Team Wilder story: From concrete jungle to wildlife garden

Carrie Starbuck turned the concrete jungle of her new home's garden into a wildlife-filled garden

Imagine a wilder world on your doorstep, with more nature everywhere in urban and rural areas. Read about how Carrie turned the garden of her new house from a concrete jungle into a wildlife-filled garden as part of Team Wilder.

When I moved into my new home the garden was a concrete jungle with a large rotting work shed that dominated the back garden. Lockdown was the perfect time to put all my energy into a positive project so I took up all the concrete, removed the dangerous shed, and began gardening for wildlife.

Garden with patio slabs and dog — Carrie's garden before the transformation

My favourite part of the garden is my new wildlife corner. This is a mix of containers and pollinator plants. The soil in this part of the garden was really poor due to all the concrete so to improve the soil health I laid cardboard down and topped it with peat-free compost.

My budget was tight so I planted the corner with plug plants such as verbena, geranium and wildflower seeds, and bulbs alongside larger plants such as heurchara, michaelmas daisies, and salvias.

Garden with patio slabs removed and new area covered by cardboard to improve the soil — During the transformation

Water attracts all sorts of wildlife to a garden. I had an old firepit I was no longer using so I filled it with water and a few large rocks to act as platforms. I put more stones around the large bowl to act as a ramp.

Since adding this to my wildlife corner I have had all sorts of wildlife visits, from the neighbourhood fox, tree sparrows, starlings and butterflies and bees.

I’ve even seen a couple of slow worms hanging around my compost which makes me so happy as it means the soil is good.

Garden path with two flower filled flowerbeds — Carrie's new wildlife garden

There is still lots more I want to do with the garden including having a mini allotment with a couple of raised beds at the back of the garden, but I’m in no rush.

It has been a joy to see how the garden has evolved and how wildlife is loving finding a home here. I’m interested to see what or who joins me here next spring before I do any more work to the garden.

Two chairs in a garden surrounded by plants — A perfect place to sit and enjoy garden visitors

Before the transformation I barely used the garden but now I love nothing more than sitting in my garden chair with a cup of tea and watching all the wonderful wildlife enjoying the garden as much as I do.