A medium-sized urban garden - Carol Lee

Carol Lee's garden

Carol Lee has a medium sized urban garden, 13 m x 3 m (42 ft x 10 ft), which faces west and is surrounded by a wall and trellis. The east facing front garden is much smaller.

Various climbers, particularly ivy, scramble around the garden walls, while the trellis has climbers and shrubs.

Three small trees in the back garden, and two in the front, add height.

Brick paving has been used, on several levels, incorporating many beds for plants and allowing natural drainage to be maintained. An extensive range of tubs and planters throughout the paved area are used to grow shrubs and some herbaceous plants.

'Clever use of tubs and planters shows what can be done at a smaller scale on terraces and balconies, to attract wildlife.'

Carol puts out food all year for the birds, and blue tits use a nest box. There are cats about, but plenty of birds come to the garden, including house sparrows and starlings.

The garden is quite small, and the clever use of tubs and planters shows what can be done at a smaller scale on terraces and balconies, to attract wildlife.

The diverse planting structure gives plenty of year-round cover, appreciated by birds such as wintering blackcaps, along with wrens, robins and greenfinches. Jays use the taller trees.

A small pond in the back garden attracts more birds in to drink, but also benefits the occasional dragonfly. Flowers bring in many other beneficial insects, such as hoverflies and bees.

Homes for Wildlife tips 

Carol's garden is a haven for wildlife, but here are some more ideas for a medium-sized urban garden that could boost its wildlife value even further.

  • Use a shallow tray 150mm-245mm deep to create a wildflower meadow.
  • Grow arable flowers (eg: corn cockle, poppy, cornflower, etc) with some barley, in shallow 150mm-245mm deep trays. Allow to seed and leave over winter.
  • Leave herbaceous stems and dead annuals over winter and clear in early spring.
  • Use tubs to grow vegetables, allowing a proportion to go to seed.
  • Use tubs and planters to increase the amount of dead wood in the garden.

What can I do?

Take part in 'Homes for Wildlife' and we'll provide you with all the advice you'll need to attract birds and other wildlife to your garden.

Transform your garden into a wildlife haven

Last modified: 17 June 2008