Winchester Garden
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This phased garden renovation, begun in Spring 2025, demonstrates that with some low-cost, minor interventions, new habitats can be created in a matter of months within a residential/ suburban context. It has already attracted pollinators, birds, insects, bats, and amphibians.
Below are some early sketches that provide the vision for the garden. The cornus mas will eventually become the focal point and provide screening from oversight. It blooms yellow very early in the year and therefore provides interest in the gloom of late winter/early spring. It also provides early food sources to birds.
The first task was to remove paving, gravel, and prepare the soil for planting. The soil composition and quality is variable - a lot of stones, pebbles, and other hard material were excavated during the initial groundwork. Working strictly to circular economy principles, I aim to eventually reincorporate all excavated material back into the garden.
Phase Two - Vision
Spring/Summer 2026
May: I've managed to empty 1.5 rubble bags of gravel and stones back into the garden. only 2.5 left to go. The whole eastern side will be gravel planting beds, blending in with the pond area.
July: A lot of birds bathing, drinking in the pond. It's gotten a bit out of hand. Got wood pigeons taking showers using the pond fountain. Blackbirds taking three or four baths a day. Fights are breaking out. Add to that the effect of the heatwaves and I'm practically emptying a bucket of fresh water into the pond every day.
It just goes to show how important fresh water sources are, especially during our very hot summers.
Regarding the pond, it's great to see that my vision has become a reality. That quick, scrappy sketch that started everything has turned into something tangible; positive; rewarding; evolving. 'Bird access > use excavated stone'. It really was that simple. Since I do not have any submerged plants this year, sadly no amphibians will be making a return (water is too clear to lay eggs). However, the profitable returns for nature are still numerous in the amount of bird activity this small body of water - essentially a large puddle - has created.
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