Missed Out on Lidl’s Viral Solar Fountain? This Chic Garden Alternative Is Now on Sale (And We Think It's Better)
This rustic bird bath is complete with a solar fountain pump – it's sure to help fill your yard with wildlife this summer
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Picture a garden with a water feature and you might envision a towering fountain or some kind of elaborate waterfall. In reality, however, it couldn't be simpler (or more affordable) to add a water feature to your yard.
The secret? Solar fountains – or solar pumps, which are perhaps the most budget-friendly option of all. A solar pump can transform any basin or bird bath into a water fountain, filling your yard with the serene sound of running water and encouraging birds, butterflies and a host of wildlife to visit, too.
If you're in the market for a solar fountain, I've just spotted the Ebern Designs bird bath and fountain kit on Wayfair, and I think it's the perfect choice – especially if you missed out on Lidl's solar fountain kit, which was so popular that it sold out in days. Plus, while Lidl provided the solar pump but not the fountain, Wayfair's kit gives you both, so you can set up your own water feature in no time.
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If you've been hunting for bird bath ideas, look no further: this copper-coated basin comes with a metal stand and a solar pump, so you can easily turn it into a fountain.
Why We Love This Fountain
A solar fountain might not seem like an essential investment this spring, but trust me: it's a purchase that you won't regret.
After all, if you've been keen to spruce up your outdoor space in time for al fresco hosting, what could be better than a decorative (and practical) addition like a water feature?
I've long coveted colorful options like Amazon's cascade hanging fountain, or Home Depot's particularly joyful sunrise bird bath, but I've been won over by the rustic look of a bird bath like this one.
Resting on a sturdy metal base, Wayfair's bird bath is, in fact, made of plastic, but it's finished with a handsome bronze coating. This gives it the kind of look that feels undeniably timeless (and particularly perfect for a cottage garden), but it also means that the basin is weatherproof, crack-resistant, and durable.
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Meanwhile, the solar pump offers four different spray patterns, which you can change according to your favorite kind of look – whether you want to bring some extravagance into your space, or you prefer something more subtle.
(Of course, if you want to add a pump to an existing bird bath – and you didn't manage to pick one up from Lidl before they sold out – you can find a solar fountain pump at Walmart.)
There's nothing more magical than watching birds gather in the summertime, and even the most rudimentary bird bath will allow you to create a thriving wildlife garden that supports a range of creatures, including vital pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies.
Switch on a fountain, however, and you have an even better chance of attracting pollinators. Generating a gentle mist is known to help you attract hummingbirds, while any kind of fresh, running water will keep bees, butterflies and other insects happy, especially when temperatures climb.
If you like keeping your yard neat and tidy, solar fountains are a particularly great choice.
They don't use any cords, cables or power supplies; instead, they will automatically activate in direct sunlight, creating a practically self-sufficient water feature. (It's best to replenish the water regularly, however, to help support garden birds in the summer.)
Why Shoppers Love It
You'll find no fewer than 100 five-star reviews of the Ebern Designs bird bath and fountain kit on Wayfair, with shoppers particularly impressed by its design and its functionality.
'Quick & easy assembly,' reads one review. 'Lightweight basin. Multifunctional as bird bath, bird feeder & garden fountain.'
'Love the look and design,' reads another review. 'The fountain is just an added bonus. Looks beautiful in my yard.'
It's worth noting that some shoppers describe having to refill the basin frequently due to it being smaller than expected (though others feel that it's ideal if you want to place your bird bath in a garden bed, for example).
Shop More Bird Baths
Crafted from resin with a metallic look, this bird bath is sure to bring some retro charm to your yard. Fill the column with water or sand to weigh it down.
If you're looking for an alternative to a pedestal design, try this hanging bird bath. It's made from rust-resistant metal with a textured finish.
For a particularly vintage-inspired look, try this tiered pedestal fountain. I love the ornate base, as well as the intricate details on each of the platforms.
Looking for more inspiration? We asked experts how to make a bird bath – and we've also rounded up the most common bird bath mistakes to avoid this summer.
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Martha is a Content Editor on the Gardens team. Her love for lifestyle journalism began when she interned at Time Out Dubai when she was 15 years old; she went on to study English and German at Oxford, before covering property and interior design at Country & Town House magazine. To Martha, living beautifully is all about good food and lots of colorful home decor.