0:00:02 > 0:00:04With her can-do attitude, love of simple gardens,
0:00:04 > 0:00:06and decades of experience...
0:00:06 > 0:00:07Hello!
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 > 0:00:16We want to be the brothers
0:00:16 > 0:00:19that change people's perceptions of gardens.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22Winners of multiple medals at the Chelsea Flower Show...
0:00:22 > 0:00:24- Oh, wow.- Pipped in! - That's really amazing, isn't it?
0:00:24 > 0:00:28..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.
0:00:45 > 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 > 0:00:53..and will each pitch them a design based on their needs 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 > 0:00:59- The winner...- Da-da!
0:00:59 > 0:01:00THEY CHEER
0:01:00 > 0:01:02..brings their design to life.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04- Hold on! Hold on! - Sweet as a nut.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07..and the loser has to help them build it.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10I'm getting irritated now, we're sort of faffing around.
0:01:10 > 0:01:11This is what happens...
0:01:11 > 0:01:13Does he ever get irritating?
0:01:13 > 0:01:14All 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 > 0:01:29Whoa!
0:01:29 > 0:01:31It'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?
0:01:44 > 0:01:46Tea.
0:01:46 > 0:01:48Today is the turn of photographer Alasdair
0:01:48 > 0:01:50and marketing manager Philippa,
0:01:50 > 0:01:53who live in York with their cat, Ginny.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55Two years ago, not long after they got married,
0:01:55 > 0:01:58the couple bought this Edwardian terraced house
0:01:58 > 0:02:02and began painstakingly restoring it to its former glory.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06We had to rip everything out and start from scratch,
0:02:06 > 0:02:08which was hard work.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12Yeah. It's just left us with the garden to finish off now.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15Once that's done, we'll be done and dusted.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17They're a young couple that live in York.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20Very sweet, aren't they? Look!
0:02:20 > 0:02:23I bet their mum and dad were happy when they got married.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25- They're lovely!- They're charming looking, aren't they?
0:02:25 > 0:02:26- They are. Ideal.- Yeah.
0:02:26 > 0:02:31Their house is now a stylish mix of period and contemporary.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36While the garden is a concrete jungle.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40At the moment we don't use the garden at all,
0:02:40 > 0:02:42because there's nowhere to sit, there's nothing to look at.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45It's just a dumping ground.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48Basically, all the stuff we had left over from doing up the house
0:02:48 > 0:02:51has just gone straight in the garden, so it's all got...
0:02:52 > 0:02:56- It's just a mess. - A bit manky, a bit of a mess.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59It is east facing, so I think it's going to be quite shady.
0:02:59 > 0:03:01That's something we'll have to deal with.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05- Not necessarily a bad thing, though. - Not at all! Some luscious plants.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08Being a terrace, it's bound to be overlooked.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10- Yeah.- And probably have one of those...
0:03:10 > 0:03:12Looks like they've got that funny, odd bit
0:03:12 > 0:03:14that nobody quite knows what to do with.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18This plot is just four and a half metres by seven and a half metres
0:03:18 > 0:03:20and void of any plants.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22It's going to take some serious inspiration
0:03:22 > 0:03:24to reveal its hidden beauty.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28Having created such a stunning home,
0:03:28 > 0:03:32Alasdair and Philippa have very high standards.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36We'd like a mix like we have in the house, of quite clean lines
0:03:36 > 0:03:42and almost regimented with also kind of overflowing planting.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44And they're prepared to spend the money
0:03:44 > 0:03:47to make the outside look as good as the inside.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49So we've got five grand to spend with this garden,
0:03:49 > 0:03:52which I'm very pleased about, because it's actually quite small.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54It does seems a bit silly to scrimp on the garden
0:03:54 > 0:03:57when we've spent so much time and effort on the house.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00Hopefully, it means we can get really good quality materials
0:04:00 > 0:04:02that will stand the test of time.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13£5,000 is a serious budget for such a small space,
0:04:13 > 0:04:15but these are serious clients
0:04:15 > 0:04:18who are going to expect something very special.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20So Charlie and the boys are going head-to-head,
0:04:20 > 0:04:23each designing a new garden for Philippa and Alasdair.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26They'll travel to York, and present their designs to the couple,
0:04:26 > 0:04:29who will choose which one gets built.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32And the loser has to help the winner build their garden.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35It's the day of the pitch.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37Will Alasdair and Philippa go for Charlie,
0:04:37 > 0:04:41with her decades of experience and vast knowledge of plants...
0:04:41 > 0:04:42- Wow!- Wow.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44..or the Rich Brothers,
0:04:44 > 0:04:48known for their contemporary, medal-winning designs?
0:04:48 > 0:04:51- Here we go!- Yeah.- Yeah?
0:04:51 > 0:04:53That looks good.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56You come out of your main door there to this open area,
0:04:56 > 0:04:58seating area, mainly.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02This is a low, shallow pool of water for reflection.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05And I thought it'd be quite nice for your seating area
0:05:05 > 0:05:10to be somewhere that you get to, so there's stepping stones across
0:05:10 > 0:05:16onto an area of chunky oak timber deck.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19What we wanted to do was create this extension from your house.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23This stylish, outdoor room that complemented the stylish interior
0:05:23 > 0:05:24you guys have done there.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27We've got the front room straight out from the kitchen,
0:05:27 > 0:05:30which is more for the morning and dining.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32The idea was to use a wooden flooring.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34as if it is an extension to the house.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38Then, the back area with two sofas and a fire bowl,
0:05:38 > 0:05:40somewhere more intimate, more cosy,
0:05:40 > 0:05:44a place to really relax and enjoy the space.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47The Rich Brothers' design
0:05:47 > 0:05:49seamlessly links the interior of the house
0:05:49 > 0:05:52to a luxurious outdoor living space.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55But Charlie's taking a gamble,
0:05:55 > 0:06:00by going for a shallow pool by the back door.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02Now for the planting.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05One of the key features in the garden are these tree ferns.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07They've got so many good qualities.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11One of them is they've got a really luscious, really large canopy,
0:06:11 > 0:06:13but they've got a really thin stem,
0:06:13 > 0:06:15so they don't take up too much room
0:06:15 > 0:06:17and impose on a small space like this.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19Tree ferns make a dramatic statement.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22But will they be too much for Philippa?
0:06:22 > 0:06:25Also, with the lighting in the garden we're going to put in,
0:06:25 > 0:06:27when they're up-lit, they're so architectural and so sculptural.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31Charlie's playing it safe, with shorter, exotic plants.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35Plant-wise, lots of greens but foliage effects.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39So, things like that Fatsia japonica, Rodgersias, flowers,
0:06:39 > 0:06:43but very simple, fluffy white flowers.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46This is Equisetum, so it's very regimented and upright,
0:06:46 > 0:06:48looks like bamboo.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51But with five grand burning a hole in their pocket,
0:06:51 > 0:06:53the couple have some questions.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56What happens down the side next to kitchen?
0:06:56 > 0:06:59What we want to do is create this really luscious space.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02It's more an area to look upon rather to be in.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06The boys are continuing the fern theme into the side alley,
0:07:06 > 0:07:09but Charlie sees it as a whole new garden.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11This is very Dingley Dell.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15I want this to be a fernery, with really lush plants.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17So lots of hardy ferns,
0:07:17 > 0:07:21some tree ferns for a little bit of height and some hostas.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23So it's all leaves, foliage...
0:07:23 > 0:07:26- Really nice.- I have to say, that's my favourite bit of the design.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30Only one design can win.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32So who's it going to be?
0:07:33 > 0:07:36Will they spend their £5,000 on
0:07:36 > 0:07:37Charlie's Dingley Dell garden,
0:07:37 > 0:07:39with its tranquil water feature
0:07:39 > 0:07:41and stepping stones,
0:07:41 > 0:07:44or on the boys' chic outdoor lounge
0:07:44 > 0:07:46with its elegant tree ferns?
0:07:49 > 0:07:52- Hi, guys.- It's a really difficult decision to make.- Yeah. But...
0:07:55 > 0:07:58..we've come up with...
0:07:58 > 0:07:59Da-da!
0:07:59 > 0:08:01CHARLIE AND THE RICH BROTHERS CHEER
0:08:01 > 0:08:04- Nice! That's awesome. - What made you choose our design?
0:08:04 > 0:08:05Think it was the two areas,
0:08:05 > 0:08:08having the breakfast room just outside the kitchen,
0:08:08 > 0:08:12which is ideal, and then a cosier area at the back.
0:08:12 > 0:08:13Really excited about it.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16- Are you starting now? - Yeah, I've got my gloves!
0:08:18 > 0:08:21The Rich Brothers have emerged triumphant.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25If that's not enough, they now get to boss Charlie around,
0:08:25 > 0:08:28when all three of them build the garden.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37It's early morning in York,
0:08:37 > 0:08:41and while the Rich Brothers are away working on the final details of their design,
0:08:41 > 0:08:44they've sent project manager Paul and the landscaping team in
0:08:44 > 0:08:47to clear the garden and mark it out according to their plan.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53So it's this lip here that we're going off,
0:08:53 > 0:08:57so everything is determined from that.
0:08:57 > 0:09:02So it looks almost like the floor inside is coming straight out.
0:09:02 > 0:09:07At the far end of the garden, they have planned a contemporary patio.
0:09:09 > 0:09:14So the team need to prep that area ready for the large modern slab.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22Meanwhile, out front, the Rich Brothers and Charlie have arrived,
0:09:22 > 0:09:25and are preparing themselves for the huge task
0:09:25 > 0:09:27of bringing the boys' winning design to life.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30Right, guys, we've got our work cut out for us with this garden.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32There's going to be a few challenges, isn't there?
0:09:32 > 0:09:35- It's small, but doesn't come without its trouble, does it?- Mm.
0:09:35 > 0:09:40Basically, it's one level from the kitchen floor straight out.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42- No steps.- Like extended rooms.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45They can open the partition doors and walk straight out.
0:09:45 > 0:09:50- Blimey!- With that added pressure now then, Barry, you're on slabs.
0:09:50 > 0:09:51You'll be doing a bit of that.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55Charlie, I'm going to hide you away in this little Dingley Dell here.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57OK. Doing what?
0:09:57 > 0:10:00- Just relaxing, drinking tea. - Yeah! Sitting down...
0:10:00 > 0:10:03Catching some sun. And I'm going to set myself on the decking.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05- It's not that sunny. - It isn't at all, is it?
0:10:05 > 0:10:07- Catching the rain. - Optimism, people!
0:10:07 > 0:10:09- Right...- Cool.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19With the boys taking charge in the back...
0:10:19 > 0:10:23Charlie's been demoted to the side alley.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26And out the front, there's been a delivery.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- Look at those!- Goodness me!- Wow.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31The six mature tree ferns the boys are hoping
0:10:31 > 0:10:34will bring some real drama to the garden have arrived.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42Tree ferns are an excellent addition to a smaller garden,
0:10:42 > 0:10:44because they have shallow roots.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48But they still provide shade under their wide, feathery fronds.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55Mature samples can cost between £200 and £400,
0:10:55 > 0:10:59so Philippa's keen to see what she's getting for her money.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03- It's going to be like Jurassic Park, I think.- Quite prehistoric!
0:11:07 > 0:11:11One of the biggest challenges with designing a small garden
0:11:11 > 0:11:15is that even the tiniest imperfections are on show.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18Knowing that Alasdair and Philippa have an eye for detail,
0:11:18 > 0:11:23the boys have ordered high-quality materials, for a flawless finish -
0:11:23 > 0:11:26starting with these giant paving slabs.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28So we decided to go for a 900 by 600 slab.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31This is probably one of the largest slabs you can get.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34It's kind of key when you have a small garden
0:11:34 > 0:11:37to use elements that are slightly oversized.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41Using big slabs tricks the eyes into thinking the space is larger,
0:11:41 > 0:11:45and laying them across the garden gives the impression of width.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49We also decided to push the slabs up together,
0:11:49 > 0:11:52so there's no pointed line in between.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55This really gives this nice, contemporary feel
0:11:55 > 0:11:57which links in with the house nicely.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03This garden is all about using the small space efficiently,
0:12:03 > 0:12:06without comprising the contemporary look,
0:12:06 > 0:12:08and the boys have even come up with somewhere
0:12:08 > 0:12:11for the couple to store their garden tools.
0:12:11 > 0:12:15The entrance to the side return is going to be a walk-through shed,
0:12:15 > 0:12:18and because Alasdair has done up some of the house himself,
0:12:18 > 0:12:21he's keen to have a go at building it.
0:12:21 > 0:12:27Hopefully, if I've measured right, this will be going straight in.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30Like a glove! Look at that.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33Meanwhile, whilst the boys can contemplate their next move
0:12:33 > 0:12:35in the big garden...
0:12:35 > 0:12:38Charlie remains confined to the little one.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42I should get my bit finished, done and dusted easily!
0:12:44 > 0:12:47Bring me tea!
0:12:47 > 0:12:51The courtyard has been designed as an area for the couple to sit back
0:12:51 > 0:12:53and admire from their kitchen.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55Having only a few pavers,
0:12:55 > 0:12:58it will be filled to the brim with luscious plants.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03This area here is absolutely tiny.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07I mean, really tiny. But it will look fantastic.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09They overlook it from the kitchen,
0:13:09 > 0:13:12so we're planting it up with really lovely, lush plants.
0:13:12 > 0:13:14You got Baltic parsley -
0:13:14 > 0:13:18it's like cow parsley but much more architectural and bold.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20This area is already lit,
0:13:20 > 0:13:24so it's going to look spectacular with the plants at night.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27So I'm going to plant this Japanese anemone against the wall.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30It doesn't look much at the moment, but it's a lovely plant,
0:13:30 > 0:13:33gives you lots of flowers later in the season
0:13:33 > 0:13:36when some garden plants are looking a bit sad.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39Comes up, has low foliage, but comes up with flower spikes
0:13:39 > 0:13:42that have got pink, open flowers,
0:13:42 > 0:13:46which look gorgeous against this brickwork, the texture of it.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53I wish the soil was a little bit easier to dig, but there you go,
0:13:53 > 0:13:56you can't have everything in life, can you?
0:13:59 > 0:14:02The next big challenge in the main garden is to seamlessly connect
0:14:02 > 0:14:06the kitchen with the patio area, using a stylish deck.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09It needs to be perfectly flush with the patio,
0:14:09 > 0:14:11so the subframe needs to be spot on.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15And so we're putting a membrane down to stop any weed growth
0:14:15 > 0:14:17coming up through the decking.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21With most of the hard landscaping finished,
0:14:21 > 0:14:24it's time for the stars of the garden - the tree ferns -
0:14:24 > 0:14:26to make an appearance.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28These are big old beasts, they're hard to carry around,
0:14:28 > 0:14:31so we're going to get some sticks, put them in place
0:14:31 > 0:14:33and find out their positions.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35Harry, chuck 'em over...
0:14:35 > 0:14:37- Pass me some of those sticks there, mate.- Some of these?
0:14:37 > 0:14:40Yeah, they're perfect. Five of them, please.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42Perfect. Nice.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45Right, what are we thinking?
0:14:45 > 0:14:48Placing them too close together, too far apart,
0:14:48 > 0:14:51or too equidistant will look unnatural,
0:14:51 > 0:14:54so it's critical to position them perfectly.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56- Like that?- Yeah, lovely.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58- And then we'd probably go for one, maybe there?- Yeah.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02And that one can go here, and that...
0:15:02 > 0:15:04- That will be perfect for privacy, actually.- Yeah.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10Tree ferns have shallow roots,
0:15:10 > 0:15:13so the hole only needs to be 10cm bigger than the trunk's diameter,
0:15:13 > 0:15:16and 20cm deeper than the root ball.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22While the bosses get to play with the big trees,
0:15:22 > 0:15:23Charlie's been given a project
0:15:23 > 0:15:26that's even smaller than the side return.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29We're going to make this into a green roof.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32Now, because Alasdair's made the shed himself,
0:15:32 > 0:15:34it's really strong and reinforced.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37If you were using a prefabricated shed at home,
0:15:37 > 0:15:40you'd want to put some extra structure in
0:15:40 > 0:15:42because of the weight of the roof.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44The roof has been felted,
0:15:44 > 0:15:47but to make sure it matches the rest of the garden,
0:15:47 > 0:15:51Charlie's adding a lip, using the same decking boards as the floor.
0:15:51 > 0:15:57Now, I want to try and create a tray that's about three inches deep.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59And you can't see, but I can feel it's about...
0:15:59 > 0:16:01(That's probably about two inches deep.)
0:16:01 > 0:16:05That'll be enough for the sedums, yeah?
0:16:09 > 0:16:12That's going to go down like that, then we'll trim that off
0:16:12 > 0:16:14so you won't see it, see? That'll look nice.
0:16:16 > 0:16:21Adding a green roof is a great way to create another planting area
0:16:21 > 0:16:25in a small garden, and can transform an old summerhouse or shed.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28But it needs plenty of watering,
0:16:28 > 0:16:30so it's safer to use drought-tolerant plants
0:16:30 > 0:16:31like succulents.
0:16:33 > 0:16:38But there's no rest for Charlie. The boys need some manual labour.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40Do you want to go in there already, Charlie?
0:16:40 > 0:16:43OK... What, so that I fall over flat on my bottom?
0:16:43 > 0:16:45- Hopefully! - CHARLIE LAUGHS
0:16:45 > 0:16:47You cheeky thing!
0:16:47 > 0:16:50- Are we just going to walk it and rest it on the things?- Yeah.
0:16:50 > 0:16:51Just do it a bit at a time.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53Let's not go mad.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57- CHUCKLING:- Where are we going?
0:16:59 > 0:17:02- Which one's this for?- Far left.
0:17:02 > 0:17:03Ready? Three, two, one.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11Who chose these? Why did we want them so big?
0:17:11 > 0:17:13They're pretty heavy, aren't they?
0:17:13 > 0:17:15They are quite chunky!
0:17:17 > 0:17:18Very nice, well done.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22- Right, I think it needs to probably spin that way.- Spin round. Yeah.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27Good work.
0:17:27 > 0:17:28Cool!
0:17:28 > 0:17:30One down, four to go.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36Brilliant.
0:17:36 > 0:17:37Cool.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40These are going to give a lovely, modern touch to the garden.
0:17:40 > 0:17:41And they've got a lovely canopy,
0:17:41 > 0:17:44without losing too much light on this garden,
0:17:44 > 0:17:46and the vertical aspect really lifts your eye
0:17:46 > 0:17:50and lets you still see through the garden.
0:17:50 > 0:17:55The tree fern has small, fibrous roots to get moisture...
0:17:55 > 0:17:57so they need properly securing.
0:18:01 > 0:18:03So what we're doing with this tree fern is,
0:18:03 > 0:18:05because it hasn't got normal roots like a tree,
0:18:05 > 0:18:07is we're banging in these stakes,
0:18:07 > 0:18:08and they'll anchor it down and act like roots.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11Then we're going to screw it into the tree fern,
0:18:11 > 0:18:13and that'll just hold it there secure.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20It may seem strange,
0:18:20 > 0:18:24putting a plant that originated in Australia in a Yorkshire garden...
0:18:28 > 0:18:30..but there's surprising number of exotic plants
0:18:30 > 0:18:35that, with a little TLC, can live happily in the UK climate.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38Tom Hart Dyke,
0:18:38 > 0:18:41curator of the World Garden at Lullingstone Castle in Kent,
0:18:41 > 0:18:46oversees one of the largest collections of exotics in Britain.
0:18:46 > 0:18:52My draw to exotic plants is this magnetic attraction by the foliage
0:18:52 > 0:18:56and by the flowers you cannot, or very rarely, see in this country.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58There's something about them.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02There are easy steps you can take to grow a wide range of plants
0:19:02 > 0:19:05that you cannot believe you can get away with,
0:19:05 > 0:19:07simply by covering them up
0:19:07 > 0:19:10with Dad's old woolly jumpers, scarves,
0:19:10 > 0:19:14and just simple measures to grow a wide range of plants.
0:19:16 > 0:19:21It's the combination of both wet and cold weather in the UK
0:19:21 > 0:19:24that can be harmful to many exotics.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28This is the yucca. It's my most favourite plant,
0:19:28 > 0:19:31and I have to say, look at it, it's stunning.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33Whatever the winter,
0:19:33 > 0:19:36I would only have a pane of glass to cover the whole surface area
0:19:36 > 0:19:40of the plant, in a wooden frame that's screwed into four posts.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46If you don't have the time to create a cold frame for your plants,
0:19:46 > 0:19:49some can handle anything our climate throws at them.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54This is Trachycarpus fortunei, the Chusan fan palm.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58It's so exotic to look at but it's really hardy.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02It is the hardiest palm that we can grow in this country.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05It comes from extremely cold areas of Asia,
0:20:05 > 0:20:07hence why we can grow it in this climate.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10Minus 17 we had here five years ago.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13Pfft! It was laughing in the face of minus 17!
0:20:15 > 0:20:17Exotic they may be,
0:20:17 > 0:20:20but by being a little brave and taking the necessary steps,
0:20:20 > 0:20:24you'll be pleasantly surprised at how they thrive in your garden.
0:20:27 > 0:20:33In York, our exotic tree ferns can handle all but the coldest frost.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36Adding a layer of straw to protect the crown,
0:20:36 > 0:20:38and folding the fronds in on themselves in the winter months
0:20:38 > 0:20:40will keep them safe.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43It's always a good idea to get as many people as possible
0:20:43 > 0:20:45in a very small space(!)
0:20:45 > 0:20:46SHE CHUCKLES
0:20:47 > 0:20:51Cos I think the ferns here probably won't really die back.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54- No.- Because they'll be so protected.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57- Looks like we're nearly done. - No more digging then, soldier.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59Righty-ho.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01So it's leaning...that way.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03- Yay!- That's a good fit!
0:21:04 > 0:21:09At last, they're all in, and are ready for the grand unveiling.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14Big moment now, mate. Time to get the fronds out.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19- Ta-da!- Beautiful.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22There we are, look at that. Tease them out a bit.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25That's really nice, isn't it? Look at that!
0:21:25 > 0:21:28MUSIC: Blue Danube Waltz by Johann Strauss
0:21:30 > 0:21:31Ooh, crikey!
0:21:33 > 0:21:35A jungle! Whoo!
0:21:40 > 0:21:41- Lovely.- That's amazing.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45That's better than I expected.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58To make the most of the striking tree ferns in this garden,
0:21:58 > 0:22:02Harry and David have included a lighting scheme to up-light them -
0:22:02 > 0:22:05bringing a whole new dimension to the garden at night.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11- What do you want now, then? - Hellebores, please. Red ones.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13- Red ones?- Yeah, reds.
0:22:13 > 0:22:14Aw, perfect.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16These are fab.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18- They're beautiful, aren't they? - Gorgeous.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21Additional planting defines the two different living areas
0:22:21 > 0:22:23in the boys' design.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25With so much patio and deck,
0:22:25 > 0:22:29they're underplanting the ferns with smaller but equally lush varieties
0:22:29 > 0:22:33that will spill over and soften those hard edges.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35We love to use grasses in our planting schemes,
0:22:35 > 0:22:38cos we feel it's kind of like the background noise.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40It's what really holds the planting scheme together,
0:22:40 > 0:22:42and then you can dot in your flowering perennials,
0:22:42 > 0:22:45like the astrantias, the aquilegias or the hellebores.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50Well, I have to say, I just love hellebores.
0:22:50 > 0:22:55They've got these lovely flowers that get full of stamens,
0:22:55 > 0:22:57and then afterwards, they get seed pods,
0:22:57 > 0:22:59which I think look quite cute as well.
0:22:59 > 0:23:04And then the foliage is really pretty come the summertime,
0:23:04 > 0:23:06and it's great for flower arranging.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11It's all coming together,
0:23:11 > 0:23:15and although she's been the undergardener, Charlie is impressed.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19Do you know what, David? This looks like your design!
0:23:19 > 0:23:21- Yeah!- Ha-hey! Whoo-ooh!
0:23:21 > 0:23:22Thank goodness you've said that.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26I'm really, really pleased how it's looking, actually. I love it.
0:23:28 > 0:23:33And once the deck's done, Charlie can finally finish the green roof.
0:23:36 > 0:23:40We've got planting medium with this stuff, which is called hydroleca.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42It's ever so light and porous,
0:23:42 > 0:23:45and we've mixed that in with the planting medium.
0:23:45 > 0:23:49These are water-holding, clay pebbles, and are lighter than soil,
0:23:49 > 0:23:52so they're ideal for our green roof.
0:23:53 > 0:23:58And we have a thin layer over, and I'll plant through with succulents -
0:23:58 > 0:24:01sedums, sempervivum, that type of thing -
0:24:01 > 0:24:04that puts up with really sort of drought conditions.
0:24:04 > 0:24:09Also windy conditions and full sunshine,
0:24:09 > 0:24:11which you will get on this side, and it will create a mat
0:24:11 > 0:24:15right the way across the roof, and it'll look gorgeous.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20I'm going to plant them slightly proud,
0:24:20 > 0:24:26because I'm then going to put a very light gravel all the way round them.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33This garden has been a big challenge...
0:24:35 > 0:24:38..in a very small space.
0:24:39 > 0:24:41- It's really, really heavy.- Watch it.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49So what do you think?
0:24:49 > 0:24:51Yeah, it's going to look nice.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53Interested to see what cushions they've got as well.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57But, as daylight begins to fade...
0:24:57 > 0:24:59Paul? How do you want to start this fire?
0:24:59 > 0:25:02- I can start doing that. - With a match.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04All right, then. With a match.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07..Philippa and Alasdair's garden is finally finished.
0:25:15 > 0:25:16In its former life,
0:25:16 > 0:25:20the couple's garden was a poor relation to their stunning home...
0:25:21 > 0:25:23..with bags of rubble everywhere,
0:25:23 > 0:25:26and old, battered crazy paving throughout.
0:25:28 > 0:25:32Now, it's had a £5,000 facelift.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37The boys have used high-quality materials
0:25:37 > 0:25:39to provide an elegant finish.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43The new decking area is ideal for having breakfast,
0:25:43 > 0:25:46or a bit of evening dining.
0:25:46 > 0:25:51Costing around £1,200, it extends seamlessly from the kitchen,
0:25:51 > 0:25:53linking the outside with the inside.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59Towards the rear of the garden is a superb patio,
0:25:59 > 0:26:02made from large pavers that cost around £600.
0:26:02 > 0:26:07An elegant fire bowl links the space with a couple's indoor fire,
0:26:07 > 0:26:09and is perfect for romantic evenings.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14Before, the garden was flat and featureless.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19Now, statuesque tree ferns bring drama,
0:26:19 > 0:26:22texture and year-round colour to the garden.
0:26:24 > 0:26:29With the rest of the planting, they ate up £2,500 of the bill,
0:26:29 > 0:26:33but the boys are hoping the couple will think it was worth it.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37And, of course, there's the narrow alleyway,
0:26:37 > 0:26:40which Charlie has turned into a lush courtyard.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47Alasdair and Philippa wanted the perfect garden,
0:26:47 > 0:26:51and were prepared to spend five grand to get it.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54(The garden looks beautiful, very "Chelsea".)
0:26:54 > 0:26:58It's time to find out if the boys have delivered.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00You're now crossing the threshold into your new garden.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02Open your eyes.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04Wow!
0:27:04 > 0:27:06- What do you think?- Wow!
0:27:08 > 0:27:10- It's amazing!- Thought it was going to look amazing,
0:27:10 > 0:27:13but, yeah, it looks phenomenal.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16Got the fire bowl going, lit, ready for your evening.
0:27:16 > 0:27:18It looks great!
0:27:18 > 0:27:20Explore your garden, please.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22- Walk on through.- It's fantastic!
0:27:22 > 0:27:25- What do you think of the tunnel? - Yeah, it's a proper tunnel.
0:27:25 > 0:27:26It's like a wee adventure!
0:27:28 > 0:27:31It was a small garden before, wasn't it?
0:27:31 > 0:27:33It feels twice the size.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36You can really see all the quality materials, can't you?
0:27:36 > 0:27:39The decking is really nice, this is really nice.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42- Obviously, the tree ferns are fantastic.- Yeah.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44Combined with the design,
0:27:44 > 0:27:47- I don't know how it could be any better, to be honest.- Aw! Very kind.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50- Say nothing more! - We're off now, that's us done.
0:27:53 > 0:27:59This couple entrusted Harry and David with five grand of their own cash.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02So do they think it's been money well spent?
0:28:02 > 0:28:05You think that spending five grand
0:28:05 > 0:28:08is a lot of money for such a little garden.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11But I'm glad that we did, because it's worthwhile. Worth every penny.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17There was absolutely no way we could have made it look like that,
0:28:17 > 0:28:19it's just fantastic.