0:00:02 > 0:00:04With her can-do attitude, love of simple gardens
0:00:04 > 0:00:06- and decades of experience...- Hello!
0:00:06 > 0:00:10..Charlie Dimmock is one of Britain's best loved gardeners.
0:00:10 > 0:00:12Looking good, boys.
0:00:12 > 0:00:14But the new kids on the gardening block
0:00:14 > 0:00:16- are the Rich brothers... - We want to be the brothers
0:00:16 > 0:00:19that change people's perceptions of gardeners.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22Winners of multiple medals at the Chelsea Flower Show...
0:00:22 > 0:00:24- Oh, good turn.- Oh, wow. That's amazing, isn't it?
0:00:24 > 0:00:29..the boys have become known for their dramatic outdoor spaces.
0:00:29 > 0:00:34Now these two different generations of gardening are going head-to-head.
0:00:34 > 0:00:38I know they've got a gold medal, but I can come up with a few ideas.
0:00:38 > 0:00:42They're meeting frustrated garden owners across the country...
0:00:42 > 0:00:45The photos made it look tiny. It is, isn't it?
0:00:45 > 0:00:48- I'm sure you've seen larger. - I don't know what to do with it.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51..and will each pitch them a design based on their needs...
0:00:51 > 0:00:54- Wow!- ..and budget. - That looks really exciting.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56It doesn't look like it could be our garden.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59- The winner...- Ta-dah!
0:00:59 > 0:01:02- ALL:- Whoo! - ..brings their design to life...
0:01:02 > 0:01:04- Hold on. Hold on.- Sweet as a nut.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07..and the loser has to help them build it.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10Oh, I'm getting irritated now. We're sort of faffing around.
0:01:10 > 0:01:11This is what happens...
0:01:11 > 0:01:14- Does he ever get irritated? - All the time.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16..when different stars collide...
0:01:16 > 0:01:18- Who chose these?- One, two, three.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22- This looks like your design!- Yeah!
0:01:22 > 0:01:25..to turn garden dreams into reality.
0:01:25 > 0:01:27- Wow.- Wow!- Open your eyes.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30- Wow.- Wow.- It's amazing.
0:01:30 > 0:01:32- SHE GASPS - It's beautiful.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34HE CHUCKLES
0:01:38 > 0:01:41It's time for Charlie and the Rich brothers
0:01:41 > 0:01:45to find out which garden is on the cards this time.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48Nigel and Sue have been in contact, and they're in Romsey.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51- Ooh, my neck of the woods.- I know. Not very far to travel for this one.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53- No.- Have you chosen this one? - No. Honest!
0:01:56 > 0:02:00Nigel and his wife, Sue, are both semi-retired
0:02:00 > 0:02:04and they downsized to this 1960s bungalow two years ago.
0:02:06 > 0:02:07This bungalow, when we moved in,
0:02:07 > 0:02:11still had the original kitchen and the original bathroom,
0:02:11 > 0:02:14so it was crying out to be redeveloped,
0:02:14 > 0:02:17and it was really time to update it completely and go very contemporary.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19We worked through the bungalow
0:02:19 > 0:02:22and arrived at the back with a new deck,
0:02:22 > 0:02:25and then we were looking at the last stage, which was the garden.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31It took them two long years to get the bungalow just so,
0:02:31 > 0:02:33but now they've added the smart, raised deck,
0:02:33 > 0:02:36the garden is clearly letting the side down.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40I've always been the one
0:02:40 > 0:02:42that's designed the garden and done the planting,
0:02:42 > 0:02:45and Nigel's always mowed the lawn and done the hard landscaping.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48But the garden we've got now is the biggest that we've had,
0:02:48 > 0:02:50so this is quite a challenge for us.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52So, you've got this lovely, modern deck,
0:02:52 > 0:02:54and I think they use it quite a lot.
0:02:54 > 0:02:56Quite high up, by the looks of things.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58Different levels. That's always good, isn't it?
0:02:58 > 0:03:00It does look like the garden slopes away as well.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02I know you're up here on the deck,
0:03:02 > 0:03:05- but it does look like it's going like that.- Yeah.
0:03:06 > 0:03:08It may look featureless,
0:03:08 > 0:03:11but in his early attempts to do something about it,
0:03:11 > 0:03:14Nigel uncovered a gem at the bottom of the plot.
0:03:14 > 0:03:19It was just hedges, bracken, and it wasn't till I started
0:03:19 > 0:03:21hacking away and looking behind it
0:03:21 > 0:03:24that we actually found that there's a stream at the end.
0:03:27 > 0:03:31They have two grandchildren and I think what's key with this design
0:03:31 > 0:03:34is to actually create a garden not only for them,
0:03:34 > 0:03:35but for children as well.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40Having spent a lot of money on the house,
0:03:40 > 0:03:43Sue and Nigel don't want to scrimp on the garden.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47- So, we've got £8,000 to spend on this.- Wow. Wow.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50- That's a massive sum of money. Brilliant.- I'm excited about this.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52Brings a bit of pressure on, though, doesn't it?
0:03:52 > 0:03:55We have to create something quite special for them.
0:03:55 > 0:04:00£8,000 is a big budget, even for a large garden,
0:04:00 > 0:04:03but it couldn't be more important to Nigel and Sue.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05I think, once the garden's done,
0:04:05 > 0:04:07it will be lovely to be able to just go out there
0:04:07 > 0:04:09for the peace and tranquillity.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11For me, it will be completion.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14We've had a large project, we've dealt with it
0:04:14 > 0:04:16and we're finally completing it,
0:04:16 > 0:04:20so I can have some peace, enjoyment and get on with life.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23With such a big budget on the table,
0:04:23 > 0:04:26Charlie and the Rich brothers want to find out more
0:04:26 > 0:04:28about what the couple have done with the house
0:04:28 > 0:04:30and how they see the garden.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38So, they're heading to Romsey in search of inspiration.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43- Now, that is what I call a deck. - Very modern.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47- I kind of feel like the seating is covered, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50- Don't have to worry about furniture for the garden.- No.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54And these old apple trees - do they stay or do they go?
0:04:54 > 0:04:56I think they've probably got to stay, but...
0:04:56 > 0:04:58- They've obviously been here a long time.- They have.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01- Quite gnarled, aren't they?- Yeah. - Got quite a lot of character.
0:05:01 > 0:05:03- There's the brook.- Ah, yeah.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06- It's quite all right, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08It's quite nice it's got a little seating area here.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10We need to give them a nice journey through the garden
0:05:10 > 0:05:13or maybe something nice to look back on would be great.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16The existing garden may be a mixed bag,
0:05:16 > 0:05:17but the boys now want to check out
0:05:17 > 0:05:20Nigel and Sue's freshly decorated bungalow.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25Meanwhile, Charlie is getting to know the couple.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27So, what do you want from the garden?
0:05:27 > 0:05:29Well, we'd like to be able to reflect,
0:05:29 > 0:05:31in the garden, what we've done to the bungalow.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34We've obviously modernised it and it's quite contemporary.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37- So, something quite sleek and modern?- Yes.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39We also like to use it for relaxing in,
0:05:39 > 0:05:42but I do like to potter in the garden, so I...
0:05:42 > 0:05:44- So, it hasn't got to be totally no maintenance?- No. No, no, no.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47I do like to spend a lot of time out there.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49Loving this island as well. Quite modern, isn't it?
0:05:49 > 0:05:51Very modern. Very minimalist, as well.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55- So, I think the style in the garden needs to reflect this.- Yeah.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58- And a lot of horizontal lines. A lot of verticals, as well.- Yeah.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00So, taking that into the garden, maybe splitting it up,
0:06:00 > 0:06:03- drawing your eye down the bottom of the garden, maybe.- Yeah.
0:06:03 > 0:06:08I do like soft colours - lilacs, purples, whites -
0:06:08 > 0:06:11but with perhaps some statement plants in amongst them.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13And I'm quite accepting of what Sue wants, really.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16I'll throw in an idea and she'll just continue to throw it out.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18- THEY LAUGH - OK. You do what you're told.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20- Yeah, exactly. - HE CHUCKLES
0:06:20 > 0:06:23And look at that. It's so much glass, isn't it?
0:06:23 > 0:06:25- Yeah.- Especially when you're sitting here.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27Kind of really opens up the whole garden.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30Yeah, you can really feel the indoor/outdoor rooms.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32They've got a lovely deck, but after that,
0:06:32 > 0:06:34- there's nothing much. - You're elevated up here, as well,
0:06:34 > 0:06:37so I think the garden will be really important to look down upon.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41From here, at the moment, you can see the whole of the garden.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43Do you want to keep it that way?
0:06:43 > 0:06:45No, I don't mind it being split up
0:06:45 > 0:06:46because it's quite a long garden.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49So, it would be quite nice, perhaps, to have different areas
0:06:49 > 0:06:52so you have to follow the garden through
0:06:52 > 0:06:54- to actually get to the brook at the bottom.- OK.- Yeah.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57Lots of food for thought there.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01£8,000 is a serious budget,
0:07:01 > 0:07:05but this garden can't afford to fall short.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07Charlie and the brothers need to design something
0:07:07 > 0:07:10with proper wow factor to match the elegant deck
0:07:10 > 0:07:13and complement the high-spec house.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17The designers waste no more time
0:07:17 > 0:07:20and get straight to their drawing boards.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22Each of them has to come up with a design
0:07:22 > 0:07:26for Nigel and Sue's garden that will work within their budget.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28The couple then choose a winner
0:07:28 > 0:07:31and the loser has to help build the garden.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38- Should be interesting. - So, who will the couple go for?
0:07:39 > 0:07:42The Rich brothers are known for their modern designs
0:07:42 > 0:07:45and will be confident they can come up with a match
0:07:45 > 0:07:47for Sue's stylish interior...
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- Here is our design.- Whoa! - HE CHUCKLES
0:07:50 > 0:07:53..but Charlie's learnt how Sue is a secret potterer
0:07:53 > 0:07:56who loves her soft planting.
0:07:56 > 0:07:57Wow.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01Who's got the design this couple have been hoping for?
0:08:01 > 0:08:04You've obviously got a great deck here you guys love to use.
0:08:04 > 0:08:05So, not only do we need to give you a garden
0:08:05 > 0:08:07that's really nice to be in,
0:08:07 > 0:08:09it also needs to look great when you're up here
0:08:09 > 0:08:11cos it's, like, the main social space.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13And we've split it up into sections.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16So, we've got a front section here, which is just off the deck.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19It's made up of very geometric, very modern-style planting beds.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23We'd use really fluid grasses, really natural-style planting,
0:08:23 > 0:08:24but quite vivid colours.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26So, picking up on some of the colours in the house,
0:08:26 > 0:08:28we've got the purples, the whites,
0:08:28 > 0:08:30but also some vibrant greens as well.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34For me, your garden is a garden of two halves.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37So, this area here, the seating area, says to me,
0:08:37 > 0:08:40"Seaside. Open. Sunny."
0:08:40 > 0:08:42So, with the planting underneath,
0:08:42 > 0:08:45I've gone for what I would call seasidey plants,
0:08:45 > 0:08:48so lots of plants that have got blue, green foliage,
0:08:48 > 0:08:52and grasses, and three upright, clump-forming bamboos.
0:08:52 > 0:08:57So, any slight breeze, they will move and dance around.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00So, the boys have focused on
0:09:00 > 0:09:02designing the garden around the deck,
0:09:02 > 0:09:04but Charlie's gone way out
0:09:04 > 0:09:08by offering a seaside garden in suburban Romsey.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13The next challenge was to create something
0:09:13 > 0:09:15for the couple's grandchildren.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17We've got this lovely avenue that leads up
0:09:17 > 0:09:19through to where the more open lawn area is.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21This is lovely for the grandchildren.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23Gives these lovely routes to run around.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25Loads of open space to play in.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27So, we've got these kind of quite contemporary,
0:09:27 > 0:09:29quite modern pleached trees.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32It kind of gives this more of an enclosed feeling as well.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34Again, we've kept the planting running down
0:09:34 > 0:09:37so that the colour keeps going through the garden as well,
0:09:37 > 0:09:39so your eye really gets drawn down the garden.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44Knowing that the couple want a garden to relax in,
0:09:44 > 0:09:47Charlie's proposing an extra seating area.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50I thought it would be nice to have a seating area
0:09:50 > 0:09:52that's at garden level as well,
0:09:52 > 0:09:55so I've got a pergola here with a seating area.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59Then, to divide it off, we have a pool here -
0:09:59 > 0:10:02very shallow, no maintenance to it at all -
0:10:02 > 0:10:07and then back planted with multi-stem birches,
0:10:07 > 0:10:09so that will divide the garden off
0:10:09 > 0:10:13and make that into a room on its own.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16And these, again, are just very straightforward,
0:10:16 > 0:10:20simple arches, which will frame the view.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24The final challenge was what to do with the brook
0:10:24 > 0:10:26at the bottom of the garden.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29Then you get to the second half of the garden,
0:10:29 > 0:10:34and this is a proper bog garden, so that it doesn't dry out.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38These are bands of poured concrete.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42So, that's one step, two step, three step,
0:10:42 > 0:10:46then over to your seating area at the bottom.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48This bottom area, we've left kind of quite open
0:10:48 > 0:10:50and we let it grow a little bit more wild.
0:10:50 > 0:10:51I think it's just an overall progression
0:10:51 > 0:10:54that goes from being quite modern, which really reflects the house,
0:10:54 > 0:10:57so the closest part of the garden links really well with that.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59As you drift off towards the brook,
0:10:59 > 0:11:02it gets slightly more wild, much more natural.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05- It does look good.- Mm. - That's it. Time's up.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08Cheers. Thanks, guys.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11It's now up to Nigel and Sue to decide.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13I like things in both of them, really.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15I like the hard landscaping on this one,
0:11:15 > 0:11:20but then I'm drawn back here to the arches, the pergola.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23The couple want a beautiful, modern space
0:11:23 > 0:11:27to enjoy their future retirement in, and they're genuinely torn.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29I do like all the planting there,
0:11:29 > 0:11:32- and it's very straight-edged, very contemporary, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35But I also like this one, which is round the decking.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37- Yeah.- Which way to go? - It looks great.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39Yeah, it's very, very difficult.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43But only one design can win.
0:11:43 > 0:11:48So, will it be Harry and David's simple, clean, contemporary lines
0:11:48 > 0:11:51leading to a more natural space at the bottom of the garden?
0:11:54 > 0:11:55Or will Charlie's design,
0:11:55 > 0:11:58with its gently bubbling water feature
0:11:58 > 0:12:02and seaside-inspired planting, prevail?
0:12:02 > 0:12:03It's decision time.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08- Hello.- Hi.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11This was a really difficult decision.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13We loved them both.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15But the one we have chosen
0:12:15 > 0:12:19we think is probably more practical for our use.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21- So...- Are you ready?- Yeah.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27- Ooh!- Charlie. - Oh, nice! Look at that.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- I got a contemporary one for once.- Dammit!
0:12:30 > 0:12:32I never normally get the contemporary ones.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34I'm really pleased.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- Cool. What was it that...? - Well, we loved the water feature -
0:12:37 > 0:12:40obviously, Charlie's renowned for her water features -
0:12:40 > 0:12:44- and the other seating area. - Wow.- We really appreciate it.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48Charlie is delighted, but the garden she's proposing is very modern
0:12:48 > 0:12:51so she's way out of her comfort zone.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55She's going to really need the boys' contemporary garden skills
0:12:55 > 0:12:56to pull it off.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04It's an early and wet start in Romsey,
0:13:04 > 0:13:08and landscapers Scott and Adam mean business.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12With a pond, a patio and plenty of beds to dig,
0:13:12 > 0:13:14a mini digger is the only thing for it.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19However, they'd barely started,
0:13:19 > 0:13:22and project manager Kate has unearthed a problem.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25We've got a slight issue in that there's a long water pipe
0:13:25 > 0:13:29running all the way down the garden down to the little brook,
0:13:29 > 0:13:31so anything we put in,
0:13:31 > 0:13:34we've got to be really careful we don't hit that water pipe.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36So, we've just got to shift things
0:13:36 > 0:13:39about half a metre into the garden a bit more.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43In order to keep the whole design working in unison,
0:13:43 > 0:13:48every element of Charlie's design will need to move 50cm to the left,
0:13:48 > 0:13:52which means downing tools and getting the line-marking paint out.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55We're really having to shift things about, but it's fine.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58Charlie will be here in a minute and we'll have a chat with her.
0:13:58 > 0:13:59And when she arrives,
0:13:59 > 0:14:04she spots straightaway that the move could have serious repercussions.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07I think because, if we've got that bed going that way,
0:14:07 > 0:14:10I don't want to have the trees right in front of the windows.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14If we could bring it a bit more this way so it's in line with that.
0:14:14 > 0:14:15- OK.- Yeah?
0:14:19 > 0:14:23With a few tweaks here and there, the digger gets fired up again.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26People think that diggers make life much quicker,
0:14:26 > 0:14:28but unless you know what you're doing,
0:14:28 > 0:14:30it can make things way worse.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32- They can make a whole lot of mess.- Yes.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37Luckily, Scott's passed his digger proficiency test
0:14:37 > 0:14:40and makes short work of carving out the water feature.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44Charlie's design is very contemporary,
0:14:44 > 0:14:47and because she's not used to creating this style of garden,
0:14:47 > 0:14:50she's keen to oversee every detail.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56Clean, crisp lines
0:14:56 > 0:14:59are an intrinsic part of contemporary gardens.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05Materials tend to be timeless and often natural,
0:15:05 > 0:15:08like slate, wood and stone,
0:15:08 > 0:15:12and planting becomes part of the architecture of the space.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14Clipped evergreens, statement trees
0:15:14 > 0:15:17and blocks of planting all feature heavily.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24In Sue and Nigel's garden,
0:15:24 > 0:15:28Charlie's designed a sharp, symmetrical water feature,
0:15:28 > 0:15:31and Adam's making a start on building its structure.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36That's gone in nice and true now.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39Then you can double-check your line along the inside
0:15:39 > 0:15:41with the straight edge of your spirit level.
0:15:41 > 0:15:42Anywhere where you get any gaps,
0:15:42 > 0:15:44you'll see you're not in a straight line,
0:15:44 > 0:15:46so you can just tap in like that
0:15:46 > 0:15:48till it's touching all the way along the face.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51Then you know you've got a perfectly straight wall.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56But Scott's had to abandon his toy again
0:15:56 > 0:15:59in favour of good, old-fashioned manual labour.
0:15:59 > 0:16:03The soil in Sue and Nigel's garden is not the easiest.
0:16:03 > 0:16:07So, we're just stripping the turf off for the flowerbeds.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10It's quite hard cos the roots of the lawn
0:16:10 > 0:16:12have gone into the soil quite deep
0:16:12 > 0:16:17cos it's quite dry, stony soil, which turf likes.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21In fact, it's a little bit difficult to get off, but we're getting there.
0:16:23 > 0:16:27Accommodating the pipe has meant repositioning some of the beds,
0:16:27 > 0:16:31so Charlie decides to keep Sue in the loop.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35- Now, if you remember rightly, this is flowerbed here...- Yeah.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39- ..and then it wraps round your deck and runs down there.- That's right.
0:16:39 > 0:16:45My concern is that this will make that access point very narrow.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49- Right, OK.- And I just think the plants might be a little lost there.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53- Yeah, yeah.- So, what I'm thinking is that the border comes off this way.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57- Oh, I see.- So, you see, you'll walk round like this.- Round it, yeah.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01The other thing about doing that - it will end up screening the shed.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03Yes, that's a good idea.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07With the client satisfied,
0:17:07 > 0:17:10Charlie's next job is to approve the tiles
0:17:10 > 0:17:12that will go around the edge of the new water feature.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18That is actually the same colour as the surround of the deck, isn't it?
0:17:18 > 0:17:21- It is. That's perfect. - Fab. Ooh, I'm pleased with that.
0:17:21 > 0:17:25- I'm happy.- Good. - Very happy, actually.- So am I.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27And I do believe there's a cup of tea.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30As if they heard the kettle boiling, Harry and David have arrived
0:17:30 > 0:17:33and get up to speed with a briefing from the boss.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38- Stating the obvious... - You have ginger hair?
0:17:38 > 0:17:40..this is a big garden
0:17:40 > 0:17:43- and there's a lot going on. - Yes.- Yeah.- Lots to do.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47- What have you got us into? - It should look amazing.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50I think you boys are going to be the construction boys today.
0:17:50 > 0:17:55- So, all the Ps - pergola, planting...- Paving.- ..paving.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57As long as it's pub at the end of that, I don't mind.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59- THEY LAUGH - You'll be too tired.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08So, the brothers get straight on with laying the paving.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11Charlie has designed a series of stepping stones
0:18:11 > 0:18:13that will lead down to the brook.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17Charlie's decided to use these concrete paviers here.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19And as you can see with the colour, it's dark grey,
0:18:19 > 0:18:21and this matches in with the terrace at the top,
0:18:21 > 0:18:24so there's that lovely kind of unifying aspect.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26What's really nice about these - it's got a lovely, coarse texture
0:18:26 > 0:18:28and really gives a lot of grip.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30And it also has this beautiful little fleck in,
0:18:30 > 0:18:32so the light really captures it.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35And as you walk down the path, it's going to taper in to the brook,
0:18:35 > 0:18:37which gives this sense of perspective
0:18:37 > 0:18:39and really leads your eye down the garden.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42The wheel is terrible.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45Meanwhile, Charlie's had a delivery.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50It's a bit like Christmas. Don't know what's in these boxes.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53I'm hoping there's some planters for...
0:18:53 > 0:18:56Well, I've got planters in two different areas.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59Underneath the pergola, there's going to be two planters.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03It was going to be a flowerbed, but there's a big drain pipe there,
0:19:03 > 0:19:05so we don't really want to plant in there now,
0:19:05 > 0:19:08so we're going to put some planters over the top.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10Ooh, look. This is going to be fun.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21- METAL CLANGS - As you can hear, they're metal.
0:19:24 > 0:19:25Now, that's lovely.
0:19:25 > 0:19:29So, that's going to pick up the formality of the deck
0:19:29 > 0:19:33and then that planted up with lots of glaucous
0:19:33 > 0:19:36or silver grey leaves should look fabulous.
0:19:37 > 0:19:38One.
0:19:42 > 0:19:48But it's not long before Adam calls upon her water feature expertise.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51The next job is to make it watertight with a pond liner.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54That's expert scissor work.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57But first, a little cushioning is required.
0:19:58 > 0:19:59There we go.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03So, we're basically going to protect the liner.
0:20:03 > 0:20:04It's a rubber liner.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06And the breeze blocks have got really quite a sharp edge.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08You could bevel it off.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11We're using this bonded fibre, which doesn't rot away.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15You could use an old blanket or some carpet.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18Anything that just protects that edge
0:20:18 > 0:20:22because the pressure of the water will be quite large on the corners.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29And once all the sharp bits are covered,
0:20:29 > 0:20:30the liner can go on.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33We're using a box liner,
0:20:33 > 0:20:38so the rubber has been welded into a shape to form this rectangle
0:20:38 > 0:20:43that's five metres long, a metre and a half wide, 20cm deep,
0:20:43 > 0:20:46which means it looks really neat and tidy,
0:20:46 > 0:20:48but it does also mean that you have to be
0:20:48 > 0:20:51- exactly right with your measurements.- Exactly, yes.
0:20:53 > 0:20:59At £122, it's more expensive to go for the pre-formed option,
0:20:59 > 0:21:01but it gives a much neater finish.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06- That's really nice. - That is so neat, isn't it?
0:21:06 > 0:21:09At least it proves my block work went in nicely.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13- THEY LAUGH - Water on?- Oh, yes.- Here we go.
0:21:15 > 0:21:20Really, it's just a case now of waiting for the pool to fill up...
0:21:20 > 0:21:23- Yeah.- ..cos we need the liner to sit right in position
0:21:23 > 0:21:25before we put the capping tiles on.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31At the bottom of the plot,
0:21:31 > 0:21:35Charlie's bog garden will be accessed by a new path.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38And the brothers are making good progress.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41These paviers should be really easy to lay.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44What I'm doing at the moment is I'm just digging out a depth of soil,
0:21:44 > 0:21:48and that's so I'm able to put in a nice layer of sharp sand and cement,
0:21:48 > 0:21:49and that'll be a dry mix.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52And then what we'll do is we'll bed these on top of them.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54The most difficult thing about this site here
0:21:54 > 0:21:57is that it's on a slope towards the brook.
0:21:57 > 0:21:58You've got to find that balance
0:21:58 > 0:22:00between what works really well with the level,
0:22:00 > 0:22:02but what works really well with your eye,
0:22:02 > 0:22:05cos we don't want to end up with all these steps and staggered paviers.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12Rather than one continuous run of stepping stones,
0:22:12 > 0:22:16Charlie has decided four separate sections work better with the slope.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20Meanwhile, out the front,
0:22:20 > 0:22:25a jungle has just arrived on the back of a lorry.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28The bamboos are a little bit bigger than I was expecting,
0:22:28 > 0:22:31but they'll definitely make a statement.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33Comes with bird's nest.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37- Do it together, yeah?- Yeah.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40Sue and Nigel's £8,000 budget
0:22:40 > 0:22:43has enabled Charlie to buy some mature bamboos and trees
0:22:43 > 0:22:45to add instant height.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51Using height in a garden is essential to garden designers...
0:22:52 > 0:22:56..but it doesn't have to be added in the form of plants and trees.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00Garden structures like pergolas and arches can be bought
0:23:00 > 0:23:03in a whole range of different shapes and sizes.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08They separate the garden into different areas
0:23:08 > 0:23:12and can provide a framework for all manner of beautiful climbers.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18Definitely go that way. Not a lot.
0:23:18 > 0:23:19Bit more.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23In Sue and Nigel's garden, Charlie is using the tall bamboos
0:23:23 > 0:23:27to link the deck to the rest of the garden.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30That... And it frames that maple.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32- Do you think that's right, David? - Yeah, I think that's nice.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34It frames that, especially with those there.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36- That leads you down, doesn't it?- Ta-dah!
0:23:36 > 0:23:39- And then your third would go...? - On the end there.- Oh, beautiful.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41- It encloses this space nicely, doesn't it?- Yeah.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44- I can imagine myself sitting down. - Well, don't sit down.
0:23:44 > 0:23:45And they'll spread out and...
0:23:45 > 0:23:48- Keep working! Keep working, boy! - SHE LAUGHS
0:23:52 > 0:23:56Placing them is one thing. Planting them is another.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58If ripping out the turf wasn't enough,
0:23:58 > 0:24:01Scott and the team now have to dig through
0:24:01 > 0:24:03the same soil to plant the bamboo.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06With the boys hard at work,
0:24:06 > 0:24:10Charlie and Kate can move on to the border below the deck.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16So, planting-wise, this top end of the garden
0:24:16 > 0:24:20is using lots of blues, silvers and purples,
0:24:20 > 0:24:22so it looks quite seasidey.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25So, quite glamorous flowers with the alliums
0:24:25 > 0:24:27and these beautiful bearded iris.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31And bearded iris love a really hot position.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34This is perovskia - Russian sage.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36Sort of gets to about this height
0:24:36 > 0:24:40and it has these sort of fluffy, purpley, lilac flowers.
0:24:44 > 0:24:49And then, for a bit of structure, we've got these little hebes,
0:24:49 > 0:24:51which sort of end up as a round, blobby shape.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54That's a technical term, that is.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04At the cooler end of the garden by the brook,
0:25:04 > 0:25:07David and Harry have got the power tools out.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16The reason Charlie's left gaps here between paviers
0:25:16 > 0:25:18is so she can fill it with the cobbled stones.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20This will add texture to where you're walking.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23A different material will contrast the paviers, which will be nice.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25And then also it'll give some of the self-seeding plants
0:25:25 > 0:25:28an opportunity to seed in here and grow up between,
0:25:28 > 0:25:32and then that'll really help soften the straight, contemporary edges.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40And the boss is impressed.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44It's like stepping stones galore round here.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47- Stairway To Heaven down here, Charlie.- Stairway To Heaven.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50- That looks good.- Yeah? - Happy?- That's good.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53- It's a zebra crossing. - It is a bit of a zebra crossing.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56We've got zebras down this end. We've got pandas up that end.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59- Mad bamboo over there. - Dolphins in the rill.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01- And a few monkeys doing the work. - ALL LAUGH
0:26:01 > 0:26:04I didn't say that. It's very good. That's great.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06It's been more tricky than we thought
0:26:06 > 0:26:09cos the whole land is going down and across.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11- Yeah, and the soil is quite damp down here.- Yeah.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13But all those hostas and everything...
0:26:13 > 0:26:15The maple's going to love it down here.
0:26:19 > 0:26:25Back at the big dig, Scott's managed to excavate a hole for the bamboo.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27Have you hit Australia, mate?
0:26:27 > 0:26:30- Think so. - THEY LAUGH
0:26:30 > 0:26:35- Now, what I'd like to do is, with these pots...- Yeah.
0:26:35 > 0:26:40- ..take the handles off...- OK. - ..and then slash the sides.- Right.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46If it's not controlled, some bamboo can send out runners
0:26:46 > 0:26:49just beneath the surface of the soil.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51A lot of people are worried about planting bamboos
0:26:51 > 0:26:54into the soil because they can take over.
0:26:54 > 0:26:59We've gone for a clump-forming one, so that'll keep it contained anyhow,
0:26:59 > 0:27:02but what I'm also doing is planting them in their pots.
0:27:02 > 0:27:06We've slashed the pots, so that'll let water and nutrients in,
0:27:06 > 0:27:08but it'll also contain the bamboo
0:27:08 > 0:27:11cos I want to keep that upright shape.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14I don't want to make a hedge of bamboo.
0:27:17 > 0:27:18- That one there.- Here?- Yeah.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23The reason people grow bamboos is,
0:27:23 > 0:27:26when it's windy, you get a lovely noise.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30So, it's good for a sensory garden. It's also grown for the stems.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32Now, to get the best of both worlds,
0:27:32 > 0:27:36if you just clear the lower metre and a half
0:27:36 > 0:27:41of stems of the small foliage, you highlight the canes even more.
0:27:41 > 0:27:42And these canes look fabulous
0:27:42 > 0:27:46because they're half golden yellow and half green.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55One down, Scott. Only two more to go.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05Meanwhile, Harry and David are preparing the ground
0:28:05 > 0:28:09for the wooden subframe for the new patio.
0:28:09 > 0:28:10Due to a change in level,
0:28:10 > 0:28:12we're creating this box frame round the outside,
0:28:12 > 0:28:14which will help us with that level change,
0:28:14 > 0:28:17but also tie in with the rest of the wood in the garden,
0:28:17 > 0:28:19creating this really nice, level patio space.
0:28:22 > 0:28:26And with the help of Adam's expert carpentry skills,
0:28:26 > 0:28:28the frame's knocked up in no time.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31- Ooh! Through the bamboo. - HE LAUGHS
0:28:35 > 0:28:38- Down she comes.- Without knocking Scott out or into the pond.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42- Ooh, hello.- There we go.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44There we go. That's pretty good.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51Charlie's back on water feature detail,
0:28:51 > 0:28:54where Scott is adding lovely, contemporary, slate grey tiles.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57Thank you very much.
0:28:57 > 0:29:01Because Nigel and Sue don't want anything too much like hard work -
0:29:01 > 0:29:06a pond - I've gone for this body of water - a canal of water -
0:29:06 > 0:29:08with two pumps sat in it that are just going to bubble.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11We're going to put a treatment in which'll keep it crystal clear
0:29:11 > 0:29:14and the only thing they'll really have to do
0:29:14 > 0:29:16is top it up because of evaporation.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20And then, come the wintertime, take the pumps out, clean them up
0:29:20 > 0:29:24and store them in the shed so that they don't get frozen solid.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29This very contemporary, man-made canal
0:29:29 > 0:29:30will be a stark contrast
0:29:30 > 0:29:33to the natural brook at the end of the garden.
0:29:37 > 0:29:41Naturally occurring water in a garden is a gift
0:29:41 > 0:29:44and an opportunity to grow a whole range of plants.
0:29:48 > 0:29:52No-one appreciated that more than horticulturalist Beth Chatto
0:29:52 > 0:29:54when she created her garden in Essex.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59The garden is home to four natural ponds
0:29:59 > 0:30:02and a fabulous range of damp-loving plants
0:30:02 > 0:30:03grow on their banks.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09Many plants look wonderful by water.
0:30:09 > 0:30:11You can have great fun playing with all the foliage types,
0:30:11 > 0:30:14the shape of plants, the texture.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17Giant gunneras, for example, you can use.
0:30:17 > 0:30:18This grass, miscanthus.
0:30:18 > 0:30:22So, it's going to come up and be maybe 4ft, 5ft high.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25This is the sensitive fern - onoclea sensibilis -
0:30:25 > 0:30:28and they're going to toughen up and be quite a darker green.
0:30:28 > 0:30:32So, it's an ever-changing thing, seen as the season goes on.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38Next to the water, almost on the water's edge,
0:30:38 > 0:30:43you can be looking at plants that will grow both in the water
0:30:43 > 0:30:44and in some boggy soil.
0:30:44 > 0:30:48Many of the iris, for example. Astilbes, people love to grow.
0:30:48 > 0:30:49They're quite shallow-rooting,
0:30:49 > 0:30:52but they do want moisture on the top of the soil
0:30:52 > 0:30:54to stop them shrivelling up in the summer
0:30:54 > 0:30:55when they're in full growth.
0:30:57 > 0:30:59Water in a garden is another surface,
0:30:59 > 0:31:04like a deck or a patio, that really earns its keep in a design.
0:31:04 > 0:31:06For every plant you place around it,
0:31:06 > 0:31:09you effectively get two for the price of one -
0:31:09 > 0:31:13the plant itself and its reflection in the water.
0:31:16 > 0:31:18The reflections of just simple things
0:31:18 > 0:31:20like trees and shrubs around the pond,
0:31:20 > 0:31:22you know, at certain times and certain light -
0:31:22 > 0:31:26maybe the beginning of the day and the evening - just look magical.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37Back in Romsey, Charlie wants to include
0:31:37 > 0:31:41some damp-loving plants in Sue and Nigel's garden,
0:31:41 > 0:31:44so she's creating a new planting area down by the brook.
0:31:44 > 0:31:48Now, this area here is going to be the bogged garden.
0:31:48 > 0:31:49It's a really lovely, shady area,
0:31:49 > 0:31:53and although there's a natural boggy section down by the brook,
0:31:53 > 0:31:58I just want to make sure that this actually stays damp all year round,
0:31:58 > 0:32:00so I'm going to line the bottom of the hole.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04The liner Charlie has used is rubber,
0:32:04 > 0:32:07but because it's going to be buried underneath the soil
0:32:07 > 0:32:10where the sun's UV rays won't damage it,
0:32:10 > 0:32:13a cheaper PVC liner would be fine, too.
0:32:14 > 0:32:18Quite often, people put a liner in and then pierce holes in it.
0:32:18 > 0:32:22Don't do that because it will still dry out.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25The best thing to do is just line the bottom of the hole
0:32:25 > 0:32:29and leave about a four to six-inch gap to the top of the hole
0:32:29 > 0:32:32so if it rains lots and lots, the liner will fill up,
0:32:32 > 0:32:35but then any extra water will just percolate over
0:32:35 > 0:32:36and naturally drain away.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47Right. That's the liner trimmed up.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50Now it's a case of putting all that soil back in here.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01Now, it's David's turn to have a go at the ground.
0:33:01 > 0:33:07Charlie's asked him to dig the holes for the new statement trees.
0:33:07 > 0:33:08Oh, it's hard.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15- Good game, this, David, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:33:15 > 0:33:17You're digging a hole, I'm filling a hole.
0:33:17 > 0:33:22- Let's swap. This isn't fun. - I know. It's not fun here either.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24At least this is shady down here.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30On her design, Charlie has three magnificent,
0:33:30 > 0:33:32multi-stemmed birches next to the canal
0:33:32 > 0:33:35to screen off that seating area
0:33:35 > 0:33:39and create a beautiful, serene outside lounge.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42However, due to the slight adjustment she needed to make
0:33:42 > 0:33:47to her design earlier, she now feels two trees are plenty for the space.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53But they're so big, the boys need the wheelbarrow to get them in.
0:33:53 > 0:33:57- Let me know when you need to... - You need to go that way a bit.
0:33:57 > 0:33:58That's it. Whoa!
0:33:59 > 0:34:03One feels that the wheelbarrow is protesting somewhat.
0:34:03 > 0:34:07WHEEL SQUEAKS
0:34:16 > 0:34:18It's going in.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21Fantastic. There we are.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23Well done, brother. Well done, people.
0:34:23 > 0:34:24Same again.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27SHE GROANS
0:34:27 > 0:34:28OK?
0:34:28 > 0:34:32WHEEL SQUEAKS
0:34:32 > 0:34:35- HARRY CHUCKLES - It ain't happy, is it?
0:34:35 > 0:34:38- Sounds like my wallet opening. - Or is that your back, Scott?
0:34:38 > 0:34:41- I think we to need oil these hinges, don't we?- Yeah.
0:34:41 > 0:34:43And then we're in.
0:34:44 > 0:34:49- Look at that!- That's nice, isn't it? - Silver birch - one of my favourites.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51Why did you choose this, Charlie?
0:34:51 > 0:34:54- I chose the silver birch, one, to screen...- Yeah.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56..one, to still be able to plant underneath
0:34:56 > 0:34:57because the shade is dappled,
0:34:57 > 0:34:59so you can put lots of plants underneath.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01The leaves are quite nice in the autumn,
0:35:01 > 0:35:05and I love the structure in the wintertime
0:35:05 > 0:35:07because when the light's low,
0:35:07 > 0:35:11- it really makes the silver trunk sort of shine.- Yeah.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21Back in the bog garden,
0:35:21 > 0:35:23now all the backbreaking prep's been done,
0:35:23 > 0:35:27Charlie can get on with the exciting bit - the planting.
0:35:27 > 0:35:32So, I'm placing the big impact bog plants first.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34So, we've got ligularia, which have got
0:35:34 > 0:35:37these really gorgeous, purple/green leaves
0:35:37 > 0:35:43and come up with big flower spikes that have got bright orange flowers.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46It sounds an odd combination, but it really works well.
0:35:46 > 0:35:50And then I've got a rheum. It's related to the rhubarb,
0:35:50 > 0:35:53so it comes up in a really tall flower
0:35:53 > 0:35:56and it's covered in tiny, white flowers all the way up.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58Looks spectacular.
0:36:03 > 0:36:07And then, to contrast with the big, bold leaves,
0:36:07 > 0:36:10we've got these ferny leaves of the astilbes.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13And, again, they have a fluffy flower spike,
0:36:13 > 0:36:15and we've got some white ones and some red ones,
0:36:15 > 0:36:19which will sort of add lots of colour to this area.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23And then, to finish off, lots of candelabra primulas. Mwah!
0:36:29 > 0:36:32The brothers have now moved on to adding yet more height
0:36:32 > 0:36:34to Nigel and Sue's garden,
0:36:34 > 0:36:37but this time, in the form of a pergola and arches.
0:36:44 > 0:36:45With the pergola up,
0:36:45 > 0:36:48Scott and Adam can lay the patio below.
0:36:55 > 0:36:59Meanwhile, Charlie's adding the final touch to the water feature.
0:37:00 > 0:37:02There.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05Whoo! Right, turn that off. That's...
0:37:07 > 0:37:08Turn it on again.
0:37:11 > 0:37:12Oh, I like that.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16So, the pumps are in, they look great
0:37:16 > 0:37:19and I want Nigel and Susan to be able to keep the pond
0:37:19 > 0:37:21looking as crystal clear as it is now,
0:37:21 > 0:37:24so I've got this treatment. It's for water features.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27You can't have plants with it, but it's fine for wildlife.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29It's fine if the cat drinks the water
0:37:29 > 0:37:32or the dog drinks the water or the birds come and bathe in it.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34And with all treatments like this,
0:37:34 > 0:37:37it's best to treat it when it's crystal clear to start with
0:37:37 > 0:37:41and then just put in repeat treatments to maintain the clarity.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43And I've worked out the volume.
0:37:43 > 0:37:45I've got to put 20 of these measures in. One.
0:37:47 > 0:37:49Two.
0:37:57 > 0:38:01With all the hard landscaping in, the team are on the final stretch,
0:38:01 > 0:38:05busting a gut to finish all the different parts of Charlie's design.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09The grandchildren are getting a brand-new swing.
0:38:11 > 0:38:15Charlie's metal troughs have been planted with lavender and pinks.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22And as the last plant goes into the bog garden,
0:38:22 > 0:38:24it's finally finished.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30Sue and Nigel's boring, featureless plot
0:38:30 > 0:38:32was put on the back burner for two years
0:38:32 > 0:38:36while they concentrated on creating their dream home.
0:38:37 > 0:38:41Now, it's the perfect garden to complement their perfect home.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46Charlie and the team have spent every penny of the budget
0:38:46 > 0:38:49to give the couple the chic, contemporary garden they dreamed of.
0:38:53 > 0:38:57The pergola and arches together cost £600.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59They add height to the garden,
0:38:59 > 0:39:02frame the views and mark the route down to the brook.
0:39:04 > 0:39:09Charlie chose mature trees and bamboos to give an instant impact.
0:39:09 > 0:39:14They were an extravagance at £750, but definitely add a wow factor.
0:39:16 > 0:39:21The water canal is a touch of luxury at £560.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25The gentle gurgle of the fountains
0:39:25 > 0:39:27provides a relaxing soundtrack to the garden.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33And the new patio and steps to the brook
0:39:33 > 0:39:36help create a journey around the garden,
0:39:36 > 0:39:39and together, they came in at £750.
0:39:41 > 0:39:45The couple spent £8,000 of their own money
0:39:45 > 0:39:48on creating a fabulous garden to match their bungalow,
0:39:48 > 0:39:53but the big question is was Charlie's design up to the job?
0:39:53 > 0:39:55- Eyes are still closed.- Right.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59Would you like to open your eyes?
0:40:00 > 0:40:02- HE LAUGHS - Wow!
0:40:04 > 0:40:06- Oh, my word!- Goodness!
0:40:07 > 0:40:11- Yeah?- This is amazing.- You're smiling.- Yeah, I can't believe that.
0:40:12 > 0:40:16- This is a sunny seating area. - Oh, wow.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19- Oh, we've got a swing seat as well. - Yeah.- Lovely.
0:40:19 > 0:40:23And it's surrounded by the bamboos and the fastigiate beeches.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26I just can't believe it. I just can't take it all in. It's just...
0:40:26 > 0:40:30- I've treated the water...- Right. - ..so you just need to top that up.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33All the lights and pumps are on remote control...
0:40:33 > 0:40:35- Yes, perfect. - ..so you can argue over those.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38And then this is like the transition area
0:40:38 > 0:40:41down to your woodlandy, bog garden area.
0:40:41 > 0:40:43- So, we've got lots of heucheras.- Lovely.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46I like the way the new bed here moves along
0:40:46 > 0:40:49- and it catches a tree that we already had there.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52And then we've got these pads of paving.
0:40:52 > 0:40:54I think these slabs are lovely, aren't they?
0:40:54 > 0:40:56Like an anti-slip on them.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59- Yeah, and it just adds a bit of texture to this area.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02- Those are mirror pools. - More water.- Yeah, more water.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04Again, we've got our hostas in there,
0:41:04 > 0:41:08- so the slugs can't get those ones at all.- Yeah.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10And then this is the bog garden.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13All those plants will become a big, lush...
0:41:13 > 0:41:15- Yeah, they look lovely. - ..foil of colour.
0:41:15 > 0:41:19We've put a few plants in the brook just to add a bit of colour.
0:41:19 > 0:41:23- Oh, right. Yeah, yeah. - And then...I popped a gunnera in...
0:41:23 > 0:41:24Oh, the gunnera. Yeah, lovely.
0:41:24 > 0:41:28- ..so that will really screen that area.- Yeah.- That's amazing.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30- Go and sit on the seat and look back.- Yeah.
0:41:30 > 0:41:31It's transformed.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35It's absolutely transformed.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42Before they contacted the Garden Rescue team,
0:41:42 > 0:41:47Sue and Nigel had a beautiful home but a disappointing garden.
0:41:47 > 0:41:51They were willing to stake a whopping £8,000
0:41:51 > 0:41:52of their retirement fund
0:41:52 > 0:41:55to get the outdoor space they'd dreamed of.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58Do they think it's been money well spent?
0:41:59 > 0:42:00I think it's fantastic.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03It's just how I would have loved it to have been,
0:42:03 > 0:42:06but didn't have the idea to do it, and it's just...
0:42:06 > 0:42:09It's incorporated everything that we wanted and it's just fabulous.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13- Wow. - THEY LAUGH
0:42:13 > 0:42:15- SHE GROANS - Come on. Rest in. Rest in.
0:42:15 > 0:42:19- It's been a slog, hasn't it?- I feel like all I've done today is dig.
0:42:19 > 0:42:21- THEY LAUGH - So, what's your favourite bit
0:42:21 > 0:42:24- of your garden?- I think it's got to be that bit of planting
0:42:24 > 0:42:27through there with the birches, the blues, purples, silvers
0:42:27 > 0:42:30- with the water feature in front of it.- Yeah.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34It might seem a lot of money to spend on a garden,
0:42:34 > 0:42:36but this is going to be here for the rest of our lives.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39Yeah, to us, it's an investment in the future, really.
0:42:42 > 0:42:44- DAVID:- For me, I think it's how you've created a journey
0:42:44 > 0:42:47in the garden. Beforehand, it was just grass,
0:42:47 > 0:42:49so being able now to come down the steps,
0:42:49 > 0:42:51walk through the archways, turn around, another archway -
0:42:51 > 0:42:54it makes you want to go down to the bottom of the garden now.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58- SUE:- I just think it's going to be so relaxing
0:42:58 > 0:43:00and it's going to be a lovely family space
0:43:00 > 0:43:03and I think it's going to create lots of memories for us.
0:43:03 > 0:43:05To me, it's really signed off the project.
0:43:05 > 0:43:07You know, we've concluded the project.
0:43:07 > 0:43:09Now we can enjoy being in the garden.