Patriotic Perches

About the exhibit Birdhouses are a great way to attract wildlife to your garden space. In honor of the 4th of July holiday, Lauritzen Gardens is happy to present this wonderful exhibit of one-of-a-kind birdhouses, constructed by Richard Yost of Bellevue, Neb. Yost was inspired to build all 51 birdhouses by a birdhouse that his father made, many years ago, with scrap lumber and an old Nebraska license plate. All of the birdhouses on exhibit are decorated with various knick-knacks that represent each state. About the artist Birdhouse creator Rich Yost was born and raised in South Omaha, and graduated from Daniel J. Gross High School. His parents encouraged creativity, and his dad would probably be considered an original "American Picker." The family property contained many sheds, outbuildings and closets full of unusual items which had been purchased at flea markets, auctions, or garage sales. As a young lad, Rich realized the potential of turning these "interesting" items into something new and original, either as a household decoration or for outdoor art. Today, he has a large back yard full of whimsical and repurposed items and a wife who tolerates his urge to buy what many would consider junk, for use in his future projects. He hopes that you enjoy touring the United States via the birdhouse adventure as much as he enjoyed creating them.