0:00:02 > 0:00:04With her can-do attitude, love of simple gardens
0:00:04 > 0:00:07- and decades of experience... - Hello!
0:00:07 > 0:00:10..Charlie Dimmock is one of Britain's best-loved gardeners.
0:00:10 > 0:00:12Looking good, boys.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15But the new kids on the gardening block are the Rich brothers.
0:00:15 > 0:00:18We want to be the brothers that change people's perceptions
0:00:18 > 0:00:19of gardeners.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22Winners of multiple medals at the Chelsea Flower Show...
0:00:22 > 0:00:24- Oh, look at it turn. - That's amazing, isn't it?
0:00:24 > 0:00:30..the boys have become known for their dramatic outdoor spaces.
0:00:30 > 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 > 0:00:44The photos made it look tiny.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47- It is, isn't it? - I'm sure you've seen larger.
0:00:47 > 0:00:48I 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 > 0:00:53- Wow!- ..and budget.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55That looks really exciting.
0:00:55 > 0:00:57It doesn't look like it could be our garden.
0:00:57 > 0:00:58- The winner...- Da-dah!
0:00:59 > 0:01:02- Whoo! - ..brings their design to life...
0:01:02 > 0:01:03Hold on! Hold on!
0:01:03 > 0:01:07- Sweet as a nut.- ..and the loser has to help them build it.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10Oh, I'm getting irritated now with faffing around.
0:01:10 > 0:01:12This is what happens...
0:01:12 > 0:01:14- Does he ever get irritating? - All the time.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16..when different styles 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 > 0:01:26Wow!
0:01:26 > 0:01:28Open your eyes.
0:01:28 > 0:01:29- Wow!- Wow!
0:01:29 > 0:01:32It's amazing. It's beautiful!
0:01:38 > 0:01:41So, whose garden will Charlie and the Rich brothers
0:01:41 > 0:01:43be battling over this time?
0:01:43 > 0:01:45- OK, boys.- Right.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49This garden belongs to...
0:01:49 > 0:01:51Sam and Amy.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54Sam Head and her daughter, Amy,
0:01:54 > 0:01:57are a mother and daughter team making a new start.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00They've recently moved back into a house in Bedford
0:02:00 > 0:02:03that Sam had rented out for a number of years.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07Sam basically rented the house out for five years,
0:02:07 > 0:02:10and although she loved the garden as it was, it sort of got away
0:02:10 > 0:02:13with people that were renting it, didn't quite look after it.
0:02:13 > 0:02:14I see. That's a bit of a shame.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17So, she really wants to restore it back to...
0:02:17 > 0:02:19- It's former glory.- Yeah.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23She got sort of a Japanese feel, she said it had before.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26I bought this house and the garden was beautiful when I moved in.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30It had a lovely pond with slate stone round it.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32It was a well-maintained garden, I didn't need to do much.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35Obviously, things have changed now. It's just totally overgrown.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38So, yeah, it just looks a bit of a mess.
0:02:38 > 0:02:42Five years of neglect has left the garden in a terrible state.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45There's a giant cotoneaster, wild wisteria
0:02:45 > 0:02:48and a looming leylandii to deal with.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51But the team are excited by its potential.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53Some amazing surrounding trees, aren't there?
0:02:53 > 0:02:56I mean, that one looks like it encroaches a bit on the garden,
0:02:56 > 0:02:58but it's still nice and green, isn't it?
0:02:58 > 0:03:00And then you've got all these big conifer...
0:03:00 > 0:03:03A few more deciduous ones down here, which look really beautiful.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07Now I'd like the garden to be a fun place to be,
0:03:07 > 0:03:10and I'd love to see a trampoline for Amy.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13Right now, though, the deck's dangerously slippy
0:03:13 > 0:03:16and the grass is in an awful state -
0:03:16 > 0:03:19not exactly a playground for a six-year-old.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23For me to have somewhere to sit and just watch nature and the birds,
0:03:23 > 0:03:26that would just be ideal.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28The types of planting I'd like is Japanese.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31I love the acers, but I also love colour,
0:03:31 > 0:03:36so I guess it's a mixture of cottage garden and Japanese.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39It's clear just what this garden could mean to Sam and Amy,
0:03:39 > 0:03:44but with renovations to do inside the house, her budget is tight.
0:03:46 > 0:03:50Budget wise - only £1,300.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53- OK.- Sounds like quite a lot of the budget could go on the trampoline.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57It would be nice to have a bit more, but we can't, so...
0:03:57 > 0:04:01I guess if we can save on grass and save what I have got in the garden,
0:04:01 > 0:04:02then that's great.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04OK. So, it needs to be a garden for both of them.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06So, for Amy to exercise, that's key for that,
0:04:06 > 0:04:08but also somewhere for Sam.
0:04:08 > 0:04:13Sam to relax and sort of get home from work and just chill out.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17- Nice.- OK.- Get it back to what she had before.
0:04:17 > 0:04:18- Yes.- Yes.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23Briefed on the scale of the task ahead,
0:04:23 > 0:04:25it's time for Charlie and the Rich brothers
0:04:25 > 0:04:28to see this project in the flesh.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31They both have to come up with a design for Sam,
0:04:31 > 0:04:35so we'll be looking for clues that might give them the edge.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37While Charlie gets to know Sam,
0:04:37 > 0:04:40David and Harry are employing a different tactic.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43They believe a garden should work in unison with the house,
0:04:43 > 0:04:46so they're poking around inside.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50I see.
0:04:50 > 0:04:51- A very homely feel.- Very minimal.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54My kind of initial thought was maybe it's quite tight in here.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57I think that was my first impression walking through the hallway to here.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59I think if we can give her a space out on that decked area there,
0:04:59 > 0:05:02- then you're kind of creating that indoor-outdoor feel.- Yeah.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04And they've got quite a lot of glass as well,
0:05:04 > 0:05:06so I think it's quite important opening those vistas up
0:05:06 > 0:05:07into the garden.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10Nice, we can definitely grab some inspiration from this.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12Right, let's get upstairs.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14Well, Sam, why do you want it redesigned?
0:05:14 > 0:05:18Well, I've had the house rented out for the last five years
0:05:18 > 0:05:20and I don't know what to do with it, really.
0:05:20 > 0:05:21But what do you want from the garden?
0:05:21 > 0:05:24Well, it's a north-facing garden,
0:05:24 > 0:05:28so this area is actually not really in the sun, certainly in the winter.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31In the summer, I get a bit of sun. But I want it to be a social garden.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35I want it to be my haven, but also I want a garden for my daughter.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37- Do you spend a lot of time out in the garden, then?- Yes.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39Well, the house being quite small,
0:05:39 > 0:05:41I want this to be an extension of the house
0:05:41 > 0:05:43and for us to spend quality time together.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46- Do you work?- Yes, I work full-time,
0:05:46 > 0:05:48but I'm also doing a degree as well
0:05:48 > 0:05:52and I'm a single mum, so to actually have the time
0:05:52 > 0:05:56to design and do the garden myself was going to be hard.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59But once it's done, I can maintain it and I will absolutely love it.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03- It will change our lives.- And you'll enjoy that time, bonding time,
0:06:03 > 0:06:05- with Amy in the garden.- Yes.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10Nice. Well, Dave, I reckon this is your favourite room.
0:06:10 > 0:06:11- Why's that?- The pink.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13Yeah, how did you know?!
0:06:14 > 0:06:17- It's quite small.- So, again, I think we try and put a lot of emphasis
0:06:17 > 0:06:20on little Amy and try and give her a real nice little area outside...
0:06:20 > 0:06:24- Yeah.- ..where she can play, you know, run around, jump around maybe.
0:06:24 > 0:06:25Probably about my size, isn't it?
0:06:26 > 0:06:29With limited space inside the house,
0:06:29 > 0:06:33making the garden a fun and active place for Amy is critical.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36But it needs to be safe because she suffers from a mild form
0:06:36 > 0:06:38of cerebral palsy.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41I'd really like a trampoline.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43- One with a net round it? - I don't like the net...
0:06:43 > 0:06:44No, neither do I. Not in a garden.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48- ..but I need somewhere for her to be safe...- OK.- ..so she can't fall out,
0:06:48 > 0:06:49so I'd really like it sunken.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52- The in-ground ones?- Yeah.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54- That's the budget gone then!- Yes!
0:06:54 > 0:06:57Charlie may be discovering what's on Sam's wish list,
0:06:57 > 0:07:01but inside, the boys are more interested in her taste.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05- So, I think this is Samantha's room. - Ah, yeah, must be.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08- Very nice.- Really light, isn't it? Kind of airy.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10And also on the way in, I saw this little guy here.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13So, again, I think we're going to have to draw on that Zen feeling.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16The idea that the garden maybe isn't... There's nothing too bold
0:07:16 > 0:07:19- or in-your-face, it's quite gentle. - Reconnection to nature.- Yeah.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21- All of the above.- Yeah. Right, I think we're done.
0:07:21 > 0:07:22I think we've got enough, haven't we?
0:07:22 > 0:07:24Do you have a style?
0:07:24 > 0:07:28Do you like wild and woolly or do you like formal...?
0:07:28 > 0:07:31- I don't want wild and woolly. - Not wild and woolly?- No.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33I do wild and woolly so well.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36I do like Japanese. I lived out there for three years.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40A bit cottagey, a bit shabby chic, a bit new...
0:07:40 > 0:07:43- It's sort of everything. - The garden's not that big.
0:07:43 > 0:07:44No.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50It's clear what this new garden could mean to Sam and Amy,
0:07:50 > 0:07:54but putting in a trampoline, a tranquil space for mum
0:07:54 > 0:08:00and rejuvenating the overgrown areas all for £1,300 is going to be tough.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06So, our rival designers get down to business.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08Each of them has to come up with what they believe
0:08:08 > 0:08:11will be Sam and Amy's perfect garden.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15They will then go head-to-head and pitch their ideas.
0:08:15 > 0:08:20Whoever loses has to help the winner turn their design into reality.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24So, who will Sam choose?
0:08:24 > 0:08:25Here we go.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30Charlie clearly understands how the garden could be a special place
0:08:30 > 0:08:31for mother and daughter.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35Right, so, this is our design.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38But this garden has to work with the house.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42And that definitely plays to the boys' strengths.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48The garden I want to give you design-wise is informal
0:08:48 > 0:08:50but with a very strong shape to it.
0:08:50 > 0:08:54So you can see, there's big sweeping curves.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56Charlie's going for a bold design
0:08:56 > 0:08:59that works against the rectangular plot.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02But the boys are trying a different tactic.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06They're focusing on what Sam and Amy need from the garden.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12We really wanted to give individual spaces to the garden.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14So, give yourself more of an entertainment space
0:09:14 > 0:09:17where you can relax and then give Amy a kind of space at the end,
0:09:17 > 0:09:19so she can have the trampoline and enjoy.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22Plant wise, thinking Japanese -
0:09:22 > 0:09:26Acer palmatums because you've got the contrast of foliage, colour
0:09:26 > 0:09:28and the lovely mound shape.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31Acers are something that I've always loved in gardens.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35I've never owned any, which would be amazing cos I love the colours
0:09:35 > 0:09:38and it brings back the memories of Japan.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40We've got one here,
0:09:40 > 0:09:45one here and one at the end of this walkway with a rock underneath,
0:09:45 > 0:09:48- so there's a nice view.- Yes.
0:09:48 > 0:09:53Then also we have a Chinese lantern here in amongst this woodland area,
0:09:53 > 0:09:57under-planted with some bamboos that do well in the shade.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00And also some lovely Paeonia delavayi
0:10:00 > 0:10:02cos they've got really fantastic flowers,
0:10:02 > 0:10:04but the foliage is beautiful as well.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07- So, it's all about the plants.- Yes.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09Charlie's trying to win Sam over
0:10:09 > 0:10:12by appealing to her love of Japanese gardens.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17But the boys want to use planting in a very different way.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20And I think using birch trees, one of the key aspects of them
0:10:20 > 0:10:23is that the bark has that contrast between white and black.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26So even in the winter, you're going to get that lovely contrast
0:10:26 > 0:10:30and colour, so you walk through this little grove of birch trees.
0:10:30 > 0:10:35Adding gently-swaying silver birches will give the garden a magical feel,
0:10:35 > 0:10:36which is perfect for Amy.
0:10:36 > 0:10:41But this garden is for mum too, so what's in it for her?
0:10:41 > 0:10:44This seating area here will be against the fence with the wisteria,
0:10:44 > 0:10:48which will be scented, but then you can happily watch Amy
0:10:48 > 0:10:53on her trampoline here, which snugly fits into the lawn.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55We've also given you a nice little seat here,
0:10:55 > 0:10:57- which you can see in that visual. - Oh, OK.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59So it allows you to see if Amy is on the trampoline,
0:10:59 > 0:11:00then you can just sit there.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02- You could be reading a book or just watching her.- Yes.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05So, that's that kind of idea that it's a bit more of an isolated,
0:11:05 > 0:11:06more of an intimate space.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09What we've done also, we've given you this nice ornamental meadow
0:11:09 > 0:11:12on one side, which will encourage wildlife.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14And what's so nice about that is it changes throughout the season,
0:11:14 > 0:11:16so you'll get different colours popping up.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19That meadow brings so much and it's a lovely detail,
0:11:19 > 0:11:21layering within the garden and very low-maintenance -
0:11:21 > 0:11:22you just cut it down once a year.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25And then on the other side, we're going to give you some really nice
0:11:25 > 0:11:28natural planting, pulling colours from Amy's room like pinks,
0:11:28 > 0:11:31so it's quite vibrant. It will help just lift this space a bit.
0:11:32 > 0:11:33Time's up.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36Charlie and the boys have done their best.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38Now, it's all up to Sam.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42Well, they're absolutely amazing, but they're so different.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45I love the curves on this one.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48But I like this extending the garden out to the back
0:11:48 > 0:11:51and using this, cos this is very much a sun trap,
0:11:51 > 0:11:53so it's very light out there and warm
0:11:53 > 0:11:56and taking the grass to the edges, which would be great.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58I never really wanted the trampoline to be part of the garden,
0:11:58 > 0:12:01hence why I want it sunken.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03But there's going to be flowers around it, which I love.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06So that's perfect.
0:12:06 > 0:12:10Will she be won over by Charlie's curvy Oriental style,
0:12:10 > 0:12:12with its statement acers,
0:12:12 > 0:12:16or the boys' magical woodland garden with its elegant birch trees?
0:12:16 > 0:12:21It's her money and her choice, and only one design can win.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- Oh, the nerves are building. - Here we go! I feel sick now.
0:12:24 > 0:12:25Who's it going to be?
0:12:25 > 0:12:29- Yeah, ready.- I've decided to go with...
0:12:30 > 0:12:32- ALL:- Ahh!
0:12:32 > 0:12:34..Charlie.
0:12:34 > 0:12:35I've chosen yours.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39Harry and David's faces say it all.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41Not only did they really want this one,
0:12:41 > 0:12:44they now have to help Charlie build her garden.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48And she's going to need them because in a space like this,
0:12:48 > 0:12:51a £1,300 budget won't go far.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57It's the first day of the build.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03Whilst Charlie makes some final adjustments to her design,
0:13:03 > 0:13:07she's sent in project manager Kate and landscapers Scott and Adam
0:13:07 > 0:13:10to deal with the first big challenge of the build -
0:13:10 > 0:13:14cutting back the massively-overgrown shrubs and trees,
0:13:14 > 0:13:16starting with the gargantuan cotoneaster.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20Right, Kate, I think we're going to have to make a decision
0:13:20 > 0:13:23- as to how much we're taking off this.- Or if we're keeping it at all.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26- OK.- The problem is, there's three separate bushes.- Yeah.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28- Sam wants them all to go.- Right.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30Charlie wants to keep it.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32She wants us to cut it back hard,
0:13:32 > 0:13:35- so even lower than we've done at the moment.- Right, I see.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39- My issue is, there's one, two, three separate bushes here.- Yeah.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41The one at the end, I think -
0:13:41 > 0:13:43and I'll be happy to tell Charlie this -
0:13:43 > 0:13:45has to come out.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49Spring is a good time to prune cotoneaster,
0:13:49 > 0:13:51but if a scalping is too drastic,
0:13:51 > 0:13:55you can cut a third back each year and rejuvenate it gradually.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02In an even worse state are the conifers at the back of the garden.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04Two have been planted so close together
0:14:04 > 0:14:07that one has died and has to come out completely.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13So, Scott, I'm really pleased now the dead conifer's out.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15Yeah, so am I. And so much more light's going to get in here
0:14:15 > 0:14:17now we've cut that tree down.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20Pruning shrubs and trees is one thing,
0:14:20 > 0:14:23but Charlie has set the landscapers an even bigger challenge
0:14:23 > 0:14:24before she arrives.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27She wants them to start reshaping the deck.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32Once seen as a cheaper alternative to paving,
0:14:32 > 0:14:35decking has become a dependable and versatile staple
0:14:35 > 0:14:37of the British garden.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41And today's decking comes in a bewildering range
0:14:41 > 0:14:42of colours and styles.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46You can even buy plastic deck that looks like wood
0:14:46 > 0:14:48but lasts a lifetime.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52Decking is ideal for creating different zones in a garden,
0:14:52 > 0:14:55from dining areas to lounges...
0:14:56 > 0:15:00..and laid correctly, can improve the shape of a garden.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04Boards laid left to right add width to a plot,
0:15:04 > 0:15:07laid lengthways give the illusion of length
0:15:07 > 0:15:10and laid diagonally make the space seem bigger.
0:15:12 > 0:15:13In Charlie's design,
0:15:13 > 0:15:17the deck is curved to match the shape of the trampoline.
0:15:17 > 0:15:18But with no money for new boards,
0:15:18 > 0:15:22the team have to cut the old deck to match what's on paper.
0:15:22 > 0:15:23Okey dokey.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28The shape on Charlie's drawing is going to come off there...
0:15:28 > 0:15:31Messing up the deck will ruin the look of the new garden,
0:15:31 > 0:15:34so Adam and Scott are anxious to get it right.
0:15:34 > 0:15:35That's now too far out.
0:15:35 > 0:15:40What we need to do is shorten it up, and that brings us through there.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42- Yeah?- That is it. - Yeah?- Yeah, I reckon.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44All right. Measure twice, cut once, remember.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48Once the marking-out is finished,
0:15:48 > 0:15:51Kate takes a bird's-eye picture to send to Charlie for approval.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56And while waiting to hear, Scott shares another concern he has.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59My worry is that there may be a patio underneath here
0:15:59 > 0:16:02cos often people lay decking over patios.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04Who knows what's under there. Next door have got a patio,
0:16:04 > 0:16:08- the next one along's got a patio. - Ah, right! All likelihood is...
0:16:08 > 0:16:10- There's possibly one under here. - ..they moved into a patio
0:16:10 > 0:16:12and just built over the top of it.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14- And covered it straight over the top, yes.- OK.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17At least Kate has some good news from the boss.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21Great news, just heard back from Charlie
0:16:21 > 0:16:25and she's absolutely happy with the curve of the design on the deck,
0:16:25 > 0:16:28so next thing is get cutting.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33Adam's marked out the chalk line on the decking area
0:16:33 > 0:16:36and I'm now going to cut along Adam's chalk line with my jigsaw.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40But if there's a patio underneath,
0:16:40 > 0:16:44it could take days to remove it and re-prep the area for planting,
0:16:44 > 0:16:46which will blow the budget completely.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53Now time to pull up this decking and find out what we've got underneath.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58But it's good news, there's not a paving slab in sight.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03It is basically sharp sand and stone.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06The team may have got lucky this time,
0:17:06 > 0:17:09but with problems appearing round every corner...
0:17:10 > 0:17:12..Charlie and the Rich brothers have arrived
0:17:12 > 0:17:14to take control of proceedings.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17And because her design was chosen, Charlie's in charge.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20So design-wise, I mean, at the moment,
0:17:20 > 0:17:22the garden's very blocky,
0:17:22 > 0:17:25so I want to try and create a bit more of a sweep
0:17:25 > 0:17:27and a sway to the garden.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29So, it's just not...blump.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31They have cut the deck, haven't they? Which looks lovely.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34Yeah. So, accentuate that more with the lawn.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38And even with the paving, I want a bit of, you know, movement in it.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41- Movement.- Yeah, cos having a circular trampoline,
0:17:41 > 0:17:43it's all going to play off that, isn't it?
0:17:43 > 0:17:45So it should lock the design all together
0:17:45 > 0:17:48with those curves and circles and arcs.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50And you're going to tell me now that me and Dave have to dig out
0:17:50 > 0:17:53- the trampoline?- Yeah.- The digger's round the corner, isn't it?
0:17:53 > 0:17:55No, you're the diggers!
0:17:55 > 0:17:58- I'm quite looking forward to it. - You're always looking forward to it.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00- I know. I always like doing gardens...- So positive.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03- Does he ever get irritating? - All the time.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05Brotherly love(!)
0:18:06 > 0:18:09While the boys brace themselves for the big dig,
0:18:09 > 0:18:12Charlie has to run a couple of queries by Sam.
0:18:12 > 0:18:18Sam, let's talk plants and trampolines.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20This cotoneaster.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24- I mean, you're not mad on it, are you?- No, I don't like it at all.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28- No. OK, so I think we take it out too.- Yes!
0:18:28 > 0:18:30- Is that the right answer, is it?- Yes, it is!
0:18:30 > 0:18:32I was dreading you saying that we wouldn't take it out.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35I'm keeping it. This is my garden, not yours.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37- It's staying in.- You're keeping it? - No, I'm joking with you.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41I'm teasing. So, yeah. OK, we'll take that right out there,
0:18:41 > 0:18:42which will gain a bit more space.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45Now, our next discussion is the trampoline.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47The trampoline she's ordered is big,
0:18:47 > 0:18:50so she wants to make sure Sam's happy with its destination.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53I'm going for a yin and yang feel,
0:18:53 > 0:18:58so we've got a circle of lawn here and a circle of lawn there.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02So, the trampoline, I'm thinking, fits in about here.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05I love it there, just hopefully go a little bit further out
0:19:05 > 0:19:07- because of the sun.- Right, OK.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10So I want it to be somewhere where it's going to be warm.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13- Right. So, probably about here.- Yes.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17Moving the trampoline will mean some tinkering to the design,
0:19:17 > 0:19:19but Charlie knows from experience
0:19:19 > 0:19:21that it's best to keep the client happy.
0:19:22 > 0:19:23Here comes Boss.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27- Somewhere about there?- No.- No? - THEY LAUGH
0:19:27 > 0:19:29The trouble starts now.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32We've only just started and she's already saying no.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36Got to go that way. God, it's a bit bright and breezy, isn't it?
0:19:36 > 0:19:37- It is.- Right, lift her up.
0:19:39 > 0:19:40Careful, careful.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42- OK.- It's big, isn't it?
0:19:42 > 0:19:44- It is, yes. - It's a nice size, though.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46But that's what Sam wants, so....
0:19:47 > 0:19:49You didn't need the trampoline.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53The first job is to cut a circle, so they can create a neat hole
0:19:53 > 0:19:56for the trampoline to fit into.
0:19:56 > 0:19:57Beautiful.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00Meanwhile, Charlie's in the undergrowth
0:20:00 > 0:20:02at the far end of the garden.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04Get enough space so I can stand up.
0:20:04 > 0:20:09This conifer is really dominant in the garden,
0:20:09 > 0:20:12but I want to make it look a little bit more attractive,
0:20:12 > 0:20:15so I'm going to take off some of these lower branches,
0:20:15 > 0:20:17which is called crown lifting,
0:20:17 > 0:20:19and then you'll see a bit more of the trunk
0:20:19 > 0:20:21and it will open up this border a bit more.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24We won't really be able to grow anything under here,
0:20:24 > 0:20:26but we can put some shale
0:20:26 > 0:20:29and that will make it look...that Japanese feel to it.
0:20:30 > 0:20:35So, before Charlie can think about adding any new Japanese plants,
0:20:35 > 0:20:38she's got her work cut out tackling the unruly bunch
0:20:38 > 0:20:40that are there already.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42I can see out now. Hello!
0:20:44 > 0:20:46Meanwhile, the boys have been reduced to hard labour.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50But at least they're smiling...for now.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55- There's a new bit here. Catch this one now.- Oh.- Here you go, mate.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57You watch this one clean cut now.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59Keep pumping.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01People will be like, "He's strong."
0:21:01 > 0:21:02Have to have a sub after this line.
0:21:04 > 0:21:05My noodle arms are tired.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11But David's found a silent assassin lurking beneath the turf.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13Oh, it's a chafer grub, isn't it?
0:21:13 > 0:21:15They live under your lawn, basically, and they eat the roots.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17Is there any way of getting rid of them?
0:21:17 > 0:21:19There's some sachets you can buy from any garden centre.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21- Just pour the sachet into a watering can.- Yeah.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23If you've got a bigger lawn, you'll have to use...
0:21:23 > 0:21:25A bigger watering can!
0:21:26 > 0:21:30Time to get back to work. That hole is not going to dig itself.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35Flip her up. Ehh.
0:21:35 > 0:21:36Join the circus.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40To save money, Charlie wants the boys to make use of any spoil
0:21:40 > 0:21:41they dig up.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46So, we've cut a really nice curve with this deck,
0:21:46 > 0:21:49but it has revealed the bearers underneath.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51So, we're also digging out for the trampoline,
0:21:51 > 0:21:53so we're going to re-use that soil and put it in here,
0:21:53 > 0:21:56so it kind of masks and rises the level up as well.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59So it's going to kind of create this really nice finish.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04- After you.- Coming through, coming through.
0:22:08 > 0:22:09Starting to crack. It's going.
0:22:11 > 0:22:12Wheey!
0:22:12 > 0:22:15Just got to get it out of the garden now.
0:22:15 > 0:22:16Roll it...she says.
0:22:22 > 0:22:23Having pulled up the turf,
0:22:23 > 0:22:27the boys are on to part two of the sunken trampoline project.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30We're digging the trench around the outside at the moment,
0:22:30 > 0:22:32and this is for the legs to go on, of the trampoline.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35And then we're going to dig a concave shape in the middle,
0:22:35 > 0:22:37so that when you're bouncing on the trampoline,
0:22:37 > 0:22:38you don't hit a hard surface.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41So we've followed the instructions for this individual trampoline,
0:22:41 > 0:22:44but other manufacturers will have different instructions,
0:22:44 > 0:22:46so read them cos safety never takes a day off.
0:22:48 > 0:22:49And neither does Charlie.
0:22:51 > 0:22:52With such a limited budget,
0:22:52 > 0:22:56she's trying to rejuvenate as much of the existing garden as possible.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01And now it's the turn of the wild wisteria.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05Sam says it doesn't flower, but then she's never pruned it,
0:23:05 > 0:23:10so my aim is to untangle some of it and then train it along the fence,
0:23:10 > 0:23:13so that will help cover it and it will be easier to prune.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18Charlie's hoping that once it's in bloom in May and June,
0:23:18 > 0:23:21the wisteria will bring this dull fence to life
0:23:21 > 0:23:23while enhancing the Japanese theme in the garden.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28Whatever the style of your garden,
0:23:28 > 0:23:32if you've got an expanse of fence or wall to cover,
0:23:32 > 0:23:35flowering and evergreen climbers are a great option.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40Clematis comes in all shapes and sizes
0:23:40 > 0:23:43and different varieties flower at different times.
0:23:43 > 0:23:47And evergreens like euonymus and ivy will provide a lush green backdrop
0:23:47 > 0:23:48all year round.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52This is good.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56And it's not raining, yay!
0:23:56 > 0:23:58Don't say things like that!
0:23:58 > 0:24:02When attempting to train a plant along a fence or wall,
0:24:02 > 0:24:05give it a really secure framework to grow against.
0:24:05 > 0:24:11Using galvanised wire and vine eye screws ensures the wire stays taut
0:24:11 > 0:24:13and strong enough to support the mature wisteria.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18The other thing about training flowering plants horizontally
0:24:18 > 0:24:21is it makes them want to flower.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23So, if you had a climbing rose,
0:24:23 > 0:24:26if you bend it down and train it horizontally,
0:24:26 > 0:24:31you get a lot more flower buds initiated along the side shoots.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35That's about spot on. Lovely.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38But with Charlie fussing over the old parts of the garden,
0:24:38 > 0:24:41Kate's getting nervous about the new parts of the design
0:24:41 > 0:24:42that have yet to go in.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45- Adam, Charlie, can I have a word? - Yeah, of course.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47Well, that sounded official, didn't it?
0:24:47 > 0:24:49- I really want to push on with the lawn...- Ah-ha.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51Getting it shaped, using the turf cutter
0:24:51 > 0:24:53so we can just keep going, keep going.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56What we need to know is the shape that you want.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59- You're getting my disease...- Bossy! - Naggy.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03- We're the only two women on site. - You've got to keep moving.- Yeah.
0:25:03 > 0:25:07- So, for me, let's keep tight to the photinia.- Right.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09- So you sort of think, "Oh, I wonder what's round the corner?"- Nice.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15But the key bit is when you swing round around the trampoline.
0:25:15 > 0:25:21- OK.- That has got to be a really nice S.- Right, lovely.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24- Think yin and yang.- We did say that, didn't we?- We did say that, yeah.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27Japanese theme. That's how I'm selling it.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33Meanwhile, there's still no sign of a sunken trampoline,
0:25:33 > 0:25:35just a chain gang hard at work.
0:25:35 > 0:25:39A digger would have cost around £130 for a day hire,
0:25:39 > 0:25:42so to save money, Charlie's relying on the boys' muscles.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47But there's a setback - they've hit heavy clay
0:25:47 > 0:25:49and the smiles are starting to fade.
0:25:49 > 0:25:53So, can you see the yin and the yang now?
0:25:53 > 0:25:55- Yeah.- Or are you just dizzy from all the digging?
0:25:55 > 0:25:58- Pretty tough old work, this. - This is heavy, heavy clay.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00- Heavy clay?- Yeah.
0:26:00 > 0:26:01But once this is dug, we're away, I think.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04I mean, that looks way better.
0:26:04 > 0:26:05It is taking shape, isn't it?
0:26:05 > 0:26:07Turf can soon go down there.
0:26:07 > 0:26:09- We'll keep digging. - You're almost there, aren't you?
0:26:09 > 0:26:12Yeah, we're almost done. Just got to dig the middle out
0:26:12 > 0:26:15- and then trampoline in.- Good. That's it. Get to the best bit, planting.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18Oh, I thought you were going to say lunchtime.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20That's the best thing about being the boss,
0:26:20 > 0:26:21somebody else does the digging.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25I'll pop that just there.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27The boys are moaning.
0:26:28 > 0:26:33Look at that. They say it's clay when you can roll it like that
0:26:33 > 0:26:36and you can squeeze it and it doesn't crack.
0:26:36 > 0:26:41And then you can roll it into a long sausage
0:26:41 > 0:26:44and you can wrap it round your finger without it breaking.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46That says it's clay.
0:26:47 > 0:26:49Clay can be tough to manage,
0:26:49 > 0:26:52particularly if you're planting in it.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54So, digging in compost will improve the texture
0:26:54 > 0:26:56and make it more manageable.
0:27:01 > 0:27:05Charlie's design calls for a long curved bed on the left-hand side,
0:27:05 > 0:27:10so Scott's unleashed his turf cutter to whip the lawn into shape.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12They can be hired for about £60 per day
0:27:12 > 0:27:15and make light work of a back-breaking job.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21Meanwhile, Charlie and Adam are on to the next phase of the build,
0:27:21 > 0:27:22the boundary.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25Get posts in for the bamboo.
0:27:25 > 0:27:27- I'm hoping we can attach it to here. - Yeah. We'll jump over.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30So hop over my little hedge,
0:27:30 > 0:27:32and then what do you think, with two posts?
0:27:32 > 0:27:34- Shall we have a quick measure? - Go on, then.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36Now the cotoneaster's gone,
0:27:36 > 0:27:40Sam's garden and the next-door neighbour's are rather open-plan.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43So, Charlie's used some of the £1,300 budget
0:27:43 > 0:27:45to buy some bamboo screening.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48But before it arrives, the fixing posts need to go in.
0:27:49 > 0:27:53If it's not properly supported, it will act like a sail in the wind
0:27:53 > 0:27:55and be blown down in no time.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59Meanwhile, the boys are almost there.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05La-la-la-la, bamboo coming through.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07Looking good, boys.
0:28:09 > 0:28:11Almost looks like a piece of sculpture.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14We won't want to put the trampoline in now, it looks so good.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17Yeah, I know. Major engineering works, that looks.
0:28:17 > 0:28:18- It's been quite hard, actually. - Yeah?
0:28:18 > 0:28:20It's been a bit of a battle, but we've won.
0:28:20 > 0:28:22So you're not going to be jumping in
0:28:22 > 0:28:23to put in in-ground trampolines anywhere?
0:28:23 > 0:28:26- Only when there's a digger.- OK. - Not by hand.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29Everyone should know that, it's more difficult than it looks.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31It's all coming together. Right, I'll get out of your way, Scott.
0:28:31 > 0:28:35Charlie and Adam can now construct a framework for the bamboo screen.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40So we have our post, we have a spirit level,
0:28:40 > 0:28:41we have some postcrete,
0:28:41 > 0:28:44- we have a lovely big hole... - And I've got some water.
0:28:44 > 0:28:48..and we've got some water and we've got a stick to tamp it down.
0:28:48 > 0:28:49That's all you need.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54First, they pour postcrete into the hole...
0:28:55 > 0:28:58- Hold on, hold on, hold on. - Oh, hang on a second.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00Right, tamp away.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03..keeping an eye on the spirit level to make sure the post is upright...
0:29:03 > 0:29:05Just need some water, then.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07..and then add water to make it set hard.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10- Is that all right?- Oh, I'm happy with that.- Fantastic.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13- It's like we planned it. - How did that happen, Stanley?
0:29:14 > 0:29:16- Right, I'll put the last little bit in.- Yeah.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18How long have we got to leave these posts?
0:29:18 > 0:29:20- About 20 minutes, I'd say.- OK.
0:29:20 > 0:29:24- About long enough to have some food. - SHE LAUGHS
0:29:24 > 0:29:26Is that a subtle hint that you want lunch?
0:29:26 > 0:29:28Always want lunch, me.
0:29:28 > 0:29:29- Cool.- Right.
0:29:29 > 0:29:31Good.
0:29:31 > 0:29:32Relieved from digging duties,
0:29:32 > 0:29:36Dave has moved on to another key part of Charlie's design -
0:29:36 > 0:29:38the stepping stone path.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41These concrete slabs look like wooden sleepers
0:29:41 > 0:29:42but are much longer lasting.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46This part of Charlie's design provides the perfect spot
0:29:46 > 0:29:50for a bench and leads to the woodland area at the rear.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54It gives quite nice natural edging.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57It doesn't look too contemporary. It's got a nice kind of frayed edge.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00And at the moment, she's got this kind of flint running through,
0:30:00 > 0:30:02but you could easily have planting that would really soften it
0:30:02 > 0:30:04and that would really naturalise the shape.
0:30:04 > 0:30:08David's laying them on a dry mix of sand and concrete.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11Moisture from the earth below and rain over the coming days
0:30:11 > 0:30:13will set the mixture.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18- You can zoom in on that happily. - It's actually level!
0:30:18 > 0:30:21- DAVID LAUGHS - So, what's so nice about this area
0:30:21 > 0:30:23is that it's got two varied materials.
0:30:23 > 0:30:26So we've got the concrete sleepers and we've got the slates.
0:30:26 > 0:30:28And that adds a bit of texture, a bit of interest.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31You've got these in a kind of stepping stone style.
0:30:31 > 0:30:32And especially with this slate here,
0:30:32 > 0:30:35it really emphasises the Japanese style that Charlie's going for.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37And it looks like the boss approves.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40- Yeah, I like that.- Coming along. - I like that. That's good.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43- Yeah, you happy with the spacing, with the lines?- Yeah.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46How come you went for the whole jiggery-pokery look?
0:30:46 > 0:30:48I didn't want it to be too formal,
0:30:48 > 0:30:52- cos this bit for me is sort of leading into the woodland area.- OK.
0:30:52 > 0:30:56It's where she can sit and relax and watch Amy on the trampoline.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59Evening sun, but a bit of dappled shade,
0:30:59 > 0:31:02- so I didn't want it too formal... - OK, yeah.- ..with the hard curve.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05Yeah. Cos it definitely detracts away from the contemporary,
0:31:05 > 0:31:07- doesn't it?- Yeah.- Once you start that more cottagey feel.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09- All right.- Lovely. I'll crack on.
0:31:12 > 0:31:13Right then.
0:31:13 > 0:31:17Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the garden, the fence posts are set,
0:31:17 > 0:31:20so Charlie can get on with erecting the screening.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23- Do we need to go behind that post? - Oh, you're so clever.
0:31:23 > 0:31:25I thought before you roll it all out
0:31:25 > 0:31:27and I have to tell you to pull it back again...
0:31:27 > 0:31:30This screening won't last forever,
0:31:30 > 0:31:35but it will do the job for a good four or five years,
0:31:35 > 0:31:38because it's the thicker-slatted bamboo.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41If bamboo isn't right for your garden,
0:31:41 > 0:31:43similar screening is available in other finishes,
0:31:43 > 0:31:46like brushwood and reed.
0:31:48 > 0:31:50So, we've got some slate.
0:31:52 > 0:31:54Just as I finish as well, good timing.
0:31:54 > 0:31:56- Don't step on them. - I won't, don't worry.
0:31:56 > 0:31:59Time to get it in.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01Oh, I've noticed that's Welsh slate there.
0:32:01 > 0:32:03- The best form of slate.- It is.
0:32:03 > 0:32:05The best form of slate, best form of man, aren't they?
0:32:05 > 0:32:07Really? How do you know?
0:32:07 > 0:32:09Well, definitely the best slate.
0:32:09 > 0:32:11- Best slate?- I know Dave, Dave knows me.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13- THEY LAUGH - What do you think of these together?
0:32:13 > 0:32:15- It's nice cos it gives it a usable surface, doesn't it?- Yes.
0:32:15 > 0:32:17You could have turf running through them
0:32:17 > 0:32:19if you wanted a more natural look,
0:32:19 > 0:32:22- but these look really realistic as well.- I thought they were wood.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25- They're amazing.- It's nice also having a couple down there as well.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27- It just leads your eye down the space, doesn't it?- Yes.
0:32:27 > 0:32:31The whole path, a journey created through the garden, yeah.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33But there's no time for the boys to rest.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36Charlie needs them to finish the trampoline.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40Look at that, like a glove.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42Are you going to put a level on it, do you think?
0:32:42 > 0:32:43Yeah, shall we check it?
0:32:43 > 0:32:45All we need is an 8ft piece of wood.
0:32:46 > 0:32:48Now the moment of truth.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51- How does that look? - ALL:- Pretty good.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54- Pretty good.- Trampolines like this come complete with a collar
0:32:54 > 0:32:58designed to stop the sides of the hole from collapsing.
0:32:58 > 0:33:00But with a lot of the garden still to do,
0:33:00 > 0:33:02Charlie's getting frustrated.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07Harry... Arrrr!
0:33:07 > 0:33:09Come on, let's rock and roll. I'm getting irritated now
0:33:09 > 0:33:13with faffing around all day long doing this trampoline.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18While the springs of the trampoline go in,
0:33:18 > 0:33:20Harry's moved on to finishing the deck.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23Since it's mostly in the shade, it's prone to algae,
0:33:23 > 0:33:27which can make it slippery, so he's making it safe.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29I'm painting it with a non-slip paint,
0:33:29 > 0:33:32and that's really going to add a lot more grip to it
0:33:32 > 0:33:34and it's actually going to maintain the wood as well.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37There are lots of different ways of tackling an issue like this.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39If you can't get any anti-slip paint,
0:33:39 > 0:33:42you can also use varnish. And when you put that on,
0:33:42 > 0:33:45before it dries, you can sprinkle sand on top,
0:33:45 > 0:33:48so that gives you a really nice kind of grippy surface.
0:33:49 > 0:33:51Now all the grunt work is over,
0:33:51 > 0:33:54it's time to bring some green into this garden.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56Charlie won Sam over to her design
0:33:56 > 0:33:59with the promise of Oriental trees and shrubs,
0:33:59 > 0:34:03evoking happy memories of her time in Japan.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06But this type of planting is not easy to carry off.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09So, if you want to bring the spirit of the Far East to your garden,
0:34:09 > 0:34:11it pays to do some research.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15At the Big Plant Nursery, in Sussex,
0:34:15 > 0:34:18they specialise in the type of hardy exotic plants
0:34:18 > 0:34:20that are found in Oriental gardens.
0:34:22 > 0:34:24I mean, the very traditional plants would be
0:34:24 > 0:34:28Ilex crenata, cloud tree formed,
0:34:28 > 0:34:31Pittosporum tobira, which is a mock orange -
0:34:31 > 0:34:33it's very fragrant,
0:34:33 > 0:34:36bamboos, certainly.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39Bamboo has to be one of the archetypal plants
0:34:39 > 0:34:41that we associate with an Oriental garden.
0:34:41 > 0:34:45But it has a bad reputation for spreading like crazy.
0:34:47 > 0:34:49Some bamboo can be invasive.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52For instance, phyllostachys types can send runners out.
0:34:52 > 0:34:56Not always. In different conditions, they'll do different things.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59When dry, they can start searching for water.
0:34:59 > 0:35:03In nice moist situations, they're not so bad.
0:35:03 > 0:35:05Runners are horizontal stems that are sent out
0:35:05 > 0:35:08just underneath the surface of the soil
0:35:08 > 0:35:10and produce new plants along their length.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13So, if it's phyllostachys that you want to grow,
0:35:13 > 0:35:17put it in a pot, but remember that it will outgrow its container
0:35:17 > 0:35:18quite quickly.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21The time to pull it out and divide it is springtime.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27Not all bamboo is badly behaved.
0:35:27 > 0:35:31Clump-forming varieties are much more manageable.
0:35:31 > 0:35:34Excellent bamboo for an Oriental-style garden
0:35:34 > 0:35:37is Fargesia jiuzhaigou, which is clump forming, has dark canes
0:35:37 > 0:35:40and has a fountain-type habit.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42It's very soothing and sympathetic.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46Another look associated with Oriental gardens
0:35:46 > 0:35:49is a form of topiary called cloud pruning.
0:35:49 > 0:35:54Cloud pruning literally mimics cloud formations in the sky,
0:35:54 > 0:35:58which is easily achievable with many plants from the Orient,
0:35:58 > 0:36:02such as the Ilex crenata here or, certainly, pine trees.
0:36:02 > 0:36:04Also, Ilex crenata, being from the holly family,
0:36:04 > 0:36:06does take to pruning very well.
0:36:06 > 0:36:11It recovers well, it heals well and you do get a lovely overall effect.
0:36:11 > 0:36:13To create these forms can take many years,
0:36:13 > 0:36:17but it is a fantastic statement in your garden and worth the effort.
0:36:18 > 0:36:22A stalwart of any Oriental planting scheme is the acer.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25Sam fell in love with them when she spent time in Japan,
0:36:25 > 0:36:29so Charlie's got some fab specimens to add to her new garden.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36So plant-wise, we've got some really key plants in the garden.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39We've got some beautiful Japanese maples.
0:36:39 > 0:36:43And I want them to stand alone so they're like specimen planting.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45So there's one just on the edge of the deck,
0:36:45 > 0:36:48so you see the lovely curved shape of it.
0:36:48 > 0:36:50Then there's another one over by the kitchen window.
0:36:50 > 0:36:54Again, it's a lace-type one with a red foliage.
0:36:54 > 0:36:56Then we've got another one over there.
0:36:56 > 0:37:00So, they're dotted round the garden and we want to highlight them.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03Because the budget's a little on the tight side,
0:37:03 > 0:37:08the planting's quite sparse, but we're putting in key plants
0:37:08 > 0:37:11to sort of highlight the features in the garden.
0:37:11 > 0:37:16So these low black grasses will highlight the paving here
0:37:16 > 0:37:20and then most of the planting is on the far side
0:37:20 > 0:37:22as a backdrop to the trampoline.
0:37:32 > 0:37:35I love these lace maples.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38- They're delicate, aren't they? - This being a shadier garden,
0:37:38 > 0:37:40the leaves will be much happier.
0:37:40 > 0:37:42They don't like full, full sun.
0:37:42 > 0:37:44Is it because they're quite fine?
0:37:44 > 0:37:46They're fine because they're naturally from woodland.
0:37:46 > 0:37:48- They're the under-planting in woodland...- Yeah, yeah.
0:37:48 > 0:37:53- ..so they're protected like hostas and all the woodland plants.- Yeah.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55Gorgeous. A lovely bit of colour, isn't it?
0:37:57 > 0:37:59To keep the budget on track,
0:37:59 > 0:38:02Charlie's sacrificed a few plants for some new turf.
0:38:02 > 0:38:06Most of the grass in Sam's garden is OK, but where the deck came up,
0:38:06 > 0:38:08there's a big gap.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13With the statement acers planted,
0:38:13 > 0:38:16Charlie moves on to the undulating bed she has created
0:38:16 > 0:38:19down the left-hand side of the garden.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21So this border here,
0:38:21 > 0:38:23I've got some evergreens for structure,
0:38:23 > 0:38:26things like the nandinas and the fatsia.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29But then I've got some plants to add some colour,
0:38:29 > 0:38:32so these are day lilies or hemerocallis.
0:38:32 > 0:38:35They have this very fountain-like foliage
0:38:35 > 0:38:38and then come up with big flower spikes for most of the summer,
0:38:38 > 0:38:41and the flowers are big trumpet orange flowers.
0:38:41 > 0:38:45So that runs all the way through the border.
0:38:45 > 0:38:48This garden has been a leap into the unknown.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51There have been potential disasters under every board
0:38:51 > 0:38:54and behind every overgrown shrub.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57And thanks to the trampoline, the muscles are aching.
0:38:57 > 0:39:02But as the finishing touches go in, Sam and Amy's new garden is done.
0:39:07 > 0:39:12In its former guise, this garden was neglected and drab.
0:39:12 > 0:39:16Five years without care had left shrubs massively overgrown
0:39:16 > 0:39:19and the deck dangerously slippy.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22It was far from the fun and relaxing space
0:39:22 > 0:39:25mum and daughter so badly needed.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28Now, it's a place for happy memories.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32With no money for a new deck,
0:39:32 > 0:39:35the old one has been salvaged and reshaped
0:39:35 > 0:39:38to fit with the curves of the new design.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42Charlie used nearly half the £1,300 budget
0:39:42 > 0:39:44on statement Oriental-style plants
0:39:44 > 0:39:47that bring the foreground of the space to life.
0:39:48 > 0:39:52And £250 on concrete wood-effect sleepers
0:39:52 > 0:39:54for her elegant new pathway.
0:39:55 > 0:40:00The overgrown cotoneaster has been replaced with a bamboo screen,
0:40:00 > 0:40:02providing much-needed privacy.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06But best of all, there's a new trampoline.
0:40:06 > 0:40:10Putting it in may have been a blister-inducing labour of love,
0:40:10 > 0:40:13and at £300, used up almost a third of the budget,
0:40:13 > 0:40:16but it's the one thing Sam wanted for Amy.
0:40:19 > 0:40:23Sam's dream was for her garden to be a fun place for Amy
0:40:23 > 0:40:25and a relaxing haven for her.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28It's time to see if Charlie's design has delivered.
0:40:29 > 0:40:31Charlie's bringing them out.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34Eyes closed, leading them out into their garden.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36Do you want to open your eyes?
0:40:38 > 0:40:40- Oh, my God. - SHE GASPS
0:40:40 > 0:40:41Oh, my God.
0:40:42 > 0:40:44Oh, she looks so happy.
0:40:44 > 0:40:46It's beautiful.
0:40:48 > 0:40:49- Wow!- Yeah?
0:40:49 > 0:40:52Yes. Ohh.
0:40:52 > 0:40:54It just looks so different.
0:40:54 > 0:40:56It looks just beautiful.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59I think she should be super pleased.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01Yeah, look at that, super big grin.
0:41:01 > 0:41:02I'm shaking!
0:41:02 > 0:41:05- So we've created some little areas for you.- Yes.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08This, budget-wise, we were a bit tight.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10So basically, you're going to have to save up for a seat
0:41:10 > 0:41:13- cos this is a fantastic sun trap. - Oh, yeah.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16And that wisteria, just train it all the way along.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19- How did you do that? - A bit of pruning.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22And then we want to draw your eye round the garden,
0:41:22 > 0:41:23so that you'll wander down here.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25And the way we've done the paving,
0:41:25 > 0:41:28it sort of draws... You want to go, "What's round there?"
0:41:28 > 0:41:31And we've got the hellebores and woodland plants.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34- Oh, wow.- And lots of acers.- Yes.
0:41:34 > 0:41:36And do you think Amy will like the trampoline?
0:41:36 > 0:41:38Oh, that is just amazing.
0:41:38 > 0:41:41- And it fits in, doesn't it?- It does.
0:41:41 > 0:41:45And then, come, this is my favourite bit down here.
0:41:45 > 0:41:46Oh-oh-oh!
0:41:48 > 0:41:53- I thought this would be a wonderful place for a Wendy house.- Oh, yes.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56Clearing that up, it's made a natural little area out of it,
0:41:56 > 0:41:58hasn't it? Because before it looked horrible.
0:41:58 > 0:42:03- Oh, I love this. A little hideaway. - A little hideaway.- Yes.
0:42:03 > 0:42:04- Shall we get Amy out?- Yes!
0:42:04 > 0:42:06Yes!
0:42:10 > 0:42:12Come here.
0:42:12 > 0:42:13Can I go on it now?
0:42:13 > 0:42:16- Pointing straight to the trampoline. - Can't wait to get on the trampoline.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19- Oh, the trampoline works, thank God. - Thumbs up.
0:42:23 > 0:42:27This garden has been a challenge on a limited budget
0:42:27 > 0:42:30for two clients with very different requirements...
0:42:31 > 0:42:34The garden is half Sam's, half Amy's,
0:42:34 > 0:42:37and I think they will get years of enjoyment.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41Just overwhelmed by it, actually.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44The impact it will have on our lives is huge.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46Just to have the extra space, it seems...
0:42:46 > 0:42:48the garden seems to have grown as well.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51So to have lots of friends over, to entertain,
0:42:51 > 0:42:55to have lots of kids - now is going to be an opportunity to do that,
0:42:55 > 0:42:57whereas before we couldn't, really.
0:42:57 > 0:43:01They've done an amazing job. It looks fantastic.
0:43:01 > 0:43:04I've got to say - £1,300, I am very impressed.
0:43:04 > 0:43:05It's a really, really cool garden, Charlie.
0:43:05 > 0:43:07Apart from that digging we had to do.
0:43:07 > 0:43:10THEY LAUGH ..and they couldn't be happier.