***This article was written by Angela Mason Foster, Beaufort County Master Gardener***

When we think about summer gardening, most of us instinctively think about watering our vegetables, container plants, or hydrangeas wilting in the heat. But we’re not the only ones struggling to stay hydrated in Eastern North Carolina’s sweltering summers—our wildlife neighbors need water too.

Birds, bees, butterflies, toads, and even beneficial insects like ladybugs all rely on nearby water sources for survival. During droughts or extended dry spells, natural puddles and shallow streams can disappear, leaving animals without essential hydration. Fortunately, helping them is easier than you might think.

By creating a simple, DIY water station, you can provide life-saving support to local pollinators and songbirds—and bring more life and beauty to your garden in the process.

Why Water Stations Matter

Birds need water not only to drink but also to bathe and cool down in high heat. Meanwhile, bees use water to help regulate hive temperature and to thin honey when feeding larvae. Butterflies and moths absorb minerals and salts from shallow, muddy water sources—a behavior known as “puddling.”

In many developed neighborhoods, however, these sources are scarce. Clean, shallow, and consistent water access can make your garden a refuge for hundreds of tiny, winged visitors.

And it doesn’t take a pond or fancy birdbath to make a difference. You can start small—with things you already have in your kitchen or garage.

DIY: Simple Water Stations for Summer Wildlife

Here are several easy and effective options you can create in an afternoon. Mix and match based on your space, budget, and creativity:

Bird Basin

• Materials: Large terracotta saucer, shallow bowl, or plastic plant tray
• Instructions: Place it on a raised brick, stump, or overturned flowerpot. Add a few clean rocks for perching. Change water every 1–2 days to prevent mosquito breeding and algae.
• Tip: Birds prefer shallow water—1 to 2 inches deep is perfect.

Bee Bath

• Materials: Pie pan, low dish, or saucer + clean pebbles, corks, or glass marbles
• Instructions: Fill the container with just enough water to touch the tops of the pebbles. Bees will land on the surfaces and drink without risk of drowning.
• Tip: Place the bath near flowers or in a sunny location with light shade in the afternoon.

Butterfly Puddling Spot

• Materials: Shallow dish filled with moist sand and a pinch of sea salt or wood ash
• Instructions: Keep it damp, not soaked. Butterflies will land and “sip” minerals from the moist sand.
• Tip: Avoid overwatering; a muddy consistency works best.

Toad Oasis

• Materials: Upside-down flowerpot with a hole cut for entry, tucked near a damp spot
• Instructions: Add a shallow dish of water nearby. Toads help control pests and appreciate cool retreats.
• Tip: Avoid using pesticides—beneficial amphibians are sensitive to chemicals.

Placement and Maintenance Tips

• Keep water fresh: Dump and rinse containers every couple of days to prevent mosquito larvae.
• Offer multiple heights: Birds prefer raised water sources; bees and butterflies often prefer ground-level.
• Use shade strategically: While full sun may warm the water too quickly, deep shade may encourage algae. A spot with morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal.
• Avoid glazed ceramics that can become slippery and dangerous for small creatures.

Pollinator-Friendly Bonus

If you already grow plants like bee balm, echinacea, black-eyed Susans, or zinnias, adding water nearby will double the impact of your pollinator support. Think of it as offering both “flowers and refreshments”—a full-service stop for your garden visitors.

You can also tuck small water stations near your herb garden or native plant beds to keep bees and butterflies hydrated without pulling them away from food sources.

Building a Backyard Habitat

Creating a water station is a small act, but it’s one of the most meaningful steps you can take in building a certified wildlife habitat. The National Wildlife Federation notes that the four essential elements for backyard habitat are food, water, cover, and places to raise young. Many gardeners already provide food and cover. Adding water completes the picture—and doesn’t require a pond or stream.

Suggested Reading List

1. Attracting Birds, Butterflies, and Other Backyard Wildlife by David Mizejewski
   A practical guide from the National Wildlife Federation on creating backyard habitats.
2. The Pollinator Victory Garden by Kim Eierman
   Focuses on how to turn any yard into a pollinator-friendly haven.

Final Thoughts

Eastern North Carolina summers are hot, sticky, and often dry. But your garden can become a sanctuary not only for your plants, but for the birds, bees, and butterflies that rely on it. By offering fresh water in a simple, safe, and accessible way, you create a space that supports the full cycle of life.

So the next time you water your tomatoes or fill the dog’s bowl, take a moment to fill a dish for the bees. The buzz you’ll hear nearby might just be a quiet thank-you.

If you have questions about your home garden or landscape, reach out to Gene Fox, Consumer Horticulture Agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Email Gene at gene_fox@ncsu.edu or call (252) 946-0111. Master Gardeners are available on the Greenline Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to assist with your horticultural needs. Don’t forget to check out the Beaufort County Master Gardeners Facebook page for additional resources.