0:00:02 > 0:00:05Do you dream of having your own special outdoor space?
0:00:05 > 0:00:09A small garden that you can admire, enjoy and call your own?
0:00:09 > 0:00:14And then, you stop and think, "I have no idea how to make it"?
0:00:14 > 0:00:16Well, you're not alone.
0:00:16 > 0:00:19Over the past year, Monty Don has travelled up and down
0:00:19 > 0:00:22the country visiting amateur gardeners
0:00:22 > 0:00:27and working with them to make their dreams come true.
0:00:27 > 0:00:29He's cast a critical eye over their plans...
0:00:29 > 0:00:32Don't be too horrified, OK, Monty!
0:00:32 > 0:00:34- Everything's possible! - I know it seems unusual.
0:00:34 > 0:00:36It's just profoundly unusual.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38..and given advice.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41- Just pinch that off...- But they took so long to grow!
0:00:41 > 0:00:43He's got stuck in...
0:00:45 > 0:00:49..and everybody has worked incredibly hard.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51Look at the size of that!
0:00:51 > 0:00:53The results are truly exciting.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55It's really nice.
0:00:55 > 0:00:56ALL: Yay!
0:00:56 > 0:01:00I do believe that everybody, however small their garden,
0:01:00 > 0:01:02can cultivate a big dream.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12This time, Monty will be meeting two sets of garden enthusiasts
0:01:12 > 0:01:15with some off-the-wall ideas...
0:01:15 > 0:01:17I think we wanted it to be interesting.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21"Interesting" is a really dangerous word when you've plans for a garden design.
0:01:21 > 0:01:23I hope it's not rocket science, because otherwise, I'm in trouble.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25..to help them demolish the old...
0:01:25 > 0:01:29- So now you are one!- I thought it was going to be half-full.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32..in order to meet every difficulty head on...
0:01:32 > 0:01:36Before you make any big decisions at all, I would clear this out.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39At the moment, it's challenging in a bad way.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41It's proving really, really difficult.
0:01:41 > 0:01:45..as they attempt to realise their horticultural dreams.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48I think Monty is a very calming influence. SHE LAUGHS
0:01:48 > 0:01:49ALL: Cheers!
0:01:52 > 0:01:56Here in Oxford, the historic seat of learning,
0:01:56 > 0:02:00lives university lecturer Anne Lee and teacher, Fliss van Steenburgen.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04Anne has lived here for 20 years. Two years ago, Fliss moved in next door
0:02:04 > 0:02:07and they became good friends.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10They recently came up with a rather unusual idea.
0:02:10 > 0:02:16To merge the drab space in front of both houses to create one stunning garden.
0:02:16 > 0:02:21Combining two big dreams just may be easier said than done.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24It's hard to remember who came up with the idea originally,
0:02:24 > 0:02:28of sharing our front garden, but it's something we've talked about
0:02:28 > 0:02:32for quite a long time and it's quite exciting to be embarking on it.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34Me, I adore plants.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38And I'm afraid I'm a "see one, like one, want one"
0:02:38 > 0:02:41kind of a woman in terms of plants.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45I tend to do a lot more planning and put stuff on paper first,
0:02:45 > 0:02:48so that I spend less time moving things around.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51It'll be interesting to see how we work together.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55Because we're friends and neighbours, I think it's more scary than
0:02:55 > 0:02:57if we were, I don't know, partners or something else.
0:02:57 > 0:03:02You can't kiss and make up as easily, if you see what I mean!
0:03:04 > 0:03:07Our second big dreamer, Sally Donovan,
0:03:07 > 0:03:10is a former army officer who lives with her two daughters,
0:03:10 > 0:03:13Georgina and Caitlin, in Pewsey, Wiltshire.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18Despite having an established garden,
0:03:18 > 0:03:21Sally has an abandoned space on the side of her house that she
0:03:21 > 0:03:24wants to transform into a haven for her children.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27Well, it's not a garden.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29I think that's the first point I have to make.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31It's an uneven, disintegrating,
0:03:31 > 0:03:35tarmac car park with a wood store on it.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37That's what we've got to deal with!
0:03:37 > 0:03:41Two years ago, one of the girls was diagnosed with a rare condition that
0:03:41 > 0:03:45makes it difficult for her to enjoy the great outdoors.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48So the main motivation for sorting out this piece of garden
0:03:48 > 0:03:52is my oldest daughter Georgina has chronic fatigue syndrome.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54She only goes into school for two hours a day.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58So Georgina's at home an awful lot of the time
0:03:58 > 0:04:00and I really want somewhere beautiful,
0:04:00 > 0:04:03where Georgina can be comfortable and happy outside.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06A space she can share, as well, with her sister.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09I think for them to really use it and really enjoy it,
0:04:09 > 0:04:11it's got to be made of their ideas.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14- The first thing we really want in the garden...- Is water.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16..is water! One.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19- Number two is insects and animals, I think?- Yes.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23- And really nice-smelling herb-leaf plants.- So that's number three.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26What's number four, Caitie?
0:04:30 > 0:04:33Spring has arrived, and in Oxford,
0:04:33 > 0:04:38Fliss and Anne are eagerly waiting to involve Monty Don in their ambitious dream.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40We'll show him all these dandelions.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43As Fliss said, "The national collection of dandelions!"
0:04:43 > 0:04:45It's really quite embarrassing.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47Hello, this is very symbolic,
0:04:47 > 0:04:50- to have you both sitting on either side.- Hello, I'm Anne.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53- Anne, hello.- Hello, I'm Fliss. - Thank you for coming.- Fliss.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57Very nice to meet you both. And as I say, sitting side-by-side by your boundary wall.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01Tell me what you want here, what's going on?
0:05:01 > 0:05:05We're next-door neighbours, we have a semidetached house and currently,
0:05:05 > 0:05:09we have a detached garden fenced by this fairly arbitrary barrier placed
0:05:09 > 0:05:12between them and we want to knock it down and make one big garden.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15But these are not arbitrary barriers.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17You live in one house, you live in another house.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19They have a boundary.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23It seems to me that the size of both our gardens
0:05:23 > 0:05:25is really quite small and we thought how nice
0:05:25 > 0:05:29it would be to have a garden which flowed from one side to the other.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32You know, more space that both of us could enjoy gardening in.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36I think it's also quite a public space. I think front gardens are lovely.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38I love walking past people's front gardens and looking at them.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42Will there ever be a point at which you will disagree
0:05:42 > 0:05:45and that on your side you want certain plants
0:05:45 > 0:05:48and on your side you want certain plants, and they clash horribly?
0:05:48 > 0:05:50Um... Obviously, it's possible.
0:05:50 > 0:05:55But I think we've talked for so long about the kind of plants that we love,
0:05:55 > 0:05:57it just makes sense to us, really, to do it.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59- I know it seems unusual... - Well, it is unusual.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01I mean, that's the point.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04- It actually doesn't SEEM unusual, it seems very sensible. - THEY LAUGH
0:06:04 > 0:06:06It's just profoundly unusual.
0:06:06 > 0:06:07THEY LAUGH
0:06:11 > 0:06:14It's time to see if their ambition stands up to
0:06:14 > 0:06:17scrutiny from the nation's top garden expert.
0:06:19 > 0:06:24This is an idea about having a path that goes through the two gardens.
0:06:24 > 0:06:29We're looking for a feel of a sort of savanna-style grassy...thing.
0:06:29 > 0:06:35I'm very keen on cottage garden perennials,
0:06:35 > 0:06:39but we thought we'd have that going through all of it and perhaps,
0:06:39 > 0:06:42colour coming up through the grasses, such as alliums at certain times
0:06:42 > 0:06:44and other things like that.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48Fliss and Anne both have a good knowledge of horticulture
0:06:48 > 0:06:50and are looking to plant herbaceous perennials
0:06:50 > 0:06:55and grasses with a path from which to access and enjoy the garden.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58The first thing that strikes me, forget any planting idea,
0:06:58 > 0:07:02- is that the path comes from nowhere and goes to nowhere.- Yep.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04And paths can't do that.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07- You see, when you come out of your front door, which is here...- Yeah.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11- Hmm.- ..how do you get to...there?
0:07:11 > 0:07:14- Round there. - THEY LAUGH
0:07:14 > 0:07:16That's answered the question.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18I think we wanted it to be interesting.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21"Interesting" is a really dangerous word when
0:07:21 > 0:07:24it comes to garden design, because I was thinking that what
0:07:24 > 0:07:27a path should do is actually link the two houses.
0:07:27 > 0:07:28We did discuss that, didn't we?
0:07:28 > 0:07:30In terms of design,
0:07:30 > 0:07:34- it's one rectangular bed with a single path through it.- Yeah.
0:07:34 > 0:07:35Which is great.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38- So most of the design is planting? - Yes.
0:07:38 > 0:07:44- My big advice would be, limit your palette...- Yeah.- ..edit your choice of plants.
0:07:44 > 0:07:49A great garden designer says that no garden needs more than seven plants.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51And of course, that's not literally true,
0:07:51 > 0:07:56- but what he's saying is, you can make a good garden with seven plants.- Yeah.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59Monty suggests amending their plan, creating a central bed
0:07:59 > 0:08:04to unite the space and the path that links the two houses.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08Our neighbours have set aside a modest budget of £1,000 with
0:08:08 > 0:08:11which to turn their two 5x5m plots into one
0:08:11 > 0:08:14splendid 50-square-metre garden.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17There's lots to like about this garden.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20Two people, very different backgrounds,
0:08:20 > 0:08:24not married or working together, come together to make something
0:08:24 > 0:08:30that's very intimate, that takes a really close bond to make it work.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32Now, with everyone agreed,
0:08:32 > 0:08:36- and an overall plan in place... - Let me just see how it's attached.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40..the next step is put into action straightaway.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44- It's gone!- Right. - Brilliant.- One down.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47The neighbours can barely contain their excitement.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51- We are through! - THEY LAUGH
0:08:51 > 0:08:53These, we can saw off.
0:08:56 > 0:09:01- Aw, look at that. - Now you are one!- It's marvellous, isn't it?- It's such a big space!
0:09:01 > 0:09:04And there's no turning back now.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06Well, it's simple enough to take down a fence,
0:09:06 > 0:09:10but it makes a big idea into a reality.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12And the next phase is all practical,
0:09:12 > 0:09:15they must clear away all the concrete and the bricks
0:09:15 > 0:09:19and the plants they don't want and the stones and prepare it for planting.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27With his Oxford gardeners off the starting blocks, Monty heads
0:09:27 > 0:09:31to Pewsey to meet Sally Donovan and her daughters, Georgina and Caitlin.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36Everyone is full of excitement about his visit.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38- Hi, Monty!- Really nice to see you! - Yes, nice to meet you.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41- Thank you for coming! Come on in.- Thank you.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45You've got a garden here, why do you want to change it or add to it?
0:09:45 > 0:09:48Georgie's got chronic fatigue syndrome and so she spends
0:09:48 > 0:09:52a huge, huge, huge amount of time at home with me and what we want
0:09:52 > 0:09:55to do is create somewhere really, really sort of...
0:09:55 > 0:09:57I think warm.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00It's a terrible word, but, somewhere protected.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03And, Georgie, what do you like outside?
0:10:03 > 0:10:06When you go into a garden, what gives you the most pleasure?
0:10:06 > 0:10:07Seeing flowers.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11Hearing the birds. I like lots of, you know, nice plants.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14I like gentle ones that sort of can sway in the wind,
0:10:14 > 0:10:16instead of just being like green leaves.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19I like lavender, I like quite a few herbs.
0:10:19 > 0:10:20And things like that.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23I think it's the same with Caitlin as well.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27- And do you want to have any water there of any kind?- Oh, yes.- OK.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31That went down well. And what sort of water are we talking about?
0:10:31 > 0:10:33Are we talking about an enormous fountain?
0:10:33 > 0:10:36I thought we could have maybe a really small pond at the top
0:10:36 > 0:10:38and then have a little waterfall that
0:10:38 > 0:10:41kind of goes down the raised wall that leads into another one.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44What sort of budget are you thinking of?
0:10:44 > 0:10:47Probably got maybe £2,000 to spend on doing the garden, which...
0:10:47 > 0:10:50I don't mind doing most of the work myself. That's absolutely fine.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53And I've got lots of friends who will really help me with that,
0:10:53 > 0:10:56so that's sort of the money for raw materials, really.
0:10:56 > 0:11:00With a relatively small budget for such great ambitions,
0:11:00 > 0:11:03it's time for an inspection of the space in question.
0:11:03 > 0:11:08- Don't be too horrified, OK, Monty? It's um...- Well, it's small.
0:11:08 > 0:11:14- It's small. The girls have got big dreams.- I see. I mean... Yeah.
0:11:14 > 0:11:15Everything is possible.
0:11:15 > 0:11:20If you were really clever, you can have steps with a rill, a little
0:11:20 > 0:11:24canal with the water coming down the steps, in the middle of the steps.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28- How about that? - That would be amazing, wouldn't it?
0:11:28 > 0:11:29It would be very possible, that.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32My biggest worry is the budget
0:11:32 > 0:11:36and although £2,000 seems quite a lot for what is a very small
0:11:36 > 0:11:40space, it'll soak up that money very quickly.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44So, Sally will have to be ingenious and do a lot of the work herself,
0:11:44 > 0:11:45which I'm sure she will.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49The Donovans certainly have big dreams, so Monty heads
0:11:49 > 0:11:53indoors to meet Alex, who has agreed to lend a helping hand.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56See? You've got an assistant.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58- Somebody to dig up the tarmac. - Thanks(!)
0:11:58 > 0:12:02Right, let's see the plans. You've got some ideas over there.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04- You've got plans here. Talk me through them.- OK.
0:12:04 > 0:12:08You'll notice the children's plans involve an awful lot of water.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12Streams. Caitlin's even got a bridge in hers.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15Lovely. I mean, I really mean it. They're lovely.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18Both Georgina and Caitlin have made drawings that illustrate all
0:12:18 > 0:12:22the features that they would like to have in the new garden.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26By combining the girls' ideas,
0:12:26 > 0:12:29Sally's plan includes a water feature, along with nice,
0:12:29 > 0:12:33cosy seating areas, wooden steps leading in to the space,
0:12:33 > 0:12:36as well as plenty of bug hotels.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40The one thing that all these three plans don't take into account
0:12:40 > 0:12:46- is that you have a gate. For it to work, it's got to open fully.- Yeah.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49So you can't have anything... I know this isn't drawn to scale.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52You just need to get a compass, put on there
0:12:52 > 0:12:54and draw a semicircle there.
0:12:54 > 0:12:58Anything you have planted there has got to be tight against the wall.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01- Yes.- Otherwise, you won't be able to open it and if you can't open it,
0:13:01 > 0:13:03what's the point in having it?
0:13:03 > 0:13:05That's your path through, so this central area,
0:13:05 > 0:13:08I would be tempted to have some planting, a bed of some kind,
0:13:08 > 0:13:10a square or whatever,
0:13:10 > 0:13:13so you had to slightly go round it to get to anywhere else.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16I think that would be really lovely because otherwise,
0:13:16 > 0:13:19- it's just a big open space. - Exactly.- Or a small open space.
0:13:19 > 0:13:20And I don't think you need that.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24I think it wants to feel quite enclosed.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28Monty suggests taking the best of all the ideas on the table,
0:13:28 > 0:13:31whilst making the plan a bit more practical.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35It includes a water feature, with a rill running through the space.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39Half of the garden gate will remain functional and a central
0:13:39 > 0:13:44planting area will create a cosy environment for the girls to enjoy.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46- I'm really excited, actually. - I think this will be good.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50- A lot of work coming your way, I think.- And your way!
0:13:50 > 0:13:52I like this story.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54I think it could be a really attractive little garden
0:13:54 > 0:13:58and I like the way that it's driven by the desire to make a bad
0:13:58 > 0:14:01situation much better.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04But before they can get planting, before they can turn
0:14:04 > 0:14:07it into a beautiful space, there's a lot of work to be done.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15Over in Oxford, our two teachers, Anne
0:14:15 > 0:14:18and Fliss, want to press on with their joint plan.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20And have enlisted some extra help.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25Concrete slabs are broken and removed,
0:14:25 > 0:14:29rockeries dismantled, and newly exposed soil is weeded
0:14:29 > 0:14:31and rotivated.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35Now for the first real test of this partnership.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38How will our self-confessed impulse buyer Anne
0:14:38 > 0:14:43and our meticulous planner Fliss agree on a plant selection?
0:14:43 > 0:14:45I've got a few plants that I think I'd like to have.
0:14:45 > 0:14:49- One of them, delphiniums.- Yeah. - Are you happy with those?- Yeah.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53- As long as you maintain them. - Oh, I'm happy to do that.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56I reckon there'll be a lot of maintaining to do and I reckon that
0:14:56 > 0:14:59some of them will get eaten by slugs and I'll have to replace them
0:14:59 > 0:15:00- and so on.- Yeah.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04Now, the other thing that is in the same kind of colour range is
0:15:04 > 0:15:07- the salvias. - Yeah, yeah.- Do you like those?
0:15:07 > 0:15:10- Funny you should mention that... - Have you got them?
0:15:10 > 0:15:13- They're on my list, yeah. - So that is a definite.- Yeah.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15And I want campanula.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19Gosh, I'm just saying "I want" all the time, but I love these ones.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22- Yes.- The ones that are called Canterbury Bells, but the blue ones.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26- Are they not very similar to delphiniums, though?- No...
0:15:26 > 0:15:29I actually prefer the campanulas to delphiniums.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32- You don't like delphiniums? - No, I do, but I prefer campanulas.
0:15:32 > 0:15:33I'm just saying,
0:15:33 > 0:15:37if it came down to two plants that look quite similar...
0:15:37 > 0:15:40- You prefer...- I think campanulas require less maintenance.
0:15:40 > 0:15:41Nah!
0:15:41 > 0:15:46So far, compromise doesn't seem to feature in Anne's vocabulary.
0:15:46 > 0:15:51- Will she consider any of Fliss's favourites?- What have you got then?
0:15:51 > 0:15:53- OK, so my shortlist...- Mm.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56- Cerefolium. - And that's a perennial, obviously.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59- Well, all the flowering ones are perennials.- Yes.
0:15:59 > 0:16:03So, it's an umbelifer, comes out probably about April...
0:16:03 > 0:16:07- Oh, that's good. Early is good. - Yeah. And that then...
0:16:07 > 0:16:10That doesn't look pink to me. That looks violet.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12- No, it is pink.- Oh, right. - Sporobolus heterolepis is a...
0:16:12 > 0:16:16- Sporobolus.- It's like a North American kind of prairie grass.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18That one's not as tall as the others.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21I can't remember exactly what it was, but I know it's not as tall.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24- That's not very see-through. - It is.- Oh, is it?
0:16:24 > 0:16:26- Yeah.- It's just the picture.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29I mean, all of that is very floaty and frothy.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31So, what's the verdict so far?
0:16:31 > 0:16:34At the moment, it's challenging in a bad way.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37It's proving really, really difficult.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41I think ultimately, I'll look back on it and think, "Yeah, it was fine.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44"There was never any conflict," kind of thing, but at the moment, it's
0:16:44 > 0:16:48kind of going through a difficult labour and it's just horrendous.
0:16:48 > 0:16:49I think it went all right,
0:16:49 > 0:16:53but I'm a bit like scared that when we come to...
0:16:53 > 0:16:57If we do come to really reduce to like seven between us,
0:16:57 > 0:17:00that there won't be enough of the things that I really,
0:17:00 > 0:17:02really wanted in because while I like the grasses
0:17:02 > 0:17:06and I definitely like the grasses that Fliss has chosen, I think it's
0:17:06 > 0:17:07a really good choice,
0:17:07 > 0:17:11they are not my first idea of what I wanted in my garden...
0:17:11 > 0:17:13In THE garden.
0:17:13 > 0:17:14Slip of the tongue there, Anne.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17This is supposed to be a team effort.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37It's now April and in Pewsey, Sally has really got going on her
0:17:37 > 0:17:39family's big dream.
0:17:39 > 0:17:44Monty made it clear that the whole area needed to be cleaned up.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47So Sally uses her army training to rally the troops.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50We've got to move all of this tarmac, which is
0:17:50 > 0:17:53rapidly melting, round to the skip on the front drive
0:17:53 > 0:17:56and we've got to knock that wall down and clear all of this,
0:17:56 > 0:17:58so it's earth, so that we can create a garden.
0:17:58 > 0:17:59It's a small job, really!
0:18:02 > 0:18:06She gets her volunteers on the job immediately.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10This would be so depressing on my own. It would be soul destroying.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13I think with all of us doing it... Ready?
0:18:15 > 0:18:16Brilliant!
0:18:16 > 0:18:20- Georgie is doing her bit to help too.- So if I do this corner here...
0:18:20 > 0:18:23- Yeah.- You're going to do that little bit there, are you?
0:18:23 > 0:18:27It's so cool seeing everybody sort of shoving the tarmac over
0:18:27 > 0:18:30- the place. - Apparently, we're supposed to have a
0:18:30 > 0:18:33really lovely spring and summer, so hopefully, it'll be a really nice
0:18:33 > 0:18:36- sunny spot for you to relax in. - Yeah.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38- And Caitie, she's going to really enjoy it.- Yeah.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42You want a little stream or something, don't you?
0:18:42 > 0:18:44Yeah, we saw a lovely one at Chalice Well,
0:18:44 > 0:18:46- while we were in Glastonbury.- Yeah.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49And it was sort of just about that wide and it had a little
0:18:49 > 0:18:53bridge over it, but it was just big enough to fit your feet in.
0:18:53 > 0:18:54- OK, superb.- And it was lovely.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58- You can paddle if it gets really hot in the summer.- Yeah.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01As her team push on, Sally's skip is filling up fast.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05That bit, ideally, needs to come out.
0:19:05 > 0:19:10Only a troublesome wall stands in the way of a successful mission.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12It's so near, isn't it?
0:19:12 > 0:19:15Oh, my God! Yes! Look at the size of that!
0:19:15 > 0:19:18Who wants this in their wheelbarrow?
0:19:18 > 0:19:22- I'm just admiring the skip. - It's amazing.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24I thought it was going to be half-full.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28I hope Monty realises how much hard work was involved in getting
0:19:28 > 0:19:29all that up. It's amazing now.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32There's this space we can work with and it feels really,
0:19:32 > 0:19:35really positive, so I'm hoping Monty's going to be impressed
0:19:35 > 0:19:37when he comes back.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46Back in Oxford, Anne
0:19:46 > 0:19:50and Fliss are still struggling to agree on a joint plant selection.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53Hoping to give them some inspiration,
0:19:53 > 0:19:57Monty has sent them to Marchants Garden in East Sussex.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01It has good examples of curved pathways and rich textured
0:20:01 > 0:20:04borders with varied combinations of grasses and perennials.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06Hi, there.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08Welcome to Marchants Hardy Plants. I'm Graham.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11- I'm Anne.- The head gardener, Graham Gough,
0:20:11 > 0:20:16wants to show our neighbours some examples and help with their plans.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19I wonder if this bed could offer you some inspiration.
0:20:19 > 0:20:23The one thing that is most apparent, from a design point of view, is the
0:20:23 > 0:20:28disposition of the plants and the chamerian here, it's a
0:20:28 > 0:20:31running plant and it's filtered right through this bed.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36But I want you to note the other plants that we have.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38There are grasses in here too,
0:20:38 > 0:20:41but they're hardly emergent at this stage.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44And do you see the colour theme running through here?
0:20:44 > 0:20:46It's quite subdued in a way.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49Fliss has a question for Graham that's been bothering her
0:20:49 > 0:20:52since Monty told her that seven plant varieties is all
0:20:52 > 0:20:54that their border needs.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57Would you say there's a magic number of plants you should
0:20:57 > 0:20:59have in a garden?
0:20:59 > 0:21:0143.
0:21:01 > 0:21:0243...
0:21:02 > 0:21:06Well, I wouldn't necessarily want to make it an optimum, really,
0:21:06 > 0:21:08or certainly not a high number
0:21:08 > 0:21:11because I think the thing with good design is to
0:21:11 > 0:21:14pare down the number of plants that you use
0:21:14 > 0:21:16and in this particular space,
0:21:16 > 0:21:22the range of plants that we've used is perhaps no more than about 10 or
0:21:22 > 0:21:2812 and I think that's what gives it its simplicity and its strength.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34So, Graham agrees with Monty that less can be more,
0:21:34 > 0:21:37which leaves our amateur gardeners in a quandary.
0:21:37 > 0:21:42Graham moves on to a border that is full of Fliss's favourite plants.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45There we are. What a marvellous spot. Do you know that plant?
0:21:45 > 0:21:48- That's Stipa gigantea, isn't it? - Yeah, absolutely.
0:21:48 > 0:21:53And it's a plant that every designer uses and you can see why really cos
0:21:53 > 0:21:58it's got this beautiful structure and it's incredibly transparent.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00We've got a good four to five feet.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03This is actually quite a short example.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06How long will it take for it to get that high?
0:22:06 > 0:22:10- Um... Ooh, dear. Well, that's annual growth. This year.- OK.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13So it's quite a tall plant. Would you always put it that far forward?
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- Towards the front of the border? - Well, why not?
0:22:16 > 0:22:19Look, the plant's completely transparent, it doesn't
0:22:19 > 0:22:23matter what angle you approach it from on the path either side.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26You can see through it from either angle.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29Then you'd have to choose the plant that you'd use very carefully
0:22:29 > 0:22:31with it.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37And that's just what Anne and Fliss have to tackle next.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39There's so many beautiful plants,
0:22:39 > 0:22:42but it's very good not to buy things you're not going to use.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45- It's hard to be so disciplined.- Yes. - They will have to compromise,
0:22:45 > 0:22:50given that they can only choose three and a half varieties each.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53- I think magenta though... - Yes.- That's not really...- OK.
0:22:53 > 0:22:54Colour-wise, is it?
0:22:54 > 0:22:57- We want blue, purple, rather than purple, magenta...- Yeah, I think so.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00- Right. Gold fontaine. - That's the one.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02- Yeah? I've got three. - I did have three.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- Oh.- I've now got two and a half. - These plants are brittle!
0:23:05 > 0:23:09A pretty successful day for the neighbours from Oxford.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13Choosing plants hasn't proved too difficult in the end.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16It seems that Monty's advice is working.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18Right, you can pay.
0:23:19 > 0:23:20I'm out of cash.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33It's now May and Monty is in Pewsey to see how Sally is
0:23:33 > 0:23:36getting on with her plan to transform a neglected part
0:23:36 > 0:23:41of her garden into a cosy enclosed sanctuary for her daughters.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46Monty has suggested that she incorporates a water feature
0:23:46 > 0:23:50with a rill and a central planting area.
0:23:50 > 0:23:51I'm looking for two things today.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54The first is very straightforward - have they cleared the site?
0:23:54 > 0:23:57Because until they do, they can't begin to garden
0:23:57 > 0:24:00and if they haven't, then I'm going to help them finish that off.
0:24:00 > 0:24:04The second thing is more long term but just as important,
0:24:04 > 0:24:08which is to inspire and help Georgie
0:24:08 > 0:24:11to own the garden, to start
0:24:11 > 0:24:14gardening herself, so that she is making it, she is controlling it.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16Monty!
0:24:16 > 0:24:18- It's all go.- I know.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20Lovely to see you. How are you?
0:24:20 > 0:24:24Good, look. You asked us to clear it out. The tarmac's all gone.
0:24:24 > 0:24:29And this wall here has come down, ready for those wide steps to go in.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31Are these the sleepers for the steps?
0:24:31 > 0:24:33Yeah, oak sleepers from the reclamation yard.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35So, that's to be done.
0:24:35 > 0:24:39Now, you've got help taking out soil, presumably for the steps.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42So you've got nice soil there, you've got gravel.
0:24:42 > 0:24:43Are you recycling all that?
0:24:43 > 0:24:46I hadn't really thought about it, but, yes, we could.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50- I would recycle the gravel because that's always useful.- Brilliant.
0:24:50 > 0:24:51That will fit in.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54And the soil and anything you can, and how's Georgie?
0:24:54 > 0:24:56Well, Georgie will be home from school any minute
0:24:56 > 0:24:59and I was wondering if you could help her.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02She's chosen some Alpines and some little succulents she loves...
0:25:02 > 0:25:05Well, if you could recycle some of your soil and your gravel,
0:25:05 > 0:25:07you're laughing because that would work perfect.
0:25:07 > 0:25:11School's out and Monty is waiting, with gravel at the ready,
0:25:11 > 0:25:14to get Georgie fully involved.
0:25:14 > 0:25:16I like these ones.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20They're all sort of sedum sort of ones that are in walls.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22They're succulents.
0:25:22 > 0:25:26They've got these curved leaves that actually hold water really, really well.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29Monty shows Georgie how to prepare her pots with
0:25:29 > 0:25:33a layer of gravel at the bottom and then a mixture of gravel and soil.
0:25:33 > 0:25:37Give it a good stir, like you're making a cake. That's it.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39Brilliant.
0:25:39 > 0:25:44That's fantastic. So we mix that up like that and pour it in.
0:25:46 > 0:25:48So we've got a nice gritty mix.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51You choose what you want to plant and I'll do it for you.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54- Or you can do it.- These ones.- OK. You take that out.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57- See what it's like. Take it out. - I'm probably going to break it.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00You won't break it. Don't worry. That's it.
0:26:00 > 0:26:05Now, that's been soaked so it doesn't normally ever need to be as wet as that.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08- Put it where you want.- Erm, here. - OK. That's it.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12You don't need to cover it up completely cos we're going to put the grit round.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15- Probably a little deeper than that. - OK, so...
0:26:15 > 0:26:19Cos it's quite a deep one, that one. OK, that's good.
0:26:19 > 0:26:23Monty explains to Georgie that this is a good time to plant Alpines
0:26:23 > 0:26:27so they can become well established before the winter returns.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30What you'll find is these will grow out and expand
0:26:30 > 0:26:33and maybe you'll want to add one or two bits. Maybe you don't.
0:26:33 > 0:26:37- The final thing is they must go somewhere sunny.- Yeah.- Well done.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40- Thank you. - That's your garden started.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50A few weeks later, Sally is making good progress.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54I don't mind if the steps are narrower than that.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57But as things are developing, so are her ideas.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01Big change to the plan was
0:27:01 > 0:27:03when we talked to Monty about putting in the sleepers
0:27:03 > 0:27:07as steps, he did talk about them being slippery
0:27:07 > 0:27:11so the big change is the sleepers are going to be used to create all
0:27:11 > 0:27:15of the raised beds and we're going to put in steps made of pavers.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17This is heavy graft.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20That's just a bit easier than Mummy digging it all up
0:27:20 > 0:27:22spade by spade by spade, isn't it?
0:27:22 > 0:27:25But Sally's happy, as her friends have agreed to work for free
0:27:25 > 0:27:30in return for refreshments, including tasty bacon sandwiches.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33I think the steps are going to end up costing me, you know...
0:27:33 > 0:27:36But they're going to be the water feature as well.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38Probably a good third of the budget.
0:27:38 > 0:27:40A lot of the rest of it I'm doing on my own anyway.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44- Huge!- It is, isn't it? That's just for a set of steps.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53It's the beginning of summer and in Oxford, Fliss and Anne's
0:27:53 > 0:27:59ambition to unite their front gardens has reached the next stage.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02Their plan, which Monty has adjusted to make a more natural
0:28:02 > 0:28:05single front garden, includes a path to link their houses
0:28:05 > 0:28:08and a combination of grasses and perennials.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13After some hard work, their plot is ready for planting.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17When I left Fliss and Anne, I'd taken down the fence.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19I knew that was the easy bit.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23The idea is a good one - combining forces to make one garden
0:28:23 > 0:28:29but by taking the fence down, I knew it was exposing them to the reality.
0:28:29 > 0:28:35And, actually, the only way this can work is if they agree
0:28:35 > 0:28:40to forget their personal choices and make one garden.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42- Hello.- Hey.- Well, hello!
0:28:44 > 0:28:47It's good to see a nice clear, open space.
0:28:47 > 0:28:49And two people hard at work.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52Well, we've been working ever since you left last time.
0:28:52 > 0:28:55- Remind me, this was concrete, wasn't it?- Most of this was concrete.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58- Mostly concrete. - It is a very clean, open space.
0:29:00 > 0:29:04- That is very light, sandy soil. - Yep.- Good for grasses.
0:29:04 > 0:29:09How has the sort of planning and consolidation of ideas gone?
0:29:09 > 0:29:12- Quite well in the end.- Challenging at times. Well in the end.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15Interesting. You said quite well and you said challenging.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18Tells me quite a lot. Let's have a look at plants.
0:29:18 > 0:29:22See what you've got. Obviously this is completely dominated by grass.
0:29:22 > 0:29:26- Yeah.- So I'm guessing this is your lot.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28You've got a stipa there. Stipa gigantea.
0:29:28 > 0:29:33- And I've got Deschampsia cespitosa. - How do you see your grasses forming?
0:29:33 > 0:29:36These ones, I see slightly closer to the house,
0:29:36 > 0:29:39cos they're a little bit more tolerant of the shade.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42I'm not going to lay them out for you cos I want to watch where you put them.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45So it's crunch time for this partnership.
0:29:45 > 0:29:47And as if that's not enough,
0:29:47 > 0:29:50it's all in front of Britain's favourite gardener.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52- I'm thinking nearer the house.- So...
0:29:52 > 0:29:55But obviously we want to cross the boundary.
0:29:55 > 0:29:57Let's put the rest of them through here.
0:29:57 > 0:30:01- Do we want to go the whole way to the path?- Oh, I think so.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04- To your side?- Oh, yes. To the other side of the garden.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07I would have said to keep it more central.
0:30:07 > 0:30:11So what's happened to all that planning, then?
0:30:11 > 0:30:15Have you not come up with one plan that you both agreed?
0:30:15 > 0:30:18- The thing we did... - I did put some stuff down on paper.
0:30:18 > 0:30:22- Yeah, but that was... - But we hadn't spoken about it since.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25Having not done their homework and agreed on a plan together,
0:30:25 > 0:30:30Fliss and Anne aren't making the most of their time with Monty.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34- Ready?- And the clock is ticking.
0:30:34 > 0:30:39- I think it might work but what I was thinking and looking, remember, from Graham's?- Yeah.
0:30:39 > 0:30:44- That he had the same things repeated all the way through his space.- Yeah.
0:30:44 > 0:30:50So I think either you want one continuous band or you want clumps.
0:30:50 > 0:30:54That's what I'm saying. I'd bring that one back in line a bit more.
0:30:54 > 0:30:59Can I keep it out there for the moment? See how the other plants...
0:30:59 > 0:31:05- OK.- Monty's less than impressed. Time to step in.
0:31:05 > 0:31:11You have to decide whether you want an idea repeated or
0:31:11 > 0:31:13whether you want much more solid planting.
0:31:13 > 0:31:18I think in terms of the aesthetic, there are no rules and it's whatever feels right.
0:31:18 > 0:31:22One of the interesting things about what you're doing is you have
0:31:22 > 0:31:24two people with two separate ideas who are going to,
0:31:24 > 0:31:28at some point, have to agree to disagree. Or compromise.
0:31:28 > 0:31:34Thank you, Monty. Now, let's see if they can work together as a team.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36- Put it down as you imagine it.- OK.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39The more we can get on the ground, the more there is to discuss.
0:31:42 > 0:31:46- I think a mixture.- Mixed together. - I think so.- Stick them down.
0:31:46 > 0:31:51- Less talk, more action.- With a clump here.- I don't think that's working.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54The delphinium's so close to the hydrangea you're going to
0:31:54 > 0:31:58have problems with the roots and it won't... It'll be wasted.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00It'll be lost.
0:32:00 > 0:32:04Monty gives Anne a tip about her beloved delphiniums.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07If she removes the spikes as they fade through the summer,
0:32:07 > 0:32:10she may get a second bloom in the autumn.
0:32:12 > 0:32:16I think stipas, because of the way it throws up these enormous
0:32:16 > 0:32:20flower heads, the key thing about them is that they need space.
0:32:20 > 0:32:25Monty likes Fliss's choice of Stipa gigantea, or golden oats.
0:32:25 > 0:32:30He says they're ideal for borders and they grow up to 2.5m high.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33I think, Fliss, it could come here.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36I think it's inevitable there's going to be a little bit of tension.
0:32:36 > 0:32:40Because this is both really important to both of us.
0:32:40 > 0:32:44And a lot of our ideas of what it's going to be are in our head
0:32:44 > 0:32:48so it's quite hard sometimes to articulate exactly what we want.
0:32:48 > 0:32:50And Monty's absolutely right, that sometimes the best thing
0:32:50 > 0:32:52is to pick up a plant and put it somewhere.
0:32:52 > 0:32:57That's sort of performing a role that is coherent under there.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01We have got different ideas and it's quite clear that's slightly coming
0:33:01 > 0:33:07out but I hope in the end that my sort of vision of it
0:33:07 > 0:33:11being one garden really does come to fruition.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13"My vision"?
0:33:13 > 0:33:16Hopefully the next step will pave way to a united vision.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19- Let's get the path sorted. - All right.
0:33:19 > 0:33:23I suggest you two walk where you want it to go
0:33:23 > 0:33:27- and where you come to a plant, move it.- OK. What, start at each...our own door?
0:33:27 > 0:33:30Actually, why don't you go to your door, you go to your door and see where you meet.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33- Go on. OK. Very nice idea. - All right.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40As the neighbours venture through the garden, a path begins to emerge.
0:33:40 > 0:33:44Are we going to meet? Looks like we are. Shall we do...
0:33:44 > 0:33:48I would move that salvia slightly to your right. That's it.
0:33:48 > 0:33:52- And that persicaria a little bit. - Slightly to your... That's it.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55- And you've met in the middle!- Hey!
0:33:55 > 0:33:57Finally, with Monty's guidance and help,
0:33:57 > 0:33:59and not just on the gardening front,
0:33:59 > 0:34:03the neighbours have been brought together.
0:34:03 > 0:34:07So you've got this gentle curve with the central big bed there.
0:34:07 > 0:34:11- Great.- Now it's time to get some plants in the ground.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13With a bit of Monty know-how.
0:34:15 > 0:34:19Stipa gigantea really needs good drainage and full sun.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21And these grow individually.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25- OK.- So you never get them in vast drifts or clumps.
0:34:25 > 0:34:29So if you take it out the pot, that is fairly pot-bound.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32And what I always do in this situation is don't try
0:34:32 > 0:34:35- and unravel it, just break it.- Oh, OK.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38Get your thumb in, or a knife or whatever it may be,
0:34:38 > 0:34:40and just break it like that.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43And what that's going to do is stimulate regrowth.
0:34:43 > 0:34:47- Your lovely soil...- Easy to work.
0:34:47 > 0:34:49Which is the easiest in the world to work
0:34:49 > 0:34:54and for a lot of plants would be too light but for stipa - heaven.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01And you shouldn't have to water it too much.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04Once it's really established and watered in,
0:35:04 > 0:35:07British rain should see it through.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09Give them a good soak once they're planted
0:35:09 > 0:35:12and thereafter most of them will do fine.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18I think Monty is a very calming influence.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21I think that's... That's one of the good things.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24Only because when you don't have somebody to say,
0:35:24 > 0:35:26"Hey, let's not bother about that..."
0:35:26 > 0:35:29- You get fixated on it, don't you? - Yeah, you do.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31Taking you back to the big picture,
0:35:31 > 0:35:33- reminding you that it's one big garden.- Yeah.
0:35:33 > 0:35:37I think it's been really good from that point of view.
0:35:37 > 0:35:41I think we've got somewhere, both on a horticultural and a human level.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44Horticulturally, it's come together
0:35:44 > 0:35:48and on a human level I've sensed a real change throughout the day,
0:35:48 > 0:35:54from slight suspicion and wanting to claim their own sort of input,
0:35:54 > 0:36:00to one of mutual pleasure at sharing the project.
0:36:00 > 0:36:05It's a bonkers idea but if it works, well, how good is that?
0:36:14 > 0:36:17While Fliss and Anne make progress in Oxford, Sally
0:36:17 > 0:36:19and her girls are in need of some inspiration
0:36:19 > 0:36:23so Monty has sent them to Horatio's Garden in Salisbury.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27Wow!
0:36:28 > 0:36:33It's a garden created around a spinal injuries clinic
0:36:33 > 0:36:36and was designed to be a relaxing space for patients.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39- And all the geraniums... - Tina Crossley is the head gardener
0:36:39 > 0:36:43and believes plants do have a therapeutic effect.
0:36:44 > 0:36:49Looking around, the family want to work out which are the plants here that best attract insects.
0:36:49 > 0:36:51So you've seen some bees today then.
0:36:51 > 0:36:54- But have you seen a hummingbird hawk-moth yet?- No.
0:36:54 > 0:36:59- I think that's in my book. - Is it in your book?- I think so.
0:36:59 > 0:37:03You need to keep an eye out because they particularly like these red valerian, here.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06- But also they like any sort of salvia.- Do you know what?
0:37:06 > 0:37:10That's fantastic because we have got three pots of it at home that I grew
0:37:10 > 0:37:13from seeds that are sitting there, waiting to go into our garden.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16And you're going to put them in. Good. Excellent.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18Georgie and Caitlin are very keen to attract butterflies
0:37:18 > 0:37:20into their new garden.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23And Tina has a good tip for them.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28Of course, one of the key shrubs to have, actually, in your garden
0:37:28 > 0:37:32if you want to attract butterflies is a buddleia.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34I have got three tiny...
0:37:34 > 0:37:37I think Monty might laugh when he sees them but these are very
0:37:37 > 0:37:41small because they're little cuttings that are growing on.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44Tina encourages Sally by telling her that propagating buddleia
0:37:44 > 0:37:48from cuttings is a simple and cheap way to fill her garden
0:37:48 > 0:37:51with sweet scent and beautiful blooms.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54She also explains that not only will they flower in summer, but they
0:37:54 > 0:37:58will repeat flower if deadheaded right through to the autumn.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01- What's your favourite, Georgie? - My favourite butterfly?
0:38:01 > 0:38:03I like the blue ones.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06In the summer one year, we had so much verbena
0:38:06 > 0:38:09- and you know the peacock butterflies, which are huge?- Mm.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12There were tonnes of them flying in and they were about the size
0:38:12 > 0:38:17of my hands, each wing, and they had big eyes and I loved watching them.
0:38:18 > 0:38:22Scented plants play an important role in Horatio's Garden
0:38:22 > 0:38:25and it's something the girls are keen to copy at home.
0:38:27 > 0:38:31Georgie, this is one of our oak planters on castors so we can actually move it around.
0:38:31 > 0:38:35- It's been planted by one of the patients.- Smells really amazing.
0:38:35 > 0:38:37- You can smell it?- Yeah.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40But then, of course, we have the rosemary as well,
0:38:40 > 0:38:42which just cascades over the side.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45The borders are dotted with edible plants
0:38:45 > 0:38:47and the girls can't resist helping themselves.
0:38:47 > 0:38:51- Do you want me to pick one for you, Caitlin?- Yes, please.- There you go.
0:38:51 > 0:38:55- Thank you.- Georgie has spotted another edible fragrant favourite.
0:38:55 > 0:39:01It's chives, I think. Yeah, it's chives. We have these, don't we?
0:39:01 > 0:39:04From this whole area, what we have really picked up on
0:39:04 > 0:39:09is just how wonderful it is to have things that you can pick.
0:39:09 > 0:39:15- I love that smell.- We've got a few more ideas for plants for our sort of aromatherapy bit as well.
0:39:15 > 0:39:20So that we can snap them off and get the amazing smells and aromas.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26Inspired by Horatio's Garden, Sally returns home
0:39:26 > 0:39:30and steps up a gear in order to meet her late summer deadline.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35Working all day long, building stone walls
0:39:35 > 0:39:38and filling raised beds in preparation for planting.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43It's now July and the garden is really taking shape.
0:39:44 > 0:39:48But has she managed to stick to her £2,000 budget?
0:39:48 > 0:39:52So far a couple of hundred pounds on sleepers,
0:39:52 > 0:39:55good couple of hundred pounds on plants.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57Lots of free plants, actually.
0:39:57 > 0:40:01Lots of, you know, raiding my sister's garden. That sort of thing.
0:40:01 > 0:40:05Of course, what I still have to do and the big thing is
0:40:05 > 0:40:09putting in the steps, the rail and the water feature.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11That's going to eat up the money now.
0:40:14 > 0:40:18Monty has arrived to assess Sally's progress and lend a helping hand.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22Lots of work's gone on. Big changes.
0:40:22 > 0:40:26Good changes too, because they give a nice strong structure to work around.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29And one feature has caught Monty's eye.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32Quite a lot of bug hotels.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35In fact, I don't think I've seen so many bug hotels.
0:40:35 > 0:40:40One, two, three, four, five, six, seven. Seven in one garden.
0:40:40 > 0:40:46I know that Sally wants help in the placing and choosing and planting.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49Whatever it is, I'll do what I can to help her.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55- Hello, Sally.- Monty! You came in via the back!- I did.
0:40:55 > 0:40:59I slipped in the back way and came and had a look before I came to see you.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02I have to say, I have never seen
0:41:02 > 0:41:05- so many bug hotels in one garden in my life.- Yes.
0:41:05 > 0:41:10The bug hotels have multiplied but I've got lots of plants and flowers for you.
0:41:10 > 0:41:14Of course, I was going to say, the bug hotels are not going to attract any insects at all.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17We've been to so many places,
0:41:17 > 0:41:19the girls and I, over the last six weeks.
0:41:19 > 0:41:23I'm very worried about how to put it all together, actually.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25In what way are you worried?
0:41:25 > 0:41:27I'm worried about getting the planting wrong
0:41:27 > 0:41:31- and not making the most of the plants.- Fine.- That's my concern.
0:41:31 > 0:41:33And obviously, it's an important concern.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36Because in the end, a border, let alone a garden,
0:41:36 > 0:41:38is always a collection of plants.
0:41:38 > 0:41:44And you can have a boring border made out of fascinating plants.
0:41:44 > 0:41:46And you can have a fascinating border made out of very,
0:41:46 > 0:41:48very ordinary plants.
0:41:51 > 0:41:55Sally's been hard at work, collecting all manner of plants.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58But will Monty approve of her choices?
0:41:59 > 0:42:02We've spent a lot of time looking at garden centres
0:42:02 > 0:42:05and in gardens to see where the bees and insects went
0:42:05 > 0:42:08and then chose things that we really liked.
0:42:08 > 0:42:13Since we've put the plants out here, what's been really beautiful is how many bees and the hoverflies
0:42:13 > 0:42:16are just beginning to come out as well, so that's really nice.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19Hoverflies love umbelifers.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22This Verbena bonariensis which, I mean,
0:42:22 > 0:42:24it's not strictly speaking an umbelifer
0:42:24 > 0:42:26but it does have that open flower head.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29The classic ones are fennel, dill...
0:42:29 > 0:42:32These things where you get a...there you are. Perfect.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35- There we go. We've got... There's a dill.- See.
0:42:35 > 0:42:39If you look at that, you've got the umbel, the head,
0:42:39 > 0:42:41all these little tiny florets.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44And the hoverflies just land on them and just dip in to each one.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46They love it.
0:42:46 > 0:42:51- Got lots of veronicas.- Yeah. - And salvias.- Which salvia is this?
0:42:51 > 0:42:55Wonderful firs. Again, fantastic for insects.
0:42:55 > 0:42:59- That salvia, that sagey smell. - That is beautiful.
0:42:59 > 0:43:01- Isn't that lovely?- Yeah.
0:43:03 > 0:43:07These scented plants are sure to be a hit with insects, which is
0:43:07 > 0:43:11just as well given the number of bug hotels the girls hope to fill.
0:43:13 > 0:43:17So, if we put the jasmine here,
0:43:17 > 0:43:23the fact it's going to cover a bit of that bug hotel doesn't matter
0:43:23 > 0:43:26because they like getting behind the cover.
0:43:26 > 0:43:29Let's put the rose in front in the middle of it.
0:43:29 > 0:43:31So we've got three climbers.
0:43:31 > 0:43:34We've got the clematis, which, actually,
0:43:34 > 0:43:36I'd be tempted to grow it through the rose.
0:43:36 > 0:43:41- I think that would be really pretty. - So if we put the clematis there, OK?
0:43:41 > 0:43:44And as the rose grows, we can train it in amongst it.
0:43:44 > 0:43:47Because the girls run their hands through the smelly plants,
0:43:47 > 0:43:51I was wondering about trying to have it all sort of on the edges.
0:43:51 > 0:43:53On the edges. So we want lavender along the edges.
0:43:53 > 0:43:57Yes, the lavender and then we've got a lemon verbena.
0:43:58 > 0:44:01Monty explains that lavender is a hardy shrub that
0:44:01 > 0:44:03flowers during the summer months.
0:44:03 > 0:44:06It's ideal for gardens with a chalky or alkaline soil that is poor
0:44:06 > 0:44:08or moderately fertile.
0:44:10 > 0:44:13He also likes Sally's choice of verbena which he says
0:44:13 > 0:44:15thrives in well drained, sunny spots.
0:44:15 > 0:44:20What we're starting to achieve is a mixed palette of colour.
0:44:20 > 0:44:27A really good section of tiered, multi-layered habitats for insects
0:44:27 > 0:44:31and every plant is producing a flower that is attractive to
0:44:31 > 0:44:33a range of insects.
0:44:33 > 0:44:35So it's really eco rich.
0:44:37 > 0:44:39Now for the shady part of the garden.
0:44:39 > 0:44:41The first thing to go for are ferns.
0:44:41 > 0:44:44And they will take the deeper shade.
0:44:44 > 0:44:47So if you put those into the recesses.
0:44:47 > 0:44:49- I would say underneath there. - Right up under?
0:44:49 > 0:44:52- Next to lily of the valley. Yeah, why not?- OK.
0:44:52 > 0:44:55And arrange that so you make a little grouping of them.
0:44:57 > 0:45:00Monty explains that ferns are an ideal choice for trickier
0:45:00 > 0:45:03parts of the garden.
0:45:03 > 0:45:05There are many varieties.
0:45:05 > 0:45:08He encourages Sally to go for the evergreen ones,
0:45:08 > 0:45:11which offer colour and interest all year round.
0:45:13 > 0:45:19I hope that I've given Sally the confidence to start to stop
0:45:19 > 0:45:22seeing plants as fascinating individuals but as things that can
0:45:22 > 0:45:27be put together to create something greater than the sum of their parts.
0:45:27 > 0:45:29And there is a bit of urgency here. There's still a lot to do.
0:45:29 > 0:45:32The steps, the rail, the pond, the surface.
0:45:32 > 0:45:36This needs to be up and running so Georgie can enjoy it this summer.
0:45:37 > 0:45:41So when I come back, and it's not too long,
0:45:41 > 0:45:45I hope we're going to celebrate the completion of all this.
0:45:50 > 0:45:54While Sally marches on in Pewsey, Fliss and Anne
0:45:54 > 0:45:57are filling out their front garden in Oxford.
0:45:57 > 0:46:00I think we're going to finish off some of the planting groups.
0:46:00 > 0:46:04Maybe we've got four and we need five in a group, or two and we want three.
0:46:04 > 0:46:06I think we need some white on this side of the path.
0:46:06 > 0:46:08And I think that's the trouble with the path.
0:46:08 > 0:46:11We've got to remember we need stuff both sides of the path.
0:46:11 > 0:46:14- So shall we move the last three? - Yeah, and put them in there. Yeah.
0:46:14 > 0:46:17- Yeah, OK. - The neighbours have cracked it.
0:46:17 > 0:46:19Working as one unified team.
0:46:21 > 0:46:24It's really fun today, actually. It's felt really natural.
0:46:24 > 0:46:28We've been singing from the same hymn sheet, which I think has helped.
0:46:28 > 0:46:32- And yeah, it's kind of flowed, I think.- Definitely.
0:46:32 > 0:46:36And I think I did know your grasses would be OK but I also knew
0:46:36 > 0:46:42we'd need to get more of everything in and probably that to be sure
0:46:42 > 0:46:44they're OK, we needed to see some of the grasses up.
0:46:44 > 0:46:48But we're going to get there. I think it's going to be really nice.
0:46:48 > 0:46:51As the planting starts to take shape, the question remains -
0:46:51 > 0:46:55will the garden fulfil both Fliss and Anne's big dream?
0:47:05 > 0:47:12It's now mid-August and our neighbours in Oxford are preparing for their final visit from Monty.
0:47:13 > 0:47:15Fliss and Anne are aiming for perfection.
0:47:17 > 0:47:20But with the elements working against them,
0:47:20 > 0:47:24can they really impress Monty with their joint garden?
0:47:24 > 0:47:28The weather overnight was fairly wet to the point that it woke me up
0:47:28 > 0:47:30at one point, it was so rainy.
0:47:30 > 0:47:32We've also got a bit of a leaky gutter issue which means
0:47:32 > 0:47:35there's a bit of a puddle somewhere in the garden.
0:47:35 > 0:47:37And a great "plop" all night long.
0:47:37 > 0:47:40I've been thinking about this garden for ages
0:47:40 > 0:47:43because it seems to me that there are two really distinct questions.
0:47:43 > 0:47:45The first is, have Fliss and Anne
0:47:45 > 0:47:49made a garden that's greater than the sum of its parts?
0:47:49 > 0:47:54Is the result better than either of them could have achieved separately?
0:47:54 > 0:48:00And the second, and I suspect rather trickier question is, have two
0:48:00 > 0:48:05gardeners made a single garden and still managed to remain friends?
0:48:07 > 0:48:11Earlier this year this plot was two separate,
0:48:11 > 0:48:16unkempt front gardens with concrete, rocks and dandelions.
0:48:17 > 0:48:22Four months on and now it's one harmonious front garden.
0:48:24 > 0:48:28One beautifully planted border is now home to Fliss's much-loved
0:48:28 > 0:48:32grasses, including Stipa gigantea
0:48:32 > 0:48:35and Deschampsia cespitosa.
0:48:37 > 0:48:41All interspersed with the blue and purple blossoms
0:48:41 > 0:48:44of Anne's prized delphiniums and campanulas.
0:48:47 > 0:48:52This team effort is rounded off with a gentle curving path
0:48:52 > 0:48:54that links the neighbours' front doors.
0:49:01 > 0:49:04- You've done it.- Yep. - It looks fantastic.
0:49:04 > 0:49:06- Are you happy?- Very happy.- Yes. Very happy.
0:49:06 > 0:49:09What changes have you made in terms of planting?
0:49:09 > 0:49:11We've put a few new species in.
0:49:11 > 0:49:15Things like the Japanese anemone, the ceratophyllum.
0:49:15 > 0:49:17And then we've bulked things out as well,
0:49:17 > 0:49:19so we've bought more of the same.
0:49:19 > 0:49:23But the most important thing that we did was we laid them all out,
0:49:23 > 0:49:26which is really good because it's much easier, in my opinion,
0:49:26 > 0:49:29- to plan it when you can plonk things down.- I agree.
0:49:29 > 0:49:33I remember one of the suggestions I made was that you limit
0:49:33 > 0:49:36and discipline yourselves in the number of plants and I think
0:49:36 > 0:49:39I referred to the fact that no garden needs more than seven plants.
0:49:39 > 0:49:41How has that worked through?
0:49:41 > 0:49:43I felt a little bit tricked by the seven
0:49:43 > 0:49:46because I felt it was very rigid.
0:49:46 > 0:49:49In retrospect it was helpful because it limited us initially
0:49:49 > 0:49:53and even though now we're up to something like 12 or 13,
0:49:53 > 0:49:57I think having that initial restriction was quite helpful
0:49:57 > 0:49:59because it really pared down what we really wanted.
0:49:59 > 0:50:03- That was the plan. So it worked. Did that work for you?- Yes, it did.
0:50:03 > 0:50:06And I think I sneakily knew we were always going to get a few
0:50:06 > 0:50:10more in but I did like the idea of picking out the basics first
0:50:10 > 0:50:12and the sort of standards.
0:50:12 > 0:50:14And all this has been about the simple fact of taking
0:50:14 > 0:50:19the fence down and creating one garden.
0:50:19 > 0:50:23- Definitely no regrets.- Really? Has it worked out as you expected it to?
0:50:23 > 0:50:27- I think it's better, in many ways. - I'm going to try your path.
0:50:28 > 0:50:33- Well, it's nice and firm.- Oh, good. It was a bit wobbly earlier.
0:50:34 > 0:50:37- It's trying to be slowing you down in places.- I get it.
0:50:37 > 0:50:41- No, it's working.- Quite little steps and then...- It's good.
0:50:46 > 0:50:49Time to show off their new garden to the neighbourhood,
0:50:49 > 0:50:52as well as a familiar face.
0:50:52 > 0:50:56When Fliss and Anne turned up at Marchants Hardy Plants,
0:50:56 > 0:51:00we spent a day chatting away about the meadow there in particular.
0:51:01 > 0:51:05There was a slight edge in places, where one favoured strong colours,
0:51:05 > 0:51:09but they seem to have done it in a very democratic way.
0:51:09 > 0:51:12Absolutely fantastic, what they've achieved.
0:51:13 > 0:51:18Having spent £200 on clearing the plot and £650 on plants,
0:51:18 > 0:51:22Fliss and Anne have money left over for tea and cake all round.
0:51:25 > 0:51:27I just want to say a word or two.
0:51:27 > 0:51:32It's a brave thing to combine two gardens into one,
0:51:32 > 0:51:35if not a foolhardy thing.
0:51:35 > 0:51:39And to be able to still speak to each other and smile and share the
0:51:39 > 0:51:44same space I think shows commendable sort of fortitude and resolve, so...
0:51:44 > 0:51:48And it's right and proper that we're having a cup of tea and celebrating.
0:51:48 > 0:51:51- So well done. Congratulations. - Thank you. Yeah!
0:51:55 > 0:52:01As the guests test out the path, it's clear that two big dreams can become one.
0:52:03 > 0:52:08This is beautiful and it's a joy to see it.
0:52:08 > 0:52:11- It's magnificent, really. - It's great.
0:52:11 > 0:52:15I confess that I was really worried this wouldn't work at all
0:52:15 > 0:52:19because I couldn't see how two very different people could
0:52:19 > 0:52:24agree on something so personal as a garden. But it has worked.
0:52:24 > 0:52:28We got some really, really positive comments back
0:52:28 > 0:52:30and everyone seemed to really enjoy it
0:52:30 > 0:52:35and it's nice to be able to thank people that have helped us as well.
0:52:35 > 0:52:38I think for anybody who's got a front garden that isn't
0:52:38 > 0:52:42really very well used or isn't really particularly interesting,
0:52:42 > 0:52:45it does really increase your ability
0:52:45 > 0:52:49to make a beautiful place if you share some space.
0:53:02 > 0:53:06It's been over six weeks since Monty's last visit to Pewsey
0:53:06 > 0:53:08and Sally's had her work cut out.
0:53:08 > 0:53:11I wanted it done for the summer holidays.
0:53:11 > 0:53:14It's been quite pressurised getting it done in that timeframe
0:53:14 > 0:53:16and trying to do it within a budget,
0:53:16 > 0:53:18cos it's meant I've had to do a lot of the work myself.
0:53:18 > 0:53:22At times I've thought "ugh" but now it's done it's looking quite nice, actually.
0:53:22 > 0:53:27For the final push, Sally has called in her trusty troops one last time.
0:53:27 > 0:53:29I think that the garden's coming on brilliantly.
0:53:29 > 0:53:33I think that Sally's got a good group of friends round who've
0:53:33 > 0:53:37really got together, trying to get it all ready for the big opening.
0:53:37 > 0:53:39The big unveil.
0:53:39 > 0:53:44I think Monty will be really impressed with what Sally's done.
0:53:44 > 0:53:49From a car park to a beautiful oasis for her girls.
0:53:53 > 0:53:56Just a few final touches before Monty arrives.
0:53:57 > 0:54:01It's worth remembering what this garden was for.
0:54:01 > 0:54:05The original idea was to provide Georgie with
0:54:05 > 0:54:09somewhere that she can be outside, where she can sit
0:54:09 > 0:54:13and get some sunshine and study and entertain her friends,
0:54:13 > 0:54:17all as part of her road to recovery.
0:54:17 > 0:54:20Also, it had to serve as part of the family home.
0:54:20 > 0:54:23Now, this is a small space. That's a lot to ask.
0:54:23 > 0:54:25Two quite separate functions.
0:54:25 > 0:54:32Four months ago, Sally's garden was an untidy tarmacked parking space with a wood store.
0:54:34 > 0:54:36Now it's utterly transformed.
0:54:39 > 0:54:42The garden is complete with a rail and pond,
0:54:42 > 0:54:44providing the soothing sound of water.
0:54:47 > 0:54:50Flowering plants, including buddleia and fennel are inviting
0:54:50 > 0:54:56insects to feast and then stay in one of the many bug hotels.
0:54:56 > 0:55:00And the raised borders offer up scents and create a cosy
0:55:00 > 0:55:05and enclosed space, ideal for Georgina and Caitlin.
0:55:06 > 0:55:08This is fantastic.
0:55:11 > 0:55:15- We didn't really plant anything. It was just placing, wasn't it? - We just placed them. Yep.
0:55:15 > 0:55:18And they are looking as though that planting has been there a while.
0:55:18 > 0:55:20It's looking established now.
0:55:20 > 0:55:22It's really done its purpose, bringing all the insects.
0:55:22 > 0:55:25Clouds of butterflies and bees.
0:55:25 > 0:55:28- And I see you've still got insect hotels by the dozen.- Yes.
0:55:28 > 0:55:31I haven't counted them. Have you counted them, Alex?
0:55:31 > 0:55:34There's a lot but they've definitely got bees in them.
0:55:38 > 0:55:42I remember very clearly you wanted somewhere where Georgie can
0:55:42 > 0:55:44come and sit outside. She'd been indoors so much.
0:55:44 > 0:55:47Originally I talked about a seating area.
0:55:47 > 0:55:49I've put bits of slate onto the top of the stone wall,
0:55:49 > 0:55:53where they can sit. Sleepers at seating height.
0:55:53 > 0:55:57And I've also bought these two moon chairs which Georgie
0:55:57 > 0:56:01and Cait absolutely loved and they just snuggle up in them.
0:56:01 > 0:56:04I seem to remember the original plan was to have the rail running through the steps.
0:56:04 > 0:56:09Do you remember you suggested that? And I thought that's a great idea.
0:56:09 > 0:56:11But in actual fact,
0:56:11 > 0:56:14the technical issue was to do with the size of the pond
0:56:14 > 0:56:18and it just made it very difficult and it meant making the pond bigger.
0:56:18 > 0:56:21- Are you happy with it as it is? - Yeah.
0:56:21 > 0:56:23I've got the sound of the running water cos there's a deeper
0:56:23 > 0:56:26- pit as the spout comes out.- Right.
0:56:26 > 0:56:29After what has been quite a lot of hard work,
0:56:29 > 0:56:34- quite a lot of stress, how do you feel about it?- Great, actually.
0:56:34 > 0:56:36It was an unused space. That's the point.
0:56:36 > 0:56:40Now it's a really beautiful spot. It's really relaxed.
0:56:40 > 0:56:44It's great for George to sit and just enjoy being outside.
0:56:44 > 0:56:47It's great for Cait cos there's so much going on.
0:56:52 > 0:56:55- Amazing. It's lovely, isn't it? - It's really nice.
0:56:55 > 0:57:00I think it's way better than I expected. It's amazing.
0:57:00 > 0:57:02I really love it.
0:57:02 > 0:57:05I think it's beautiful with the rail.
0:57:05 > 0:57:08I think my favourite bit's probably the bug house which Caitlin built.
0:57:08 > 0:57:10Monty really helped us.
0:57:10 > 0:57:13Mum was quite scared of doing the water feature.
0:57:14 > 0:57:17And he helped us put our plans into action, really.
0:57:17 > 0:57:19And love hearts on the walls.
0:57:19 > 0:57:23- If it wasn't for Mum and her amazing friends, it wouldn't have happened. - Definitely not.
0:57:26 > 0:57:31Bringing this garden together on time at just under £2,000
0:57:31 > 0:57:36would not have been possible without Sally's army of friends.
0:57:36 > 0:57:41Raise your glasses and toast to the new garden
0:57:41 > 0:57:44and may all who sail in her fare well.
0:57:45 > 0:57:47ALL: CHEERS!
0:57:47 > 0:57:50She's worked hard. Her friends have worked hard but it's worth it.
0:57:50 > 0:57:52It's all come out in the end.
0:57:52 > 0:57:57It's really, really good and I think they're going to get a lot of joy and happiness from it.
0:57:57 > 0:58:00I didn't feel particularly confident about bringing Georgie and Cait's
0:58:00 > 0:58:04dreams alive and I think Monty gave me the confidence to do that.
0:58:04 > 0:58:07To break up a small space into even smaller spaces
0:58:07 > 0:58:10and that worked really well.
0:58:10 > 0:58:13This is a garden that has been made for children,
0:58:13 > 0:58:16it's been conceived by children.
0:58:16 > 0:58:21They've helped in the process and now it's being enjoyed by children.
0:58:21 > 0:58:23And that's a delight.