I had 2 birdbaths in my backyard and the one lowest to the ground definitely was the most popular. Even though it is a plate on an upside down pot it is very popular with a variety of birds! I had a beautiful birdbath that was higher from the ground, but they kept going to my homemade one! I like the idea of a solar pump so I may add a water feature with this. I used to cut back my perennials for the winter but now will leave them, especially coneflowers.