I transformed my overgrown garden using freebies from car boot sales & Facebook Marketplace – people say it’s ‘fabulous’
ANYONE who has ever received a quote for a garden makeover will know that it can often end up costing a small fortune.
But one savvy woman has proven that you don’t need the expert’s help…as she did it all herself on a budget, using bargain buys from the likes of Facebook Marketplace and car boot sales.
Gemma McCarthy took to Facebook group ‘Gardening On A Budget Official‘ and explained how she’d got loads of inspo ideas for her outdoor haven from photos people had previously shared on the page.
She then posted a before picture of her garden and the impressive after transformation, which took her a matter of weeks.
“I’ve never posted on here but I’ve got lots of ideas from you lovely lot,” Gemma wrote.
“Seven weeks ago my garden looked like the first two pictures, I made a plan and made it happen.
“I did it all myself from digging, levelling, fence painting, making a cement step, and moving 4 tonne of shingle using a wheel barrow, most of which I’ve never done before.”
She went on to say that there’s been “blood sweat and tears” doing the garden, adding that: “Everything you can see except the table, chairs and trampoline was either from a car boot sale or Facebook Marketplace.”
Gemma concluded: “I appreciate it’s not everyone’s cup of tea but I love it, and I love looking at it and the feeling I get knowing it’s all my work, it gives me a real sense of achievement.”
Speaking to Fabulous, the DIY whizz, who hopes to add a path down the middle in the future, shared a breakdown of the costs.
Everything you can see except the table, chairs and trampoline was either from a carboot sale or Facebook Marketplace
Gemma McCarthy
Gemma noted that the white buggy and book shelf were £10 for the two from Facebook Marketplace, while the two children’s wicker chairs were 2 for £15 and the tables £5 each – both from a car boot sale.
“The mirror and butterflies were a couple of pounds each,” she continued.
“The sofa was £20 from Facebook Marketplace and so was the swing chair.”
She went on to say that all of the plant pots were £2-6 each, the fire £5, and all the ornaments except the boot also a few pounds – all from car boot sales.
It wasn’t long before the post racked up several likes and over 100 comments, with social media users all quick to praise Gemma’s very impressive handiwork.
June gardening jobs
The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you should take this month.
Stake out leggy perennials
With all the dramatic weather we’ve been having, it’s definitely time to stake out your leggy perennials (the ones that come back every year). Heavy rain and growth spurts, can make them collapse and flop.
Picking out the slugs and snails
Hopefully as we move into summer they will do less damage as the plants get bigger. The best way is still to go out at night with a head torch to find them.
Pick elderflower heads
You can use them to make your own cordial, or add to cakes, champagne or even fry them in batter.
Get on top of weeds
It’s around now that weeds really ramp up in the garden, so keep on top of them with hoe-ing – or just the traditional ‘on your knees with a hand fork’. Try and avoid chemicals – remember weeds are just plants in the wrong place.
Up the mowing
You’ll need to mow your lawn weekly now – if you’ve got time, weed it beforehand as once you mow you chop off the leaves and its harder to see them.
Check on your tomatoes
Your tomato plants will need attention – water, feed and regularly and pinch out the sideshoots.
Chelsea Chop
There’s still time for the Chelsea Chop – plants like Rudbeckia’s, Asters, Penstemons, Sedums and other perennials can be cut back by a third to help them get a bit more bushy, and prolong the flowering period.
Sort out your tulips
If you can be bothered and have space – lift and story your tulip bulbs to ensure colour next Spring.
Deadheading your roses
Take them down to the first set of healthy leaves – which will ensure more flowers for longer.
Enjoy your space
Take some time to sit and enjoy your garden or outside space – it’s great for your mental health. Even just a few minutes a day can make a big difference.
“Fantastic job, well done!” praised one
A second enthused: “That’s an amazing transformation, it’s lovely, well done!”
A third commented: “You’ve done a great job!”
Meanwhile, a fourth noted: “It looks fabulous…well done!”
And a further added: “Well done you, it’s amazing what you can achieve. Garden’s fabulous.”