Transforming an old birdcage into a beautifully contained succulent garden is a great way to add some personality to your yard. The problem is finding the right boat to fit the shape or size of your bird cage. Here's how to manage any size or shape.
From:Sam Henderson Sam Henderson
From:Sam Henderson Sam Henderson
Before you begin, remove any perches or other accessories from the cage and clean them thoroughly.
Sam Henderson
Sam Henderson
Sam Henderson
Sam Henderson
Sam Henderson
From:Sam Henderson From:Sam Henderson From:Sam Henderson From:Sam Henderson From:Sam HendersonMeasure the inside perimeter of the cage. Cut galvanized flashing or thin gauge galvanized sheet metal to 5" wide by measuring the inside perimeter of the birdcage plus 2". Wear leather gloves to protect your hands from very sharp metal edges. Place the piece inside the cage with the two ends at the back of the cage. Make gentle creases in the metal to match the inside corners of the cage. Remove the metal strip and place it on a flat surface. Use the straight edge of a piece of wood to lay down the smooth creases and make the creases clearer and more defined. On each of these creases, mark a point 2" up one long side of the metal and 1" down from the other side (Image 1). Use tin snips to cut from the long side of the metal to each of the spots you made. Be sure to wear leather work gloves (Image 2). Using a piece of wood to create a straight line, fold each of the flaps on both long sides (Image 3). On each short end of the 2-inch flaps, cut an angled piece from the outside edge to the fold to allow it to fold in (Image 4). Fold each 2-inch flap (except for one end) and press them firmly into place with the piece of wood (Image 5). 1-inch fins must be folded 90˚.
From:Sam Henderson Sam Henderson
From:Sam Henderson Sam Henderson
Bend as needed to make the cage shape and insert it into the bottom of the cage to test it out. Place the neatly folded end inside the unfolded end. Press the extended end down. Remove the metallic lining and paint the birdcage as desired. If you wish, you can also paint the metal liner at this time.
Sam Henderson
Sam Henderson
Sam Henderson
Sam Henderson
Sam Henderson
From:Sam Henderson From:Sam Henderson From:Sam Henderson From:Sam Henderson From:Sam HendersonUse the metal liner to draw an outline on the hanging basket liner made from coconut shells (Image 1). Cut out the shape with scissors. Insert the metal liner into the bottom of the cage with the overlap at the back (Image 2). Add the hanging basket liner (Image 3). Add soil, about 1/2" deep (Image 4). Add the succulents. Choose the ones that hang down to get closer to the outer edge (Image 5). Gently pull the succulents through the cage wires and around If there are gaps, fill in the opening with additional soil, then water, and finally hang the cage in place.
From:Sam Henderson Sam Henderson
From:Sam Henderson Sam Henderson
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