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Team Wilder story: From concrete jungle to wildlife garden
![Team wilder graphic silhouette](/sites/default/files/styles/scaled_default/public/2022-02/Team%20Wilder%20logo%20black%20larger-01.png?itok=dbRSP7vd)
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](/sites/default/files/styles/scaled_default/public/2021-11/Carrie%20Starbuck%20wildlife%20garden%20%281%29.png?itok=mXi-z5Jh)
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](/sites/default/files/styles/scaled_default/public/2021-11/Carrie%20Starbuck%20wildlife%20garden%20%284%29.png?itok=ykGwuiir)
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](/sites/default/files/styles/scaled_default/public/2021-11/Carrie%20Starbuck%20wildlife%20garden%20%285%29.png?itok=vb_tpMb8)
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](/sites/default/files/styles/scaled_default/public/2021-11/Carrie%20Starbuck%20wildlife%20garden%20%282%29.png?itok=BZ11cD3g)
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.