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 > 0:00:17We want to be the brothers
0:00:17 > 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 > 0:00:25- Oh, look at it turn. - That's amazing, isn't it?
0:00:25 > 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 > 0:00:52Wow!
0:00:52 > 0:00:53..and budget.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56- It looks really exciting.- It doesn't look like it could be our garden.
0:00:56 > 0:00:58The winner...
0:00:58 > 0:00:59Ta-dah!
0:00:59 > 0:01:00Whoo!
0:01:00 > 0:01:02..brings their design to life...
0:01:02 > 0:01:03Hold on! Hold on!
0:01:03 > 0:01:05Sweet as a nut.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07..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.
0:01:20 > 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 > 0:01:30Whoa! It's amazing.
0:01:30 > 0:01:31SHE GASPS
0:01:31 > 0:01:32It's beautiful!
0:01:32 > 0:01:36THEY LAUGH
0:01:39 > 0:01:42It's time for Charlie and the Rich brothers to discover
0:01:42 > 0:01:46whose garden they'll be battling over this time.
0:01:46 > 0:01:48We've got Laura and James, young couple. 28.
0:01:48 > 0:01:50And they're getting married this year.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52So they've got a lot of things on their plate.
0:01:52 > 0:01:54They're planning for a wedding
0:01:54 > 0:01:56and they've been doing up their house as well for two years.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00James and his fiancee, Laura, live in Farnham in Surrey.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04Despite both of them working full time, they've spent two years
0:02:04 > 0:02:06turning their first house into their dream home.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11I think it's been quite time consuming doing all the renovations.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15So it's taken a lot of time to go through all the rooms,
0:02:15 > 0:02:17we're almost finished now.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21But we haven't touched the garden so it's quite neglected at the moment.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25This young couple have put so much money and effort into their home
0:02:25 > 0:02:28that their garden has been completely neglected.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31Brace yourselves for this one. Have a look at that picture.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34- It doesn't even look like a garden, does it?- No! What's happened there?!
0:02:34 > 0:02:36- That's a little scary, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39I think we've lacked inspiration with what to do with the garden.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41We stripped it back from what was there before.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43- We've just got ourselves a blank canvas.- Definitely.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47And really want a bit of inspiration on where to go from there.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50This garden is a disaster.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54Right now, its only features are the remains of an old bathroom
0:02:54 > 0:02:57and an unsightly patio that's definitely seen better days.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00There's nothing here is there?
0:03:00 > 0:03:02There's not even any lawn or anything.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04Bit of a tricky one, isn't it?
0:03:04 > 0:03:06Looking at the garden at the moment, it's a bit grim.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09Yeah, we don't want to spend any time there as it is.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11It looks like there's some sort of level change
0:03:11 > 0:03:12there at the end as well.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16- Yeah, cos otherwise that's a really tall shed.- Yes.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18So it looks quite a tricky one, this one, I'd say.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21Despite the state of the garden,
0:03:21 > 0:03:24James and Laura have high expectations.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27- They definitely want to have it for entertaining.- Oh.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29For bringing friends over, drinking wine in the evening.
0:03:29 > 0:03:30That kind of thing.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33Laura said that she loves flowers. Flowers and herbs.
0:03:33 > 0:03:38I'd quite like to see plants like roses, lavender, fuchsia.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42So, flood the garden with flowers and I think they'll be very happy.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45But having poured their money into the house, and with a wedding
0:03:45 > 0:03:49to pay for, James and Laura have a limited budget to spend.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52The budget we provided is £1,500.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55It's a big wish-list for £1,500.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59To get a good effect with not much money,
0:03:59 > 0:04:00and there's absolutely nothing...
0:04:00 > 0:04:03I think this is going to take all our creativity, isn't it?
0:04:03 > 0:04:04I think so, yeah.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12Having learnt what they have to contend with,
0:04:12 > 0:04:14Charlie and the boys will now compete for the chance to
0:04:14 > 0:04:17make over Laura and James's garden.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20They're heading to the couple's house to look for clues
0:04:20 > 0:04:24that might give each of them the edge when it comes to their design.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29Charlie is heading straight to the garden with Laura and James.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32This is it! Someone's been doing some work.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34Yeah, I've been busy.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37But the boys have a different approach.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39They like to snoop around inside.
0:04:39 > 0:04:44I think one thing that definitely strikes me is the word shabby chic.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48They like to look inside a client's house
0:04:48 > 0:04:52for clues of how the garden could reflect their tastes.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54I think they love bringing things back to their natural state,
0:04:54 > 0:04:57- maybe leaving a little bit of paint on them or something.- Yeah.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59You can tell that from all this wood.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02The boys are known for their contemporary style.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04But Laura and James have quite traditional taste
0:05:04 > 0:05:06so they need to be careful.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08What was it like when you moved in?
0:05:08 > 0:05:10We had a bit of a grass patch there.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12It was kind of just not really doing much.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14They had an extension which got knocked down.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16Rather than pay for skips to get rid of the waste, they
0:05:16 > 0:05:19just buried it in the garden and covered it in paving.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22- One thing I've also noticed as well is a lot of floral patterns.- Yeah.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24It's here on some cake tins, on the mugs,
0:05:24 > 0:05:26and also through cut flowers as well.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28I think that's one thing we'll probably try to
0:05:28 > 0:05:29look at putting in the garden.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32What do you want from the garden? I mean, how are you going to use it?
0:05:32 > 0:05:35We'd like somewhere we can sit out in the summer and relax.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38- Have a drink or two. - Yeah, have friends over.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40We need to ensure it's looking as good as in here,
0:05:40 > 0:05:41cos this is what they love.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43This is how they see themselves, their own style.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47Just make sure there's a lovely link between both spaces.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49- Then they'll love it.- Yeah. - Good work.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52Harry and David clearly fancy their chances.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55But Charlie's finding more clues in the back
0:05:55 > 0:05:57that might give her an advantage.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59I have to say, the different levels,
0:05:59 > 0:06:02there's a lot of different levels, aren't there?
0:06:02 > 0:06:06The old patio is actually in the ideal spot.
0:06:06 > 0:06:08You must get all the evening sun up here.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10Yeah, this is a real sun trap.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13Shed seems like it's seen better days.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15- Yeah, it's on its last legs, I think.- Yeah.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17I have to say, we've got a lot to contend with here.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19It's a tight budget.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22We've got different levels to work.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24It's going to really challenge me
0:06:24 > 0:06:27and the boys to come up with something.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30But I'm sure we've got a few ideas.
0:06:30 > 0:06:31Can't wait to see them.
0:06:31 > 0:06:37Transforming this garden for £1,500 is a big ask.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41Just rebuilding the patio from scratch could blow the budget.
0:06:42 > 0:06:46So our rival designers get straight to work.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49Each of them has to come up with a design for Laura and James'
0:06:49 > 0:06:52garden that will work within their £1,500 budget.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55The couple will then choose a winner
0:06:55 > 0:06:59and whoever loses will have to help them build the garden.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05So who will the couple go for?
0:07:06 > 0:07:09Will it be Charlie with her wealth of experience,
0:07:09 > 0:07:13eye for the practical, and love of blooms?
0:07:13 > 0:07:16Or will the go with the award-winning Rich brothers,
0:07:16 > 0:07:19known for their chic, modern designs?
0:07:19 > 0:07:21- So...- Wow.
0:07:21 > 0:07:22It's time for the big pitch.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27So, our idea, our concept for the garden
0:07:27 > 0:07:29was to really create an outdoor room for you guys.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31Somewhere that you can come home after work,
0:07:31 > 0:07:34indulge in your outdoor lifestyle, have a glass of wine.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37Just immerse you in a much more natural space.
0:07:37 > 0:07:38Instead of it being all open,
0:07:38 > 0:07:41you'll actually have these lovely little rooms.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43You wander through the garden rather than just seeing it as one.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45- Zoned, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48The boys have divided the space horizontally,
0:07:48 > 0:07:50into areas for lounging and dining,
0:07:50 > 0:07:53turning the garden into a series of rooms.
0:07:53 > 0:07:57Whilst Charlie's taken a different tack.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59You're new gardeners, you work all the time.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01You're not quite sure, time-wise,
0:08:01 > 0:08:04how much time you'll have for the garden.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07I have basically gone with the shape, the rectangular.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09But to add some interest,
0:08:09 > 0:08:14I've gone with raised borders made of timber at different heights.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18She's going for a more conventional approach using timber borders
0:08:18 > 0:08:21down each side of the garden.
0:08:21 > 0:08:26The boys have chosen wood too, but used it in a rather different way.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28We drew from the house as well
0:08:28 > 0:08:30as there's quite a lot of wooden flooring.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33So we wanted to give you a lovely linear path there.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35These two rose beds here,
0:08:35 > 0:08:38they're sort of what I would call bum height.
0:08:38 > 0:08:39Just ideal perching.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41That's perfect for when we've got guests over
0:08:41 > 0:08:43and we have parties in the summer.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45We always run out of chairs.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47One feature Laura
0:08:47 > 0:08:50and James are definitely not a fan of is the old shed.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53What we wanted to do was kind of define this with a nice
0:08:53 > 0:08:55blocked wall.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59That again doubles up as a seating space with a nice slabbed top on it.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03So the boys are planning to leave the shed in and mask it.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05But Charlie's gone one better.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07I have put a new shed in there.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09And I would have the shed facing this way.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13And it's a bit of a summerhouse type of shed.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16Now, we know Laura loves her plants.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19Can Charlie and the boys wow her on such a limited budget?
0:09:19 > 0:09:22We've got planting down this area here.
0:09:22 > 0:09:23On the top, we've left areas for maybe
0:09:23 > 0:09:25- if you wanted to grow some herbs.- Yeah.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27And it'd be a little bit more meadowy.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29So a little bit more of a natural meadow.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31This is like, warm pink.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35So it'll be something that's quite floral and quite natural.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39We have a flower border here of roses and lavender.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41- OK.- All right?- Sounds nice.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44Now this side of the garden, we're going to be putting in things
0:09:44 > 0:09:47there that like the sun and give you all the colour flowers.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51Both sides are trying to appeal to Laura's love of pink.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55But Charlie's come up with an extra place for plants by the back door.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01These are actually containers made out of scaffold boards, painted,
0:10:01 > 0:10:04- that are on wheels. - That sounds pretty cool.
0:10:04 > 0:10:05It just lets you relax.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07It's your own little bit of Zen,
0:10:07 > 0:10:09in touch with a bit more nature as well, which is quite nice.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11It doesn't look like it could be our garden.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13THEY ALL LAUGH
0:10:13 > 0:10:15That's it. Time's up.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18The couple must decide which design will deliver
0:10:18 > 0:10:23the garden that they want for their £1,500 budget.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25The Rich brothers, I like where they've covered up the shed,
0:10:25 > 0:10:27cos it is a bit shabby at the moment.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31In this one, it's kind of open, but that's quite an interesting concept.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34I like the decked walkway. That's really nice.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37Yes, and it ties in with the timber floorboards in the house as well.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40These rose planters work as a bench as well.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42- So if we've got people over... - They can perch on them.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- On the side, yeah. I know you like these colours.- Yeah.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48She mentioned having roses and lavender. It would smell lovely.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52And Charlie's also has a new shed, I think we really need one.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55Yeah, it's on its last legs. That would be pretty handy.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57- It's a tough choice, isn't it?- It is.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59With their new life ahead of them,
0:10:59 > 0:11:03this garden could really make a difference to Laura and James.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05But only one design can win.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10Will Laura and James plump for the Rich brothers' design
0:11:10 > 0:11:13that will take them on a journey through different zones
0:11:13 > 0:11:16leading to a romantic seating area?
0:11:16 > 0:11:19Or will they choose Charlie's new summerhouse,
0:11:19 > 0:11:23her movable planters, and raised beds filled with flowers?
0:11:23 > 0:11:25It is decision time.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28- Hi, guys.- Hello.- Hey.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30Was it a difficult decision?
0:11:30 > 0:11:32- Very, we loved both, didn't we? - Yeah, we loved both.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36We loved just to visualise our garden as something different.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38We have decided to go with...
0:11:39 > 0:11:41- ..Charlie's design.- Charlie's.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44- Oh.- Interesting. My goodness.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49So, I think it's going to be difficult to keep it on budget
0:11:49 > 0:11:51and to get everything in.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53Yeah, we haven't got long to build it, have we?
0:11:53 > 0:11:56I'm glad you are both young and strong.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58I will be pointing.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00So, how did you get to your decision?
0:12:00 > 0:12:03And I hope there weren't any arguments because, you know,
0:12:03 > 0:12:05I would hate the wedding to be off.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07- I just did what I was told. - THEY LAUGH
0:12:07 > 0:12:09Easiest way, isn't it?
0:12:09 > 0:12:11Good man.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13Charlie may be smiling now
0:12:13 > 0:12:16but this is where the hard work really starts.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19The boys are clearly disappointed
0:12:19 > 0:12:23so she is going to need to win them round and put them to work if they
0:12:23 > 0:12:26are to have any hope of transforming this derelict back yard.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31Before Charlie and the boys can work their magic,
0:12:31 > 0:12:35her contracting team have to prepare the site.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37Charlie is working on the finer points of her design
0:12:37 > 0:12:40so has asked project manager Kate
0:12:40 > 0:12:44and her boys to remove everything undesirable in the garden.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47And lay the foundations for the new features in the design.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49We've got our railway sleepers which are going to be
0:12:49 > 0:12:51the mainframe for all our raised beds.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54So that's the main design feature in this garden.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57We've just got to start getting that all round and start using it.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03At the heart of Charlie's design is a new summerhouse.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07So it's time for the old shed to make an unceremonious exit.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12The new building is going to be a focal point in this garden
0:13:12 > 0:13:14so it needs to be sited perfectly.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20The days of the humble shed hidden away
0:13:20 > 0:13:23at the bottom of the garden are over.
0:13:23 > 0:13:24In today's gardens
0:13:24 > 0:13:28buildings are just as big a feature as trees and plants.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35Whether it's simple storage solutions,
0:13:35 > 0:13:38elegant summer houses,
0:13:38 > 0:13:42or ultramodern outdoor pods,
0:13:42 > 0:13:45the right building can be another living space,
0:13:45 > 0:13:48helping take the pressure off our busy homes.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51But if you are going to invest in an outdoor structure,
0:13:51 > 0:13:55take care to site it properly so it doesn't stick out like a sore thumb.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01In Laura and James's garden,
0:14:01 > 0:14:05Charlie's plan is for the new summerhouse to face the patio.
0:14:05 > 0:14:06But there is a problem.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12The footings left from the old shed base are rotten
0:14:12 > 0:14:14and with no money for new ones,
0:14:14 > 0:14:18contractors Adam and Scott are recycling parts of the old shed
0:14:18 > 0:14:19to create a new base.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25An expensive garden building can come with free installation
0:14:25 > 0:14:28but on this budget, we are going flat-pack
0:14:28 > 0:14:30and relying on the contractors' expertise.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36This isn't a one-person job so if you do the same,
0:14:36 > 0:14:38make sure you've got someone to help you.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44The old shed may have gone but Charlie's decided to keep
0:14:44 > 0:14:47the patio as a seating area for Laura and James.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51Right now it's an eyesore
0:14:51 > 0:14:54but Charlie has big plans for it so has charged Kate
0:14:54 > 0:14:56and the boys with giving it a face-lift.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59First things first, I think we are going to jet wash the patio,
0:14:59 > 0:15:02get it cleaned up, because it's quite dirty.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08With Charlie and the boys on their way,
0:15:08 > 0:15:12the contractors are keen to get all the prep work finished.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20The patio has been laid on an unsightly pile of rubble.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25So they are building a retaining wall to cover up the edges.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28In front of which there will be a set of steps.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31Perfect. Look at that. That's better.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34But the pile of rubble is a lot wider than the patio.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36Right.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38So there is a rather large gap.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41And the height from the original patio, obviously we've got
0:15:41 > 0:15:43so much difference between there and here...
0:15:43 > 0:15:46- Yeah, and another sleeper makes it higher than the patio.- Too high.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49If this wall comes up higher, we are going to be above the patio,
0:15:49 > 0:15:51which I think will ruin the flow of the garden.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53On the design, there's a lot more patio there on the actual picture.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55It comes all the way out to here.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57- But there is not actually much patio here, is there?- No.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00- We couldn't get any extra slabs and the lack of budget as well.- Yeah.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04Fortunately, Charlie, Harry
0:16:04 > 0:16:08and David have arrived just in time and are ready to get stuck in.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10So, plan of attack?
0:16:10 > 0:16:13- Right, go on, lay it on us. - Hey, here we go!
0:16:13 > 0:16:16Harry, what I would like you to do is get on with the rose beds
0:16:16 > 0:16:19because we've got to get ahead with building them
0:16:19 > 0:16:21because we've got to fill them with soil before we plant them.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24- Yep.- I know that's really obvious but there you go.
0:16:24 > 0:16:29- It's a good job.- David, if you can start on the patio at the far end.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31- Yeah.- We are going to recycle all the slabs.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33So maybe lose one or two of the slabs.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37It'll make it just looked a little more patio relaxed
0:16:37 > 0:16:38- rather than parking space.- Like it.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41Don't tell me you are drinking tea while we are doing this?
0:16:41 > 0:16:44Yeah, I'm going to be here drinking tea, enjoying the sunshine.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46- Checking the time and pointing. Yeah?- Perfect, yeah.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48- Off you go then.- Right.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51I might just have a sip of my tea first though.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54David is dutifully off to revive the patio.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56And Harry is on the case constructing the raised beds
0:16:56 > 0:16:59that will flank the edges of the garden.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07But Kate needs Charlie to focus on finding a solution to the
0:17:07 > 0:17:09retaining wall problem.
0:17:09 > 0:17:10So what's the issue then?
0:17:10 > 0:17:13I think it's quite obvious really.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16That was meant to be the level but if we come up another sleeper...
0:17:16 > 0:17:19- Yep.- ..it's going to be too high, isn't it?
0:17:19 > 0:17:22It's going to be too high and, you know, it's going to ruin that line.
0:17:22 > 0:17:27So, the idea is to put this sleeper here, make an extra step.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29OK. So, like that?
0:17:29 > 0:17:31- Yeah, like that.- Right.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34So we kind of put the sleeper here so you are going step one...
0:17:34 > 0:17:39- Step, step, step.- Yeah, that's what we thought you might...
0:17:39 > 0:17:42- David!- Yeah.- We've got a bit of a problem here, mate.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44What is it?
0:17:44 > 0:17:47Well, it's the levels, isn't it? We've got the issue with the levels.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49So we really need an extra step
0:17:49 > 0:17:53but we haven't got vast amounts of materials to do it.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55- But I want it all to tie in... - Of course.
0:17:55 > 0:17:59I'm thinking, chop this, drop it in...
0:17:59 > 0:18:03I mean, there is a lot of hard core underneath so it's quite firm.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07And then another sleeper at the back, drop that slab into there.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11- Yeah.- Then put another step here on the angle.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14It lends you into this little patio area as well.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17Laura and James' limited budget means that anything
0:18:17 > 0:18:20that can be reused in the garden is a bonus.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23The challenge will be to find a way to make the old
0:18:23 > 0:18:26slab into a safe stepping stone.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28- How are you going?- Oh, easy.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30Just re-laying some slabs, making them nice and level.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32Banging some things.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35- This one is a bit... - What? That is the one I just did!
0:18:35 > 0:18:37No, it's not! You liar!
0:18:37 > 0:18:41But before that, the old patio will need a face-lift.
0:18:42 > 0:18:46Charlie has tasked David with turning it from an eyesore
0:18:46 > 0:18:48into a new seating area.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52And he's found a solution using ordinary gravel.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54So, if you need to remove a slab or there is a missing space,
0:18:54 > 0:18:57you can just fill the gravel in its place.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01This situation works really well because we've got four
0:19:01 > 0:19:04surrounding slabs so it holds the gravel in, which is great.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09By breaking up the solid paving with gravel,
0:19:09 > 0:19:12the patio immediately looks better.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18This is a really good way to increase your area for your patio.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21But using gravel also gives that lovely texture
0:19:21 > 0:19:23and a bit of material change.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26But David has got another trick to bring it to life.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30Right, so, if you are looking to spruce up your patio
0:19:30 > 0:19:33but you find that some of the original slabs are broken
0:19:33 > 0:19:34or you can't find them,
0:19:34 > 0:19:36this is another great way of doing it.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39Here we've got camomile lawn and we've got creeping thyme.
0:19:39 > 0:19:41You can plant these in the gaps.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43These are great because they are low-lying,
0:19:43 > 0:19:46which means you're not going to trip over them,
0:19:46 > 0:19:49they smell really good, and they love dry and poor soil.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53So it means it's not going to take too much maintenance.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55So you've just got to make sure you dig a decent hole for them
0:19:55 > 0:19:58for the pot size, loosen up the soil around it
0:19:58 > 0:20:01because that will help the new roots grow through.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04Once they are out of the pot, maybe just give the roots a little tease.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07And then you put it in and push the soil up around it.
0:20:07 > 0:20:08There we are.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11Then that will grow and thrive and be beautiful.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25Nearby, Harry and Adam are building Charlie's extra step.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28They're adding a timber frame for stability
0:20:28 > 0:20:31and a membrane to stop the weeds coming through.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35- That's good and solid now. That will take people walking on it.- Yeah.
0:20:35 > 0:20:36Then, around the old slab,
0:20:36 > 0:20:40they are adding gravel so it matches David's new patio.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43- Much smarter finish.- Almost like a beach theme.- It is, isn't it?
0:20:43 > 0:20:45Yeah.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48All I'm doing here now is, we've got
0:20:48 > 0:20:51a bit of an issue of having this unsightly...
0:20:51 > 0:20:54It doesn't look the best. So what we're going to do...
0:20:54 > 0:20:56- Can I just borrow the board?- Yes.
0:20:56 > 0:21:01..is use a bit of wooden board here just to create a more
0:21:01 > 0:21:04decorative finish to this step.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07One of the issues with the old garden was that the
0:21:07 > 0:21:09fence at the back had collapsed.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12So David has come up with a solution.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14He's painting the remaining panel dark brown.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22And has found a novel use for one of the old shed walls.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24SHE LAUGHS
0:21:24 > 0:21:26- Whack-a-mole. - HE LAUGHS
0:21:26 > 0:21:30This garden build is all about making a limited budget
0:21:30 > 0:21:34go a long way. Laura and James were taken with Charlie's
0:21:34 > 0:21:36idea for containers by the back door.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38But with no money to buy them,
0:21:38 > 0:21:41she's making them for a fraction of the price.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43So we are making them nice and big.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46One, they are easier to maintain cos they won't dry out so quickly.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50But also, the impact, you'll be able to get more plants in them
0:21:50 > 0:21:52and they'll look a lot more attractive.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57Containers are great in a garden but they can work out really expensive.
0:21:57 > 0:22:02My idea is that we are building it out of timber.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06This is going to give a bit more support to the container.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08Let's check to see how long they are.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11We are using gravel boards so they're tanalised.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14Tanalised means the wood has been treated to stop it from rotting.
0:22:14 > 0:22:19- There we go.- There is one in there. One in there.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21- That's a nice, snug fit.- Beautiful.
0:22:21 > 0:22:22As you can see,
0:22:22 > 0:22:25it's quite substantial now that it's started to come together.
0:22:25 > 0:22:30It's quite weighty, which is good. It won't blow over in the wind.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37Even if you're not the best DIY-er in the world, a container
0:22:37 > 0:22:40like this is really quite simple.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43It's a case of chopping up bits of timber, more or less
0:22:43 > 0:22:45the same length, doesn't matter
0:22:45 > 0:22:48if there's a couple of millimetres out, and screwing it together.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50That's it, really.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54These aren't ordinary containers. They move.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00And this budget-busting idea has huge benefits to the plants.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06In the winter, you can wheel it right up against the house
0:23:06 > 0:23:08and the plants will be more protected.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11Adding a weed-proof membrane to the base of the container
0:23:11 > 0:23:13protects it from the soil
0:23:13 > 0:23:17while still allowing water to drain through while it's filled.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20And the timber, this way, will last much longer
0:23:20 > 0:23:24because it doesn't sit on a solid surface that is wet,
0:23:24 > 0:23:27the water will run through. So the timber is good to go.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32Woooo!
0:23:32 > 0:23:36Harry is also keen to show off his carpentry skills.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38But on a much bigger scale.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41He's cutting the softwood sleepers that will be a key feature
0:23:41 > 0:23:43of the edge of the garden.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45What's so nice about this is that it's such a warm material.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48It creates this lovely kind of structure and in this garden,
0:23:48 > 0:23:50that's going to create quite a contemporary structure.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53You can kind of play around with shapes and forms
0:23:53 > 0:23:55and I think that's what's so nice about it,
0:23:55 > 0:23:58is that you can kind of do-it-yourself
0:23:59 > 0:24:02One of the big challenges with James and Laura's plot
0:24:02 > 0:24:07is drawing attention away from this rather boring fence.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10There are a number of ways in which you can make a long, thin garden
0:24:10 > 0:24:13appear wider and more interesting.
0:24:17 > 0:24:21In this garden in Berkshire, designer Andrea Newill has employed
0:24:21 > 0:24:25every trick in the book to bring this skinny, urban plot to life.
0:24:28 > 0:24:33The best ways to tackle a long, narrow garden really is to try
0:24:33 > 0:24:37and give the appearance that the garden is wider than it actually is.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39So, ways of doing that
0:24:39 > 0:24:41are to have paths,
0:24:41 > 0:24:44rather than going straight up the garden,
0:24:44 > 0:24:47have them going horizontally across the width of the garden.
0:24:47 > 0:24:52So the eye is drawn across rather than straight up.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55Another way is to create a diagonal shape.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59And at the point of each diagonal, you may have a focal point or
0:24:59 > 0:25:02a beautiful plant or a sculpture or something.
0:25:02 > 0:25:08It's to create movement within the garden and interest, really.
0:25:10 > 0:25:15This garden, which as well as being long and thin, it's sloping.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19To disguise that element, the garden was terraced.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23And on each level I added pergolas for height.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26The first one nearer the house being to frame the view
0:25:26 > 0:25:31and provide a full stop rather than draw the eye straight up the garden.
0:25:31 > 0:25:35And then another one further up to provide a destination.
0:25:37 > 0:25:42The key is to try and disguise what perhaps is a negative feature
0:25:42 > 0:25:44and turn it into a positive feature.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55Just like in Andrea's garden, James and Laura have a sloping,
0:25:55 > 0:25:57narrow plot,
0:25:57 > 0:26:01so Charlie is employing softwood sleepers to break up the space.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05And because she's the boss, the boys are doing all the hard work.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08It's important when using sleepers to keep them really level
0:26:08 > 0:26:11because, at the end, you are really going to see the structure.
0:26:11 > 0:26:12So I'm going to dip this down now
0:26:12 > 0:26:15as there is quite a big level change in the garden.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18The sleepers will go in at different angles and heights
0:26:18 > 0:26:22before being filled with soil to create raised beds.
0:26:22 > 0:26:23And Harry's got the job of
0:26:23 > 0:26:26getting the levelling and measuring just right.
0:26:32 > 0:26:34I'm creating this kind of section which is going to
0:26:34 > 0:26:35jut out in the garden.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39It's going to be raised so it's going to create this lovely feature.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41And...
0:26:41 > 0:26:43really kind of elevate the garden,
0:26:43 > 0:26:45which is going to be a really nice detail.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48Levelling the ground is hard work
0:26:48 > 0:26:50but definitely worth it for the end result.
0:26:52 > 0:26:56These sleepers are heavy enough that they can be laid directly onto
0:26:56 > 0:27:00the ground and have been treated to protect them from the elements.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03- What are you up to? - Trying to dig out this.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05Are you being good up there with your slabbing?
0:27:05 > 0:27:08- Yeah, nailing it.- Nice easy work? - Just brushing in some gravel.- Yeah.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11- Fluffing some flowers.- Sounds like your kind of job, doesn't it?
0:27:11 > 0:27:13- Yeah.- Bracket there?
0:27:13 > 0:27:15- This little guy? - See if he's in there.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17Sunshine, sunshine! You know, some of us are waiting on the saw.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20Don't just use it and chuck it aside.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23I've been digging! Crazy.
0:27:23 > 0:27:24Now...
0:27:24 > 0:27:26THEY LAUGH
0:27:26 > 0:27:27Right, let's level this off, eh?
0:27:30 > 0:27:33- That's Harry level, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35Is it going on the inside or the outside there?
0:27:35 > 0:27:38- Outside there.- It's a long one, isn't it?
0:27:38 > 0:27:41We've just jutted this out so it really makes a feature.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43This is going to be two levels high.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46So it makes it really easy to manage and maintain.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49And ideal to sit on with a nice cup of tea.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51You know about that, don't you?
0:27:51 > 0:27:52Right, sunshines...
0:27:56 > 0:27:58One peg.
0:27:58 > 0:27:5915 to go.
0:27:59 > 0:28:03We are using the pegs just to hold the raised beds in.
0:28:03 > 0:28:04So, for the sleepers,
0:28:04 > 0:28:06otherwise they might move
0:28:06 > 0:28:08which would push soil up against them.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12- So this is the last one. - Last one, nice.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16All we've got to do now is fasten that up and then we're off.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23So far, this garden rescue is on track.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26The summerhouse is up and the patio has had a revamp.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30But there is an awful lot of raised beds going in
0:28:30 > 0:28:34and we've only got enough money for one bag of soil to fill them all.
0:28:34 > 0:28:39We are a bit tight on the soil and the budget doesn't allow for more.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42As things stand, there is a strong possibility
0:28:42 > 0:28:44some beds won't get filled.
0:28:44 > 0:28:48Charlie has to get James and Laura outside for a summit meeting.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51Basically, on the design...
0:28:53 > 0:28:58..you'll remember that there were raised borders all the way round.
0:28:58 > 0:29:02- Yeah.- But because of the levels at the top end of the garden,
0:29:02 > 0:29:06we need to use up a little bit more of the topsoil. OK.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09So what I'm suggesting - there is two options.
0:29:09 > 0:29:14- We can reduce this border and cut it back, the raised border.- OK.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17That will reduce the amount of soil that we can use up there.
0:29:17 > 0:29:21We can either make this into a border at ground level
0:29:21 > 0:29:25or we can run some turf straight across there.
0:29:25 > 0:29:26OK.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28They'd both look good. What would you prefer?
0:29:28 > 0:29:33- I think the turf. Maybe just extend the grassed area.- I agree.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36Yay! That's the right answer.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40OK, that's wonderful. That really sorts the problem out.
0:29:46 > 0:29:47With all the boys on tools,
0:29:47 > 0:29:50Charlie's on to stage two of her mobile containers.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56Containers are a great way to bring colour and texture
0:29:56 > 0:30:00to a large patio, small balcony, or a decking area.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03They are perfect for growing plants, herbs and veg.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08The bonus of container gardening is you can choose your soil
0:30:08 > 0:30:11rather than being stuck with what nature has left you.
0:30:11 > 0:30:15Allowing you to grow a variety of different plants more successfully.
0:30:19 > 0:30:23In Laura and James's garden, Charlie knows that Laura loves to cook
0:30:23 > 0:30:26so she's creating a mini herb garden by the back door.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30That's rosemary.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32Rosemary is great.
0:30:32 > 0:30:36You can use it in cooking, you can make it into topiary,
0:30:36 > 0:30:37and it's evergreen.
0:30:37 > 0:30:39It smells gorgeous,
0:30:39 > 0:30:42and the bees and butterflies love it.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44And a couple of thymes.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49OK, that will hang over nicely.
0:30:50 > 0:30:54As well as rosemary, Charlie is also planting sorrel and sage,
0:30:54 > 0:30:58the perfect herbs for Laura's soups and stews.
0:31:01 > 0:31:02SHE LAUGHS
0:31:02 > 0:31:07With the deck now complete, Charlie can add her next design feature.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10She's planning to construct a decorative pergola
0:31:10 > 0:31:13to frame the view of the back of the garden.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16But need David's help to site it.
0:31:16 > 0:31:18David, are you doing anything?
0:31:18 > 0:31:20Oh, no. Come on, come on, come on.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22Right, let's sort this pergola out.
0:31:22 > 0:31:27- Need to find the middle of the retaining wall.- Yeah.
0:31:27 > 0:31:29- For the central upright post.- OK.
0:31:29 > 0:31:33A shop-bought structure would bust the budget
0:31:33 > 0:31:37so she's improvising using three timber posts and a length of chain.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40This pergola is just going to be really simple.
0:31:40 > 0:31:41It's like a swag.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44- A swag?- A swag.- Interesting.- Nice.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47But what I want to see is where that post is going to be
0:31:47 > 0:31:49in relation to the doors, yeah?
0:31:51 > 0:31:53- Where is the mark? There he is. - There is the mark.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55Just about. It's going to be like that.
0:31:55 > 0:31:56How does that look for you?
0:31:56 > 0:31:59What we need is for you to hold that on there.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02What do you think?
0:32:02 > 0:32:04So, that doesn't look too bad
0:32:04 > 0:32:06because you can still see the shared upright
0:32:06 > 0:32:08but it doesn't interfere with the line.
0:32:08 > 0:32:10So I'm pleased about that.
0:32:10 > 0:32:12David is not convinced. Let's hope Laura and James like it.
0:32:15 > 0:32:17- Yeah, that's got it.- Yeah?
0:32:17 > 0:32:21This is screwed to the retaining wall to hold it upright.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24But we just want to put some concrete mix around the very
0:32:24 > 0:32:28bottom to make it stable so it won't blow around in the wind.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30And it will just give it that extra strength.
0:32:33 > 0:32:38- So, you being 6ft 8... - 6ft- 3. 6ft 3, all right.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40I want you to put a screw in
0:32:40 > 0:32:42- and then we are going to hook the chains on.- Yeah.
0:32:42 > 0:32:46So we are going to have one going zoomp, zoomp.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49And then we are going to have one going doomp, doomp.
0:32:49 > 0:32:50- Cool.- Yeah?
0:32:50 > 0:32:52- I like it.- A double swag.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54I'll hold this end, you hold that end.
0:32:54 > 0:32:59This double swag will create a place for climbing plants to scramble.
0:32:59 > 0:33:01Once they've grown across the whole structure,
0:33:01 > 0:33:04it will be a living frame of colour and scent.
0:33:07 > 0:33:09That's it for the building,
0:33:09 > 0:33:13now it's time to see if there is enough soil to fill the beds.
0:33:13 > 0:33:14One, two, three.
0:33:15 > 0:33:17Luckily there is
0:33:17 > 0:33:20and the beds are full to the brim.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22Multitasking, multitasking.
0:33:22 > 0:33:26Levelling beds, potting up containers,
0:33:26 > 0:33:27and pointing a lot.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29Right, that's that.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34Homeowner Laura has a passion for pink
0:33:34 > 0:33:37and Charlie won her over with her carefully chosen mix
0:33:37 > 0:33:39of bright, colourful flowers.
0:33:39 > 0:33:43And now it's critical they all go in the right place.
0:33:43 > 0:33:44Such choices!
0:33:44 > 0:33:49It looks a bit chaotic but there is method in Charlie's madness.
0:33:49 > 0:33:53She points and gets the boys to do the lifting.
0:33:53 > 0:33:55On the right-hand side,
0:33:55 > 0:33:58Charlie is using shade-loving shrubs to brighten the space.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02Take the Chaenomeles, boys.
0:34:02 > 0:34:03We'll have...
0:34:03 > 0:34:06Let's put one in the middle back here.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09Chaenomeles, better known as a flowering quince,
0:34:09 > 0:34:14are spiny shrubs that produce bright red, pink or white flowers.
0:34:15 > 0:34:20We have got a nice Goldheart ivy...
0:34:20 > 0:34:22which might be nice on that wall.
0:34:27 > 0:34:31Chocolate or jasmine down by the seating area?
0:34:31 > 0:34:32I don't really know.
0:34:32 > 0:34:33Decisions, decisions.
0:34:33 > 0:34:34Where is it going?
0:34:34 > 0:34:38- Just down on the other side of the patio area.- To the right?
0:34:38 > 0:34:40David, you should know girls don't do left and right.
0:34:40 > 0:34:42It's that way or that way.
0:34:50 > 0:34:54Charlie's chosen other fragrant plants for the couple to enjoy
0:34:54 > 0:34:55at the top of the patio.
0:34:57 > 0:35:01Nice... Nice lavender. Couple of lavenders next to the step.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04So, as they wander up, they will brush by them
0:35:04 > 0:35:08and they'll be in heaven sat down here of an evening to chillax.
0:35:15 > 0:35:19In this sunny spot, Charlie is planting flowers with pink blooms,
0:35:19 > 0:35:21including these bleeding hearts.
0:35:22 > 0:35:26They get their name from their pretty heart-shaped flowers.
0:35:29 > 0:35:33With Laura and James's budget not extending to a new fence,
0:35:33 > 0:35:36to cover the old one Charlie is using climbers
0:35:36 > 0:35:39like this climbing rose, the Rosa Compassion,
0:35:39 > 0:35:41to soften the boundaries.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43So, these are lovely.
0:35:43 > 0:35:45Aubretia.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48They trail down over the edge of things but they also make a nice mat
0:35:48 > 0:35:52so this will end up as carpet of variegated foliage
0:35:52 > 0:35:55with these purple flowers.
0:36:00 > 0:36:01Do you like these?
0:36:01 > 0:36:04- They are really nice. - Dianthus. What is it?
0:36:07 > 0:36:09- Cloves and nutmeg. - I was just about to say that.
0:36:09 > 0:36:10Yeah?
0:36:10 > 0:36:12SHE LAUGHS
0:36:12 > 0:36:16Charlie's chosen wisteria to cover the new pergola.
0:36:18 > 0:36:20Then you can twine a couple of bits in.
0:36:22 > 0:36:26With little training, this wisteria will wind its way around the
0:36:26 > 0:36:32chain swags and produce beautiful flowers around Maytime each year.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35But to give the climbers on the fence a helping hand,
0:36:35 > 0:36:37Harry is adding some support.
0:36:37 > 0:36:38I'm just pre-drilling this hole
0:36:38 > 0:36:42so I can turn in and get the eyelets for...
0:36:42 > 0:36:45I'm going to string up some wire for the climbers.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48It just gives them a nice little bit of structure so they can grow up.
0:36:48 > 0:36:52Clematis montana is a great choice to cover a wall or fence
0:36:52 > 0:36:55because it will grow quickly to fill the space.
0:36:56 > 0:37:01Well-supported, they can grow up to 14m high and 3m wide.
0:37:03 > 0:37:05You can plant it any time of year
0:37:05 > 0:37:08but it will be in full bloom in early summer.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10Perfect, yeah. Do that.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14To bring her design to life for the money,
0:37:14 > 0:37:16Charlie's had to recycle like mad.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19She's even found a use for part of the old bathroom suite.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25So this is Laura's little sink
0:37:25 > 0:37:29that was hidden away underneath some builders' rubble.
0:37:29 > 0:37:30So it's quite sweet.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34I'm going to plant it up with a couple of her favourite plants.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37Hardy geraniums, which are great for anywhere in the garden,
0:37:37 > 0:37:39keep flowering and flowering.
0:37:39 > 0:37:43Fuchsia, she likes pink so we're going to have a nice...
0:37:43 > 0:37:46It's a hardy fuchsia so that will give us a bit of height at the back.
0:37:46 > 0:37:50Then maybe one or two of the alpines to really pretty it up.
0:37:50 > 0:37:52SHE GASPS
0:37:52 > 0:37:55Little bit of miniature gypsophila.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57Everybody knows gypsophila.
0:37:57 > 0:38:02It's that fluffy white little flower you get in a bunch of carnations.
0:38:08 > 0:38:12By saving money on landscaping and features,
0:38:12 > 0:38:15Charlie's freed up enough money to give Laura
0:38:15 > 0:38:16and James a brand-new lawn.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20The boys are clearing weeds and pebbles
0:38:20 > 0:38:22and then carefully raking the surface
0:38:22 > 0:38:25to leave a top finish ready for laying the turf.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30The first row is laid against a straight edge to ensure
0:38:30 > 0:38:32the rest go in straight.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34And each piece is placed tight to the next
0:38:34 > 0:38:37to get an even finish.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40A new lawn will need frequent watering
0:38:40 > 0:38:43and is best laid between early autumn and early spring.
0:38:43 > 0:38:45And as the last roll goes down,
0:38:45 > 0:38:48this budget-busting new garden is finished.
0:38:53 > 0:38:58In its previous life, James and Laura's garden was an empty void.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01Its only feature being the partly-buried remains
0:39:01 > 0:39:03of an old bathroom suite.
0:39:05 > 0:39:10Now it's had a £1,500 transformation.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13But Charlie and the team have had to make every penny count.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19The old garden featured a dilapidated shed.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22Now in its place is a romantic summerhouse.
0:39:22 > 0:39:27Coming in at £350, it's the perfect focal point for the new garden.
0:39:33 > 0:39:37By hand-making a pergola for just £60,
0:39:37 > 0:39:39Charlie has added a living frame to the garden.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46This will burst with stunning blooms once the climbers take hold.
0:39:49 > 0:39:53The old plot looked long and featureless
0:39:53 > 0:39:57so the team spent just over £300 on wooden sleepers.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00Creating raised beds placed at different angles.
0:40:04 > 0:40:06And Charlie's added movable containers
0:40:06 > 0:40:10for the bargain price of £20.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13These have been planted with Laura's favourite herbs.
0:40:13 > 0:40:17And for a bit of resourceful recycling, she's even taken
0:40:17 > 0:40:21the old sink found in the garden and made it into a quirky planter.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28Despite their limited budget,
0:40:28 > 0:40:32James and Laura had high hopes for this garden.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35They were looking for the perfect outdoor space to complement
0:40:35 > 0:40:37their new married life together.
0:40:41 > 0:40:43It's time to find out if Charlie
0:40:43 > 0:40:47and the boys have delivered the garden they dreamed of.
0:40:47 > 0:40:48Oh, here they come.
0:40:50 > 0:40:51A bit further.
0:40:51 > 0:40:52I'm nervous for them.
0:40:52 > 0:40:56- A little step.- Feels like grass. - Feels like grass, does it?
0:40:56 > 0:41:00I think their eyes are closed, unless they are really slow walkers.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03Right, would you like to open your eyes?
0:41:03 > 0:41:04- Oh, my gosh.- Wow.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06It's unbelievable, isn't it?
0:41:06 > 0:41:08- Wow.- What a transformation.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11- DAVID:- Big smiles.- Big smiles. - We can see teeth, that's good.
0:41:11 > 0:41:15- That bit up there looks amazing. It looks so different.- Yeah?
0:41:15 > 0:41:18- Yeah.- A good different?- Yeah! - It's unbelievable.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21The steps look lovely as well. I like the way that you've actually
0:41:21 > 0:41:22reused the old slabs as well.
0:41:22 > 0:41:24- It looks good. It ties it in.- Yeah.
0:41:24 > 0:41:28- They are eyeing up that shed, aren't they?- The summerhouse.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30- And we've got your... - Movable planters, is it?
0:41:32 > 0:41:35- Yeah! They look so great. - So you'll be able to move these...
0:41:35 > 0:41:38- I think they're pretty cool, aren't they?- I love those, yeah.
0:41:38 > 0:41:39Come and explore.
0:41:39 > 0:41:41I visualised the beds and how they would look
0:41:41 > 0:41:43but I wasn't sure how this would end up.
0:41:43 > 0:41:45Yeah, I wasn't sure if that was going to be finished.
0:41:45 > 0:41:46I'll tread lightly.
0:41:48 > 0:41:50- DAVID:- Perfectly executed. On to the top.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53- And then you get a totally different view...- Yeah, exactly.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56..looking back. Then we've got your climbers.
0:41:56 > 0:42:00So this one's an Akebia, that smells of chocolate.
0:42:00 > 0:42:01- Oh, lovely!- Nice.
0:42:01 > 0:42:06This is an evergreen clematis that's got lovely honey smell early spring.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09- Then this will be your wisteria. - Yes!
0:42:09 > 0:42:12And it's just about to come into flower.
0:42:12 > 0:42:14It's going to look amazing in full bloom, isn't it?
0:42:14 > 0:42:15Yeah, once it's all grown.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18There's lots of smiles so I think today we've nailed it, really.
0:42:18 > 0:42:19I think they love the garden.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22Amazing. Thank you, Charlie. Thanks so much.
0:42:22 > 0:42:26This garden has pushed Charlie and the boys' skills to the limit,
0:42:26 > 0:42:28but it's been worth it.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32For the budget, I think they've managed to really fit a lot into it
0:42:32 > 0:42:33- and get creative with it.- Yeah.
0:42:33 > 0:42:37For the budget, I think we've made quite an impact on the garden.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39- HARRY:- It's completely changed, I think.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41We've got a retaining wall, steps, the raised beds,
0:42:41 > 0:42:43it is the essence of this garden, isn't it?
0:42:43 > 0:42:46If I was to do that out of brick or stone, it would be a
0:42:46 > 0:42:48lot more expensive. So, again, budget-wise it's been brilliant.
0:42:48 > 0:42:53And my containers. If you went to buy that, that would cost a fortune.
0:42:53 > 0:42:54It looks really nice.
0:42:54 > 0:42:56- JAMES:- The Garden Rescue team definitely delivered
0:42:56 > 0:42:58way above our expectations too.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00It's something we'd never have come up with ourselves.
0:43:00 > 0:43:02No, we'd never have come up with the designs,
0:43:02 > 0:43:05so just having the designs and seeing the reality of it,
0:43:05 > 0:43:08the vision today, has just been absolutely amazing.
0:43:08 > 0:43:12It looks like today we have two very happy customers.