I turned my dull garden into the Love Island villa thanks to budget B&Q buys – you wouldn’t know you weren’t in Ibiza
A DIY fan has revealed that she managed to save hundreds of pounds by turning her garden into a hassle-free, Ibiza-style space with banging Love Island vibes.
Mandy Wilson, 51 from Cheshire, explained that she used bargain buys from Facebook Marketplace and B&Q to give her space a much-needed overhaul.
Mandy told money-saving community : “I have been working on my garden over the last five years to make it a maintenance-free space with a Mediterranean feel.
“I am particularly inspired by Ibiza as I lived there for years and I miss the outdoor living.
“I did not want to have to spend a lot of time managing the garden because I have back issues and arthritis.
“I also don’t have the time to maintain a garden, so I wanted to ensure that I created a space with a modern look.
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“I wasn’t happy with the garden as it looked before. The space was quite plain and I wanted to brighten it up so I would enjoy sitting outside during evenings and weekends.
“It took a while to complete this project, as I worked to a budget each year.
“I made one investment, which was a weatherproof printed board from KAYDOR Signs.
“While shower curtains may be cheaper, I wanted something that didn’t fade. So I spent more money instead of spending it over time replacing shower curtains which are not designed for the outdoor elements.
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“I cut a number of designs - words and animals, including a lizard - from waste grass, using a Stanley knife. I love art and I really enjoyed getting creative.
“I affixed the designs with Gorilla outdoor tape. These designs would have cost at least £20 if I had bought them ready-made.
“I created giant pencils using leftover fence posts. These would have cost at least £15 each if I had bought them online.
“I then purchased decor to go around the garden or picked it up for free from Facebook Marketplace. I already had one of the garden sofas and a friend was getting rid of the other one.
“I picked up the decking furniture for just £20 apiece. The seller wanted to get rid of it and so I borrowed a friends’ van to transport it back to my house.”
Mandy also explained that she nabbed cheap buys from B&Q, as she added: “The assorted pots for the plants and flowers were between £5 and £10 on Marketplace.
“I got cheap seeds from B&Q and they have grown beautifully with some TLC.
“The face statue was only £30 and I have seen similar ones for over £100 online so I was pleased with this bargain.
“A family was redoing their garden and it didn’t match their decor anymore so I was happy to take it off their hands!
“All the other decor was under £20 each from Marketplace.
“I took my time looking regularly and only got pieces I felt would really fit in with the garden overall.”
Reflecting on her garden’s new look, Mandy continued: “Now that the garden is complete I absolutely love it.
“I have saved £100s on the decor by making it myself or picking it up cheaply.
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“I have been told by friends and family that now my garden looks like part of the Love Island villa which is part of the vibe I was going for!”
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