When we were in Williamsburg earlier this year we noticed these cute little Redware Bird Bottles on the houses and buildings. We found out that they were common and were actually found in several excavations throughout the Colonial City. These are reproductions from one that was found at the James Geddy House and you can purchase them in the shops to take home with you. We didn’t get one at the time and my sister in law really wanted one, but where she lives in Washington State, it would not last outside in their winters.
From what I have read, having birds nest close to your house could aid in controlling insects. There are lots of Purple Martin houses and other houses for small birds. I just think the design of these are very unique. Maybe someone busted a clay bottle and pitched it and then later found some birds nesting in it and then a trend was started. Who knows? But it is fun to imagine it could have happened that way.
When we were in Williamsburg last weekend, we noticed that even these Bird Bottles were decorated. Most had some kind of wreath and many had little flags from fabric scraps on the perch, which is nothing more than a stick or twig. I love that they realized even the birds need to have decorations on their abodes.
Isn’t it just adorable? I love this combination of cockscomb and yarrow. Years ago that is what Keith and I used to decorate our tree with. We grew the cockscomb and yarrow in the garden, dried it an then when it came time to decorate, I simply laid the flowers on the branches with the heads facing out and hid the stalks inside. It made a colorful and beautiful tree. Keith has already decided we are going to try cockscomb again this summer. And I have some big yarrow plants already. I cannot wait to dry some and try my hand at decorating our house next Christmas like this lovely little wreath that adorns a simple Bird Bottle in Williamsburg!
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