Turn Empty Bottle Lids Into A Unique Pollinator Station That Looks So Cute

There are a variety of different ways you can help the pollinators — such as bees, butterflies, and moths — in your garden survive and thrive. From planting flowers which offer a range of different nectars and pollens to making space on your lawn for nesting and avoiding pesticides, you can really make a difference in maintaining and growing pollinator populations in your area. Another key thing you can do, though, is to offer them a place to get fresh, clean water that is easy for them to access without falling in.

And here is where this clever DIY comes in. By attaching some leftover bottlecaps and lids from empty bottles to a vertical stick, you can create a unique kind of tower featuring little drinking stations for pollinators. While not large enough for birds to drink from, this DIY water tower is perfect for tiny insect pollinators in need of a drink. To start this project and bring pollinators to your garden, you will first need to collect all your materials. Try searching through your recycling bin or asking neighbors for bottle lids and make sure to give them a good wash. It is most likely a good idea to avoid bottle caps with sharp edges to avoid injuring yourself or the pollinators that come to drink. You will also either need some glue or small screws, and a relatively straight stick or pole. To make it look cute, you can also grab some paint and clear varnish if you want to decorate the caps with a weather-proof design. So, once you have collected all your materials, let's dive into how to complete this charming and helpful DIY to keep your garden full of pollinators.

You can start off this DIY by painting the bottle lids you have collected and the central stick that they will be attached to. Using lots of differently colored lids will instantly give you a multi-hued, whimsical look that you can then add on to with different nature-inspired painted designs. It is likely best to only paint the bottom and outside of each lid to prevent any toxins in the paint or paint chips coming off in the water. Be sure to cover your painted design with a nontoxic, waterproof clear coat or varnish. Once you have finished your designs, you can then use some glue or small screws — screws work are easiest with plastic lids rather than metal ones — to attach the lids at a right angle from the stick so that they lay flat and can be filled with water.

After the lids are attached, you can put the stick into the ground and begin preparing the lids. Look for a location that gets plenty of sunlight and that is near flowers which the pollinators can access easily. Remember, to help you place your stick or pole into the ground, it can be helpful to sharpen the bottom end using a knife or even a peeler if the stick is smaller. Add some small rocks and pebbles to give any insects who fall into the water an opportunity to climb out, then you can fill each one up with a little bit of water. Make sure to empty out and replace the water often so that mosquitos are less likely to breed in the water and to ensure that it remains fresh and clear for your friendly local natural pollinators.