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

: “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.

“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.

“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.

“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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