[cadalot]

I had some offcuts from bamboo that I had cut to support 100s & 1000s in my space saver greenhouse, one thing lead to another out came the drill to bore out the middle of the bamboo, and a ladybird hotel for my allotment was born. Well last year they cleared my aphids and if they do the same this year the most I can do is to provide accommodation  , they may even stay on if I'm lucky.

[Springlands]

Brilliant Cadalot. The price of bug hotels in garden centres is beyond belief - you need a second mortgage for some of them.

[Fairy Plotmother]

What a good idea! I foresee a job for the Plotfather! he will be pleased! 

[surbie100]

Fab idea there! Will be copying forthwith. Someone's dumped some canes up by the entrance, so I've got all the materials ready. 

[cadalot]

Thanks Guys, I have to give credit where credit is due, Jenny my wife asked me what I was doing..... so I told her.

Then she wanted a go with the drill so after instruction and a talk about health and safety I was cutting sometime with clippers and other times with a junior hacksaw then they don't split and she was drilling, boring out the middle of the bamboo.

Her next question was "how many do we need?" Well says I "That depends how big a box or container I make", and continued explained about the ones you can purchase.

Jenny "So all you need is a container you can hang"
Me     "Yep basically "
Jenny "So why not use a plastic milk bottle? you use them for everything else" 

And there you have it, I packed the back with coconut matting as all the lengths of bamboo are about the same, drilled some air holes in the lid, and cable tied around as a belt and braces exercise. A thick bamboo in the handle and two small cable ties to assist hanging. 

[miggs]

Brilliant idea, think you should take a patent out on it, quick.

[Tenhens]

Like the idea, have used these bottles for various garden applications , just be aware that they do eventually perish.

[cadalot]

A few of the early soft bricks I made 18 - 20 months ago by filling with dry sand have just started splitting. With the amount of milk we drink I think I have enough to replace the odd warn out model with a new one.

[Tenhens]

I made a planter using  the 'handle' end of the bottle ( Some one on here had made one) used about 12 bottles. Lasted about two years , worked quite well.