I transformed my dull and shabby backyard into a stunning ‘dream garden’ for less than £2,000

A WOMAN explained how she transformed her shabby backyard into a stunning "dream garden" on a budget of £2k.

Teaching assistant, Sophie Valentine, 34, moved into the West Sussex three-bedroom house in 2019.

But she decided the drab and grotty garden needed a full revamp to create an outdoor haven and started by spending £200 buying plants online.

She said: "This included clematis, a whole cottage border collection, Fatsia, a blossom tree and a lilac tree.

"I then have added to it bit by bit adding plants that have been given to me.

"I was given a foxglove when I moved here but now I have about thirty of them just from it self-seeding.

"In the garden centres, I head straight to the reduced section where you can find amazing bargains.

"Over the three years of this garden project, we have spent £2,000 including some fencing, pergolas, two decking areas, plants and turf.

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" Facebook marketplace and eBay are what have helped this garden evolve.

"You get so many bargains on there. Most of our decking we use has been free from Facebook or one section was £50.

"Ben built us two pergolas himself which saved thousands, one being where my beautiful wisteria canopy grows."

Sophie shares her expert advice for budding gardeners on her Instagram and says that working in the garden helps to improve her mental health.

She said: "I started my Instagram page last year to document the journey of our garden transformation.

"After a difficult family estrangement I threw myself into the garden to heal myself and help improve my mental health and well-being.

"I wanted it to be the best the garden had ever been. In creating this garden I also grew the best version of myself.

"The Instagram gardening community is so unique, so supportive and caring and we all have so much in common."

For those who have a small outdoor space, but want to make the most of it, she suggests adding a feature to use your space better.

She said: "These can include; a pond, water feature, statue, seating area or bench."