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NOW CLOSED Do you have an unloved garden? Sign up here to transform it with B&Q and receive a £300 gift card

282 replies

TheOtherHelenMumsnet · 26/06/2013 16:51

As part of our partnership with B&Q, we're looking for 20 MNers who want to wave farewell to their unloved garden. Is it more of a jungle than a lawn? A patio that's seen better days? Or just a wizened window box?

Here is what B&Q say about their unloved gardens initiative: "This summer, we're launching a new initiative to help Britain say goodbye to its unloved rooms and gardens. Most homes have one - a spare room that's more of a cupboard, a tired and broken bathroom from a different era, even an overgrown garden that's become a jungle. With our vast range of home decoration products and simple expert advice, we want more people to see that making a big difference doesn't need to be difficult or expensive. Whether it's picking the right look, choosing the right products, at the right price or simply finding out how to make it happen, we're making sure you'll find it all under one roof at B&Q."

If you're selected to take part you'll:

  • Be sent a £300 B&Q gift card to spend as you wish on materials to transform your unloved garden
  • Need to be available to complete your garden revamp between 5-21 July (we appreciate that's not tonnes of time so please only sign up if you're up for the challenge!)
  • Write feedback on how your revamp is going during that time on a thread on MN
  • Need to send in photos to MNHQ of before, during and after the revamp


10 of the 20 participants may also need to film their revamp process on their smartphone (via an app we'll need you to download). Those MNers will receive an additional £25 B&Q gift card as a thank you for doing filming.

B&Q would also like participants to attend a You Can Do It class in store if possible - this would be free of charge but they're only available in certain stores. This isn't essential to taking part but please indicate on the sign up form (link below) which store you could get to if you would like to attend.

If you'd like to take part, please sign up here.

Any queries, please post them here.

Thanks and good luck
MNHQ
OP posts:
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Hellohippo · 08/07/2013 15:36

Another vote for gate 1 here, I am very keen to get started I am on my 3rd plan on the B&Q website I have spent the money so many times over

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TerraNotSoFirma · 08/07/2013 19:51

I've placed my order :)
Phoned the store and explained the circumstances and the lovely man said he'll keep my order until the weekend.
Giftcards should definitely be here by then.

Anyone had any emails about this fieldnotes app we are supposed to be using?

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OpheliaBumps · 08/07/2013 20:01

lissie I like gate 1, but I think 3 might go better with your fencing. 3 is also a bit cheaper so leaves you some over for a planter, hanging basket, whatever else you need.

A Skip? and I was worried about prepping my fence, let alone having to empty my garden into a skip!

No, I've not had anything about the app, going to google it now to see what I can find out.

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Cremolafoam · 08/07/2013 20:08

Gah! Finally found this thread- well hidden MN ! So delighted to win something!!!!
and am bricking it a bit as my plan was uber ambitiousBlush
I have taken some very embarrassing
Before pics already. And drawn out a plan on the back of an envelope .
Really want to get as many plants as possible. Dh want a chipper to help get shot of all the branches were hoping to chop down (.he has half the money spent in his head)
Too damn hot to do anything ATM Grin

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Cremolafoam · 08/07/2013 20:09

Thought we needed a skip too but chipping might solve thatConfused
So don't want to squander the money tho

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Openyourheart · 08/07/2013 20:54

lisieloo No 1 is my fave, but I always have expensive tastes ;)

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Openyourheart · 08/07/2013 20:56

lisieloo No 1 is my fave, but I always have expensive tastes ;)

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Openyourheart · 08/07/2013 20:57

I have been filling the skip. It is a mini one and I fear it is way too small. Some of the rubbish is dried out twigs and branches. Is it against the law to make a bonfire? I could pretend I am having an early Guy Fawkes party maybe? Wink

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OpheliaBumps · 08/07/2013 21:11

I'm sure you can burn garden waste, as long as it's an occasional activity, and no harmful substances are being burned.

I would suggest not to do it when everyone has their washing out/windows open, so ideally early morning or late evening.

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Cremolafoam · 08/07/2013 21:25

It is de riguer to have a bonfire here on the 11th July.Grin

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Openyourheart · 08/07/2013 21:55

Perhaps I should buy a garden incinerator with the vouchers. Smile

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SmellsLikeWeenSpirits · 08/07/2013 22:07

Ok, my plan is forming.

Our unloved garden is our front patch. I'll go into more detail on the feedback thread, but my plan is to go for hardcore building materials I think, rather than prettifying touches. I hope his is ok with mn and the b&q bods

We need a path and I think railway sleepers to form a defined sidey bit rather than the heap of weed and stones that we've got

I'm just a bit concerned that blowing the whole budget on just a few materials isn't quite in the spirit of this thing....

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OpheliaBumps · 08/07/2013 22:33

ween I think we were all picked for different reasons, I think B&Q are hoping to see loads of different ideas, not just 20 identikit gardens.

Front gardens are often neglected, so I love the idea of making that space more loved, rather than just a route to/from the house.

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Babieseverywhere · 08/07/2013 23:17

We have been working hard this weekend...well my DH has. Poor man spent many hours in this hot weather, clearing the bottom third of the garden, which is never used and just a dumping ground. The idea is to sort out the paving and situate our shed and trampoline on this bottom area.

Then do something with the middle area, paint fencing, fit water feature and some pots with flowers.

We have several days of cleaning/clearing to be done before we can start doing the positive things.

Debating about a new playhouse for the children or sticking with what we have got.

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OpheliaBumps · 08/07/2013 23:22

Ooh babies I've seen a lovely playhouse in b&q for £200, it's called kitty and it's huge!

I think we might look at one of these for my DTs 4th birthday in August, as they're outgrowing their old one and their grandparents always send money for us to choose a gift.

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lissieloo · 09/07/2013 09:46

It's just come!!!

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TerraNotSoFirma · 09/07/2013 10:25

Whoohoo happy spending lissieloo.

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lissieloo · 09/07/2013 16:06

I have just called the store because I was worrying about getting everything home. If I spend over £250 they will deliver, I'm so relieved.

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Roma2013 · 09/07/2013 16:09

Received my gift voucher today and they've extended the date for completion... which is good. Does anyone know where we put the 'before' pics up? (Took me ages to find where THIS thread had been put!)

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lissieloo · 09/07/2013 16:12

I mean delivery will be free. they deliver over £100.

Roma, it's not open yet, I've created a folder for my pics in the meantime.

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Cremolafoam · 09/07/2013 16:41

Our makeover is the front garden too ophelia. It's not huge but in this heat( 28.2• ) planting anything is just daft .i am daunted and hotConfused

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OpheliaBumps · 09/07/2013 18:05

roma when is the completion date now? Am so relieved as I was concerned I wouldn't get it all done on time.

cremola our front garden is unmakeoverable, it's a 6 foot lawn on a 1 in 3 gradient, with a small flower bed at the bottom. That'll never be lovable! I'm doing the back garden,adding in some plants and a seat and making an adult space as it's currently end to end outdoor toys for the kids.

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Openyourheart · 09/07/2013 19:34

Did you have to sign for the voucher? I have to collect something from the post office. I'm excited now. I could collect it tomorrow and start shopping as I have a day off!!!

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TerraNotSoFirma · 09/07/2013 19:51

Mine didnt come :(
Am in the Scottish highlands, so hopefully tomorrow.

No worries, b&q said they'll keep my order until the weekend anyway.

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Roma2013 · 09/07/2013 19:55

Completion date s now 28 July I think

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