In the Land Down Under, where the wildlife is as diverse as the landscape, Australians increasingly turn their backyards into sanctuaries for local fauna.

Amid this Aussie backyard trend, a Bunnings Warehouse employee has sparked inspiration with a simple yet effective $10 garden idea making waves nationwide.

Garden enthusiasts praise the budget-friendly hack for its ability to attract and support native wildlife.


Marita Ekengard, a Sydney resident and Bunning's team member, shared her innovative approach to creating a cosy retreat for possums.

Her idea is a DIY possum shelter made from affordable materials available at the popular hardware chain.


The concept struck Marita while she was watching a wildlife rescue documentary.

She noticed a coconut liner, a fibrous material commonly used in gardening and realised it would make ideal bedding for possum shelters.

When she later discovered that Bunnings sold these liners, she seized the opportunity to craft her wildlife haven.


Marita's shopping list was short and sweet: two coconut liners, hanging baskets, and cable ties.

With these in hand, she set about constructing the makeshift shelter.

She lined the inside of the hanging baskets with the coconut liner, then joined the two baskets at their bases, cutting out a small entryway for the possums to come and go.

The process took Marita a mere twenty minutes, and she assures anyone can replicate her efforts.

The result is a lightweight, easy-to-install possum house that's both budget-friendly and functional.

In fact, within just two weeks of hanging the shelter, Marita joyfully reported that a possum had already taken up residence.


With numerous possum species listed as threatened due to habitat destruction from land clearing and urban development, initiatives like Marita's provide much-needed refuges for these creatures in suburban and metropolitan areas.

The response to Marita's possum house has been overwhelmingly positive, with fellow Aussies praising her ingenuity and sharing their versions of wildlife shelters.

Some have used plastic pots or paper bark to enhance weatherproofing, demonstrating the community's creativity and commitment to conservation.

Australia's wildlife relies heavily on tree hollows for survival, with over 300 vertebrate species using them for shelter, nesting, and rearing young.

However, natural hollows are scarce, and they can take decades to form in trees.

This is where human-made alternatives like Marita's come into play, offering immediate solutions for needy wildlife.


The movement to provide homes for native animals has gained momentum, with online communities such as the Nest Box Tales social media group, which boasts over 27,000 members, sharing stories and tips on creating wildlife housing.

An accompanying website offers many resources, including free booklets and designs for various nest boxes.

Marita's $10 garden hack is more than just a clever idea; it's a call to action for Australians to play a role in preserving the country's unique biodiversity.

By transforming our backyards into wildlife-friendly habitats, we can significantly impact the well-being of our native species.
Have you considered adding a wildlife shelter to your garden? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and let's continue to support our furry and feathered friends together!