From concrete jungle to wildlife haven
Lee Peterson from Worsley, Manchester, tells us about his DIY garden transformation
Turning a concrete yard into a lush, wildlife-friendly garden is a rewarding project that anyone can undertake with some planning and elbow grease. Here’s how I turned my own barren space into a thriving habitat, complete with pollinator-friendly plants, along with a lawn, bird feeding station, whisky barrel pond, bird bath, hedgehog house, and wild area.
Planning and preparation
First off, I sketched a design, ensuring that each feature had its place while considering the needs of various wildlife species.s. Removing the concrete flags was labour intensive but necessary to create planting beds and a lawn.
Creating a pollinator paradise
Pollinators are crucial for any garden. I selected a variety of nectar-rich plants to attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects. Buddleia, lupins and cosmos formed the backbone of my planting scheme, providing vibrant colours and essential nectar throughout the growing season. I also included early spring bulbs like crocuses, daffodils and tulips, alongside summer bloomers such as dahlias to help ensure a continuous food source for pollinators from spring to autumn.
Setting up a bird feeding station
Birds bring life and vibrancy to a garden. I created my own bird feeding station with multiple feeders to attract a variety of species. Offering various seeds and suet cakes catered to different bird preferences. Placing the station near shrubs provided birds with a sense of security, encouraging more frequent visits. It was an easy project involving a 2.4m tree pole and some metal bars inserted through holes I drilled.
Establishing the lawn
A small lawn can serve as a resting and feeding ground for various creatures. I prepared the soil by levelling, and removing any remaining concrete fragments before laying my new lawn. Regular watering helped establish a healthy, green space within a few weeks. I’ve since created an ‘island’ of more plants in my lawn for this year’s pollinators.
Adding a whisky barrel pond
Water features are attractive to wildlife, and a whisky barrel pond is an easy and effective DIY project. I purchased a half whisky barrel for £25 and added water. After letting the wood expand, any leaks were quickly sealed. Aquatic species like water lilies and oxygenating plants were introduced to maintain a healthy ecosystem. A small solar-powered pump added movement to the water, preventing stagnation and mosquitoes laying. The pond quickly became a focal point, attracting dragonflies, birds and squirrels alike.
Installing a bird bath
This provides
