I live in an annexe in my nan’s back garden with a cute private patio – I got it ready for spring with a £15 Temu find
A YOUNG woman has revealed that she lives in an annexe in her nan’s back garden.
And with spring finally here and the weather heating up, Elise Holt, an estate agent in her twenties, was on a mission to give her private patio a glow up in time for warmer days.
The content creator, who is from the UK, gave her cute balcony area a mega makeover – and praised a £15 Temu find for adding style to her space.
Posting on social media, the blonde gave viewers a close-up look at the grubby patio, prior to its overhaul.
She then said: “I live in this little house in my nan’s back garden and take my patio from this to this in time for spring.
“As you can see, it was in a very sorry state, I just needed to get everything cleaned up – I wanted to get everything looking back in a working order.”
To ensure her patio was ready for spring, Elise gave it a good jet wash.
She explained: “This is my first time jet washing and it is so satisfying – even though I’m making it look 10 times harder than it should be.”
Elise then gave her cold plunge ice bath a “proper good clean” with “a load of bleach.”
Following this, she decorated the cleaned-up space with a small table and chairs and a stunning geometric rug, which is great for those on a budget.
She shared: “I underestimated how long this was going to take me – it literally took me all afternoon.”
Despite this, Elise beamed: “After a long day, it’s finally coming into shape – I got this rug from Temu for £15 and I’m so pleased with how it’s looking.”
What was once a neglected, dirty patio, has since been totally transformed and now looks super cute and cosy.
It’s perfect for chilling out on summer days – and is sure to go down a hit with Elise and any guests this bank holiday weekend.
How to update your garden on the cheap
IF you want your garden to impress this summer, you've come to the right place...
Plan and Prioritise
- Assess Your Space: Take a walk around your garden and note areas that need improvement.
- Set a Budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend.
- Prioritise Projects: Focus on high-impact areas first, like pathways, seating, or focal points.
DIY Projects
- Build Your Own Planters: Use reclaimed wood, pallets, or other materials to create custom planters.
- Create Garden Art: Use old items like tires, bottles, or cans to make unique garden decorations.
- Pathways: Lay down gravel or mulch to create affordable and attractive garden paths.
Plant Smart
- Buy Seeds, Not Plants: Seeds are cheaper than mature plants and offer a wider variety.
- Share and Swap: Exchange plants and seeds with friends or join a local gardening club.
- Grow Perennials: Invest in plants that come back year after year to save money in the long run.
Use Free Resources
- Compost: Make your own compost from kitchen scraps and yard waste to enrich your soil.
- Rainwater Collection: Set up a rain barrel to collect water for your garden.
- Mulch: Use leaves, grass clippings, or wood chips as free mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Repurpose and Upcycle
- Old Furniture: Turn an old chair into a plant stand or a dresser drawer into a planter.
- Containers: Use buckets, tins, or even old shoes as quirky plant containers.
- Pallets: Create vertical gardens or compost bins from discarded pallets.
Shop Smart
- Sales and Discounts: Look for end-of-season sales or discounts at garden centers.
- Second-Hand Stores: Find pots, tools, and decorations at thrift stores or garage sales.
- Online Marketplaces: Check sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for free or cheap garden supplies.
Maintenance
- Weed Regularly: Stay on top of weeding to keep your garden looking tidy.
- Prune and Deadhead: Regularly prune plants and deadhead flowers to encourage growth and blooms.
- Tool Care: Maintain your tools by cleaning and sharpening them to prolong their life and effectiveness.
By using these tips, you can give your garden a fresh, updated look without spending a lot of money. Happy gardening!
We think Elise’s patio area looks fabulous and clearly many others do too as the TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @eliseleighholt, has quickly amassed 84,400 views and 1,123 likes in just two days.
Social media users were left gobsmacked with Elise’s patio transformation and many eagerly raced to the comments to express this.
Looks cute!
TikTok user
One person said: “It looks so much better. I’m loving these home TikToks.”
Another added: “Looks cute!!”
A third commented: “Looking great.”
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How to repair broken patio slabs
THE paving specialists at Simply Paving told Fabulous how you can repair broken patio slabs, without the faff.
The experts advised: “If you have a loose paving slab, then it’s unlikely it can be lifted straight by hand. Instead, you will probably need a hammer and chisel to prise the paver free of your patio.
“To remove loose paving slabs without damaging your flagstones, carefully chip away at the mortar around the paving slab with the plugging chisel and rubber mallet until the slab comes completely loose.
“Then, slide the spade into the gap left by the mortar and prise the paver free of the patio.
“As you lift it up, place a short piece of timber underneath the spade to act as a lever, making it easier for you while protecting the slab underneath.
“When the paver starts to give, place the cylindrical wood underneath it and roll the slab out of the patio.”