. I used similar ones on cut tree trunks.

[@lavenderrainbow5041]

***Just a little tidbit of info*** I had seen on another video that someone used plastic wrap to cover their leaf before adding the cement. This will certainly help with peeling the leaf off of the cement mix. We just have to be careful not to make lines or wrinkles with the plastic wrap :)

[@ceilt4104]

The first one I did I use plastic wrap and there were lines all over it even though I was extremely careful. I did two more without and they came out better

[@kombuchababy6542]

I got quickcrete but it has rocks in it? Can I sift out the rocks and use it or I need another kind altogether?

[@GardenerScott]

The rocks are a necessary part of the concrete mix. You can try getting Portland cement and mixing it with sand following recipes you can find online.

[@cassandracibik-moeller6171]

I have some big leaves. I picked them but want to make the bath in 4 days. Will they stay ok or should I do something with them to preserve them for the weekend. Thanks.

[@GardenerScott]

It depends on the leaves. Some are tougher than others. Keep them in a cool, dark area to help them last longer.

[@jujubee7351]

Great video , I would like to buy a roll of garden cloth , can you tell what size you used in this video? 1/2 inch?

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks. It is 1/2 inch.

[@stephenluna7932]

I have a bag of quikrete concrete. Will that cure too fast and crack? I was looking to buy a bird bath then remembered you had done a video. I have all the supplies....except the leaf hoping someone in my neighborhood might.

[@GardenerScott]

I use Quikrete. As long as you keep it moist and covered for the first few days, it shouldn't cure too fast.

[@kimmccartney3921]

I have one of these and my leaf broke I love it but not sure how to fix it any ideas? I dont have any leafs to make another one so I can only fix the one I have... I broke down the middle.

[@GardenerScott]

You can try to use mortar to join the pieces to fix it, but it may be easier to make a new one. You can use small, overlapping leaves as a nice design instead of one big leaf.

[@cathyscreations1954]

I have Giant Hostas that are 4 foot tall, can I use the leaves from these?

[@GardenerScott]

Yes, you can.

[@sueward5394]

Hi. I’ve made a few bird baths in the last week. Do you seal your bird baths? I’m searching for the right deal to use. Thanks so much.

[@GardenerScott]

I don't seal them, but that is an option to reduce some of the natural drainage through concrete.

[@D.D.1963]

Gorilla glue waterproof sealant, safe for bird baths

[@coleenburris6816]

Do I have to use concrete paint or is acrylic paint ok?

[@GardenerScott]

Either will work, Coleen. Try using acrylic paint or watered down latex paint. You'll probably want to use an acrylic sealer afterward so that the paint won't fade or peel.

[@joanmikasha-alexander8771]

Can this be sprayed with something to make the surface easier to clean

[@GardenerScott]

You can use concrete sealer as an option.

[@kelcritcarroll]

Hi Scott, im in michigan, i was wondering where abouts are u located? I see snow in some videos , like us.......

[@GardenerScott]

Hi, Kelly. I live in Colorado at 6500' elevation. The weather is crazy. This year we had snow through the end of May. In January we had days near 70 degrees.

[@anneperlmutter3775]

@@GardenerScott hey Gardener Scott! I too live in Colorado & we are expecting 4 to 6" of snow tomorrow: May 20, 2022

[@anneperlmutter3775]

That's along the Front Range - mountains will get even more😄 but it's good, we desperately need moisture

[@deffokarenaroadto40subs52]

Why didn’t u use cement sealer?

[@GardenerScott]

I didn't have any for this project, but it can hold the water in better.

[@elainetremblay9071]

Does the concrete Stain have any chemical hazards to wildlife?

[@GardenerScott]

Not that I'm aware of.

[@duckyday1099]

Are concrete stains and paint ok for birds?

[@GardenerScott]

I'm not aware of any problems they pose.

[@angelabluebird609]

From the Birdwatching Academy: Only latex and acrylic paints are safe for birds. Don't use any paints that contain petroleum products or oils. Use a primer first to be sure the paint sticks to the concrete.

[@ceilt4104]

what do i use to seal the bird bath, and other ceramic leaf yard art i'm making? thanks

[@GardenerScott]

I don't seal them, but you can use a common concrete sealer.

[@billzardus95]

Someone tried to give me a homemade bird bath that they quickly grew tired of. I wouldn't take it because I could easily see it would be a nightmare to clean on a regular basis. I would rather spend $50+ to buy a bird bath that was specifically designed for this purpose, by someone who knows something about birds. But I clean my 3 birdbaths every day and a poorly designed BB would eat up more of my time than it would the average person. Plus I live on a high profile corner lot and my wife would never approve a BB that looked like it was repurposed junk.