- Why is your unloved garden unloved? What do you want to change about it? What has stopped you until now?
Our garden had two reasons for being unloved. One we moved here with a three month old baby and had three further children within the next six years...literally babies everywhere. So no time or energy to do the garden.
Second my DH use to make bio-diesel in the shed at the bottom of the garden (fully legal to make up to 2000 litres a year for personal use only). As this involved using dangerous chemicals, the shed and the bottom third of the garden was fenced off with a gate for safety reasons. Then because we didn't use that section of the garden it became a dumping ground for stuff that should of been tipped straight away.
- Where did you get your inspiration for doing up the garden from? What sort of style are you going for etc?
I am aiming for weedfree, cleaned paving, painted fences,more practical space for the children using the whole garden and to try adding a few plants to see how we get along with them. Plus a 'new-to-me' water feature...I want to hear the sound of water in a garden.
- Have you had much help along the way with the revamp? If so, who from? And what sort of help - practical or ideas-based?
My friend is a trained interior designer and she is so brilliant with ideas and colours etc. I can't do everything we have planned for the garden for this makeover deadline. But I plan to use the B&Q unloved garden project as a springboard to upkeep and improve our very tatty and underused garden and file the more ambitious ideas for a later date.
- How did you find your shopping experience at B&Q? Were the staff helpful? Did you find anything in store you maybe didn't expect to beforehand?
We didn't expect to find and to ultimately end up buying a big playhouse. We went looking for a swing but the children adored the Croft Playhouse and had to be bribed to get out of it ! We decided though the wanted a swing, that a playhouse would get far more use over the next few years and the local park has swings just 5 minute walk away.
Bolton B&Q was very helpful, especially telling us where we could find the Croft playhouse, as they had sold out (restock in 28 days) and gave us the details for St Helens branch, which we have reserved a playhouse at. Payment for playhouse is a third B&Q vouchers, a third grandparents donations for children's birthdays, a third donation from us for children's birthdays. Still a lot of money gulp. Lets hope they love it as much when it is up at home.
- Did you use any of the help and advice that B&Q offer? This includes their videos on YouTube, leaflets and classes in store etc. If so, how useful was that help and advice?
Not yet. But at the moment and for the next few days we are clearing and cleaning. But once we get to fence painting and plants...I'll be having a look.
- If B&Q could do anything more to help you next time you visit, what would it be?
Not for visits, but regarding the phone lines. I have really struggled to get through to the St Helens branch with the phone going dead or too static or simply not being picked up. If there could be a message with where in the queue you are or something. Ensure music is played rather than static when you are on hold. Maybe have one staff member who just answers phone queries if possible. I should add that every staff I spoke to was very helpful and professional, it was just hard getting in contact with them !
- Have you had any feedback on what you've done with the garden from family/friends? Has the transformation had a big impact on you and/or your family?
My parents are wondering if the plants we will add, will survive. As very avid gardeners themselves, with a beautiful leafy garden, they don't understand our totally paved with no plants back yard (this is what it was like when we moved in)
It has already has a positive impact on us. I already sit out there for more meals and plan what I'll be doing to the garden. As it is clearer and cleaner it is more pleasant.
I can't wait until the 28th July as it will be done, though I am less looking forward to all the hard work. Will be chipping away as we can and doing couple of days at the weekends. Though we have to celebrate DH's 40th this weekend, so limited gardening this weekend. It will be done. :)
Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity :)