…by adding water into your pollinator garden.
Pollinators require food, water, and shelter, just like us! An environment with a water oasis provides them with opportunities to drink, cool themselves, and reproduce. While some people may have access to natural ponds or creeks, most residents don’t. Therefore, creating a water source is the perfect way to attract and assist these essential creatures yourselves. Whether it’s a ceramic saucer with gravel and water, or more complex water systems (i.e. fountains), there are plenty of options to choose from. Since different insects and animals have different water requirements, we provide an assortment of water fountain kits, ceramic fountains, bird baths, and ceramic saucers here at The Secret Garden.
Saucers, Birdbaths, and More…
For instance, butterflies prefer shallow pools (i.e. bird baths and ceramic saucers). There must be rocks placed in the water in order for them to land safely without drowning. If you’re looking for a small, flat surface, our ceramic saucers can be utilized. However, we highly recommend checking out our collection of concrete, ceramic, talavera, and table top birdbaths, as they make a wonderful addition to any garden. Select your beautiful piece from an array of colors, sizes, and designs – including ones with ceramic birds, frogs, and sunflowers. Prices range from $29.99 to $249.99 depending on style and dimensions. Pair it with a container of our gravel rock to create safe landing spots for butterflies and bees alike. This is a great option for gardeners who water often, as standing water needs to be replaced at least 2-3 times a week to prevent mosquito breeding.
Bamboo and Ceramic Fountains
If you’re looking for something low maintenance, a water source that circulates the water is the solution. We suggest utilizing bamboo fountain kits since they are easy-to-use and peaceful. The combination of bamboo wood and trickling water creates a beautiful look and calming feel in any home or garden. Each kit includes a bamboo water spout and submersible pump. We carry a 4” for $39.99, a 7” adjustable for $49.99, a 12” adjustable for $59.99, and an 18” for $69.99. If you don’t have a water basin yet, we have pottery that would go great with these. Our low bowls come in all sorts of solid colors and sizes (8”-20”) with prices starting at $24.99 and reaching up to $179.99.
Go one step further and add water plants for bees to land on, allowing them to rest and rehydrate without drowning. Choose from our wide selection of water plants – such as: lilies, duckweed, water lettuce, and mosaic water plants to create your very own pollinator pond. After all, bees are drawn to murkier waters full of algae and other plant life. If you’re placing this pond in zone 9, place them in a spot where they’ll receive soft morning sun but shaded protection from the harsh afternoon sun. Note that you may need separate baths for birds and bees since they can sometimes deter one another.
For alternatives, our ceramic fountains are pollinator-friendly, tranquil, and a stunning addition to any indoor or outdoor space. We have unique ombre-colored arrangements with and without the bowl. If there’s no bowl reservoir to catch the water underneath, we advocate burying a reservoir, laying gravel, and setting the fountain on top of it to prevent water waste and runoff. Select from a variety of unique colors and sizes. Large ones range from $449.99 to $549.99, while the smaller skinny ones are $129.99. All fountains come with the corresponding pump and tubing. Furthermore, our fountains with cutouts include the lights; each color in a different size, ranging from 19” at $299.99, 27” at $429.99, and 36” at $729.99. Last but not least, our 19” chubby fountains with saucer tops cost $199.99 and are the perfect resting place for beneficial critters.
Other Products
If you’re looking to prevent hard water stains or clean ones you already have, our entire team highly favors the Bio-Clean Hard Water Remover we have here. It’s a product we use in our own homes and gardens. For only $16.99, this bottle lasts forever! It works for outdoor pottery and indoor surfaces – including: showers, tile, mirrors, windows, etc. Fountec is another awesome product for fountain maintenance; it kills and prevents algae growth, is non-foaming, non-staining, and keeps water crystal clear. You simply add a few drops per gallon of water once a week and you’re good to go. Our $19.99 8 fl oz bottle will treat 20,000 gallons!
Moreover, light kits are the best way to display your fountain at night. Pick from either our single LED bulb ($39.99) to cast light on the surface, our Ocean Mist LED light ($49.99) or triple LED bulb ($79.99) to lay at the top of the fountain and shine through the water. Additionally, our wireless remote control unit ($36.99) is a useful tool for people looking for convenience and energy-efficiency. Simply plug the fountain pump into the timer, then plug the timer into the outlet. The remote has an on and off button, and batteries are included.
No matter which option you choose, it’s easy to create a beautiful water oasis in your outdoor space. Not only will butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds love it, you will too! Read more about how to create a butterfly garden, and feel free to contact us directly if you have any questions. Stop by and build your pollinator garden with us today! We’re open everyday, Monday through Sunday, from 10am to 5pm.
Thank you to Courtney Giles for her work on this post.
