Dovecotes have a fascinating history dating all the way back to Roman days. Though many have disappeared over the years, during the 17th Century England had over 26,000 dovecotes on the grounds of monasteries and manor houses. Doves at that time were considered a food source, for both the eggs and the birds themselves.
My interest in having a Dovecote in the garden came from years of reading garden books that often focused on beautiful Cottage Gardens in the South of France. I loved the gardens often featured in the magazine Victoria. Dovecotes were often a focal point featured in charming flower filled gardens.
Generally working on a budget and from materials that I have around here, I fashioned a farmhouse Dovecote with clay pots for the potting shed.
You will need:
10 -4 inch clay pots
10 washers with small holes and 10 screws.
Starting at the top; center the first pot and place a washer and screw through the drainage hole in the pot. Screw securely into the siding but avoid over tightening, as this can crack the pot.
Continue adding pots making sure they are just touching each other.
Wait for your Doves or feathered friends to find their stylish new nesting place!
I’m still waiting!
down to earth digs 
The doves nest in those? So pretty too!
We do have Dove’s that nest in the trees here, but I think I’m more likely to get a Sparrow or Robin! Anyones welcome!
That is wonderful! I have a ‘thing’ for dovecotes, too! If only our garden shed had a peaked roof like yours!
That peak has been begging for something for years. I would love to do a fruit tree espalier tree against it too. It gets good sun there. Hmmmm.
Oooh, how about a bat house on the opposite side?
OK, yes a Bat house is on my list, but I think I want it at the back of the garden! Those darn Bat’s scare me and if I’m in the garden at dusk or night, I don’t want to be hitting the deck every few minutes. We had so many mosquitos last summer and not as many Bats as usual so a Bat House is going to happen, just not right in my happy place!
Ha! I can see that. I have been eyeing my back fence for one but am not sure it’s high enough, so it might just need to go on the side of my house…