0:00:01 > 0:00:07The show that searches for the best in young, hard-working British talent is back.
0:00:07 > 0:00:09Some of this!
0:00:10 > 0:00:12This year, with a whole new crop of trades,
0:00:12 > 0:00:16from tailors to farmers, carpenters to bakers.
0:00:16 > 0:00:20If you cut me through, it would say "bread" on the inside.
0:00:20 > 0:00:24These grafters are used to being the very best in their business.
0:00:24 > 0:00:27Winning is like a drug. The adrenaline it gives you is just phenomenal.
0:00:27 > 0:00:30There's nothing like the feeling that you're a winner.
0:00:30 > 0:00:32Get a bit addicted to it, at times.
0:00:32 > 0:00:36But, over a series of gruelling rounds, our judges will decide
0:00:36 > 0:00:41whose talent really shines out, as they push them to breaking point.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43I just can't do it.
0:00:43 > 0:00:48- Come on, show us passion! - I'm passionate.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50Well, it's hardly chopped the teat off,
0:00:50 > 0:00:52so I don't think it's quite that drastic.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54I think he wants to be put back in his place.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56End of the day, we're the judges.
0:00:56 > 0:01:01With bigger, more extreme challenges than ever before,
0:01:01 > 0:01:04this is their chance to prove themselves.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06- To add nutrients, or...? - You have to tell me.
0:01:06 > 0:01:10It's one of the basics of gardening. If you don't get that right, then...
0:01:10 > 0:01:14- This is horrible!- Lots of arithmetic going on, but not much action.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18You look like you're in a nightmare maths A-Level!
0:01:18 > 0:01:22- That's really, really bad. - I'm disappointed in myself, because I know I can do better.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26If he'd have spoke to me like that on my farm, I'd have sent him straight out that gate.
0:01:26 > 0:01:31Each of them desperate to convince the experts they're worthy of the title.
0:01:31 > 0:01:33Competition's on. Game on.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36Tonight it's the turn of the budding young gardeners.
0:01:36 > 0:01:38I'm not here to make friends, I'm here to win.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41They'll have to dig down deep into their knowledge.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44- My mind's gone blank. - You should know this.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47- To propagate their way to victory. - I'm out of my depth.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51Four green-fingered gardeners, but only one winner.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01Hello, I'm George Lamb, and welcome to the show.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04Over the last couple of weeks we've seen Britain's young talent
0:02:04 > 0:02:07battle it out to prove they're the very best.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11tonight it's the turn of the workers who keep Britain in bloom
0:02:11 > 0:02:15to fight it out for the title of Young Gardener Of The Year.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18Now, for the last few months our experts have been on a mission,
0:02:18 > 0:02:21searching every inch of the UK to find the youngest
0:02:21 > 0:02:24and most gifted green-fingered gardeners.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29Hundreds applied, but only the ripest crop were picked
0:02:29 > 0:02:32to undertake a gruelling test and rigorous interview.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35It's OK. Until I discuss the answer with someone else
0:02:35 > 0:02:38and their answer's different. So, who knows?
0:02:41 > 0:02:43The top 20 were put through to face the judges,
0:02:43 > 0:02:48where they had to prove their green fingers were worthy of a chance to take the title.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51To win Young Gardener Of The Year, I could die a happy man.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53The competition was fierce.
0:02:53 > 0:02:55Our final four are as follows.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59But only the four finest specimens were chosen for the final.
0:02:59 > 0:03:01- I got picked!- Oh, well done!
0:03:01 > 0:03:03It'd mean the world to me to win.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06It'd open up so many doors and so many opportunities.
0:03:06 > 0:03:08- I'm through.- Oh, well done!- Yeah.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12I can't quite believe it, pretty amazing.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14I'm going to break into tears.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16I'm just ringing you, I'm through to the final four.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18'Oh, my God!'
0:03:20 > 0:03:24Now, that final four must sow, cultivate and nurture their way to the title
0:03:24 > 0:03:30and we'll soon know the name of our first ever Young Gardener of the Year.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34It's time now to meet the men and women who flourished in their field
0:03:34 > 0:03:36while the competition were nipped in the bud.
0:03:47 > 0:03:52Finalist number one, the urban gardener with a community conscience.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55It's 25-year-old Damian Jenkinson from Wigan.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59Getting through to the final four, I'm definitely in it to win it.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01I'm not here to make friends, I'm here to win.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05Finalist number two, from Lancashire,
0:04:05 > 0:04:08has already landscaped his own business.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10It's 24-year-old John Foley.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12I don't think you could find someone more passionate.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16I love growing plants, I love telling people about plants.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23Our third finalist, the constant gardener with a stately career,
0:04:23 > 0:04:27it's 24-year-old Amy Bray from Bedfordshire.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30Being the only female in the competition hasn't really worried me at all.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34I'll always have to prove myself in my job, and that's what I'm doing today.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41And last but not least, our fourth finalist,
0:04:41 > 0:04:44the gardening protege who's already propagated himself a career at 16,
0:04:44 > 0:04:48it's Jamie Butterworth from Wakefield.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51I may not have the experience that the others have,
0:04:51 > 0:04:53but I think I've got what it takes to win the competition.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59OK, everybody, well done for getting to the final,
0:04:59 > 0:05:04but have you got what it takes to impress these heroes of horticulture?
0:05:04 > 0:05:08Recipient of the prestigious Prince Philip Medal in 2007,
0:05:08 > 0:05:10it's Chris Collins.
0:05:10 > 0:05:15One of the country's leading horticulturalists and garden designers,
0:05:15 > 0:05:19Chris's cultivating qualifications are second to none.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22I love plants, they really do it for me. I'll never get sick of them.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26After a five-year apprenticeship he gained the coveted position
0:05:26 > 0:05:28of Head Gardener at Westminster Abbey.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30ALL: Hello!
0:05:30 > 0:05:33But Chris is probably best known as the Blue Peter gardener.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37I think the title of Young Gardener Of The Year is a big ask.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41I'm glad it's there, cos I want the world to see there's a lot of young, gifted gardeners
0:05:41 > 0:05:44going to come through and keep my trade alive.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48She's been the Show Manager of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
0:05:48 > 0:05:49for the past five years.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51Meet Alex Denman.
0:05:53 > 0:05:58She's the woman behind the most prestigious flower show in the world,
0:05:58 > 0:06:03and when it comes to garden design, Alex knows how to sort the weeds from the prize blooms.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06I get to work with some of the finest plantsmen and designers in the world.
0:06:06 > 0:06:11This is the place that they want to exhibit their designs and their craft.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15Throughout her career, Alex has nurtured budding young gardeners,
0:06:15 > 0:06:18ensuring the green-fingered gene doesn't wilt away.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21So, to be a great gardener, I really want them to be
0:06:21 > 0:06:23living and breathing their work.
0:06:23 > 0:06:27After all, they're going to be our custodians of our open spaces.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29Alex, what will you be looking for in this competition?
0:06:29 > 0:06:32George, you have to have a number of skills.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36They have to be designers, they have to be able to construct, and, of course,
0:06:36 > 0:06:39they've got to have fantastic plant knowledge.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41OK. Chris, what does it take for you to mature and grow
0:06:41 > 0:06:43in this line of work?
0:06:43 > 0:06:48Well, you've got to have, George, a thirst for knowledge. There's entomology, botany, pathology.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51But ultimately you've got to be able to put it into practice.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53OK, thank you, Chris.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57Guys, our judges have devised four thorny gardening challenges for you.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01Remember, only one of you will ultimately win the title
0:07:01 > 0:07:04of Young Gardener Of The Year.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10This first challenge is all about the fundamentals of gardening,
0:07:10 > 0:07:14the raw materials, and obviously the most important raw material is soil.
0:07:14 > 0:07:15Right plant, right place.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19It's one of the basics of gardening, if you don't get that right, then you're history.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23We're giving you four different types of soil to work with,
0:07:23 > 0:07:28and 25 plants to find homes for. It's time to get your hands dirty.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32You've got 45 minutes to get this done. Your time starts now.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40In this crucial first round to find Young Gardener Of The Year,
0:07:40 > 0:07:43our four opponents are faced with 25 different plants,
0:07:43 > 0:07:46and need to label them with both their common and Latin names.
0:07:47 > 0:07:48So, John.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52Man with his own nursery, should be great at naming these plants.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56Some of them I haven't come across before, some I know the full names.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58Next, the rivals have to identify
0:07:58 > 0:08:01the four different soil types in front of them,
0:08:01 > 0:08:04ericaceous peat, sand, chalky and clay,
0:08:04 > 0:08:08and choose the most suitable soil environment for each plant.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11Have you identified your four soil types?
0:08:11 > 0:08:16Yeah, I'm just separating the plants out to the soil type it likes.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19And, to make the competition even tougher,
0:08:19 > 0:08:23Chris and Alex have thrown in a red herring to catch out our contenders,
0:08:23 > 0:08:27a succulent house plant that's only suitable for indoor use,
0:08:27 > 0:08:29and should be left well alone.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32Now, judges, what's going to be the key to success in this challenge?
0:08:32 > 0:08:34Every gardener should know their soil.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38They need to know why they're choosing the plants to go in that soil.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40You've got to decide what goes where and why.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43With only 45 minutes to complete the challenge,
0:08:43 > 0:08:45highly competitive contender Damian
0:08:45 > 0:08:49is the first of our four finalists to start labelling his plants.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51- Damian, how we doing?- I'm all right.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55I hear you're responsible for making Wigan beautiful, right?
0:08:55 > 0:08:58- Well, yeah. - You've become a bit of a pin-up.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01There's no well to sell flowers better than a picture.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05- Absolutely. With you stood smiling behind them.- Preferably!
0:09:05 > 0:09:10# Because you're gorgeous... #
0:09:10 > 0:09:15Street gardener Damian has fast become a poster boy for his home town Wigan...
0:09:16 > 0:09:19..after pioneering the transformation
0:09:19 > 0:09:20of a drab inner-city location.
0:09:20 > 0:09:25I wanted to put Wigan on the map. Floral displays in the town centres and in the neighbourhoods.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28and now we get comments throughout the year about how good Wigan's looking.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31I'm very proud of my son, what he's done.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34He's brought the whole community together.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36This was a derelict little corner.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39Damian came along with Wigan In Bloom
0:09:39 > 0:09:42and created a really nice piece of the town centre.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46And Damian's local profile is going from strength to strength.
0:09:46 > 0:09:51He's just been nominated to design the planting for Wigan's Olympic torch route,
0:09:51 > 0:09:55and this competitive young gardener just can't get enough of winning awards.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58I've achieved significant recognition for Wigan Borough In Bloom.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01It would be very nice to get some recognition for the hard work
0:10:01 > 0:10:04that I've put in to the project over the last few years.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09But even with all those awards under his belt,
0:10:09 > 0:10:12pin-up boy Damian isn't exactly smelling of roses.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16Damian, how you getting on?
0:10:16 > 0:10:20Stressed. It's the naming of the plants. I've not done this for years.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22It's been a while since I've been to college,
0:10:22 > 0:10:24so it's a bit of a test, but I'm doing my best.
0:10:24 > 0:10:29All four opponents have sussed out their soils, and started planting.
0:10:29 > 0:10:34But for the youngest contender, this back-to-basics test is a total nightmare.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37So, Jamie, how you feeling about this first challenge?
0:10:37 > 0:10:41Not too good, actually. I mean, it's not something that I've ever studied before.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45- So, your naming of plants? - Naming of plants, yeah.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48It's something that I'm not too good at, at the moment.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51- You've just started at college, right?- Yeah, two weeks in, yes.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55At the auditions,
0:10:55 > 0:10:5916-year-old Jamie wowed the judges with his energy and enthusiasm.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02Since a very, very young age I've had a passion for gardening.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06It's more than just a hobby for me. It's my lifestyle.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13This green-fingered prodigy works in a garden centre,
0:11:13 > 0:11:18is studying for an NVQ in horticulture, and spends his spare time on his grandparents' allotment.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22But instead of gramps passing on his gardening know-how,
0:11:22 > 0:11:24it's Jamie doing the teaching.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28So, if you keep cutting it, it'll promote more growth, and we get more lettuce.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32It's a little bit of role reversal. I'm, kind of, Jamie's apprentice.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35Jamie's transformed the garden.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39I've never had as many flowers or fruit and vegetables.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43We've never eaten as well. Don't know about five a day, I think sometimes we have ten a day.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47Just last week I actually won a second place for these carrots.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50And the next thing I hope to win is Young Gardener Of The Year.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58His carrots may be prize-winning, but back at the competition,
0:11:58 > 0:12:00Jamie has gone into panic mode.
0:12:00 > 0:12:05With the judges and his opponents watching his every move, he's failed to come up with
0:12:05 > 0:12:08even the common name for most of the plants.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10Jamie's looking a little bit nervous.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12It's the plant knowledge that he's really lacking on.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15- Very under-confident in the naming of the plants.- Yeah.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20OK, gardeners, you're at the halfway point.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23You've got just over 20 minutes left.
0:12:24 > 0:12:29At this key point in the first round, grassroots gardener John is head and shoulders above his rivals,
0:12:29 > 0:12:34having meticulously labelled most of his plants with the common and Latin names.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38- John looks pretty confident to me. - He is the real deal.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42Yeah. He's being extremely methodical about what he's doing.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44Self-confessed perfectionist Amy
0:12:44 > 0:12:48spent nearly half the challenge thoroughly testing the soils.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52But with time running out, she's now struggling to name the plants.
0:12:52 > 0:12:58I'm concerned about her naming. There are some plants in there that she really should have got.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02Competitive Damian got off to a flying start,
0:13:02 > 0:13:07but this green-fingered pin-up has fallen down on his floral knowledge.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10- How about Damian?- There's a mis-label there, the dianthus,
0:13:10 > 0:13:11which I'm surprised about.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15- That plant knowledge, those Latin names are evading him at the moment. - Sure.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21But for these judges,
0:13:21 > 0:13:24there's something even worse than mis-labelling your dianthus,
0:13:24 > 0:13:27and that's not knowing when a plant belongs on your windowsill.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30Only a young lad, so he doesn't know all the plants.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34- He has fallen for our curveball, though, cos I spied it in there. - I know!
0:13:37 > 0:13:40OK, guys, you've got ten minutes left. Ten minutes to go.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42In the final minutes of the challenge,
0:13:42 > 0:13:46Chris and Alex want to drill down further into our finalists' knowledge.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50- You've got an acer here.- Yep. - What are the main problems you get with these Japanese...?
0:13:50 > 0:13:55It's finding the ideal situation for them, half sun, half shade.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57What's so special about that soil?
0:13:57 > 0:13:59I've identified it as being a sandy loam.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02What would you do in the long term to treat it?
0:14:02 > 0:14:05To treat it? What, to add nutrients, or...?
0:14:05 > 0:14:06You have to tell me.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08And our judges are also assessing
0:14:08 > 0:14:12whether these young gardeners have considered what their beds look like.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15Amy and Damian are good at handling plants
0:14:15 > 0:14:19- and putting them together aesthetically.- They've actually put some design in there.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21OK, finalists, you've got one minute to go.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25You've got one minute to go, guys, start thinking about finishing up.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32Five, four,
0:14:32 > 0:14:34three, two, one.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36That's it, guys.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39Time's up. Stand by your beds.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41The gardeners have done their all,
0:14:41 > 0:14:45but is it enough to impress judges Chris and Alex?
0:14:48 > 0:14:50Right, Amy.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54Perfectionist Amy spent a long time identifying the soils.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58She has all four spot-on, but her hesitation cost valuable time.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03Labelling, Amy. Not so hot on some containers as others.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05What have been the greatest challenges?
0:15:05 > 0:15:09Time has been one of them, and secondly,
0:15:09 > 0:15:12just, kind of, remembering, to be honest.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14Hopefully I've done enough,
0:15:14 > 0:15:17but I wish I'd got more plants labelled.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19Damian, how you feeling?
0:15:19 > 0:15:21Better, now it's over.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25Competitive Damian was confident with identifying all the soils,
0:15:25 > 0:15:28but he failed to name some of the plants.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31Can you just tell me why you haven't included some of these plants,
0:15:31 > 0:15:34and this one, in particular?
0:15:34 > 0:15:37- Obviously it's succulent, which would imply that it should go there. - Mm-hmm.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41- But, to me, that's a house plant, so that's why I didn't include it. - OK.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45Feel like I have done my best. I think it was a good challenge to see who knows what,
0:15:45 > 0:15:48and separate the people who should and shouldn't be here.
0:15:48 > 0:15:52Grassroots gardener John correctly identified the soils,
0:15:52 > 0:15:54and named the majority of his plants.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58How did you conclude that these plants would be good for this soil?
0:15:58 > 0:16:03It's either plants with a very fine leaf, which reduces transpiration through the leaf,
0:16:03 > 0:16:05and then any plants with a silvery foliage.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08Again, silvery plants like a much drier soil.
0:16:08 > 0:16:09Took my time, composed myself.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13I managed to identify my plants and soils. So I'm quietly confident.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15Teenage prodigy Jamie correctly identified
0:16:15 > 0:16:18three out of the four soil types,
0:16:18 > 0:16:20but his plant knowledge was lacking.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24Just tell us a little bit of how you've composed these plants.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26What I've done, I've tried to do it
0:16:26 > 0:16:29so that from every angle there's something to look at.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32I'm interested in the choice of this plant.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35To be honest, I've got that on my windowsill, at home.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39I had a chance to look at the other contestants.
0:16:39 > 0:16:44They looked to have used the correct plants and put me to shame, really.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46OK, Jamie, thank you. Judges, if you've seen enough,
0:16:46 > 0:16:49it's time for you to go off to the hush room.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55- It's going to be tough, cos they're all pretty good. - Very much so. Jamie.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59I felt for him, cos he was struggling with the plant identification.
0:16:59 > 0:17:04- We have to remember he is 16. But, he did fall for our red herring. - He did.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07Damian. I felt he was nervous to begin with, but he pulled it through.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- Labelling, there was a few things he wasn't sure about.- Amy.
0:17:10 > 0:17:15I thought she'd do better on the plant names. She seems to be lacking belief in her answers,
0:17:15 > 0:17:17questioning herself as she goes along.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21We come to our man John, who's hyper-efficient and confident.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23Do you think he was thinking about design?
0:17:23 > 0:17:28I don't think he was, and I'm really interested to see in the coming challenges how he picks that up.
0:17:28 > 0:17:29Well, nobody goes at this point.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32- There is so much more to play for. - Redemption is possible.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43Judges, if you're ready, we'll have some feedback.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45Chris, if you want to start with Damian.
0:17:45 > 0:17:46I thought you looked a bit nervous,
0:17:46 > 0:17:49but you seemed to settle into it, and confidence seemed to grow.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53Amy, I was really disappointed with your plant knowledge.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58Chris, some feedback for Jamie, please.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01Jamie, I think you'd be the first to admit
0:18:01 > 0:18:03you need to work on your plant knowledge.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06I do feel, though, your design flair was excellent.
0:18:06 > 0:18:07Thank you.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10So, John, your plant knowledge absolutely wowed us.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12On a slight negative tone,
0:18:12 > 0:18:15we want to see more creative flair coming through.
0:18:15 > 0:18:16OK, judges, it isn't the case,
0:18:16 > 0:18:20but if you did have to send somebody home after this first round, who would it be?
0:18:27 > 0:18:30It would be Jamie, so far.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35All right, guys, the good news is you've still got another chance
0:18:35 > 0:18:37to prove that you're the top of the tree.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41The bad news is, one of you will be out after the next challenge.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45I'm afraid, guys, it's going to get a hell of a lot tougher.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50As the judges' sharp criticisms start to sink in,
0:18:50 > 0:18:53our contenders' family and friends offer their support
0:18:53 > 0:18:55to spur them on to the next challenge.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58It wasn't a good round for me.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01If I was a judge, I would've picked me, to be honest.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05They picked on my, on the areas I'm not confident in.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07And that I don't know.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09Jamie's definitely in this to win it.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12When he got through, he said that was the best day of his life.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15He is struggling, cos he hasn't got the experience.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18I'm hoping the next challenge is plant orientated. I'm very plant orientated.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21What I wouldn't like it to be is maybe a design challenge.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25I think there may be a few people there who are stronger at design than myself.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27I think in design the lad's all right.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30My main competition is John. He's got really sound knowledge.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33Yeah, see what happens. I don't know.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36Being told I'm disappointing has made me even more determined
0:19:36 > 0:19:39to go for the next challenge and prove them wrong.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44Sustainability is all the rage right now.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47But which of our finalists really knows how to put it into practice
0:19:47 > 0:19:50in the garden or in the community at large?
0:19:50 > 0:19:54Chris, they're going to have to be really resourceful in this challenge.
0:19:54 > 0:19:59It's about taking everyday products and making them look aesthetic, but also productive.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02If a gardener's throwing something away, he's not gardening right.
0:20:02 > 0:20:06The next challenge is to create a cleverly-deigned space
0:20:06 > 0:20:10with these wonderful wheelbarrows at the centrepiece.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12You've got 60 minutes to show us
0:20:12 > 0:20:15it's not you who should end up on the scrapheap.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17Your time starts now.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22For this vital second round,
0:20:22 > 0:20:26our four opponents need to get their creative juices flowing,
0:20:26 > 0:20:30and pimp their wheelbarrow into an attractive centrepiece for a community garden.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34So, Damian, this surely is going to suit you, guerrilla gardener.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37It sure is, getting a bit of creative flair is good for me.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40They've been given a mixture of fruit and veg
0:20:40 > 0:20:43so their garden can also be used as a local food source,
0:20:43 > 0:20:47and they'll need to imaginatively re-cycle the other bits of junk
0:20:47 > 0:20:49into funky plant containers.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51- Much better challenge for you? - Much better, yeah.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54Garden design is definitely something I enjoy a lot more.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58- I can see you've definitely got a smile on your face, this time. - Oh, yeah.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01This is our opponents last chance to impress the judges
0:21:01 > 0:21:04with their creative flair and deep-rooted plant knowledge,
0:21:04 > 0:21:09because in just 60 minutes' time, one of the four will be sent home.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12Alex, what will you be looking for?
0:21:12 > 0:21:15I'm looking for the gardeners to create a really attractive centrepiece for us,
0:21:15 > 0:21:18cos, after all, if they're not producing something pretty,
0:21:18 > 0:21:22then the community's not going to get involved.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25The finalists start by clearing their gardens.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29But, for John, creativity is a totally alien concept.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32So, this challenge, is it suiting you, do you think?
0:21:32 > 0:21:35- I'm not a design person. - No, very much a plants person.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38Very much a plantsman, so I'm out of my depth.
0:21:41 > 0:21:46Three years ago, 24-year-old John took over his father's overgrown and outdated nursery...
0:21:48 > 0:21:51..in a bid to revitalise the business.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54We've put a hell of a lot of hours in. Blood, sweat and tears.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57Look at it now. It's a lot more shipshape.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00John is really passionate about gardening,
0:22:00 > 0:22:02and everything he does, he puts 100% into.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06If it's not perfect, he'll do it again until it is perfect.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09And that passion for perfection paid dividends
0:22:09 > 0:22:13when John entered the prestigious Tatton Park Flower Show.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16We got a silver gilt, which we were very pleased with, don't get me wrong,
0:22:16 > 0:22:19but the frustrating thing was we were one point off a gold.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22We went back with a real fire in our belly this year.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24We pulled out all the stops, we got our gold.
0:22:24 > 0:22:28Now the next award I've got my eyes on is Young Gardener Of The Year.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30But John's not leaving anything to chance.
0:22:30 > 0:22:35This salt-of-the-earth businessman has already cultivated a solid strategy for the competition.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39Nowadays there's all this about garden design and, you know,
0:22:39 > 0:22:41very airy-fairy gardening.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44How I see it is coming back to basics with the knowledge,
0:22:44 > 0:22:46with the passion for plants,
0:22:46 > 0:22:49and I feel I've got what it takes to win it.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54Back at the creative challenge, and plantsman John
0:22:54 > 0:22:56has abandoned his back-to-basics principles,
0:22:56 > 0:22:59and is starting to get proper arty-arty.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01It's kind of a garden with a story.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04The wheelbarrow's spilled over, the blocks have spilled out,
0:23:04 > 0:23:07which will be a kind of string of bedding plants.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09Something with a bit of flair, really.
0:23:10 > 0:23:15OK, guys, you're at the halfway point. You've got half an hour left.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19All four rivals now have their structures sorted,
0:23:19 > 0:23:21and start to plant up.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26But for poster-boy Damian, teenage prodigy Jamie
0:23:26 > 0:23:29and perfectionist Amy, the contest is hotting up to see
0:23:29 > 0:23:32who can impress the judges the most with their design jargon.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34How are you getting on?
0:23:34 > 0:23:38Good, just trying to get some balance before we start planting anything.
0:23:38 > 0:23:43I started off with the idea of having separate areas, but trying to link them all together.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46Cos we've got this square to work with, I'll hopefully use the plants
0:23:46 > 0:23:49to break that up and get a natural feel to it.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55It was Amy's passionate commitment to gardening
0:23:55 > 0:23:57that won her a place in the final four.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00It's not just a job. You live it and you breathe it,
0:24:00 > 0:24:03and you get a little bit obsessed by it.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07But, little did the judges know that this sweet, unassuming 24-year-old
0:24:07 > 0:24:09is practically royalty.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13OK, so this isn't exactly Amy's house,
0:24:13 > 0:24:16but, as deputy head gardener of Woburn Abbey,
0:24:16 > 0:24:18she does get to rub shoulders
0:24:18 > 0:24:21with the duke and duchess who reside there.
0:24:21 > 0:24:26The duchess comes out regularly. It is her back garden, I suppose, at the end of the day.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29And she's very enthusiastic on gardening, as well.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33And also we're quite lucky that I think we kind of have the same taste.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36Oops! Sorry, duchess.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40Amy may not live in the abbey itself,
0:24:40 > 0:24:44but one big perk of her coveted job is getting a quaint country cottage
0:24:44 > 0:24:48on the estate, complete with its own gardening challenge.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51She doesn't stop. Weekends and evenings,
0:24:51 > 0:24:53just constantly thinking about her gardening,
0:24:53 > 0:24:54and trying to improve.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57But, will Amy's gardening obsession stand her in good stead
0:24:57 > 0:25:00for winning the competition?
0:25:00 > 0:25:04To think that I'm in the final four is just incredible in itself.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06And to win it, I think, would just blow my mind, really.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08It would mean the world to me.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13Back at the competition, and with minutes left,
0:25:13 > 0:25:17the rivals race to finish the most important garden of their lives.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19Jamie looks like he's far happier.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21I think this challenge has given his confidence back.
0:25:21 > 0:25:25- And John? I don't know how you feel about the design. - It's a little weak.
0:25:25 > 0:25:26A little low.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29It's all a little bit itsy-bitsy.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33Certainly the structure is far stronger in Damian's and Amy's, for this one.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40Five, four,
0:25:40 > 0:25:42three, two, one.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44Time's up, gardeners.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47Park those barrows and let's see how you've done.
0:25:52 > 0:25:57Their 60 minutes are up, but who will be eliminated?
0:25:57 > 0:26:00- Jamie, how we doing? - Very good, thank you.
0:26:00 > 0:26:04Jamie's confidence has grown throughout this design challenge.
0:26:04 > 0:26:09But has this talented teen got the goods to back it up?
0:26:09 > 0:26:12Tell me about growing conditions in there for a strawberry.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14The strawberries can trail off, they get a lot of air to it.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17Mm-hmm. Why is that important, Jamie?
0:26:17 > 0:26:21Erm, good circulation. I mean...
0:26:21 > 0:26:23Can't remember now. Erm.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29- It helps ripen the fruit.- Mm-hmm.
0:26:29 > 0:26:30It'll get more sunlight.
0:26:30 > 0:26:34Competitive Damian designs community gardens for a living,
0:26:34 > 0:26:38but can Wigan's poster-boy prove he can also maintain them?
0:26:38 > 0:26:42A little bit worried about your grape. Where do you see this going?
0:26:42 > 0:26:45Yeah, I just needed somewhere at the back, to be honest.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48If we had a wall at the back, you've got to try and train it up the wall.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50I might even get a few more of those wheels,
0:26:50 > 0:26:53attach them to the wall, or something like that.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55After a disappointing first round,
0:26:55 > 0:26:59will Amy's design flair be enough to keep her in the competition?
0:26:59 > 0:27:03So, talk me through your inspiration.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06I've tried to keep it an English garden.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09Any other design principle that you've brought into play
0:27:09 > 0:27:11in this particular garden you've created?
0:27:11 > 0:27:13Well, height, definitely.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15I've obviously started off small,
0:27:15 > 0:27:19and kind of bringing it up to the tools and the pear tree.
0:27:19 > 0:27:23After acing the first round, gardening entrepreneur John
0:27:23 > 0:27:27struggled to get to grips with this creative challenge.
0:27:27 > 0:27:31Talk me through the principles you've been trying to employ.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34Well, I didn't really follow any principles with this one,
0:27:34 > 0:27:37not being a designer. We've got some height at the back,
0:27:37 > 0:27:40then over here we've got a vine growing up some string.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42What'd be your technique to look after the grape?
0:27:42 > 0:27:45Pruning the grape is about keeping it balanced.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48Any strong shoots that come out, tying them in.
0:27:48 > 0:27:49All right, then, judges.
0:27:49 > 0:27:53If you're happy, I'll ask you to go off to the hush room and deliberate.
0:27:54 > 0:27:59With no idea what the judges think, all our finalists can do is wait.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02Don't feel ready to home yet, at all.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04The challenges, I've put 100% into them so far.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07And I just hope the judges see that, really,
0:28:07 > 0:28:08and put me through to the next round.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11I don't think they've seen the whole of me.
0:28:11 > 0:28:15Need another challenge to prove and show them what I can do.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19There's no doubt Amy wants this desperately.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22She's realised she's got to get in there, dig her heels in,
0:28:22 > 0:28:26really concentrate on the job and, you know, do well in it.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30Everyone else seemed to have their plan, and I had no idea at all.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33If I have dropped a few points because I'm not a designer,
0:28:33 > 0:28:36maybe the challenge before where I did score highly
0:28:36 > 0:28:38might help me get through. So, who knows?
0:28:38 > 0:28:42I think John'll be quietly confident, getting through.
0:28:42 > 0:28:46I've got faith in him. He's out of his comfort zone, but he seems to be coping really well.
0:28:46 > 0:28:48I think I messed up on the first one.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51And that one, I thought I did really well.
0:28:51 > 0:28:53I'm still giving it my all.
0:28:53 > 0:28:55I went in there and upped my game,
0:28:55 > 0:28:58and did everything possible I could to stay in.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00But we'll have to wait and see.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06I was really pleased with the way Jamie came through with this.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08I think the design is actually brilliant.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10His use of materials is interesting.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13We had strawberries in the saucepan, and I'm thinking,
0:29:13 > 0:29:16"anaerobic conditions." Which means, if you don't have drainage,
0:29:16 > 0:29:20and the wrong bacterias get involved, the plant's going to rot.
0:29:20 > 0:29:24But moving on to Damian, we've got a really good central focal point,
0:29:24 > 0:29:28he's got great use of the materials to get height in the structure.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31Where he suffered, I didn't think he thought about why he put the grape there.
0:29:31 > 0:29:35And grapes get quite big, and they need training. But he has lifted it up.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38And I think the same can be said of Amy.
0:29:38 > 0:29:43I felt her composition was good. I'm perhaps a little disappointed.
0:29:43 > 0:29:45It was lacking a bit of pizzazz, for me.
0:29:45 > 0:29:47What about our man John?
0:29:47 > 0:29:49Design composition, flat for me.
0:29:49 > 0:29:54As he says himself, he's not a designer, and I think there's a bit of a chink in his armour, there.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57I think this is really tough, now. One or two of them in there
0:29:57 > 0:30:00still failing on their plant knowledge. Somebody's got to go.
0:30:09 > 0:30:11OK, gardeners. Time, now, to get some feedback.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14If we could start with Jamie, please, Alex.
0:30:14 > 0:30:15So, Jamie.
0:30:15 > 0:30:19We thought you really got the brief and interpreted it really well.
0:30:19 > 0:30:23Little bit of concern over the plant knowledge, again.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28Some feedback for John, please, Chris.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31Well, John, there's a little bit of weakness with design,
0:30:31 > 0:30:35it's one area you need to work on.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38Damian, you really raised your game with this.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41I thought your composition was beautiful.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44Still a little concerned about your plant knowledge.
0:30:44 > 0:30:46And, finally, some feedback for Amy, please.
0:30:46 > 0:30:50Amy, you went away this morning knowing you could've done a bit better.
0:30:50 > 0:30:54You certainly picked up your game. I'd like to see a bit more adventure from you.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56Bit more contemporary, bit more risk, maybe.
0:30:58 > 0:31:04OK, guys. The first gardener to leave the competition is...
0:31:11 > 0:31:15..Jamie.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17All right, Jamie. Thank you.
0:31:24 > 0:31:28Even though Jamie proved he had the passion and an eye for design,
0:31:28 > 0:31:33his poor horticultural knowledge meant the judges had to let him go.
0:31:37 > 0:31:39APPLAUSE
0:31:39 > 0:31:42Absolutely delighted to get through to the top four,
0:31:42 > 0:31:44and it's something nobody can ever take away from me.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46It's been a fantastic experience,
0:31:46 > 0:31:48and it's something that...
0:31:48 > 0:31:50It's been amazing.
0:31:51 > 0:31:55So, guys, you're down to the final three. Well done.
0:31:55 > 0:31:56How you feeling, Damian?
0:31:56 > 0:31:58It's amazing. I can't believe it.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01Amy, the judges are hoping you're going to come out your comfort zone.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04- Do you think we'll see that in the next challenge?- I hope so.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06I hope they see a bit more of myself.
0:32:06 > 0:32:10- How you doing, John?- I was struggling on the last one, which I'll admit.
0:32:10 > 0:32:12But there's a lot more to come from me.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15All right, well done for getting through to the next round.
0:32:15 > 0:32:16APPLAUSE
0:32:16 > 0:32:20There's no hiding anymore. It's full on and we've got to show everybody what we can do.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23Really relieved. The last two challenges
0:32:23 > 0:32:26have been an absolute roller coaster, to be honest.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28I've just got to push myself now.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32It's all to play for at the moment, you know. Who dares, wins.
0:32:34 > 0:32:35Coming up...
0:32:36 > 0:32:38The gardening gloves are off,
0:32:38 > 0:32:40as the remaining three get the grilling of their lives.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43- You've got me.- My mind's gone blank. - You should know this.
0:32:43 > 0:32:45It's the wrong answer, Damian.
0:32:46 > 0:32:50And the final two go head-to-head in the ultimate test
0:32:50 > 0:32:52to determine who will take the title.
0:32:52 > 0:32:56The first ever Young Gardener Of The Year is...
0:33:00 > 0:33:05So, we're down to the final three. This next round is the grilling.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07- How's your theory, Damian?- Yeah, I'm confident.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11- All right, mate, good luck. Off you go to the hush room. - Thank you.
0:33:16 > 0:33:17- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24So, Damian, what state is a plant in when it is fully turgid?
0:33:24 > 0:33:28Oh. Erm.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30Er...
0:33:31 > 0:33:36When the cells of the plant are fully filled with water.
0:33:36 > 0:33:38BELL TINGS
0:33:40 > 0:33:42Fully turgid, fully full of water.
0:33:42 > 0:33:44Correct answer.
0:33:44 > 0:33:47Erm. Erm.
0:33:49 > 0:33:51Dehydration, maybe?
0:33:51 > 0:33:52BUZZER SOUNDS
0:33:54 > 0:33:59In design, what do the terms "space" and "mass" relate to?
0:33:59 > 0:34:01You've got me. You know I'm not a designer.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07Er, space relates to being able to see through a garden,
0:34:07 > 0:34:12and mass is describing the sense of, like a planting, a shrub barrier.
0:34:12 > 0:34:13It's the right answer.
0:34:13 > 0:34:17You've got a big open space, you don't want to do a small garden,
0:34:17 > 0:34:21so you're looking at the scale of things that will go back into that space.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23BUZZER SOUNDS
0:34:25 > 0:34:31Erm, I would relate it to planting, really, within a border situation.
0:34:31 > 0:34:32BUZZER SOUNDS
0:34:34 > 0:34:37Why is lime added to soil before planting brassicas?
0:34:37 > 0:34:40Um, it stops um...
0:34:40 > 0:34:44Oh, God. Root... Um.
0:34:44 > 0:34:46Come on, Amy, you should know this.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48My mind's gone blank.
0:34:50 > 0:34:54Erm. Change the PH of the soil.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56Which way?
0:34:56 > 0:35:00- Oh!- Young gardener of the year should know about PH.- Yes.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03When the roots... Um. God, I know this really well.
0:35:03 > 0:35:06I'm going to have to stop you there.
0:35:06 > 0:35:07BUZZER SOUNDS
0:35:16 > 0:35:19It's not ringing at the moment.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21PH, which way, up or down?
0:35:21 > 0:35:24Er, down.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27It's the wrong answer, Damian.
0:35:27 > 0:35:28BUZZER SOUNDS
0:35:30 > 0:35:34Why do you think you should be Young Gardener Of The Year?
0:35:34 > 0:35:38Because I've got the knowledge. You can design gardens, make it look pretty,
0:35:38 > 0:35:40but if you don't get the plants in the right place,
0:35:40 > 0:35:43don't know what you're using them for, how to maintain them,
0:35:43 > 0:35:45a garden's going to be a one or two week thing.
0:35:46 > 0:35:51I think I should be Young Gardener Of The Year because of the visual difference I've made
0:35:51 > 0:35:52within the community that I live.
0:35:52 > 0:35:57I hope that I'm a good ambassador to young people
0:35:57 > 0:36:02and to girls, as well, to get into a very male-dominated industry.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05Everything I've done before, because I work at a council,
0:36:05 > 0:36:08is for a council, and this is the first thing I've ever done for me.
0:36:08 > 0:36:13I may not be very self-confident, but the proof is in the pudding,
0:36:13 > 0:36:15and I can show that I can do it.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18I've got what it takes to push it through. You know, watch this space.
0:36:18 > 0:36:20In this high-pressured round,
0:36:20 > 0:36:25grassroots gardener John scored eight out of ten.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27Perfectionist Amy also scored eight,
0:36:27 > 0:36:31and competitive Damian was bottom of the pile, with six.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35But the judges will be taking all three challenges into account
0:36:35 > 0:36:36before deciding who to eliminate.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42I feel grilled. It was hard.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45They asked some tricky questions on things I didn't know.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47Let's just hope I did enough.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49It looked very stressful, in there.
0:36:49 > 0:36:50JOHN LAUGHS
0:36:50 > 0:36:53That's why I had two bottles of water before I went in.
0:36:53 > 0:36:54Gin and tonic, I think.
0:36:54 > 0:36:58Knew this would be my weakest round, and I knew this would be the most nerve-racking.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01At least it's over. Just have to see what happens.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03- I can't wait, though.- Yeah.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06Of course it'd be lovely getting through to the final,
0:37:06 > 0:37:09and if it is practical, it'd be fantastic,
0:37:09 > 0:37:11cos that's my thing, really.
0:37:11 > 0:37:15And I'd be able to show a bit more of myself, again.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19This is really tricky, cos we've got to go from three to two,
0:37:19 > 0:37:23and there's not a great deal between them.
0:37:23 > 0:37:25Damian, in that design challenge,
0:37:25 > 0:37:27he really showed his creative ability,
0:37:27 > 0:37:31and yet in the grilling, he really let himself down, I felt.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33I think he knew more than he managed to get out.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35Amy, what did you make of her?
0:37:35 > 0:37:38She's very knowledgeable, she knows the answers.
0:37:38 > 0:37:41But it's almost like she's reading from a textbook.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43There's undoubtedly great talent, there.
0:37:43 > 0:37:47John, a little bit weak on design, but very strong horticulturally.
0:37:47 > 0:37:51Yeah, but didn't he do well in that specific question on design?
0:37:51 > 0:37:53- And he was the only one to get it right.- Yeah.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56So, we've got to choose who's going to go into the final
0:37:56 > 0:37:58of Young Gardener Of The Year.
0:37:58 > 0:38:02So close, Chris. So close. There's hardly anything to put between them.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11OK, judges, if we could give our contestants some feedback,
0:38:11 > 0:38:14starting with Amy, please, Chris.
0:38:14 > 0:38:18Amy, you've improved through the challenges, you were very nervous at first,
0:38:18 > 0:38:21but do you really believe you're the best young gardener in Britain?
0:38:22 > 0:38:25Damian, there's no getting away from the fact
0:38:25 > 0:38:28that you were the poorest in the last round.
0:38:28 > 0:38:29Disappointing.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32But, for me, you have design flair,
0:38:32 > 0:38:36and you seem to be a great ambassador for horticulture.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39John, very good, strong lateral answers.
0:38:39 > 0:38:44I think you went away from the last challenge and gave the design issue some thought.
0:38:44 > 0:38:48But to be Young Gardener Of The Year you've got to be able to put it into practice.
0:38:51 > 0:38:55So, there's three gardeners, only two places in the final.
0:38:55 > 0:38:59The next gardener leaving us now, is...
0:39:06 > 0:39:08It's Amy.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11- Thank you.- Thank you.- Cheers, Amy.
0:39:16 > 0:39:20In the first round, Amy's plant knowledge let her down.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23And even though she proved herself creatively,
0:39:23 > 0:39:26the judges felt she didn't quite hit the mark.
0:39:29 > 0:39:31APPLAUSE
0:39:31 > 0:39:32I'm obviously disappointed.
0:39:32 > 0:39:36I think I have held myself back, which is a bit frustrating.
0:39:38 > 0:39:42It's been a learning curve, and I might never get a chance to do this again.
0:39:42 > 0:39:43Oh, well. Never mind.
0:39:43 > 0:39:47You've got to grab any opportunity with both hands.
0:39:48 > 0:39:50Well done, Damian. Well done, John.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52You're the last two gardeners standing.
0:39:52 > 0:39:55- How are you feeling, Damian? - I knew that last round wasn't my best.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57So I was really worried about that.
0:39:57 > 0:40:01- But, hopefully the next round, I can really claw it back.- John.
0:40:01 > 0:40:05Pretty competent gardener. Not enough flair, apparently.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08Mm. Got to put it into practice now. All talk, and I've got to do the walk.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11All right, guys. At the end of this challenge,
0:40:11 > 0:40:15one of you will be crowned Young Gardener Of The Year.
0:40:15 > 0:40:16Good luck.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18APPLAUSE
0:40:18 > 0:40:20It's amazing. I can't believe I'm through to the final.
0:40:20 > 0:40:25Not sure what the challenge is going to be, but if it was something to do with garden design,
0:40:25 > 0:40:29I think John might struggle. I really think it's something I could get my teeth into.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32We've got, at the moment, a designer against a plantsman.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34He might know where plants look great,
0:40:34 > 0:40:37but whether they're going to grow there, and how to look after them,
0:40:37 > 0:40:39I don't think he's got it in him.
0:40:39 > 0:40:41I'm going to do it. I'm going to do it.
0:40:41 > 0:40:43I'm here to win. And I want that title.
0:40:43 > 0:40:45From the start, the final four was great,
0:40:45 > 0:40:48but I'm getting that feeling, I want first, now.
0:40:48 > 0:40:50To be so close, you know. I want it.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55To be a truly gifted gardener,
0:40:55 > 0:40:58you need to have both practical know-how and creative vision.
0:40:58 > 0:41:03Artistic flair and an ability to interpret the needs of the client are essential,
0:41:03 > 0:41:07so, for the final round, it's the ultimate gardening challenge.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09Normally when we garden, we work with existing spaces.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12Here, they've got 24 square metres, they start from scratch.
0:41:12 > 0:41:16I'm interested to see how they use that knowledge, and what standard they achieve.
0:41:16 > 0:41:20It's something you might see in a flower show, top-level working,
0:41:20 > 0:41:25and they're really going to have to draw on their creative elements to really come good on this.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28So, It's time for their last challenge.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32For added pressure, we've invited an audience including friends and family,
0:41:32 > 0:41:34so let's bring back our two finalists.
0:41:34 > 0:41:38CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:41:47 > 0:41:50So, judges, what have you got planned for the final challenge?
0:41:50 > 0:41:53We're going to be giving you a blank canvas,
0:41:53 > 0:41:57and all the materials and plants to transform it into a magical place.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00The brief is, it's an urban, busy couple's garden,
0:42:00 > 0:42:03which they want to use the space to entertain.
0:42:03 > 0:42:07However, it's also about creating a garden that works.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09You've got your brief. Time now to see the gardens.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12Can we have the doors open, please?
0:42:14 > 0:42:18OK, gentlemen, you've got identical plots, materials and equipment.
0:42:18 > 0:42:22You've got three hours and your time starts now. Good luck.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:42:25 > 0:42:27So, this is it. The final challenge.
0:42:27 > 0:42:30In just three hours, competitive Damian from Wigan
0:42:30 > 0:42:33or green-fingered entrepreneur John from Lancashire
0:42:33 > 0:42:37will be crowned the first-ever Young Gardener Of The Year.
0:42:38 > 0:42:42I just want to give you a brief, and show you what I was thinking of.
0:42:42 > 0:42:45Can you get us the plants off the trolley that are ours?
0:42:46 > 0:42:50The rivals get straight down to choosing their materials,
0:42:50 > 0:42:53planning their design, and briefing their team,
0:42:53 > 0:42:55in the hope that their urban garden
0:42:55 > 0:42:58will blow the competition out of the water, and win them the title.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00Try and keep it as simple as possible, really.
0:43:00 > 0:43:02Small, circular table in the middle.
0:43:02 > 0:43:03Need a gate at the front,
0:43:03 > 0:43:06but I don't know how we're going to secure that.
0:43:06 > 0:43:09Judges Chris and Alex will be analysing every stage
0:43:09 > 0:43:11of this gardening battle.
0:43:11 > 0:43:14Plus, to pile on the pressure, our finalists' friends and family
0:43:14 > 0:43:17are watching their every move.
0:43:20 > 0:43:22- You all right, Damian?- No!
0:43:22 > 0:43:24Let's have a look at the plans.
0:43:24 > 0:43:25Damian's design includes
0:43:25 > 0:43:27a circular entertainment area,
0:43:27 > 0:43:29a circular lawn,
0:43:29 > 0:43:31and a large set of metal gates.
0:43:31 > 0:43:33I'm just trying to think of a small space,
0:43:33 > 0:43:36so I've gone with a circle theme on both sides,
0:43:36 > 0:43:40and try and get it as low maintenance as possible, so that's the planting I've chosen.
0:43:40 > 0:43:44And then they just need to keep on top of the lawn, really. But that's why I kept it small.
0:43:44 > 0:43:47And your thought process revolving around the materials?
0:43:47 > 0:43:49Try and keep it a bit more rustic, really.
0:43:49 > 0:43:53It's a modern couple, they've probably got a modern house,
0:43:53 > 0:43:56so a bit more of a retreat, something totally different.
0:43:56 > 0:43:58And just give them an escape.
0:44:00 > 0:44:01Take a seat, by all means.
0:44:01 > 0:44:04So, can you just talk us through your approach to this plan
0:44:04 > 0:44:05and the garden?
0:44:05 > 0:44:06For John's urban garden,
0:44:06 > 0:44:09he's planned a winding gravel path
0:44:09 > 0:44:11with a rope handrail,
0:44:11 > 0:44:13large beds and a back trellis.
0:44:13 > 0:44:15Taking a different slant on urban.
0:44:15 > 0:44:17- Right.- It is very low maintenance
0:44:17 > 0:44:20because they've got quite a hectic lifestyle.
0:44:20 > 0:44:23Can you justify the choice of your materials?
0:44:23 > 0:44:27It's urban, but you could say it's urban, brinking on the edges of rustic.
0:44:27 > 0:44:30But I'm hoping, with all the gravel, bricks, a lot of hard materials,
0:44:30 > 0:44:33to soften it up with the planting. So I'll be very focused
0:44:33 > 0:44:36on the choice of plants we're going to use.
0:44:36 > 0:44:39The brief for this show garden is an urban space,
0:44:39 > 0:44:43but, bizarrely, both competitors have described their concepts as rustic,
0:44:43 > 0:44:46the opposite of a sleek, urban look.
0:44:46 > 0:44:50Have the rivals already made a huge mistake?
0:44:50 > 0:44:53- It's not been the strongest start for either of them.- I'd agree.
0:44:53 > 0:44:56We've asked for an urban garden, and they've both used the word "rustic,"
0:44:56 > 0:44:59which could be a contradiction. Are they following the brief?
0:44:59 > 0:45:02Well, I think Damian's OK on this, because he's said,
0:45:02 > 0:45:06"It IS an urban situation, but I want to create some rustic charm in it."
0:45:06 > 0:45:09So he's spot on there, I don't have a problem with that.
0:45:09 > 0:45:12However, John says, "It's urban, but we'll give it a bit of rustic,"
0:45:12 > 0:45:15and doesn't actually seem quite clear in his thinking.
0:45:18 > 0:45:21Throughout the contest, competitive Damian's creative skills
0:45:21 > 0:45:24have beaten his opponents' hands down.
0:45:24 > 0:45:27With these, do you reckon I should just screw them to this board?
0:45:27 > 0:45:30Less than an hour into the challenge, his gates are up
0:45:30 > 0:45:33and he's already laying the turf for his circular lawn.
0:45:33 > 0:45:36Like laying a carpet. Look at that!
0:45:36 > 0:45:39But show-garden guru Alex Denman
0:45:39 > 0:45:43is convinced Damian has committed a cardinal design sin.
0:45:43 > 0:45:45- Circles in design? Big no-no! - You don't like those?
0:45:45 > 0:45:50Loathe them, cos they produce all these pinch points round the outside of the design,
0:45:50 > 0:45:52so you have very narrow beds for planting into.
0:45:52 > 0:45:55- And, as we know, those always look pretty rubbish.- Yeah.
0:45:57 > 0:46:00Although the grassroots gardener's plant knowledge
0:46:00 > 0:46:02has been unbeatable in every round,
0:46:02 > 0:46:04John's creative flair has been severely lacking
0:46:04 > 0:46:06throughout the competition.
0:46:06 > 0:46:10- And if you can put two more in. - Same?- Yeah, please.
0:46:10 > 0:46:13But, having painted the backboard a fresh blue,
0:46:13 > 0:46:16and with his winding path starting to take shape,
0:46:16 > 0:46:20John's garden is poles apart from his rival's design disaster.
0:46:20 > 0:46:22John's is looking great.
0:46:22 > 0:46:26He's using these wooden posts with the rope,
0:46:26 > 0:46:28so it's this lovely divide of the space,
0:46:28 > 0:46:32which is allowing you to still feel that you've got a journey to make, yeah.
0:46:32 > 0:46:35Damian's - is there any chance he can turn it around?
0:46:35 > 0:46:37Well, he's still got two hours to go,
0:46:37 > 0:46:40and if he gets those plants right, I think he's still in with a chance.
0:46:43 > 0:46:46I wouldn't be able to judge these gardens at all.
0:46:46 > 0:46:49It's going to be so tough. It could go either way at the moment.
0:46:49 > 0:46:52He's doing really well, I'm impressed.
0:46:52 > 0:46:56- And who's the boss out of you two at work?- Me.
0:46:56 > 0:46:58Not even a moment's hesitation, there.
0:47:01 > 0:47:06You're at the halfway mark, guys, you've got about an hour and a half to go.
0:47:06 > 0:47:11With the clock ticking until our judges crown the first ever
0:47:11 > 0:47:12Young Gardener Of The Year,
0:47:12 > 0:47:14our contenders' empty plots
0:47:14 > 0:47:17are being totally transformed into stunning gardens.
0:47:18 > 0:47:19We want to fill it up.
0:47:19 > 0:47:22John's team are busy filling beds with bark.
0:47:22 > 0:47:24Yeah, keep it coming.
0:47:24 > 0:47:28While his attention is fully focused on climbing a jasmine up his back trellis.
0:47:28 > 0:47:30DAMIAN SIGHS
0:47:30 > 0:47:32Damian's team have constructed an archway,
0:47:32 > 0:47:35to divide his controversial circular areas.
0:47:35 > 0:47:38The fences are up, and his lawn has completely taken shape.
0:47:43 > 0:47:46- How we doing? - All right.
0:47:46 > 0:47:50I'm trying to push my boundaries. Instead of putting everything against the sides
0:47:50 > 0:47:53and making it feel narrower, I'm trying to push the boundaries
0:47:53 > 0:47:55and make it look bigger with the circles.
0:47:55 > 0:47:59Right, OK. John's listening in. You're meant to be getting on, mate. No earwigging!
0:48:02 > 0:48:06The brief was an urban garden for a busy couple,
0:48:06 > 0:48:10and both opponents said a key part of their design was keeping it low maintenance.
0:48:10 > 0:48:13What's the deal here, are you going to use any grass?
0:48:13 > 0:48:18No, we're not going to use it for the fact it's too much maintenance. Sticking to gravel.
0:48:18 > 0:48:22And plantsman John isn't the only young gardener to have picked up on
0:48:22 > 0:48:24his rival's potential mistake.
0:48:24 > 0:48:29The only thing that concerns me with Damian's garden is the grass.
0:48:29 > 0:48:33Grass is seen as very low maintenance, cos it looks low maintenance,
0:48:33 > 0:48:36but, actually, you've got to mow it weekly.
0:48:39 > 0:48:43- Damian. A third of the way through. Confident, are you?- I'm confident, yeah.
0:48:43 > 0:48:46You've got very tight edges, have you got planting plans for those?
0:48:46 > 0:48:50I was looking for more of a grassy, ferny thing, to grow into that kind of space.
0:48:50 > 0:48:53Got to design it to where it's going to fill out
0:48:53 > 0:48:55rather than when you fist finish it.
0:48:55 > 0:48:58- John. How you feeling? - Getting there.
0:48:58 > 0:49:03- How's it advertising your skills? - It's tailored for a couple who haven't got time,
0:49:03 > 0:49:05so we have picked very low-maintenance planting.
0:49:05 > 0:49:08There's also things here to give scent. We've got jasmine at the back.
0:49:08 > 0:49:11Chose jasmine instead of honeysuckle, more easy on maintenance.
0:49:11 > 0:49:15Honeysuckle's great for the first two years, but not good in the long run.
0:49:15 > 0:49:18With less than an hour to the finish line,
0:49:18 > 0:49:21both contenders are cracking on with their planting.
0:49:21 > 0:49:23But, at this crucial point in the competition,
0:49:23 > 0:49:26grassroots gardener John seems to be going from hero to zero.
0:49:26 > 0:49:31At the beginning, John went in and got very organised and the garden progressed quickly,
0:49:31 > 0:49:34and Damian's looked a bit hectic and unorganised.
0:49:34 > 0:49:36- But that seems to have reversed, don't you think?- I do.
0:49:36 > 0:49:40I've been blown away, because I really was down on Damian.
0:49:40 > 0:49:43I was really concerned about those circles,
0:49:43 > 0:49:45and the pinch points, really horrible points
0:49:45 > 0:49:47to put plants into.
0:49:47 > 0:49:49But he's not using plants, he's using the gravel.
0:49:49 > 0:49:53John I'm now disappointed in, in the planting,
0:49:53 > 0:49:56because, to my mind, he's planting for a real garden.
0:49:56 > 0:49:59We've actually asked him for a show garden,
0:49:59 > 0:50:02so we would have wanted more impact from the planting.
0:50:02 > 0:50:05And, also, I do like a more open feel.
0:50:05 > 0:50:08- However...- You're worried about height, aren't you?
0:50:08 > 0:50:12I am worried about height. He had this lovely graduation,
0:50:12 > 0:50:13but where is that graduation going to?
0:50:13 > 0:50:17There's nothing in the corner to hold the plot together.
0:50:22 > 0:50:24You got 20 minutes to go, guys. 20 minutes left.
0:50:26 > 0:50:29With only minutes left until the judges choose their winner,
0:50:29 > 0:50:34the rivals pick up the pace and push their teams for perfection.
0:50:34 > 0:50:38Can you move that to the end, and put the clematis in the middle of that trellis?
0:50:38 > 0:50:41They're both fantastic gardens. They're doing really well.
0:50:41 > 0:50:45Is there a little bit of you that wishes you were in this final round?
0:50:45 > 0:50:48Half of me is relieved that I don't have to go through tension
0:50:48 > 0:50:50and not knowing whether you're through or not.
0:50:50 > 0:50:53But half of me wants to just grab a spade and get digging.
0:50:54 > 0:50:56Put that back in that barrow.
0:50:56 > 0:51:01John is pulling it out the bag with the designing. I know Damian, that's what he does full time,
0:51:01 > 0:51:04- but John might just pip it to the post.- Let's do this.
0:51:04 > 0:51:08- I think it's neck and neck at the moment.- Really?
0:51:08 > 0:51:11I certainly think John has gone not for that show impact at all.
0:51:11 > 0:51:15The back of it looks a bit sparse. And how is he going to view that in the future?
0:51:17 > 0:51:20Damian has produced some crazy combinations of plants.
0:51:20 > 0:51:22I'm so worried about them.
0:51:22 > 0:51:27He's got cotinus next to fatsia, and they're cheek by jowl.
0:51:27 > 0:51:28That is just not going to work.
0:51:28 > 0:51:30- It's just... - SHE GROANS
0:51:35 > 0:51:37OK, guys, five,
0:51:37 > 0:51:38four,
0:51:38 > 0:51:40three, two,
0:51:40 > 0:51:43and one. Time's up.
0:51:43 > 0:51:44APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:51:44 > 0:51:49Two very different gardens, two very different contenders,
0:51:49 > 0:51:52but who will be the first ever Young Gardener Of The Year?
0:51:56 > 0:51:59Damian. Do you think you've matched the brief?
0:51:59 > 0:52:04Yeah, I think a professional couple's probably got a contemporary interior to their house,
0:52:04 > 0:52:07and I wanted to give them something a bit different outside.
0:52:07 > 0:52:10Well, Damian, I'm particularly concerned about this grass space.
0:52:10 > 0:52:13How do you expect this to be maintained?
0:52:13 > 0:52:14Would you use a lawnmower on it?
0:52:14 > 0:52:19Yeah, I would. You can get lawnmowers which are specifically designed for smaller spaces.
0:52:19 > 0:52:20So, I don't see a problem with it.
0:52:20 > 0:52:22What I do like about your planting is
0:52:22 > 0:52:24I like the way you've balanced it.
0:52:24 > 0:52:27One plant combination that I'm slightly baffled by
0:52:27 > 0:52:30is the fatsia with the cotinus in front of it.
0:52:30 > 0:52:32Just tell me a little bit about the growth habit.
0:52:32 > 0:52:36It will get quite a lot bigger and woodier.
0:52:36 > 0:52:40- - It just needs to be controlled. - Thank you, Damian. - Well done.- Thanks.
0:52:40 > 0:52:42I think it's going to be a very tight contest.
0:52:42 > 0:52:45The judges have got a very hard decision to make.
0:52:45 > 0:52:48And I think they'd make a very good decision if they made me the winner.
0:52:48 > 0:52:51So, Mr Creativity.
0:52:51 > 0:52:52Talk us through your plan, mate.
0:52:52 > 0:52:56The brief was for a young, hectic lifestyle couple,
0:52:56 > 0:52:58they haven't got time to maintain the garden,
0:52:58 > 0:53:01so when you look at it, the planting is very spaced out.
0:53:01 > 0:53:05However, this isn't a show garden. You could have this garden done,
0:53:05 > 0:53:08and not do anything with it for three years.
0:53:08 > 0:53:11Really pleased you've justified your planting.
0:53:11 > 0:53:15- If this was a show garden, it'd be too far apart.- It'd be boring. - But you've done it for longevity.
0:53:15 > 0:53:19One thing that strikes me, the back looks quite bare at the moment.
0:53:19 > 0:53:24How long do you see it before that jasmine and the parthenus fill that space out?
0:53:24 > 0:53:27Height-wise, the jasmine will put on about three feet growth.
0:53:27 > 0:53:29As long as it's somewhere into that trellis,
0:53:29 > 0:53:32it'll start to look like it's filled out.
0:53:32 > 0:53:35With me having my own business, to get this title, it'd be great.
0:53:35 > 0:53:38However, if I don't get the title, it's going to have a flipside to it,
0:53:38 > 0:53:41cos people will think, "You're not the best at your game."
0:53:41 > 0:53:42So there's a lot at stake, here.
0:53:42 > 0:53:46Thank you, John. Judges, I'll ask you to go off to the hush room for the last time.
0:53:46 > 0:53:47- John.- Thank you.
0:53:51 > 0:53:54I think they've really pulled it off in this final challenge.
0:53:54 > 0:53:57Damian, I think, has done reasonably well.
0:53:57 > 0:53:59At the start, it didn't look like he knew where he was going.
0:53:59 > 0:54:02But he was brave with it, and I think he's pulled it off.
0:54:02 > 0:54:06I'm still so concerned about his plant knowledge,
0:54:06 > 0:54:08it's really letting him down.
0:54:08 > 0:54:11And what about John's garden? Very much the gardener's garden.
0:54:11 > 0:54:15It was quite sparse in places, but you could see where his logic was coming from.
0:54:15 > 0:54:18He created a space that was really useable.
0:54:18 > 0:54:20He really took on board that brief.
0:54:20 > 0:54:23Really wouldn't have to do much to that garden until three years was up.
0:54:23 > 0:54:27The only down point for me was that little rear area.
0:54:27 > 0:54:29There was no real height in it.
0:54:29 > 0:54:31So, all in all, very, very hard decision.
0:54:31 > 0:54:36- But do you think we know who the Young Gardener Of The Year is? - I think we do, Chris.
0:54:39 > 0:54:41OK, it's time to crown the winner.
0:54:43 > 0:54:45Let's bring back our two finalists.
0:54:45 > 0:54:48APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:54:55 > 0:54:59Damian, John, it's been a tough contest,
0:54:59 > 0:55:03but only one of you will be going home as Young Gardener Of The Year.
0:55:05 > 0:55:08Before we find out which one of you that's going to be,
0:55:08 > 0:55:13- like to get some feedback from the judges.- Damian, you were strong and brave in your design,
0:55:13 > 0:55:17and you took risks, which I liked. Keep working on your plant knowledge,
0:55:17 > 0:55:20and remember, plants don't sit still, they move and they grow.
0:55:21 > 0:55:25Well, John, you have constantly wowed Chris and I
0:55:25 > 0:55:28with your plant knowledge, but what has thrilled us most
0:55:28 > 0:55:32is your growth in your design work in this competition.
0:55:32 > 0:55:35Still lots to improve, but you're well on your way.
0:55:37 > 0:55:39OK, guys, crunch time.
0:55:39 > 0:55:44This is it, the first ever Young Gardener Of The Year is...
0:55:56 > 0:55:58It's John.
0:55:58 > 0:55:59APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:55:59 > 0:56:04John's outstanding plant knowledge blew the judges away.
0:56:07 > 0:56:10And in the final design test
0:56:10 > 0:56:14he upped his game and really rose to the creative challenge.
0:56:14 > 0:56:15- How you feeling, John? - Oh, wow!
0:56:15 > 0:56:20How does it feel to be Young Gardener Of The Year?
0:56:20 > 0:56:22Pretty impressive. And mental.
0:56:22 > 0:56:26It's been an incredible competition, and congratulations to John,
0:56:26 > 0:56:28the winner of Young Gardener Of The Year.
0:56:28 > 0:56:30Good night.
0:56:30 > 0:56:33APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:56:33 > 0:56:38I'm over the moon. I'm absolutely well happy that I've got it.
0:56:38 > 0:56:40I'm really proud of him.
0:56:40 > 0:56:42He's worked really hard for it,
0:56:42 > 0:56:45and I've no idea why I'm crying, but... It's really good.
0:56:48 > 0:56:52Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd