Transforming the Love Island Villa

When ITV got in touch with Evergreen Direct to help transform the Love Island villa, we knew this was going to be a project like no other. The villa is more than just a backdrop; it’s a star of the show in its own right, instantly recognisable to millions of viewers across the UK and beyond.

Bringing French Landscapes To Life

Every corner, every camera angle, and every piece of décor on Love Island is scrutinised on-screen. Our mission was to inject bold, tropical character into this luxurious overseas setting, creating a lush and vibrant space under TV lights and scorching sunshine while being completely maintenance-free.

The brief was clear but challenging: design and supply a full scheme of tropical-style artificial planting that would withstand intense UV exposure, look stunning from every angle, and be ready for filming in a matter of weeks.

The planting had to improve the villa’s beauty and serve as part of the show’s visual identity. For Evergreen Direct, it was the perfect opportunity to showcase our creativity, logistical expertise, and the unrivalled realism of our UV-protected planting range.

Understanding The Brief

Love Island isn’t just a reality show; it’s a cultural phenomenon. The villa is as iconic as the contestants, setting the stage for every romance, twist, and dramatic re-coupling. ITV’s production team wanted the space to feel like a tropical paradise, brimming with vibrant greenery and splashes of colour that would pop on camera.

At the same time, the setting posed practical challenges. The villa is located overseas, where intense sunlight can quickly bleach natural planting. Live plants would demand constant watering, pruning, and maintenance, all impractical under filming conditions and tight schedules. The solution had to be artificial planting with complete UV protection, designed to resist fading and withstand the elements without losing its lush appearance.

The planting scheme also needed to be logistically simple. With tight deadlines and an international location, every product had to be preassembled in the UK, shipped overseas, and installed quickly and easily with minimal labour. There was no room for error: every piece had to fit seamlessly on-site.

Project Brief Snapshot

Vertical garden backdrops that were visually stunning

Planting in built-in seating recesses that would create cosy spaces

Freestanding potted trees and feature planters

Bespoke pre-planted infills designed to be dropped into specific spaces

How We Designed The Solution

To bring the tropical theme to life, our team curated a palette of bold greens, vibrant flowers, and architectural plants that would deliver maximum visual impact. We combined several product ranges and bespoke elements to make sure the scheme felt natural yet dramatic, reflecting the glamour and vibrancy of the show.

Vertical green wall panels were used to create lush backdrops, camera-ready from day one and perfect for framing those all-important interview moments. These panels were UV and flame-retardant rated, ensuring they were both durable and safe under studio conditions.

We created bespoke pre-planted inserts to soften built-in seating recesses and architectural features. These were custom-measured and preassembled in our UK workshop, allowing them to drop neatly into place on location with zero adjustments. By combining trailing garlands and underplanting varieties, we ensured every space looked full and natural, as though it had been styled by nature.

Freestanding potted trees and feature planters were introduced to create statement focal points around the villa, adding height and drama. Our pre-potted palms and tropical grasses effectively broke up open spaces and framed walkways, giving the set a resort-like feel. To complete the scheme, we layered in splashes of colour with artificial bougainvillaea and geraniums, tropical flowering plants chosen for their vibrant, TV-friendly hues.

ITV's Review

“ITV were delighted with the quality and vibrancy of the planting. The bold tropical scheme helped elevate key areas of the villa, creating the kind of statement visuals the show is known for.”

How Did We Manage The Challenges?

The biggest challenge of this project was the timescale and logistics. With just three weeks from the point of order to overseas dispatch, there was no margin for delays. Our team worked with meticulous precision, measuring every component in advance, assembling the planting in our UK workshops, and packing it for transport to ensure quick and easy installation.

Because the villa location meant specialist tools and labour would be limited, everything had to arrive installation-ready. That meant building bespoke inserts that slotted perfectly into recesses, supplying pre-potted trees that could be positioned instantly, and preparing panels that could be fixed into place with minimal effort.

Our attention to detail ensured that the set dressing process was smooth and efficient when the shipment arrived.

The Final Result?

The finished installation transformed the villa into a tropical paradise, instantly recognisable on screen as part of Love Island’s signature style.

The greenery provided striking backdrops for key scenes, the colourful blooms added playful energy, and the dramatic palms and planters helped elevate the villa into a space worthy of one of the UK’s most-watched TV shows.

Most importantly, the planting was completely maintenance-free. Unlike natural greenery, it required no watering, pruning, or upkeep, a vital advantage during long filming schedules. The UV protection built into every product ensured the foliage stayed vibrant and fade-free, no matter how many hours of sunshine or camera lights it endured.