Hello Lisa.

Welcome back to another edition of THE PENCIL CASE! As always, each issue focuses on a theme to encourage a fresh look at garden design and graphics. This week let's learn about bird baths. Functional and beautiful. ♥︎

FLOCK TO YOUR GARDEN

Birds are so sweet and magical. Their chitter-chatter, airy flight patterns and playful splashing are a lively dimension to outdoor spaces.

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According to this Iowa State University Extension publication, the following are key considerations for ATTRACTING BIRDS TO YOUR YARD:

• Provide food through plantings of native seed, fruit, or nectar producing plants or by providing the right types of feeders during each season.
• Create places to provide shelter to raise young, to escape predators, or stay warm in dense shrubs, grasses, wildflowers, or nest boxes.
• Structure landscaping to create a layered-effect: tall trees along the perimeter, descending to shorter trees, shrubs, and then to grasses and flowers.
• Integrate water sources into landscapes with bird baths, water drips, or small ponds.

I encourage you to dive deeper into this resource to learn even more about attracting birds to your garden, but for now, let's celebrate the lovely birdbath!

BIRD BATHS IN THE GARDEN

Bird baths are one of those magical elements that can combine both function and aesthetics. 

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Functionally, a shallow, water-filled basin provides a place for birds to drink, bathe and cool themselves. Make sure you keep the water clean, plus not too deep. Be careful that the surface isn't too slippery too.

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Aesthetically, a bird bath can be a beautiful focal point in your garden. Find a bird bath that showcases your style. Think about how color, height, shape and even surface decoration can enhance your outdoor space. 

BIRD BATH INSPIRATION

Several months ago I had the opportunity to work with Monrovia on this lovely BACKYARD HABITAT GUIDE. Two of the designs focus on birds. 

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We created this PINTEREST board with lots of bird bath inspiration.

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A few years ago I created this BIRD BATH COLORING SHEET. When you need to slow down, pull out your color pencils and add your own flair to these bird baths.

LET'S DO THIS! 

I'd love to see how you use bird baths in the garden! Tag me on Instagram or hit reply to this email.

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This upcoming January I'll once again open my 8-week course, GARDEN GRAPHICS TOOL KIT. If you'd like to learn how to draw garden elements in plan, elevation and perspective we'd love to have you join us. You can LEARN MORE HERE.

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If you know someone that needs design inspiration, please feel free to share this newsletter. Anyone can subscribe right here. I also keep a VAULT of past issues in this secret location.

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Thanks for letting me visit your inbox! I look forward to seeing you in two weeks. 

With warmest regards, 

Lisa 

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PAPER GARDEN WORKSHOP