A frugal mother of three has revealed how she transformed her slip and slide from a muddy garden into her dream outdoor space with the help of B&Q bargains.
Kerry Bevan, 36, from Doncaster, wanted to spruce up her garden before her husband Neil turns 40 this summer.
Speak against Latest Offersthe mother explained how she originally wanted to build a terrace with a pergola, but thought it might look too enclosed.
She said, ‘After talking about it, [Neil] suggested the pole and rope version so it felt more open.”
However, the first challenge the pair faced was removing some of the mud that had accumulated at the bottom of their garden after heavy rains.
In the photo: Kerry’s garden before the transformation. The bottom of the garden was covered with mud and the grass was clogged with water
Pictured: The couple’s outdoor space after the transformation. The wooden bench, made by Kerry’s father, doubles as a picnic table
Kerry said: “The rain was a challenge when we first started. The yard was full of mud and we spent most of our time trying not to slip on it!’
To keep costs down, the couple used leftover paving stones and sod from Kerry’s parents’ garden.
To begin with, the pair removed soggy grass, then dug holes to secure the patio fence posts.
They then installed the decking frame and then laid down the £35 hardcore and decorative pebbles, which cost £4 or a 25kg bag.
To screen off the seating area, the mum picked up a B&Q bathrobe – which retails for £2.49 per metre.
Before hanging them around her new patio, Kerry used black Dylon to match the garden’s theme.
In addition to her new garden furniture, Kerry also received a handmade bench – which doubles as a picnic table – from her scheming father.
She continued: ‘I have Ronseal paint from B&Q for £23 in the shade Tudor Black Oak to paint the fence.
Pictured: Kerry Bevan and her husband Neil. The mother wanted the project to be completed in time for her partner’s birthday
To liven up the patio, Neil worked out a geometric style stencil to use on the plates (photo)
Left: The patio’s foundation when it was first created. Right: The garden after the slabs were laid
He drew the 60cm x 60cm square on paper, traced the design onto a quarter, then transferred it to the plywood to match the size of the plate.
Adding the final touches to the overhauled garden, Kerry bought a pair of £20 solar-powered hanging lights from Amazon that are attached to the fence.
She also bought some more £18.99 solar lights from Amazon that are tucked between the patio slabs.
What’s more, the thrifty mum bought a rattan border for £7.99 from B&M to place around her new flower beds – which contained a few £5 Asda flowers.
To liven up the patio, Neil worked out a geometric style stencil to use on the plates.
Kerry bought a pair of solar pendant lights for £20 from Amazon that are attached to the fence (pictured)
Kerry said: ‘He drew the 60cm x 60cm square on paper, drew the design on a quarter and then transferred it to the plywood to match the size of the plate […]
“We painted the slabs with concrete paint and added the stenciling before painting the fence, woodwork, and all the masonry.”
In total, the couple spent four full weekends on the project. If they had to do it again, Kerry said they’d hire a cement mixer to lay the slabs.
Tom Church, co-founder of Latest Deals, said: ‘Kerry and her husband saved a lot of money with this garden project. By using reclaimed sod and pavers they probably saved £100 alone. Very impressive!’