It’s child’s play

Creating a space that keeps everyone happy is as easy as A,B,C

When Emma Cusimano and her partner George Maughan moved into their new-build property 12 months ago, she dreamed of turning their back garden into a children’s paradise.

But with George, 38, working nights as a transport supervisor and Emma, 27, busy caring for two-and-a-half-year old Pippa and six-month-old Harriet, it soon became clear that the couple didn’t have time to do it.

So when Emma, from Cottam, Lancashire, spotted the wilko garden makeover competition on the Mirror’s website, she jumped at the chance to turn the tired space into something special.

Confident that they could transform the area, the team got to work painting the fence with one of the many colours available at wilko, installing Wilko Expanding Wood Trellis (£2.25) for the Clematis climbing plants (£3 each) to grow on and adding Wilko Hanging Plant Pots (£2.50 each) to the fence, which they filled with Dianthus plants (£1.50 each).

Forest Garden sleeper garden beds were placed along the fence and colourful Herbaceous, Veronica Blue and Blue Lavender (£3 each) planted to add colour.

In the middle of the garden, the team created a lovely relaxing area using items including the Wilko Garden Rattan Lounge Set (£130) and Wilko Tropical Outdoor Scatter Cushions (£8 each) and placed some Cordylines (£3.50 each) close by for a dramatic effect. It’s the perfect spot for George and Emma to relax and watch the children play. A Wilko BBQ Pizza Oven Grill and Smoker (£90) and Wilko FSC Wooden Dining Set 4-Seater (£120) were fitted so the family could enjoy eating together outdoors. And finally the children were given a selection of toys, including a Wilko Daisy Watering Can (£2) and Wilko Pop Up Play Tent (£10), so that they too could make the most of the garden. Emma said: “The wilko products are fantastic and have shown us the difference you can make with limited time and budget. Now we’re looking forward to enjoying our outdoor space as a family at last.”