0:00:02 > 0:00:03With her can-do attitude,
0:00:03 > 0:00:06love of simple gardens and decades of experience,
0:00:06 > 0:00:09Charlie Dimmock is one of Britain's best-loved gardeners.
0:00:09 > 0:00:11Looking good, boys.
0:00:11 > 0:00:15But the new kids on the gardening block are the Rich brothers.
0:00:15 > 0:00:19We will be the brothers that change people's perceptions of gardeners.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22Winners of multiple medals at the Chelsea Flower Show...
0:00:22 > 0:00:24- Oh! Good turn.- Amazing, isn't it?
0:00:24 > 0:00:28..the boys have become known for their dramatic outdoor spaces.
0:00:29 > 0:00:34Now these two different generations of gardening are going head-to-head.
0:00:34 > 0:00:38I know they've got a gold medal, but I can come up with a few ideas.
0:00:38 > 0:00:42They're meeting frustrated garden owners across the country...
0:00:42 > 0:00:44- Not a lot going on, is there? - Not a lot.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46I don't know what to do with it.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49..and will each pitch them a design, based on their needs...
0:00:49 > 0:00:52- You look confused.- I am! Go for it.- ..and budget.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56- Doesn't look like it could be our garden.- The winner...- Charlie's!
0:00:56 > 0:00:58- Yeah!- Awesome.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00..brings their design to life.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02- Hold on, hold on! - Sweet as a nut.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05And the loser has to help them build it.
0:01:05 > 0:01:06Keep working, keep working, boys.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08Whoa, whoa, whoa. Easy.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11This is what happens...
0:01:11 > 0:01:13Just get on with it! Some time today would be good!
0:01:13 > 0:01:15..when different styles collide...
0:01:15 > 0:01:18I think your brother's throwing the toys out of his pram.
0:01:18 > 0:01:19Are we doing this?
0:01:19 > 0:01:23..to turn garden dreams into reality.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25Wow! This is brilliant.
0:01:25 > 0:01:26Oh, my goodness.
0:01:26 > 0:01:28Wow!
0:01:28 > 0:01:31- Look at that.- Oh, my God!
0:01:31 > 0:01:33Wow!
0:01:40 > 0:01:43It's time for Charlie and the Rich brothers to find out which garden
0:01:43 > 0:01:45they're going to compete over today.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47This is Andrew and Dawn from Norfolk.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51- Yeah.- All right.- And you've heard of low-maintenance,
0:01:51 > 0:01:52but then, there's this.
0:01:52 > 0:01:54- But where? How...?- Look at that.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01Andrew and Dawn moved into their bungalow in Norfolk a year ago
0:02:01 > 0:02:04and it's not difficult to see why they've called in the services
0:02:04 > 0:02:06of the Garden Rescue team.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10We bought the house partly because of the garden.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14We thought, "Great, no lawn to mow, no beds to weed, fantastic."
0:02:14 > 0:02:16But we hadn't been here very long
0:02:16 > 0:02:19- when we realised it was really dull.- Yes.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22- That looks like gravel, gravel, gravel.- Bit of paving.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25- Slabs. Gravel. - Yeah.- And one key plant.
0:02:25 > 0:02:27Oh, no, two... Two and a half.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34We're not really gardeners.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36I do like to do a bit of "lady of the manor" gardening,
0:02:36 > 0:02:38which is a bit of sort of deadheading, cut flowers,
0:02:38 > 0:02:40you know, that's about my lot, really.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42We want to be able to potter,
0:02:42 > 0:02:45- but we want it to look nice at the same time.- Yeah.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48Whilst the current garden may not be particularly enticing,
0:02:48 > 0:02:50there was a very important reason for the move.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55I was diagnosed with MS a couple of years ago.
0:02:55 > 0:03:00It affects my legs, my hands and my feet, and also fatigue, as well.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04And one of the nice things about when we downsized to a bungalow
0:03:04 > 0:03:06was that it's going to be more manageable for me.
0:03:06 > 0:03:08Andrew loves pottering in the garden,
0:03:08 > 0:03:10but he does have a condition which means he can't spend
0:03:10 > 0:03:12an extended length of time working in the garden,
0:03:12 > 0:03:15so things to make it easier for him, maybe like raised beds,
0:03:15 > 0:03:17stuff like that.
0:03:17 > 0:03:19Yeah, it would be nice to have some raised beds.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21It will save me getting on my hands and knees
0:03:21 > 0:03:23and save pains in my legs.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26The garden needs to be flat, so, in years to come,
0:03:26 > 0:03:31it will be a very functional garden for whatever lies ahead.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35The garden needs to be a safe place for Andrew and Dawn to potter in,
0:03:35 > 0:03:38but one that doesn't require too much maintenance.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40It's not the smallest of gardens,
0:03:40 > 0:03:43so how much money do the designers have to play with?
0:03:44 > 0:03:46Budget's £2,500.
0:03:46 > 0:03:50It's a decent-sized garden, so that budget will be quite stretched.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52They've got some slab areas there, some patios,
0:03:52 > 0:03:55so I think if we can use it, we should. But I think, altogether,
0:03:55 > 0:03:57it's just really bringing the life into the garden
0:03:57 > 0:03:59and then just making sure it's really usable
0:03:59 > 0:04:01- and functional for Andrew, as well.- Yeah.
0:04:01 > 0:04:05This garden is going to require some ingenuity from the designers.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10So, they head to Norfolk to see what they're up against.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15Wow.
0:04:15 > 0:04:16Slightly bare.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21It looked bare on the photos, but now I'm here, it REALLY looks bare.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23And, look, all the shapes of the paving.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26Square, you've got... Those ones over there.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29- These caterpillar ones. - Yeah. Oh...- Maltese cross.
0:04:29 > 0:04:30Yeah. And Andrew's condition
0:04:30 > 0:04:33means that this garden is definitely not safe.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35I mean, the amount of level changes and dips...
0:04:35 > 0:04:37And trip hazards, I've tripped over twice already
0:04:37 > 0:04:40and we've only walked about ten foot into the garden!
0:04:40 > 0:04:42It definitely needs a bit of rescuing, doesn't it?
0:04:42 > 0:04:44It's not really got any character, has it?
0:04:44 > 0:04:48- It needs a bit of personality, this garden.- And definitely some green.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50- And some green.- Well, we're going to have a little look inside,
0:04:50 > 0:04:53- leave you out here.- What, for me to be inspired out here?
0:04:53 > 0:04:55Let us know if you find anything new and interesting.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57I'll check the shed out. There might be something in there
0:04:57 > 0:05:00- that'll give me a hint. - Paving stones.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04Whilst Charlie's left outside, the Rich brothers head inside
0:05:04 > 0:05:07to see if they can spot some clues that will highlight
0:05:07 > 0:05:08Andrew and Dawn's taste.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11Well, instantly calm and therapeutic.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14It is, yes. That's the colour of the blue, isn't it?
0:05:14 > 0:05:17Blue covers, blue walls, blue lampshade.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20- Lowers it down.- It does, doesn't it? - The heart rate lowering already.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22Yes. I feel like these tie in quite nicely, don't they, actually...
0:05:22 > 0:05:25- Yeah.- ..with that slightly washed-out look?
0:05:25 > 0:05:27- It's got that beach-hut feeling, hasn't it?- Yeah.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30It's also rather calm outside, as the couple join Charlie
0:05:30 > 0:05:34to discuss their own vision for the garden.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37Andrew, what do YOU want from the garden?
0:05:37 > 0:05:39I think a tranquil setting,
0:05:39 > 0:05:42and nice entertaining area.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46We'd like to socialise, so barbecues,
0:05:46 > 0:05:50sitting in the sunshine, when the sun is shining.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52And, Dawn, for you?
0:05:52 > 0:05:56Probably more on the contemporary side and structural plants and...
0:05:56 > 0:05:59Yeah, I mean, the garden... The plants you have got here
0:05:59 > 0:06:03are very architectural, and really, I mean, that conifer's fabulous.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05And something that looks nice from the house.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08- Yes, because you've got quite a lot of windows...- On this side, yeah.
0:06:08 > 0:06:09And then look at that.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12I feel like that's something we should be orbiting round.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- It's pretty in your face.- Yeah.- It's quite a contemporary one, as well.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17Yeah, I think if we were to give them something
0:06:17 > 0:06:19that maybe had a little bit of a modern touch,
0:06:19 > 0:06:22- they wouldn't be adverse to that, would they, really?- Yeah.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25Then we've got, you know, the end of that house there,
0:06:25 > 0:06:28and a little bit overlooked there, so a bit of height.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31So, you want to enclose it, make it more intimate?
0:06:31 > 0:06:34- Yes.- Yeah.- And make it more inviting to come out.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37At the moment, it feels to me that you probably just come out
0:06:37 > 0:06:40- to go to the shed.- Exactly. - That's about it.- Yeah, exactly.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43- Yeah, yeah, you don't sort of feel the need to sit in it.- Yeah.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46Andrew and Dawn would also like to leave an area of the garden
0:06:46 > 0:06:48for parking their caravan in.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51This is welcome news to the designers.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53With a slightly reduced area to transform,
0:06:53 > 0:06:57the £2,500 budget can be stretched a little further.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01With that in mind, the designers head to their drawing boards.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06Charlie and the Rich brothers will compete against each other
0:07:06 > 0:07:08to come up with a design
0:07:08 > 0:07:11that will work within Andrew and Dawn's budget.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15The couple will then have to choose a winner, and whoever loses
0:07:15 > 0:07:18will have to help the winner build the garden.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24The £2,500 will be used to cover the cost of the materials,
0:07:24 > 0:07:26while the labour will be supplied by Charlie,
0:07:26 > 0:07:29the Rich brothers and their team of landscapers.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39It's time for the designers to pitch their ideas.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41- Hello.- Hi.
0:07:41 > 0:07:42- Hi.- OK.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44So, this is our design.
0:07:46 > 0:07:47- Oh, wow.- So...
0:07:47 > 0:07:51The most important thing that we could give you was a levelled garden,
0:07:51 > 0:07:54so it's really user-friendly, nice and safe,
0:07:54 > 0:07:56get rid of as many trip hazards as possible.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58So, it's based on these rectangles
0:07:58 > 0:08:01and altogether makes a very kind of unified space
0:08:01 > 0:08:04that will have a very calming and relaxing feeling.
0:08:04 > 0:08:05- Yeah.- What we want to do
0:08:05 > 0:08:08is to keep the original paving slabs where they are
0:08:08 > 0:08:10and that will help us kind of save budget
0:08:10 > 0:08:11for other aspects of the garden.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14And we're going to connect them with a wooden deck,
0:08:14 > 0:08:15and wood's lovely and warming
0:08:15 > 0:08:18and that's just going to create this large, open space
0:08:18 > 0:08:20for entertaining or just relaxing.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25Keeping and levelling the two existing square patio areas
0:08:25 > 0:08:28is a shrewd move from the Rich brothers.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31So, what has Charlie got planned for the space?
0:08:33 > 0:08:34Oh. Wow.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36So, design-wise,
0:08:36 > 0:08:40I've gone for quite a dynamic ray of paving
0:08:40 > 0:08:44which is going to be a big entertainment space.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47So, I'm reusing your rectangular slabs,
0:08:47 > 0:08:51but then, because I didn't want it to look like a car park,
0:08:51 > 0:08:54I've broken it up using, like, a bound gravel.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56It's got a soft, golden colour,
0:08:56 > 0:08:59but it is a hard and level surface to walk on.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02It draws you up to this area here
0:09:02 > 0:09:05which is big enough to get a nice, big table on it,
0:09:05 > 0:09:09and then, this is a built-in timber bench, so you can sit there,
0:09:09 > 0:09:11so you haven't got to get the furniture out of the shed.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15You'll think, "Oh, I'll just take the coffee out and sit outside."
0:09:16 > 0:09:19Charlie also wants to re-use the existing slabs,
0:09:19 > 0:09:21but to lay them in a dynamic new shape,
0:09:21 > 0:09:24which is a radical change from how they're arranged now.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27But how will the designers give their patio areas
0:09:27 > 0:09:29the privacy that the couple have asked for?
0:09:31 > 0:09:32Most importantly is this area here
0:09:32 > 0:09:35which would be in that corner of the garden.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38So, we wanted to put a simple grid of pear trees.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41And first and foremost, this is great for privacy,
0:09:41 > 0:09:43but also really lovely sculptural elements,
0:09:43 > 0:09:45so you've got an elegant single stem
0:09:45 > 0:09:47and the crown will come about two metres and then
0:09:47 > 0:09:49this lovely dense canopy.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52And then also surrounding the garden, we wanted to provide you
0:09:52 > 0:09:53with a thick layer of these shrubs,
0:09:53 > 0:09:56so that's what creates this kind of green screen that separates
0:09:56 > 0:09:59- where you're going to be sitting to where the caravan is.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02To make the garden a lot more intimate,
0:10:02 > 0:10:05I've got quite a few trees in this gravel area,
0:10:05 > 0:10:07which I'm retaining around the edges,
0:10:07 > 0:10:10but also making you use the garden
0:10:10 > 0:10:12round the other way,
0:10:12 > 0:10:13so you don't look that way.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15- Yes.- You look this way.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19And then you have the view of the planting.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23So, you're looking away from your shed. Nothing against your shed...
0:10:23 > 0:10:25..but it's not a thing of beauty,
0:10:25 > 0:10:28and I know you're thinking of putting the caravan there.
0:10:29 > 0:10:30The couple are giving little away
0:10:30 > 0:10:34about which of the very different designs they prefer.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37Will those extra touches designed to make gardening easier
0:10:37 > 0:10:39for Andrew swing their decision?
0:10:39 > 0:10:42So, as you can see, from this visual here, that's the decking.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45And then, we've given you a raised bed here.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47So, we're going to leave the existing raised bed,
0:10:47 > 0:10:49but we're going to give you a timber raised bed here,
0:10:49 > 0:10:51so the decking links really nicely with the raised bed,
0:10:51 > 0:10:54it's really usable. You know, you guys can get your hands dirty,
0:10:54 > 0:10:58- really get using it, and it's really easy to maintain, as well.- Yeah.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00We've got a couple of raised beds here.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03So, they're going to be high enough
0:11:03 > 0:11:06that they're what I'd call "perching" height.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10And then, this is a wall of timber with planters on,
0:11:10 > 0:11:13so that will be quite easy to maintain.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17Now, planting wise, we can put lots of colourful bedding plants in it,
0:11:17 > 0:11:19but if you want it just to look good all year,
0:11:19 > 0:11:21we can put lots of evergreens in.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24So, ivies and succulents.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27That way, if you forget to water them, not a problem.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29They'll put up with it.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31With the pitches over...
0:11:31 > 0:11:34- I'll leave you to think about it. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37..all the designers can do now is wait.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41Andrew and Dawn can only choose one design, but which will it be?
0:11:42 > 0:11:45- I don't know. It's really difficult. - Tough choice, yeah.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47- There's elements of both. - Both of them, yes.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50- The trees are lovely. - Yes.- Absolutely lovely.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52And I like the idea of walking out onto the two textures.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56We've kept the paving areas the same, but obviously lifted them up,
0:11:56 > 0:11:59levelled them. We've linked them together with a nice deck.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02Whereas I've gone with the shape to draw them out,
0:12:02 > 0:12:05so it starts narrow and then widens out to this area,
0:12:05 > 0:12:07which is my entertaining area.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- Ah.- Ah.- I think the first thing that struck me
0:12:11 > 0:12:13was just a complete change of perspective.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15And I liked the bench and the screen,
0:12:15 > 0:12:17just some of the quirky elements.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20Yours sounds a lot more angular and diagonal,
0:12:20 > 0:12:23whereas ours is just a bit more simple, slightly more geometric,
0:12:23 > 0:12:25almost like four rectangles, in a way.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27You do simple well, you two, don't you?
0:12:27 > 0:12:30So, will Andrew and Dawn choose Charlie's angular patio
0:12:30 > 0:12:32with purpose-built outdoor seating
0:12:32 > 0:12:34and bespoke vertical planter?
0:12:36 > 0:12:39Or the Rich brothers' sheltered geometric design,
0:12:39 > 0:12:43with decking and two patios, raised beds and pear trees?
0:12:45 > 0:12:46Here they are.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49It's time for the couple to reveal their decision.
0:12:49 > 0:12:50- Hello.- Hiya.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52ALL: Hey.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56Well, our choice is...
0:12:57 > 0:12:59- Yay!- Yes!
0:12:59 > 0:13:04It's those dynamic diagonals. Oooh!
0:13:04 > 0:13:07The diagonal feel of it was, I think, what swayed me.
0:13:07 > 0:13:12Oh, good. I've got so many little projects for you boys!
0:13:13 > 0:13:16The dynamic diva is elated to win this one,
0:13:16 > 0:13:19but it sounds like it's the doleful duo
0:13:19 > 0:13:21that will be doing all the hard graft.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27It's early morning in Norfolk.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29With so much paving to get done,
0:13:29 > 0:13:32Charlie has sent the landscaping team on ahead to get cracking.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38Whilst Scott and Andy waste no time in removing the walls
0:13:38 > 0:13:39from the old raised bed,
0:13:39 > 0:13:42project manager Guy and head landscaper Scott
0:13:42 > 0:13:45need to get to grips with the unusual layout.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48This is an interesting design that Charlie's come up with.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- Yeah, it is, isn't it?- And it's all about the angles.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53She's got a pivot point, basically, in that corner
0:13:53 > 0:13:57and then she's running loads of lines across the garden.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00And we're going to be reusing quite a lot of the slabs.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02- OK. I like that idea. - Which is great.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05Less wheelbarrowing out to the skip, which is what we like.
0:14:05 > 0:14:06Absolutely, absolutely.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10But first, they've got to pull the slabs up.
0:14:10 > 0:14:11And there are a lot of them.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21Any slabs in good nick are saved and given a thorough jet wash,
0:14:21 > 0:14:23revealing a lovely sandy colour.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27The concrete path, which runs along the back of the house,
0:14:27 > 0:14:31is being broken up and will later be replaced by a new, wider path.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35Meanwhile, Scott and Guy test their geometry skills
0:14:35 > 0:14:38by marking out the new patio and flowerbeds.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42So, we've made a bit of progress, now. We got the lines sprayed out.
0:14:42 > 0:14:43We're trying not to walk on them,
0:14:43 > 0:14:46otherwise they'll slowly disappear and we have to do them again.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49So, we're almost ready to start putting the hardcore base
0:14:49 > 0:14:51for the new patio. So, we're good to go.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58Andy's moved on to making a new step outside the back door,
0:14:58 > 0:15:01reusing blocks from the old raised bed.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05This is the only level change in the new garden,
0:15:05 > 0:15:08and a wide, simple step will be easiest for Andrew to manage.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15The cleaned-up slabs are re-laid on top,
0:15:15 > 0:15:19but there aren't enough left to do the large, main patio, as well,
0:15:19 > 0:15:22so Charlie has ordered some new slabs in the same colour,
0:15:22 > 0:15:23which Scott is laying.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28And with almost 100 slabs to lay,
0:15:28 > 0:15:31he's understandably getting a bit fed up.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34Scott, how is it going?
0:15:34 > 0:15:36- DEADPAN:- Brilliant. Absolutely ecstatic.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39- LAUGHTER - Yeah, it's going really well, yeah.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41- No, we are getting there. - I can tell you mean that.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44It's a real mission, but we're getting there.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48The cement needs time to dry before the slabs can be walked on,
0:15:48 > 0:15:51so the team packs up for the day, leaving them to dry overnight.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01First thing next morning, Charlie, Harry and David arrive.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04- Well, we have the sunshine. That's a good thing.- It is a good thing.
0:16:04 > 0:16:08- It's on our side.- Now, you know I occasionally nag you.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10- Does she?- No, don't think so.
0:16:10 > 0:16:11I'm going to be right on your case today,
0:16:11 > 0:16:14because all the projects you're doing, if you're slow,
0:16:14 > 0:16:16you're going to hold me up,
0:16:16 > 0:16:19because I can't do my jobs unless you finish yours.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21Sounds like power.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23I don't want to move that fast.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25So, you've heard of living walls?
0:16:25 > 0:16:27- Yes.- You're going to be making a living gate.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31- Nice.- And then you're going to be making some bench seats
0:16:31 > 0:16:33- and some tables, yeah?- Nice.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37- OK.- So, we've got an awful lot to do.- Sounds like a fun day.
0:16:37 > 0:16:38Get going.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44In the garden, the team's back at work.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48The patio is ready to walk on, but will the boss like what she sees?
0:16:48 > 0:16:52Well, the landscape team have done a really good job.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55You can see the shape of the garden coming through now.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58So, we've got this paving that leads out into the garden.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01And you're going to get to this end and sit down
0:17:01 > 0:17:04and sort of look back at the sort of planting area.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07So, we're going to have a pathway over there
0:17:07 > 0:17:10to get you in and out of the garden, raised beds over here.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14So, I'm quite pleased with what they've managed to achieve.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19Scott can now cut the long, straight line
0:17:19 > 0:17:21that will give the patio its distinct shape...
0:17:24 > 0:17:27..with David following behind removing the offcuts.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29It's definitely a very satisfying job.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33Ooh, that was a good one.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35Beautiful.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39Andy's bringing in the base layer
0:17:39 > 0:17:42for the areas at the side of the patio and the path by the house.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46With the hard landscaping jobs being taken care of,
0:17:46 > 0:17:50Charlie can turn her attention to the evergreen planting.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53Andrew and Dawn already have a few conifers,
0:17:53 > 0:17:55which are perfect for a low-maintenance garden,
0:17:55 > 0:17:58and she's decided to introduce some more.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02Conifers are becoming a bit of a feature of this garden.
0:18:02 > 0:18:07They've gone out of favour slightly over the last ten, 20 years.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09There are some glorious ones out there.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11One thing you've got to remember with conifers -
0:18:11 > 0:18:14if you are clipping them, as a general rule,
0:18:14 > 0:18:18you shouldn't cut back hard into this dead wood section,
0:18:18 > 0:18:20because they won't regenerate.
0:18:20 > 0:18:21So, if you are cutting a hedge,
0:18:21 > 0:18:24you want to be clipping in this green section here.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27And that way it will keep them nice and neat and compact,
0:18:27 > 0:18:31or you go for ones that are really slow growing like this one,
0:18:31 > 0:18:35and it's got this really lovely shape and texture to it.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43Conifers used to be a staple feature in British gardens,
0:18:43 > 0:18:45but have become less fashionable in recent years,
0:18:45 > 0:18:49in part due to the notorious Leyland cypress,
0:18:49 > 0:18:51which grows very tall, very quickly.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55However, with more than 500 species of conifer to choose from,
0:18:55 > 0:18:58including pines, yew and pencil cypress,
0:18:58 > 0:19:00they shouldn't all be dismissed.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07At his Norfolk garden, Foggy Bottom,
0:19:07 > 0:19:09conifer expert and champion Adrian Bloom
0:19:09 > 0:19:12has been growing them for 50 years.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15Despite a lot of criticism from a lot of people
0:19:15 > 0:19:17who perhaps don't understand conifers,
0:19:17 > 0:19:22I felt that they were worth sticking with and getting to understand,
0:19:22 > 0:19:25because there's so much variety, which most people don't realise.
0:19:25 > 0:19:29So, I've always felt there's this need to stand up, if you like,
0:19:29 > 0:19:33for conifers as a plant you can use in most gardens.
0:19:36 > 0:19:40It's important to check a conifer's rate of growth before you plant it,
0:19:40 > 0:19:44as this can vary greatly depending on the type.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46There are many slow-growing varieties.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49Others can be kept in check by annual pruning,
0:19:49 > 0:19:52and there are also dwarf varieties to choose from.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55Two really good plants for the smaller garden.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58There's this one,
0:19:58 > 0:20:01which is Chamaecyparis pisifera. How about that?
0:20:01 > 0:20:03There's one called "Sungold", the threadleaf cypress,
0:20:03 > 0:20:05that's the other name for it.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07But that's golden most of the year,
0:20:07 > 0:20:09so you can keep that pruned and keep it pretty small, too.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12And then Juniperus "Blue Star", this one here,
0:20:12 > 0:20:15and these will turn a brilliant blue in the summer.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19Whilst conifers are renowned for giving year-round colour,
0:20:19 > 0:20:21some varieties change shade,
0:20:21 > 0:20:24either in the summer or winter months.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26Blues and golds are the most popular colours,
0:20:26 > 0:20:30and even some well-known types can come in unexpected hues.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34This is just the ordinary Christmas tree, the Norway spruce.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38And this was a form that was found in Sweden that had red shoots.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41And these don't last for long, mind you,
0:20:41 > 0:20:43but what a tremendous colour and transformation that is
0:20:43 > 0:20:45at this time of the year.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52Some of the more striking conifers may grow quite large,
0:20:52 > 0:20:54and if you don't want to get rid of those,
0:20:54 > 0:20:58Adrian has an enterprising suggestion for maintaining them.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00This is one of the Korean pines,
0:21:00 > 0:21:01and like this one,
0:21:01 > 0:21:03which has not been pruned at all,
0:21:03 > 0:21:07this would have taken up so much space had it gone to the ground,
0:21:07 > 0:21:09if you can imagine that just as a ball.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12But by starting to trim this several years ago now,
0:21:12 > 0:21:13I trimmed up from the base,
0:21:13 > 0:21:16opened it up, and you can then see through it.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19And I always like to sort of peak into another part of the garden,
0:21:19 > 0:21:21and that allows you to do that.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26In fact, it's such a useful technique
0:21:26 > 0:21:29that Charlie is employing it back in the garden.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34What you want to do before you start cutting the stems
0:21:34 > 0:21:39is just pull the stem down to see what shape it's going to give you.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42Now, this one's crossing over, so I'm going to take that one out.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44And what you've got to be careful of
0:21:44 > 0:21:47is that you don't leave a stump which is going to rock back,
0:21:47 > 0:21:49but that you don't cut it back so hard
0:21:49 > 0:21:53that you go into that ridge there, because that's the tree's
0:21:53 > 0:21:57natural way of growing over and then sealing up that stump,
0:21:57 > 0:21:59so it stops disease getting in.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02Cut it just here.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12Before the new conifers can be planted,
0:22:12 > 0:22:14the hard landscaping needs to be finished.
0:22:16 > 0:22:17At the end of the patio,
0:22:17 > 0:22:20Charlie's designed a fixed bench and potting table,
0:22:20 > 0:22:24and she's given the job of building those to Harry and David.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27Charlie's got us making the bench within the garden,
0:22:27 > 0:22:29and this is what it will look like.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31So, the garden was made up of a lot of slabs, originally,
0:22:31 > 0:22:33so it's really important to try and re-use them.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35So, we're going to create these slab towers,
0:22:35 > 0:22:37and they're going to be the legs to the bench,
0:22:37 > 0:22:39and then we're going to have a timber top. So, quite simple.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42It's all about recycling materials that were already in the garden.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45I know, Charlie's being clever on this one, isn't she?
0:22:45 > 0:22:46And I think that's what's so nice,
0:22:46 > 0:22:48it's that it's a very simple construction method.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51All we're doing is we're layering these slabs up,
0:22:51 > 0:22:55and we're using these spacers, which are 50 millimetres, because
0:22:55 > 0:22:59if it was just mortar, it might kind of tend just to lean one way.
0:22:59 > 0:23:00But by using these spacers,
0:23:00 > 0:23:03it's going to create this lovely, uniform gap straight up.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05And it's going to be a lovely little feature.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07And what we're going to do then, in between those spacers,
0:23:07 > 0:23:10we're just going to put in some of the mortar.
0:23:10 > 0:23:11And it's important to not put too much in.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13Make it just a little bit higher than the spacer.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15Keep it away from the edges,
0:23:15 > 0:23:17because that's going to give that shadow gap, the idea
0:23:17 > 0:23:19that it's hovering, which will look really cool.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21- Right, go on, then. - Got to get it square.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27- We'll have this done in no time, won't we?- Yeah.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29That'll be music to Charlie's ears.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36And she can keep an eye on the brothers' progress
0:23:36 > 0:23:38from the corner of the garden,
0:23:38 > 0:23:42where she's getting creative with cement.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44Now, I wanted to put some containers in the garden,
0:23:44 > 0:23:49because containers really add quite a lovely feel.
0:23:49 > 0:23:54I fancied a nice stone trough or two, but budget said no,
0:23:54 > 0:23:56so I'm making my own.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59And this is called hypertufa.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02And it sort of recreates a synthetic version,
0:24:02 > 0:24:05or a home-made version, of tufa rock.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08So, I've got two measures of cement,
0:24:08 > 0:24:14three measures of peat-free potting compost,
0:24:14 > 0:24:18and then three perlites, which you'll get at the garden centre.
0:24:18 > 0:24:23It's funny stuff. It's for adding aeration to compost or soil.
0:24:23 > 0:24:24It's very, very light.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27It almost feels like polystyrene, but it's not.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31So, three of those. It's like making a great big cake!
0:24:33 > 0:24:37And just like cake, this mixture won't work without moisture.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42It's one of those things - not too much water...
0:24:44 > 0:24:47..but just enough. So, a little bit at a time.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53And if you don't get the consistency right,
0:24:53 > 0:24:55hypertufa can be prone to cracking.
0:24:56 > 0:25:00I think that is...almost there.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04It's got to be...
0:25:05 > 0:25:10..wet enough that it forms a ball,
0:25:10 > 0:25:13but not so wet that it's sloppy.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15I think that's about it. Look at that.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22It can be moulded into any shape, so is perfect for containers,
0:25:22 > 0:25:25and even garden ornaments, if you're feeling artistic.
0:25:25 > 0:25:30Charlie is simply using a couple of cardboard boxes for her trough.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35The best thing is that when finished, it's very light,
0:25:35 > 0:25:40and much easier to move around the garden than a real stone trough.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43But first, it has to dry, so here's one Charlie made earlier.
0:25:46 > 0:25:51So, it's a case of getting the cardboard off,
0:25:51 > 0:25:56and then using a wire brush just to soften the edges off.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01This is obviously going to take some time.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03Come back...later.
0:26:10 > 0:26:15The surface of the path and the patio edges are now being laid.
0:26:15 > 0:26:16Charlie has chosen hoggin,
0:26:16 > 0:26:19which is a mixture of gravel, sand and clay,
0:26:19 > 0:26:21that binds together firmly when compacted,
0:26:21 > 0:26:24and yet allows water to drain through.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26It adds a warm and pleasant texture to the space,
0:26:26 > 0:26:28which is vital if you have large areas
0:26:28 > 0:26:30of paving or gravel in your garden.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39- That is perfect. Look at that. - Yeah. Charlie will be...
0:26:39 > 0:26:42Charlie's very impressed! Slap on the back! Well done!
0:26:42 > 0:26:43It's quite cool, isn't it? I like it.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45And it works so nice with the patio.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47Yeah, and we've just got to do the table over there,
0:26:47 > 0:26:49- that's got to be higher. - We've got it down to a T now,
0:26:49 > 0:26:51- so it's easy.- Oh, OK, then.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54I might not even bring the level with this one.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56That's asking for trouble!
0:27:01 > 0:27:05Charlie's managed to remove the cardboard from her hypertufa trough,
0:27:05 > 0:27:09and is ready to add some plants in the form of alpines.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13Alpines are really neglected in the garden.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16They make great container plants,
0:27:16 > 0:27:18but also, they're very good in borders,
0:27:18 > 0:27:20because they're very low-maintenance,
0:27:20 > 0:27:21so at the front of a border,
0:27:21 > 0:27:25as long as they have got sunlight and free-draining soil,
0:27:25 > 0:27:26they're very happy.
0:27:26 > 0:27:31So, that sedum there is going to sort of tumble over the edge, there.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33Another thing I like about alpines
0:27:33 > 0:27:36is they make some really nice shapes, like a hummock.
0:27:36 > 0:27:40And in a container, to show them off,
0:27:40 > 0:27:42it's better to have less rather than lots.
0:27:42 > 0:27:46And then the odd rock in there, as well, really sets them off well.
0:27:51 > 0:27:56David is making progress with the slab pedestals for the table.
0:27:56 > 0:27:57Or so he thinks.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02- Go that way a little bit more. - What do you mean? The whole thing?
0:28:02 > 0:28:05- The tower?- The last three you can just shunt.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08Yeah, does that look good from there?
0:28:08 > 0:28:10It's slightly leaning that way.
0:28:10 > 0:28:14Like leaning? Or just needs to, like, hit over?
0:28:14 > 0:28:18It looks like your pancake stack is staggering sideways.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21I leave you for a little bit, and look what happens.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29Despite a valiant attempt to correct the lean...
0:28:31 > 0:28:33..there's only one thing for it.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42Hopefully, Harry is getting on better
0:28:42 > 0:28:44with the wooden seat for the bench.
0:28:44 > 0:28:46These are second-hand scaffolding boards,
0:28:46 > 0:28:49and, compared to a brand-new scaffolding board,
0:28:49 > 0:28:50they're about half-price.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53And just by sanding it down a little bit, it creates this lovely,
0:28:53 > 0:28:57almost new appearance, so a great top to the bench.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00All we've done here is we've created two little brackets on the ends,
0:29:00 > 0:29:05and that this slots over the legs, so it gets us a lovely tight fit.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10Scaffolding boards are great for garden structures,
0:29:10 > 0:29:12because they're made for outdoor use.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14Due to health-and-safety rules,
0:29:14 > 0:29:17scaffolding companies have to change their boards regularly,
0:29:17 > 0:29:20but often there is still plenty of life left in them,
0:29:20 > 0:29:22and they should last a good few years.
0:29:25 > 0:29:26Right. Watch your head.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30With the table pedestals corrected,
0:29:30 > 0:29:33the brothers attach the scaffolding board top.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47The two Scotts are also working with wood.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50They're constructing the framework for the first raised bed
0:29:50 > 0:29:51for David to attach the side to.
0:29:55 > 0:29:58Not only are scaffolding boards perfect for the tops of benches,
0:29:58 > 0:30:01they're also really well suited to making raised beds.
0:30:01 > 0:30:02And again, really simple construction.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05Just putting the upright bits into the soil, nice and firm,
0:30:05 > 0:30:07then we face them with the scaffolding boards.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10They've got that nice, rustic appearance, we'll keep that.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12We're not going to sand them. Then, nice little detail,
0:30:12 > 0:30:15the guys have sunk the uprights a bit lower than the fascia,
0:30:15 > 0:30:18because what they are going to do is put a bit of capping on there.
0:30:18 > 0:30:21You know you said aged and rustic-looking?
0:30:21 > 0:30:23- Yeah.- I've changed my mind.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25I'm going to paint the fronts of them.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28You change your mind like you change your socks, Charlie.
0:30:28 > 0:30:29Yeah. Once a week!
0:30:29 > 0:30:31So, I'm going to actually paint this, I think,
0:30:31 > 0:30:35- and then leave the top capping...- Rustic.- ..rustic.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37So, I just think...
0:30:37 > 0:30:39I don't mind rustic, but I don't want it too rustic.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42- Too late to go against you anyway. - Yeah.- You can have your way.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45I told you I was going to nag you, so hurry up and finish that end,
0:30:45 > 0:30:46because I want to start painting.
0:30:46 > 0:30:48And then there's another raised bed to do there.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51No good smiling at me and laughing, Harry!
0:30:51 > 0:30:52Get on.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54HE YAWNS
0:30:54 > 0:30:56Oh, well...
0:30:57 > 0:30:59Blimey.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04Hopefully, it will dry a little darker.
0:31:04 > 0:31:05CHUCKLING
0:31:05 > 0:31:07Don't! Stop it!
0:31:08 > 0:31:11You wait, when David and Harry see this,
0:31:11 > 0:31:14- they'll think I've lost my marbles. - It's purple!
0:31:14 > 0:31:17It looked much darker on the sample.
0:31:17 > 0:31:21- Oh, yeah.- I think it's going to dry down.- What have you done, Charlie?
0:31:21 > 0:31:23Oh, shut up. Get on!
0:31:23 > 0:31:25- HE PUFFS - Mad.
0:31:25 > 0:31:30Purple planting beds weren't on Charlie's original plan,
0:31:30 > 0:31:34so she's no idea what Andrew and Dawn will make of them,
0:31:34 > 0:31:36but there's no going back now.
0:31:36 > 0:31:38They might grow to love it.
0:31:41 > 0:31:43With the brothers' jobs mounting up,
0:31:43 > 0:31:47they get the two Scotts to finish the raised beds for them so they can
0:31:47 > 0:31:49move on to the next task.
0:31:49 > 0:31:53In her design, Charlie incorporated a vertical planting screen,
0:31:53 > 0:31:56which will be easily accessible for Andrew.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58It will also help to mask the shed,
0:31:58 > 0:32:02but because the couple will still need to get into the shed,
0:32:02 > 0:32:07Charlie's cleverly decided to put the screen on hinges, like a gate.
0:32:07 > 0:32:09So, I'm out here constructing Charlie's living gate
0:32:09 > 0:32:10and as you can see from the plan,
0:32:10 > 0:32:14it's simply just like a gate, a few gaps we can hang planters on,
0:32:14 > 0:32:16and it's quite a simple construction.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19I'm laying it out at the moment. We've got these timbers here,
0:32:19 > 0:32:22creating a framework, and then cut these
0:32:22 > 0:32:24scaffolding boards to size.
0:32:24 > 0:32:26So, just spacing them out evenly
0:32:26 > 0:32:30and there is also going to be this cross timber, as well.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34This is to make it quite structurally sound.
0:32:34 > 0:32:36What that does is it transfers the weight from the top end down to the
0:32:36 > 0:32:39bottom end where the hinges are,
0:32:39 > 0:32:42so the strongest point will get most of the weight.
0:32:42 > 0:32:44Then it's also really important
0:32:44 > 0:32:47to get things like this square, so using a set square
0:32:47 > 0:32:50means that you can get your 90 degrees really easily.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52It just means that, you know, you've got security in knowing
0:32:52 > 0:32:56that when you put it up between the posts, it's going to fit.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07Meanwhile, Harry is planting up the containers
0:33:07 > 0:33:09that will hang from the screen.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12Not only did Charlie want them to be a lovely floral display,
0:33:12 > 0:33:16lots of colour, but she actually wanted them to be edible,
0:33:16 > 0:33:17so a little bit of fun.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20The pansy or viola here has edible flowers
0:33:20 > 0:33:24and it's got this lovely kind of, I think,
0:33:24 > 0:33:27like a peppery, lettuce taste.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30And dianthus, also known as pinks,
0:33:30 > 0:33:34they are quite subtle but there's a slight hint of cloves.
0:33:34 > 0:33:38And these calendula or marigolds, with their lovely yellowy flowers,
0:33:38 > 0:33:40sometimes with a hint of red,
0:33:40 > 0:33:43are also great additions to salad, and these petals...
0:33:47 > 0:33:48..a little bit of pepper again.
0:33:48 > 0:33:50And this is just bog-standard lettuce,
0:33:50 > 0:33:52but I think I've tried all the rest
0:33:52 > 0:33:55of them, so I might as well sneak one leaf off.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59Delicious. No hint of pepper at all.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03Not all flowers are safe to eat,
0:34:03 > 0:34:07so make sure you do your research before adding petals to your plate.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15As the final touches are added to the raised beds,
0:34:15 > 0:34:18all the hard landscaping is finally complete
0:34:18 > 0:34:20and the landscapers take a well-earned break.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25There's no rest for Charlie, though,
0:34:25 > 0:34:27because she's keen to start placing the plants,
0:34:27 > 0:34:29which will begin to bring this garden to life.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34Right, so, is anyone feeling strong?
0:34:35 > 0:34:38David, you're the only person in the garden.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41So, that Cordyline, do you fancy moving that
0:34:41 > 0:34:43and popping it about here?
0:34:43 > 0:34:44Break up the line.
0:34:44 > 0:34:46Time-wise, we are a bit tight now.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48- Don't worry, I'm here.- Good-oh.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51- So, cherry tree...- Yeah?
0:34:51 > 0:34:52there.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54HE GROANS
0:35:00 > 0:35:02Yeah.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07I'm popping in this little conifer here.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10This one I would recommend to anyone.
0:35:10 > 0:35:14Picea Glauca Albertaina Conica.
0:35:14 > 0:35:16After ten years,
0:35:16 > 0:35:19it's still only a metre high,
0:35:19 > 0:35:24and it keeps this wonderful pyramidal Christmas-tree shape.
0:35:24 > 0:35:26You don't have to do anything to it at all.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35So, I'm basically leaving this flowerbed empty
0:35:35 > 0:35:39so Dawn and Andrew can plant what they want in there.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42It's just a great height to sit and work and not so wide
0:35:42 > 0:35:44that you can't reach the centre.
0:35:50 > 0:35:55Harry is also planting conifers in the form of very elegant cypresses.
0:35:55 > 0:35:57Better get that upright.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02The trees Charlie's chosen will add much-needed height
0:36:02 > 0:36:04and vertical axis to the garden,
0:36:04 > 0:36:07screening out the houses at the back as they grow,
0:36:07 > 0:36:08and David has the tallest.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13So, I'm just about to plant this Sorbus or rowan,
0:36:13 > 0:36:16found a lot down in the valleys back in Wales, you know,
0:36:16 > 0:36:17a good old hometown tree.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20You've got these leaves which are really delicate
0:36:20 > 0:36:22and then they've got the flowers, they'll come out.
0:36:22 > 0:36:24Obviously, you get some really vivid red berries
0:36:24 > 0:36:27and then some gorgeous autumn colour, as well, so it's got a natural
0:36:27 > 0:36:29but also quite ornamental presence in the garden.
0:36:31 > 0:36:33With the height taken care of,
0:36:33 > 0:36:36Charlie starts on the low-level planting beds,
0:36:36 > 0:36:38and she's chosen plants which will spread out,
0:36:38 > 0:36:41covering the ground and preventing weeds from growing,
0:36:41 > 0:36:43another must in a low-maintenance garden.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48So, these conifers come in all shapes and sizes.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51This one's a juniper, so it's nice and flat.
0:36:51 > 0:36:54It's Green Carpet, so it's really good for ground cover
0:36:54 > 0:36:57but it's also just going to sort of spill over
0:36:57 > 0:36:59and break up the hard lines.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03Then, in contrast, we've got blue spruce
0:37:03 > 0:37:08and then I've interplanted with sort of blue and purple colours,
0:37:08 > 0:37:12so the Festuca and the ground cover of the Ajuga
0:37:12 > 0:37:15which will create a mat underneath the conifers
0:37:15 > 0:37:19and actually sort of highlight them and make them show out more.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26The team's on the home stretch.
0:37:26 > 0:37:28Oh, beautiful.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30- Perfect.- Made-to-measure.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33Charlie has raided Andrew and Dawn's shed
0:37:33 > 0:37:37and has found some containers which she's putting to good use
0:37:37 > 0:37:39as a last-minute finishing touch,
0:37:39 > 0:37:41and there's just one final thing to place.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44Charlie, where do you want this super-light alpine planter?
0:37:44 > 0:37:47It's not 100% dried out yet, that's why it's still a bit heavy.
0:37:47 > 0:37:51Um, I reckon maybe on the step there, but I'm not 100% sure.
0:37:51 > 0:37:52Let's try it there.
0:37:58 > 0:38:02And I can safely say, "No, I don't like it there." It could go there.
0:38:05 > 0:38:06And the other way round.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10And then back that way a bit.
0:38:10 > 0:38:12HE GROANS
0:38:12 > 0:38:14Yeah, OK, I think that's all right.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17- Do we think that's...?- Oh, I love that.- You like that, do you?
0:38:17 > 0:38:19Don't get me to move that again.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21Right, I think that's it.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23We did it! Woohoo!
0:38:27 > 0:38:29Before they called Charlie and the Rich brothers,
0:38:29 > 0:38:32Andrew and Dawn's drab and depressing garden,
0:38:32 > 0:38:35with its hodgepodge collection of paving and gravel,
0:38:35 > 0:38:37was in dire need of attention.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46But now, after a £2,500 face-lift,
0:38:46 > 0:38:48it's been given a new lease of life.
0:38:51 > 0:38:55The dynamic angular paving gives the garden a new structure and purpose
0:38:55 > 0:38:57and cost £750.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01The permanent benches are a thrifty addition,
0:39:01 > 0:39:05made with recycled slabs and scaffolding boards, costing £100.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11The colourful and accessible raised beds,
0:39:11 > 0:39:14which will enable Andrew to potter to his heart's content,
0:39:14 > 0:39:17cost a total of £150.
0:39:19 > 0:39:23The living vertical screen is a novel and useful addition
0:39:23 > 0:39:25to the garden and it's packed full of edibles.
0:39:25 > 0:39:28It came in at £160.
0:39:31 > 0:39:33Charlie's gone conifer crazy in this garden
0:39:33 > 0:39:37and spent £300 on these structural, easy-to-care-for evergreens.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42She's also included a cherry tree at £75
0:39:42 > 0:39:47and a host of grasses and bedding plants which totalled £500.
0:39:49 > 0:39:50So, step down...
0:39:50 > 0:39:53Every penny of the £2,500 budget has been maximised
0:39:53 > 0:39:58to give Andrew and Dawn a safe, calm, usable space.
0:39:58 > 0:40:01Now, it's the moment of truth for Charlie.
0:40:02 > 0:40:04You can look now, if you like.
0:40:04 > 0:40:06Are you ready?
0:40:06 > 0:40:08Oh, wow.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10Look at that. That is lovely.
0:40:10 > 0:40:14Oh, yes. Oh, look at the colour on there!
0:40:14 > 0:40:16- You like it?- I love it.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18- Love it.- Yeah. - I'm so glad you said that!
0:40:18 > 0:40:20I am so glad with the colour.
0:40:20 > 0:40:24When it came out the pot, I was a bit horrified,
0:40:24 > 0:40:27- but it's gone nice and dark. - It dried. It's dried.
0:40:27 > 0:40:30Charlie took a bit of a leap going for a bright colour,
0:40:30 > 0:40:32- but it definitely brightens up the space.- I agree.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35So, we've got this nice big step when you come out...
0:40:35 > 0:40:37- Yeah.- ..the door.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40And then, you step down onto a nice hard surface.
0:40:40 > 0:40:42Yes, yes, lovely.
0:40:42 > 0:40:44That is really nice.
0:40:44 > 0:40:49We have your raised beds here, so we've left space for you to potter,
0:40:49 > 0:40:51so you can sit on the edge, Andrew.
0:40:51 > 0:40:54- Oh, look at the cherry tree, as well.- I know, it's just lovely.
0:40:54 > 0:40:58And it's going to fill that whole space there, so...
0:40:58 > 0:41:00Gorgeous tree. You know, it's going to look beautiful.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03- It looks gorgeous in flower, doesn't it?- Yeah.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06- Great shape.- It does sort of make you want to go
0:41:06 > 0:41:09- down that way, doesn't it?- Draws you down.- Definitely, yes.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11I love the re-use of the slabs.
0:41:11 > 0:41:12They work really well, don't they?
0:41:12 > 0:41:14Yeah, gives it lovely lines.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17- The ridged effect. Absolutely lovely.- Really nice.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20Charlie coming up with that little idea, it's really smart, I love it.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22It's quite different, as well, isn't it?
0:41:22 > 0:41:25- It's quite architectural, isn't it? - Yeah.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27So, have a perch on...
0:41:28 > 0:41:30..your reclaimed seat.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33- Fantastic.- Lovely, yes.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35- Just the right height. - That is just so nice.
0:41:35 > 0:41:37It's lovely looking back, isn't it?
0:41:37 > 0:41:41That's what we liked right from the start, that different perspective.
0:41:41 > 0:41:46And then the boys have been really busy on your edible wall.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50OK, so the plants we've got in there,
0:41:50 > 0:41:52you can eat all the petals on that.
0:41:52 > 0:41:54Oh, pretty food, OK.
0:41:54 > 0:41:55Pretty food, but of course...
0:41:56 > 0:41:58Oh, wow, look at that!
0:41:58 > 0:42:03It swings open so you've got access to get to the shed door.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06- Very clever.- Yes, very clever.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08Oh, handy work, Dave.
0:42:08 > 0:42:10A little bit of me, bit of you.
0:42:10 > 0:42:11Teamwork comes off, doesn't it?
0:42:11 > 0:42:14They'll have petals galore in their salad now.
0:42:14 > 0:42:16And how have you found it, Andrew, walking about on it?
0:42:16 > 0:42:18Absolutely fine, yes, good and level.
0:42:18 > 0:42:20No tripping up.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23No, because there were a few trip hazards before.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25Definitely, yes.
0:42:25 > 0:42:26And with the raised beds,
0:42:26 > 0:42:30it's going to make it really nice and easy for me for the gardening,
0:42:30 > 0:42:34- so it's going to make a big, big difference, yes.- Beautiful.
0:42:38 > 0:42:41So, has Charlie delivered everything Andrew and Dawn were hoping for?
0:42:43 > 0:42:46I think it's transformed the garden.
0:42:46 > 0:42:48Yeah, the architectural plants I love.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51Love the conifers, love the cherry tree.
0:42:54 > 0:42:56It just makes you feel like you want to be out here more.
0:42:56 > 0:42:59Even sitting in the house and looking out at the garden,
0:42:59 > 0:43:01it's so much more inviting.
0:43:01 > 0:43:04It was barren before but now it looks fabulous.