It feels like summer has already begun you may be looking at your garden and wondering what to do to get it ready.
One couple decided to embark on a DIY garden project but had to get over the challenge of rotting decking.
This often means needing to pay out for a professional to fit a replacement - which can easily cost hundreds of pounds.
However, Emma Grant her husband Leigh saved money by doing the job themselves, and adding some unique twists to create an outdoor space like no other.
"We had very tired, rotten decking. Leigh decided he wanted black composite decking, so once that was decided I was filled with ideas," Emma told LatestDeals.co.uk.
"Most of my inspiration came from Instagram. We’re really into the moody Maximalism vibes, with a twist of Victorian and boho. We love thrifting - 90% of our furniture inside and out is second hand and full of character."
While Leigh sourced supplies for composite decking and a pergola, Emma got the rest of the decor - and lots of it came from Facebook Marketplace at bargain prices.
"I was thrilled to find a wicker chair set on Marketplace for just £40," Emma said. "The colour wasn’t to our taste so I primed it in white before painting and spraying them black. The table was also a Marketplace find, at £90.
"I then picked up a metre of waterproof fabric from eBay for £3.99 to recover the cushions, changing them from a floral pattern to plain white so it contrasted nicely with the black.
" I also used some fabric I already had and created leopard print star cushions, as I create crafts on my Instagram account ( @sew_dita. )."
She added: "I decided to pick up some faux ivy for £15 while I was on eBay, and I also got a 6 foot Mandala rug from there for £68. The mirror came from Yateley Cobblers & Curios for £160, and the disco balls cost £99 and £75 from an online store called Mirror-Balls.
"My next stop was Amazon, where I picked up copper wire warm lighting and a solar panel for £12. At this point I had all the essentials. I added in some pieces I already had at home, such as candles, further chairs and hanging baskets."
Also saving money, Leigh built the composite decking and pergola himself, thanks to being a carpenter by trade.
"The project has very much been a lockdown labour of love to be honest," Emma, from Camberley, Surrey, said. "It wasn’t done overnight - more like a good 6 months in the making.
"However we are now thrilled with the results and it’s a great place to relax during the evenings and weekends."
