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 > 0:00:10Charlie 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 > 0:00:19We want to be the brothers that change people's perceptions of gardens.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22Winners of multiple medals at the Chelsea Flower Show...
0:00:22 > 0:00:25- Oh, wow.- Oh, good turn. - That's amazing, isn't it?
0:00:25 > 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 > 0:00:44Not a lot is going on, is there?
0:00:44 > 0:00:46- Not a lot.- I 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 > 0:00:51- You look confused.- I am.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53- Go for it.- ..and budget.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55It doesn't look like it could be our garden.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58- The winner...- Wow!- Charlie's! - Yeah, awesome!
0:00:58 > 0:01:00..brings their design to life...
0:01:00 > 0:01:01Hold on. Hold on.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05- Sweet as a nut.- ..and the loser has to help them build it.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07Keep working, keep working, boys.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09Whoa, whoa, whoa! Easy.
0:01:09 > 0:01:10This is what happens...
0:01:10 > 0:01:14Just get on with it. Sometime today would be good!
0:01:14 > 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 > 0:01:20Are we doing this?
0:01:20 > 0:01:23..to turning garden dreams into reality.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27- Oh, wow!- Oh, my goodness!
0:01:27 > 0:01:28Wow!
0:01:28 > 0:01:33- Look at that.- Oh, my God! Wow! - Wow!
0:01:42 > 0:01:45It's time for Charlie and the Rich brothers to find out which garden
0:01:45 > 0:01:46they're going to compete over this time.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51We've heard from Sharon and she's in Northampton.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54Although it doesn't look it, she is turning 40.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58Ooh! So it's a big 4-0 job.
0:01:58 > 0:01:59Yes, exactly.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03Sharon, a cost controller for a car manufacturer,
0:02:03 > 0:02:06has lived at her home in Northampton for 12 years,
0:02:06 > 0:02:09during which time she's renovated the house.
0:02:09 > 0:02:11When I first moved in, it was pretty much a student digs,
0:02:11 > 0:02:14all my friends used to come around, and I had tenants as well that lived
0:02:14 > 0:02:16here for a while.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19As I reach my 40th year, I want to make sure that it feels like a home,
0:02:19 > 0:02:22rather than, I guess, a squatter's student house.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26Sharon doesn't just want the garden to be an adult space, however.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30There's another important person in her life - her goddaughter, Alex.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33And she'd like the garden to appeal to her, too.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36And do we have to consider the goddaughter as well?
0:02:36 > 0:02:38Yeah, that's quite key.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41Sharon said she wants the garden to have, kind of, two lives, really.
0:02:41 > 0:02:46One is to embrace the fact that her goddaughter can play safely,
0:02:46 > 0:02:49and kind of have fun, and the other is to have this adult
0:02:49 > 0:02:52entertainment space where she can have her friends around,
0:02:52 > 0:02:54have a few parties and just use it, really.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57My goddaughter's at an age where she can now play on her own,
0:02:57 > 0:02:59and I make sure she stays in the house at the moment.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02But hopefully once the garden has been done, it'll be a nice,
0:03:02 > 0:03:03safe place for her to play.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13And, in order to transform the unloved, neglected patch into both
0:03:13 > 0:03:16the grown-up and child friendly space she hankers after,
0:03:16 > 0:03:18Sharon is prepared to dig deep.
0:03:20 > 0:03:24The budget for this garden, I have £3,500.
0:03:24 > 0:03:26- Quite good, really.- Yeah.- It's not a huge garden.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30No, and it looks like there's a lot of really usable plants.
0:03:30 > 0:03:31- Yeah.- Definitely.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36So, it's the terraced house.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40So, to get a better idea of the job, the designers head to Sharon's home
0:03:40 > 0:03:43in Northampton on a drizzly afternoon
0:03:43 > 0:03:44to see the garden for themselves.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49Well, it's nice that they've laid the rain on.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52- The red carpet for you.- Oh, and the rain. Lovely.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54- That's not a bad patio, is it? - Not too bad, is it?
0:03:54 > 0:03:56- That's a nice looking patio.- Yeah.
0:03:56 > 0:03:57Just needs a bit of TLC, really, doesn't it?
0:03:57 > 0:04:00Yeah, quite like the way it drops down to different levels as well.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02- Yeah, nice elevation over the garden.- Yeah.- Mmm!
0:04:02 > 0:04:05Let's not miss out the old feature trees, look at them.
0:04:05 > 0:04:06- Yeah.- That guy in the middle.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09- That magnolia... The neighbour's magnolia.- That is incredible.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14Despite the few attractive plants and trees,
0:04:14 > 0:04:18the trio soon run out of inspiration in this garden.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20Well, yeah, it's a little bit without colour.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23- Yeah.- I know it's, you know, early on, but, I mean, it's a bit bland.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25- Unless you like green.- Yeah.
0:04:25 > 0:04:30- Yeah, green. Phormium, conifer, grass.- Ivy.- Ivy, that's about it.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32But that magnolia is going to look stunning when it's out.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35- That's... Yeah.- Some great-looking trees there, aren't there?
0:04:35 > 0:04:38- Yeah.- Really good. - So, no inspiration here.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40- Yeah.- I think you should go and get some ideas.
0:04:40 > 0:04:41I think that's a great idea, Charlie.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45- Mind you, perhaps I'll do that. - No.- No, not this time.- No?
0:04:45 > 0:04:46No, no, no. You look good here, I think.
0:04:46 > 0:04:50Tell Sharon to come out with a brolly, please.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53So, Harry and David head inside to see if they can get a better idea of
0:04:53 > 0:04:55Sharon's likes and dislikes.
0:04:58 > 0:04:59This is cool.
0:05:00 > 0:05:02Good vibrancy in the colours of the cushions.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04It's nice, isn't it? Look at that colour, that's cool.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06That's a really cool colour, isn't it?
0:05:06 > 0:05:09I think you could definitely put that in some kind of structure or
0:05:09 > 0:05:11somewhere in the garden as, like, a bit of a feature.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14Yeah, a bit of punch. Well, that's what she wants, doesn't she?
0:05:14 > 0:05:16Vibrancy, the colour in the garden. I think that would be cool.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19I suppose the green as well, that's a lovely colour combination.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22- Lovely.- Plants.- That looks cool as well, I reckon.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24That's nice. Doesn't that work well?
0:05:24 > 0:05:26- Put that in the mix.- Oh!
0:05:26 > 0:05:27- Easy.- I like it.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31Meanwhile, Charlie's braving the elements and finding out why,
0:05:31 > 0:05:33after a decade in her house,
0:05:33 > 0:05:35Sharon's decided to improve the garden now.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37So, this year I turned 40.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40I know I don't look it, but, yes, I turned 40 this year.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42So, the idea is to have a party in the garden with all my friends come
0:05:42 > 0:05:45over and enjoy the, obviously, the outdoor space.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47OK. You feel like you're growing up now.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49- Yeah.- You need a proper garden.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51Definitely. So, now I have reached this milestone age of 40
0:05:51 > 0:05:54I believe that I need to kind of be a little bit more adult-like,
0:05:54 > 0:05:56and have something to represent that, as well.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58So, yeah.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00Oh, that is tall, isn't it?
0:06:00 > 0:06:03- It makes you look small for some reason.- It must be the plant.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05Yeah. You can imagine though, can't you, that kind of...
0:06:05 > 0:06:07If you want to introduce a bit more of a fantasy element...
0:06:07 > 0:06:10- Yeah.- ..for Alex, I think that would look really cool.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12Imagine as a kid, running through tall outside plants.
0:06:12 > 0:06:14Immersive. Surrounded by plants.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16- Yeah.- Nice, well, there's lots of food for thought.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18Mmm!
0:06:18 > 0:06:22So, to sum up - big entertainment area for the 40th,
0:06:22 > 0:06:25because you're now a grown-up.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28- Exactly, yes.- And then at the end of the garden,
0:06:28 > 0:06:31- an area for your goddaughter and other children to play...- Yeah.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35..without it being, it's the play park's come to visit your garden.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38- Definitely, yes.- I think we're all right with that.
0:06:38 > 0:06:39Fantastic.
0:06:42 > 0:06:47Even though this isn't a huge garden, and the budget is decent,
0:06:47 > 0:06:49this is still a big challenge for our designers.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53There's lots to consider,
0:06:53 > 0:06:57so the trio waste no time and head straight to their drawing boards.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05Each of them will come up with a design that works within Sharon's budget.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08She'll then have to choose a winning design and the loser will help the
0:07:08 > 0:07:10winner build the garden.
0:07:15 > 0:07:20Her £3,500 will be used to buy all the materials for their new garden,
0:07:20 > 0:07:23because Charlie and the Rich brothers, along with a crack team of
0:07:23 > 0:07:25landscapers, will provide the labour.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31It's time for the designers to pitch their ideas.
0:07:38 > 0:07:43The boys have seen how important it is for Sharon to have colour in the garden.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45- Hello.- Hello.- Hey.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48Will they play it safe, or offer something a little bit more daring?
0:07:48 > 0:07:50OK, so...
0:07:50 > 0:07:53Whilst Charlie has learned about Sharon's desire to entertain in that
0:07:53 > 0:07:57space, can she offer something to make that possible?
0:07:57 > 0:08:01- Here we go, Sharon.- Sell it to me, then, Charlie.- Yeah? Right.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09- You look confused.- I am.
0:08:09 > 0:08:10- Go for it, go for it.- OK.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13So, these are your steps, your patio area.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15- Yeah.- Got that lovely blank wall.
0:08:15 > 0:08:21I want to put three big impact plants there in big containers.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25Olives or maybe phormiums or bamboo,
0:08:25 > 0:08:30so that you have got a bit of a backdrop to your party patio.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34- Yeah.- You then come down the steps onto this area, here,
0:08:34 > 0:08:37which is going to have a raised fire pit.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39- If you know what I mean?- Yes, yes, yeah.
0:08:39 > 0:08:44So, it'll be, sort of, one up from your patio level.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46- Yeah, OK.- Raised fire pit, there,
0:08:46 > 0:08:49then come down onto a bit more paving around it,
0:08:49 > 0:08:53so that if you do feel that you're not too much of a grown-up,
0:08:53 > 0:08:57and you want to get your bean bags out on the lawn, you can.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59And then we've got a water feature.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03A stainless steel one, so it'll be a gentle sound of water running.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06- Yeah.- The only thing you need to do with that, maintenance wise,
0:09:06 > 0:09:07- is top it up.- OK.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10So, that's the party area.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15Well, Charlie has addressed the entertainment area head-on and
0:09:15 > 0:09:18Sharon looks delighted, but the brothers are bound to have
0:09:18 > 0:09:20something up their sleeves, too.
0:09:20 > 0:09:22We thought it would be perfect to give you larger spaces for
0:09:22 > 0:09:25entertaining, for dining out, with a fire bowl.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28And also there is this area where Alex can imagine she's in a fantasy
0:09:28 > 0:09:31- wonderland.- Perfect.- So, at the front area, here,
0:09:31 > 0:09:33we've split it into these two, kind of, adult spaces.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37And as you come down the steps, we really wanted to have a bit of a
0:09:37 > 0:09:41wow factor and these rendered yellow walls are going to create a bit of a
0:09:41 > 0:09:44punch and give a bit of life to the garden.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47They also do another job and that is to separate these two spaces.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51So, you've got the dining table, you can have a barbecue,
0:09:51 > 0:09:52you can be eating out with friends.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55And then, by wandering around, down the board work,
0:09:55 > 0:09:58you can enter to this more of a kind of sit down,
0:09:58 > 0:10:01soft seating area with a fire bowl.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04It's nice to have that separation between the two rooms.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06Touche.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09The idea of two separate rooms seems to have struck a chord with Sharon.
0:10:11 > 0:10:17But can Charlie redress the balance with her ideas for the child-friendly space?
0:10:17 > 0:10:22Now, we then get into your goddaughter's zone.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26- Yeah, OK.- So, we have a little archway with log stepping stones
0:10:26 > 0:10:31running through heavy planting and then onto these boardwalks
0:10:31 > 0:10:36- that are going to be one or two boards wide...- Yeah.- ..that will be
0:10:36 > 0:10:41suspended over the planting and zigzag round
0:10:41 > 0:10:48- onto this structure, here...- OK. - ..which I'm thinking is going to
0:10:48 > 0:10:52be a small deck, which could be a theatre.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56So, she can do a little performance for you.
0:10:56 > 0:11:01But then there will be steps up onto round the trunk a higher little
0:11:01 > 0:11:06deck where she could maybe sit and draw, a slide coming down or it
0:11:06 > 0:11:10could just be a tube coming down and just for a
0:11:10 > 0:11:13little bit of theatre, we've put a curtain up, that you can take down
0:11:13 > 0:11:17or we could use a shower curtain which should stay out over the summer.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19You don't always want to be taking it up and down.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22- And you can always use that area, as well.- Definitely.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27Charlie has included a play area for Sharon's goddaughter in her design.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32But the brothers have taken a more naturalistic approach,
0:11:32 > 0:11:36creating an atmospheric enchanted space with plants.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39So, we're going to have things that are really tall and like spires,
0:11:39 > 0:11:41- like foxgloves.- I think what we want to do, as well,
0:11:41 > 0:11:44is to introduce large leaf things, like gunnera,
0:11:44 > 0:11:47which is this lovely, kind of, huge architectural leaf.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51- OK.- And eupatoriums, which are really tall and have this lovely
0:11:51 > 0:11:53flower which gives like, purple.
0:11:53 > 0:11:59So, I think the idea is to introduce a select variety of lovely
0:11:59 > 0:12:03architectural plants that are going to give that immersive feeling when
0:12:03 > 0:12:05you're in the garden. But they'll be, kind of, simple to look after,
0:12:05 > 0:12:07- so you're not going to be...- That's good.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11What they do give you is this, kind of, blast of colour and a huge
0:12:11 > 0:12:13amount of form in the garden.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16And then also what we thought would be really nice is,
0:12:16 > 0:12:20to give the garden longevity, is to not make the child's play area
0:12:20 > 0:12:23too focused on looking like a child's play area.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26So, it's very adaptable.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30- OK, thank you.- Thank you very much. - Thank you, guys. Cheers.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33Both designs address Sharon's brief perfectly.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36- OK. I'll leave you to it. - Thank you.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40So, it's going to be the details that decide this one.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43She can only choose one, so whose will it be?
0:12:43 > 0:12:46Will she be won over by Charlie's raised fire bowl,
0:12:46 > 0:12:48party patio and play area?
0:12:49 > 0:12:53Or the brothers' contemporary rendered wall and naturalistic wonderland?
0:12:54 > 0:12:56Hey, Charlie. How did it go?
0:12:56 > 0:12:57Yeah, all right.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01Did you go magical Hansel and Gretel?
0:13:01 > 0:13:04Ooh, in a way, maybe. More Alice in Wonderland, that was our angle.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06Oh, OK.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08They understood the fact that I wanted two zones.
0:13:08 > 0:13:09They split it up really well.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12I like the fact that they've chosen colours I like,
0:13:12 > 0:13:14they've made it low-maintenance.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17OK, well, I went more theatre, darling.
0:13:17 > 0:13:22So, stage, curtain, upstage, downstage, the lot.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25Charlie's ideas for the play zone were interesting, as well.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28In fact, I think Alex would really like it.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31So, you've got the area where, to get the child zone, Alex has to go
0:13:31 > 0:13:33through one way and the adults have to go another way as well.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35So, that's nice. And the theatre at the back,
0:13:35 > 0:13:37she loves playing and telling stories.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39Yeah, really, really a magical area for Alex to play in.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43It's decision time.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45This is going to be a difficult decision,
0:13:45 > 0:13:47but I'm going to try my best to choose the right one.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50- Keen, they're keen.- Hello.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52Hey, guys. Hello.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56- OK.- Last but not least, Charlie. There we are.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00It was an incredibly hard decision, but I've made my choice.
0:14:01 > 0:14:02And it's this one.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05Yeah!
0:14:05 > 0:14:06Awesome!
0:14:08 > 0:14:10- So, what made you choose our design? - OK, so two main reasons.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12Firstly, I loved your extended area.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15So, I've got two main areas. One, obviously,
0:14:15 > 0:14:17to have the barbecue and for seating.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20And also I loved the fact that you've extended it to the child zone,
0:14:20 > 0:14:23- but it can grow with Alex.- Yes.- So, the fact that as she grows up,
0:14:23 > 0:14:27I can change it from a kind of child's area to somewhere where
0:14:27 > 0:14:29teenagers can play and, I guess, have bean bags and stuff.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31Yeah, it was a really hard choice.
0:14:31 > 0:14:32- Perfect.- Awesome.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36So, the Rich brothers have won this one, but they'll certainly need
0:14:36 > 0:14:38Charlie's help if they're going to transform
0:14:38 > 0:14:42this joyless plot into a garden to entertain all ages.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54It's early morning in Northampton, and while the Rich brothers are
0:14:54 > 0:14:58sourcing materials for the garden project, manager Bowen...
0:14:58 > 0:15:02Simple, nice, smooth sandstone paving area here.
0:15:02 > 0:15:07..along with landscapers Lee, Andy and Steve are raring to go.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13Before they can start building Harry and David's design,
0:15:13 > 0:15:14there is a lot of clearing up to do.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20The old concrete path has got to go to make way for the Rich brothers'
0:15:20 > 0:15:21new boardwalk.
0:15:24 > 0:15:29And the old turf is making way for their Alice in Wonderland themed play area.
0:15:34 > 0:15:39Now Andy can start laying the base for Sharon's new entertaining space,
0:15:39 > 0:15:41recycling the old path as hard core for the new paving.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46That's saved us a bit of time, anyway, having to recycle this concrete.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49It has. There's a lot to get rid of on this one.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54Lee's job is to make a start on the new boardwalk that will replace
0:15:54 > 0:15:55the concrete path.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00Whilst I'm removing all this concrete path,
0:16:00 > 0:16:03I've cut slots out into it, 500mm intervals,
0:16:03 > 0:16:06so I can now place by joists into these, cement them all in,
0:16:06 > 0:16:08that will create a nice, firm structure.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15With the hard core in place,
0:16:15 > 0:16:18Andy can start laying the first of the two patios...
0:16:20 > 0:16:23..whilst Steve is cracking on with the rendered wall that will divide
0:16:23 > 0:16:27the entertaining space from Alex's play area and will eventually add
0:16:27 > 0:16:29vibrant yellow colour all year round.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36By the time the Rich brothers and their lackey, Charlie, are on their way,
0:16:36 > 0:16:38the garden is off to a flying start.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42One of the two patios is almost laid and the board walk is in place.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46So, how will the brothers divvy up what's left to do?
0:16:46 > 0:16:48Are you feeling lucky?
0:16:48 > 0:16:51- That sounds ominous.- Jobs for today. - Yeah.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55So, me and Harry are going to stick to, predominantly, the hard landscaping.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57- Right.- A bit of slabbing, a bit of rendering a wall to do.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00- Oh, you're good at that, are you? - We're going to find out.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04- Oh, dear!- And then you're going to be doing a bit of decorating.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07So, a bit of painting and also adding a few really cool, kind of,
0:17:07 > 0:17:11- fantasy objects to make it feel like Alice in Wonderland.- OK. All right, then.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17The garden is a hive of activity, but there's a long way to go.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20Right, well, I'm going to crack on with some slabbing.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22- Yes.- Make sure the boys are doing some work.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26While Charlie cuts the ivy away from the old apple tree,
0:17:26 > 0:17:29David is going to finish the main patio area.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33Within this garden, we've got two very distinctive slabbed areas.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35The area I'm doing at the moment, that's more for Sharon,
0:17:35 > 0:17:37so it's the adult seating area.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39And it's very contemporary, very modern.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42Fits in really nicely with the rest of the garden.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45And the slabs we've chosen, we've chosen them for a few reasons.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48One of them is to pick up on the existing colour of slabs, so that grey.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50So, it unifies the whole garden.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53The other reason is, it'll complement the wall really nicely.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55It's got that, kind of, warm, burnt yellow colour.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57They'll contrast and make a really good effect.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00And also, they're lovely and sawn
0:18:00 > 0:18:03so again, it just emphasises that really lovely contemporary feeling.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09Turn them round. Oh!
0:18:14 > 0:18:17Oh, I tell you what, they're pretty heavy.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20Because they're quite nice sawn contemporary slabs,
0:18:20 > 0:18:23what's really nice is, when you lay them, is to leave them without a mortar joint.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25So it butts up the joints really nicely,
0:18:25 > 0:18:27it's really neat and a really smart finish.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34While David finishes the patio, Harry's at the other end of the
0:18:34 > 0:18:38garden using the very same paving slabs to create a different effect -
0:18:38 > 0:18:41the Alice in Wonderland-inspired checkerboard.
0:18:41 > 0:18:46You can really change the character of the space just by using the slabs
0:18:46 > 0:18:47in a different way.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50Just by introducing a bit planting,
0:18:50 > 0:18:53it's really going to soften the space and it's going to be quite un-defined.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56Whereas Dave, up there, is really butting the slabs up together.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59And it's nice. You're using the same material, but in a different way.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02This space is just as decorative as it is usable.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05And that means we can get away with just putting this mortar bed down on
0:19:05 > 0:19:09compacted soil, but the key is to leave nice loose soil in between the
0:19:09 > 0:19:12slabs, so it means when you come to planting, it makes it really easy.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19What's so good about having this informal area, this patchwork of slabs,
0:19:19 > 0:19:21is that if Sharon wants to adapt it over time,
0:19:21 > 0:19:23then it's very easy to do so.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25She can add more planting, she can add more slabs,
0:19:25 > 0:19:28and she can create a very different use to this space.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34Up near the house, expert carpenter, Lee, is really working his magic
0:19:34 > 0:19:37with the wooden planters that complete the dividing of the adult
0:19:37 > 0:19:39entertainment area.
0:19:39 > 0:19:41Hey, Lee. How are you?
0:19:41 > 0:19:44- I'm all right, you?- Yeah, very good. This is looking pukka.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46- Really, really good.- Yeah, happy with it.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48What's so nice about it, is actually the seamless
0:19:48 > 0:19:51- finish on the front.- Yeah, I've secret screwed it from the back.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54I didn't want to see all the screw heads from the front.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57- Yeah.- I mean, it's such a nice wood, it would be a shame to spoil it.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00Absolutely, yes. What Lee's saying is, obviously, what he's done is,
0:20:00 > 0:20:01he's screwed from the inside.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04So, that means you can't actually see any screw heads from the outside.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08So, it gives that really gorgeous, seamless, quite modern look.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10Originally, we were going to build this out of block and render,
0:20:10 > 0:20:12but we have decided to go with larch timber.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15There's a couple of reasons. It's going to match in with the walkway
0:20:15 > 0:20:18really nicely, and also the natural preservatives, natural oils in here,
0:20:18 > 0:20:21is really going to help it stand the test of time.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24Help it grey and age. It'll be really nice.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27In order to preserve that larch and prolong its life,
0:20:27 > 0:20:29David is lining it with a waterproof membrane.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32I'm just using roofing clouts for this.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34That's because they've got quite a big head,
0:20:34 > 0:20:36so that will really help prevent it from ripping.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39And also they're galvanised, so it'll stop it from rusting as well.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50Working hard or hardly working?
0:20:50 > 0:20:51I think hardly working.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53You're most probably right, there.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56Charlie has an idea to run past David.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58Now, this view down the garden...
0:20:58 > 0:21:00- Yes.- Apple tree, lovely.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03Needs a little helping hand, I believe.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05- This guy in the foreground?- Yeah. - Yeah.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08Do you mind if I prune it a little bit?
0:21:08 > 0:21:10Perfect. Yeah, lovely. You're so handy today, aren't you?
0:21:13 > 0:21:16The boys don't want me to take too much of the tree down,
0:21:16 > 0:21:20but this branch here is really going all the wrong way,
0:21:20 > 0:21:22so I want to get a bit of a better shape to it.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25So, I'm going to take this branch out.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28First, Charlie shortens the offending branch to lighten the load.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35Argh! It's a bigger branch than you think.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39Then the rest needs cutting away with great care.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43First off, you want to undercut.
0:21:43 > 0:21:44So, there's the ridge.
0:21:46 > 0:21:51I'm going to just cut in about a third of the way.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57So, the angle of the blade is sort of on an angle.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59So, rainwater will run off.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03Now I'm going to cut above that, but because I'm left-handed,
0:22:03 > 0:22:04I need to be on this side.
0:22:05 > 0:22:10There we go. And then you're going to cut just above your undercut.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12Just about there.
0:22:12 > 0:22:13The same angle.
0:22:15 > 0:22:20And by doing that, there's no chance that your bark will tear.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23Now, I made a bit of a mistake there, didn't I?
0:22:23 > 0:22:24The boys set me up with some nice,
0:22:24 > 0:22:29light duties and then I suggested about pruning a tree.
0:22:29 > 0:22:30Duh!
0:22:32 > 0:22:33There you go.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39Charlie's not the only one who's been taking a sword to wood.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42Andy has been busy carving some magical mushroom seating for the
0:22:42 > 0:22:45children's fantasy area, with a chainsaw.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48Andy, these are incredible.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50- They look pretty good, don't they? - Yeah, I mean,
0:22:50 > 0:22:53you really captured the essence of a wild mushroom.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55- So, what...? What is it?- It's a nice piece of Redwood.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58- Yeah?- Yeah.- The colour is beautiful.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01- You can kind of see the grain there as well, can't you?- It's really nice.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04It's the perfect piece of wood. That's the hardest bit.
0:23:04 > 0:23:05Yeah, did you go out searching for it?
0:23:05 > 0:23:10We just went to the local log pile and managed to buy some bits of wood.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12And did it have that natural shape, as well?
0:23:12 > 0:23:15No, no. It was just a straight cut off bit of wood.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18I love this as well, the kind of nice little tapered edge.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21Yeah. Cut in from the top, straight down.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23- Yeah.- Leave it all one piece. - I know, cos it's pretty heavy.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26Yeah, it's pretty heavy, but at least it'll stay together.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28Yeah, I love it. And, you know, it's pretty tricky to do, isn't it?
0:23:28 > 0:23:33- I don't think anyone could do this. - Yeah, you need to be trained in chainsaw operation.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35- Yeah. Yeah, so be safe.- You need to be safe.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37Get somebody who's a competent chainsaw operator.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39Yeah. So, how many have I got, then?
0:23:39 > 0:23:42- You have got four.- Four?- Yeah.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45I'm not sure there's going to be much-room in the garden.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47- Oh.- It takes a while to grow on you, don't worry, Andy.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49That's a bad joke. That's a bad joke.
0:23:55 > 0:24:00A garden is an ideal place to great a stimulating space for children to play in.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05Ivan Hicks has been designing wildly imaginative gardens for more than 30
0:24:05 > 0:24:09years with a special affinity for children's gardens.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11It makes a funny noise.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16At Stratford Butterfly Farm in Stratford-upon-Avon,
0:24:16 > 0:24:19young visitors are enthralled by the gorgeous and fascinating tropical
0:24:19 > 0:24:22species fluttering around the butterfly enclosure.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29But outside, Ivan was tasked with making the surrounding gardens
0:24:29 > 0:24:32an equally enthralling place to explore...
0:24:33 > 0:24:35..starting with a mirrored walkway.
0:24:35 > 0:24:40Well, immediately, you hear excitement when they enter through
0:24:40 > 0:24:43these great rings, which are lined with stainless steel.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45Immediately, it's like being at the fairground.
0:24:45 > 0:24:46They can see contortions.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50And in the summer, you can see butterflies flying around them and
0:24:50 > 0:24:52butterflies reflected in the stainless steel, as well.
0:24:52 > 0:24:53I'm upside down!
0:24:55 > 0:24:58The butterfly farm aims to introduce children to wildlife in a fun way.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04They wanted a garden that would attract native butterflies,
0:25:04 > 0:25:07but they wanted something that interests children on a wide scale.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10So, they have this small wildlife pond, here,
0:25:10 > 0:25:13which we've adapted for little people.
0:25:13 > 0:25:17It's quite Hobbit-y in a way. It's a lot of fun, but it's meant to be.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19It's meant to appeal to children.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23But it's also home for all kinds of bugs and creatures to live in.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31Kids have always been into magic and fantasy.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34It's a bit like Harry Potter and Lord Of The Rings.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37They love all that sort of material.
0:25:37 > 0:25:41So, this latches into that, and locks into those ideas, actually.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43And it opens up the imagination.
0:25:43 > 0:25:48You see them coming round here and they can see creatures and people
0:25:48 > 0:25:50running about. I can't, but they can.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52- There!- There!
0:25:55 > 0:25:59Ivan's fantastical additions look like they've always been there and
0:25:59 > 0:26:01nothing is bought off the shelf.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05What I love doing is just playing with what's available or found
0:26:05 > 0:26:08materials. And in every garden you can generally find some house bricks
0:26:08 > 0:26:10and pieces of wood.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14And we've had a view glittery things, just because it throws light
0:26:14 > 0:26:17about and adds a little bit of magic and mystery to it.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20It's not expensive materials.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22It's bits of nature and bits of discarded...
0:26:22 > 0:26:24You're recycling, of course, in a way.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27What I like to do is incorporate a sense of humour.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29I've got a sense of humour myself,
0:26:29 > 0:26:34but you can add it to the garden and that appeals to children and adults.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37They can see that you're having a lot of fun.
0:26:37 > 0:26:41But a few little things, like numbers on the doors and silver
0:26:41 > 0:26:43balls and mirrors and things like that.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46It does make it look as though someone is living there.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51When it comes to gardens for children,
0:26:51 > 0:26:54your only limitation is your own imagination.
0:26:57 > 0:27:02In Sharon's garden, the hard landscaping is almost complete.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04All the paving is laid in the adult area
0:27:04 > 0:27:07and the rendered wall and raised beds are nearly finished.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11The new boardwalk leads down to the bottom of the garden,
0:27:11 > 0:27:14where the chessboard paving is there to be seen.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18Charlie has found herself a quiet corner outside the garden,
0:27:18 > 0:27:21where she is cooking up a magical messy project.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27Some kokedama, a Japanese style of hanging planters.
0:27:29 > 0:27:34I'm going to make some kokedamas, or "kookedamas," not quite sure how to say it.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36But they're moth balls with a plant in it.
0:27:36 > 0:27:41They're quite fun. Luckily, Sharon's soil has quite a lot of clay in it.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44And then it's a case of mud pies.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47It's a messy job, but somebody's got to do it.
0:27:48 > 0:27:49Oh, lovely!
0:27:50 > 0:27:52Very satisfying.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56Get into a nice, sticky mass.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59Make a nice ball.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04See, I did say it was like mud pies.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08Now I've got my plant soaking in a bucket of water.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10So, I'm using a little variegated ivy.
0:28:11 > 0:28:15And you then just break that in half, like that.
0:28:15 > 0:28:20And you pop that in there, like so and you stick it back together.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24And then it's a case of wrapping it in moss.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27And the great thing about moss, especially sphagnum moss,
0:28:27 > 0:28:29is it soaks up moisture.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32So, if there's any rain, it soaks it up like a sponge.
0:28:32 > 0:28:36So, it'll keep the ball of soil damp.
0:28:36 > 0:28:37Find your bits of string...
0:28:39 > 0:28:42..and tie them up really tight.
0:28:43 > 0:28:48This is where you really need a helping hand for tying the knots.
0:28:48 > 0:28:49But I think I can do it.
0:28:51 > 0:28:59So, plant-wise, you can use all sorts of plants to go in kokedamas.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03From house plants to ivys, bulbs,
0:29:03 > 0:29:06snowdrops look really cute in them.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09I've done some daffodils.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11And some heucheras.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13So, it's really up to you.
0:29:13 > 0:29:19And we're going to hang them from the tree in the fantasy area at
0:29:19 > 0:29:22different heights. So, it should look quite cute.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28At the house end of the garden, Harry's ready to give the block work
0:29:28 > 0:29:30walls their finishing coat of render,
0:29:30 > 0:29:33which has had dye added to give it that yellow hue.
0:29:35 > 0:29:39The scratch coat is dry, so I'm now just going to apply the top coat.
0:29:39 > 0:29:41I haven't really done much rendering before,
0:29:41 > 0:29:43but I know there's a bit of a knack.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47So, I'm just going to start at the bottom with the trowel.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49And I'm going to push down and pull up,
0:29:49 > 0:29:53making sure that this top layer doesn't catch on the top bead.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57Although a little roughness and irregularity can look fine in a
0:29:57 > 0:30:03garden setting, Harry is going to give these ones a more refined finish.
0:30:03 > 0:30:05So, at the moment, the wall looks a little bit rough.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08But the next stage is to smooth that out.
0:30:08 > 0:30:10It's really important to have a slight dome to the top of the wall.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12And that allows the rain water to run off.
0:30:12 > 0:30:16Now this is all done, the final stage is to buff it all up and I'm
0:30:16 > 0:30:18going to use a bucket of water and a sponge.
0:30:19 > 0:30:23Wait for it... It's dry now, so I'm just going to gently, small,
0:30:23 > 0:30:27circular motions so that it all knits together really nicely.
0:30:27 > 0:30:29You don't want the sponge to be really wet.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31So, it's a good idea just to squeeze all that water out.
0:30:33 > 0:30:34As you can see, you have...
0:30:34 > 0:30:37Compared to the side of the wall when I first started,
0:30:37 > 0:30:38this is lovely and smooth.
0:30:46 > 0:30:48Everyone's putting their best foot forward,
0:30:48 > 0:30:50but this garden's got a long way to go.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54- How's it going, Harry?- Yes, very pleased.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57- Yeah?- Yeah, it's good fun. - It looks great from this side.
0:30:57 > 0:30:59- I didn't do that side. - Have you seen Charlie anywhere?
0:30:59 > 0:31:03Do you know what? I've had my head down, so I have no idea where she is.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05I haven't seen her in ages. I'm going to try and find her.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07- Crack the whip a little bit.- Yes. Better you than me.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12Still lurking behind the skip...
0:31:12 > 0:31:15- Oh, hello.- Ah! - This is where you've been hiding.
0:31:15 > 0:31:20It looks like Charlie's kokedama moss and soil balls are ready to roll.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23Oh, I tell you what, these will look awesome hanging in the tree.
0:31:23 > 0:31:25- Yeah, they look good, don't they? - Look at this.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27- Well, shall we carry them through? - Yeah, I think so.
0:31:27 > 0:31:31Stringing the kokedamas up from the branches of the old apple tree will
0:31:31 > 0:31:36help create the division between Sharon's adult space and Alex's fantasy play area...
0:31:36 > 0:31:38Don't swing them around.
0:31:38 > 0:31:40..and adds a touch of fairy tale strangeness.
0:31:40 > 0:31:41Right.
0:31:42 > 0:31:46So, what do you want them...? Like, all different heights?
0:31:47 > 0:31:50But there's not much time for hanging around.
0:31:50 > 0:31:54Charlie's already been reassigned to painting duties up near the house.
0:31:54 > 0:31:55Mmm, loving that yellow.
0:31:57 > 0:32:01This wall, here, just outside the kitchen door, is a bit sad.
0:32:01 > 0:32:06So, we've decided to paint it yellow, because Sharon loves yellow.
0:32:06 > 0:32:08I hope she does, because this is definitely yellow.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12We swept off the wall to get rid of any loose paint.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15And we're using a masonry paint.
0:32:15 > 0:32:19I'm going to roller it on. It might need a couple of coats,
0:32:19 > 0:32:22but it's definitely going to brighten this area.
0:32:22 > 0:32:26Corners like this, down the side of the house, get neglected.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30And simply just putting a coat of paint on tidies them up and actually
0:32:30 > 0:32:32makes them look way better.
0:32:32 > 0:32:36It's easy and quick to do, and not too expensive.
0:32:37 > 0:32:41Although Sharon knows that the walls down there are going to be yellow,
0:32:41 > 0:32:43I think this is going to be a bit of a surprise for her,
0:32:43 > 0:32:44cos we haven't checked.
0:32:47 > 0:32:51And speaking of checks, the far end of the garden is also about to get
0:32:51 > 0:32:54a splash of bright colour, but this time, it's green.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59We've just finished the checkerboard paving, and that
0:32:59 > 0:33:01was inspired by the Alice in Wonderland theme.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04It's a mix of hard landscaping and soft landscaping.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07This turf mixed knitted with the paving really creates this lovely,
0:33:07 > 0:33:08soft space to play.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13Because Harry is setting the turf flush with the level of the paving
0:33:13 > 0:33:17stones, Sharon will be able to mow straight over the top and get clean
0:33:17 > 0:33:19edges to the grass without any further trimming.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24Once you've cut your turf, it's good to push it down,
0:33:24 > 0:33:26so the roots really do connect with the soil.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29And then, the next thing is, you need to water it for at least two
0:33:29 > 0:33:31weeks so it really knits in and establishes.
0:33:34 > 0:33:36Some of the checkerboard squares are going to offer another sensory
0:33:36 > 0:33:39experience - the gorgeous scent of fresh camomile.
0:33:42 > 0:33:46These are the camomile plugs and they're about 60p per plant.
0:33:46 > 0:33:48We've chosen them because it's a lovely sunny spot down here
0:33:48 > 0:33:49and they're perfect ground cover.
0:33:49 > 0:33:53When your foot brushes past them, then you get this beautiful aroma.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56They're very simple to put in.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59All you've got to do is push a hole in like that and then place them in.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02We're going to put about eight in here and in a couple of weeks,
0:34:02 > 0:34:06they're going to spill over, soften the slabs and just create a lovely
0:34:06 > 0:34:08little feature at the bottom of the garden.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14But turf and camomile are not the only things that are going to be
0:34:14 > 0:34:16planted in Alex's checkerboard.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19I think I've found the perfect spot for one of Andrew's mushrooms.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22I'm just going to put it in the middle of the camomile, here,
0:34:22 > 0:34:24so over time, that will fill out and it'll almost look like the mushroom
0:34:24 > 0:34:27is coming out off the ground. Charlie, what do you think?
0:34:27 > 0:34:30That looks great. It looks really cool.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32- Yeah.- Fantasy, isn't it?
0:34:32 > 0:34:35Alice in Wonderland, that would've been perfect.
0:34:35 > 0:34:36Yeah. Yeah, because that is where...
0:34:36 > 0:34:40The mushroom was where the caterpillar was sat on the mushroom, wasn't he?
0:34:40 > 0:34:42- Yeah, shall we get one?- Yeah.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45See, I've got my own little bit of fantasy going on, here.
0:34:45 > 0:34:47You know, Alice in Wonderland,
0:34:47 > 0:34:49there's a white rabbit running late down the hole.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51So, this is the rabbit hole.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54I'm going to dress it up with a few little spring bulbs.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57And this is really for Sharon's goddaughter.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00Just a bit of fun. I'm sure she'll rearrange it all,
0:35:00 > 0:35:03but that's the great thing about children being out in the garden,
0:35:03 > 0:35:06just messing around and having fun.
0:35:06 > 0:35:10And what with the apple tree, there, I've got lots of the fond memories
0:35:10 > 0:35:15of climbing an apple tree and just sitting there for hours and watching time go by.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18I wish I could do it now, but we've got quite a lot to do.
0:35:20 > 0:35:22And this hard landscaping is exhausting.
0:35:23 > 0:35:27This is no time to give in to exhaustion, though.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30If the team don't want to be late for a very important date with
0:35:30 > 0:35:33Sharon and her friends, they really need to crack on.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40They've hardly started the planting yet.
0:35:40 > 0:35:45Even the muscle is trying its hand at something a little more dainty than usual.
0:35:46 > 0:35:48Makes a change from laying slabs.
0:35:48 > 0:35:50- It certainly does, Dave.- Good work.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52- I enjoy it, mate.- Yeah, good.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55We've got things that these comfrey, here, and they're going to look
0:35:55 > 0:35:57beautiful contrasting against the bright yellow wall.
0:35:57 > 0:35:59It's a little bit more of a shadier spot,
0:35:59 > 0:36:01so we've got hebes and ferns.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03So altogether it's going to give it a really lovely,
0:36:03 > 0:36:06vibrant green contrast against this really vibrant wall.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11What to write on the sign?
0:36:13 > 0:36:16Charlie is putting the finishing touches to her enchanted rabbit hole.
0:36:18 > 0:36:22- Perfect.- If only the same was true of the rest of the garden.
0:36:22 > 0:36:24There's still a lot of stuff to go in.
0:36:29 > 0:36:33And as everyone mucks in to complete the final touches...
0:36:33 > 0:36:35It was about here, wasn't it?
0:36:36 > 0:36:38..they're nearly at the finishing post.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41Yes. Check it out!
0:36:41 > 0:36:45Although, they still need to shed some light on the bottom end of the garden.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50Lee's done a great job making these light boxes, and they're pretty
0:36:50 > 0:36:53much just clear plastic with a lovely wooden frame.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55Very simple to make and I think they're going to make a massive
0:36:55 > 0:36:58- difference to the garden at night-time.- Awesome.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01Especially putting them down here, little Alex can move them around and
0:37:01 > 0:37:04then when you look down out of the house in the evening, bright light shining.
0:37:04 > 0:37:06- Really, really cool.- I've got a yellow one.- I've got a green.
0:37:07 > 0:37:10These solar-powered lights in need no fitting.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13Sharon just needs to leave them out in the daylight to charge.
0:37:14 > 0:37:19And with that, Sharon's new garden is finally ready for her inspection.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31Before she called upon the Garden Rescue team,
0:37:31 > 0:37:35Sharon's garden was a neglected, nondescript plot.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38Long and narrow, with an ugly concrete path
0:37:38 > 0:37:40and an unruly old apple tree.
0:37:43 > 0:37:47Now, it's been transformed by its £3,500 makeover.
0:37:49 > 0:37:53The Rich brothers have invested the budget in a garden of two halves.
0:37:53 > 0:37:58A swish and cool entertaining space for Sharon and her grown-up mates.
0:37:58 > 0:38:02And a magical fantasy play area for young Alex and her friends.
0:38:03 > 0:38:07The brothers spent £880 on a smart new decking boardwalk and the
0:38:07 > 0:38:11matching raised beds and a further £150 on the rendered wall
0:38:11 > 0:38:15that altogether embraced Sharon's cosy new seating area.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20These simple structural features divide the space up and give strong
0:38:20 > 0:38:23definition to this once bland plot.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29The outlay on the new paving was £500,
0:38:29 > 0:38:32providing two patio areas for Sharon and an Alice in Wonderland
0:38:32 > 0:38:35checkerboard in the play area,
0:38:35 > 0:38:37lit up after dark by the solar-powered lights.
0:38:40 > 0:38:44Alex's play area owes as much to imagination as money.
0:38:45 > 0:38:50With it white rabbit's burrow and these home-made mushroom stools
0:38:50 > 0:38:55and the camomile plug plants, which altogether came in at £150.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59The brothers went for easy care, but colourful planting,
0:38:59 > 0:39:01that holds its own against the bright walls.
0:39:03 > 0:39:07They spent a total of £670 on plants,
0:39:07 > 0:39:10with the masonry paint costing £45.
0:39:11 > 0:39:12Nicely done.
0:39:12 > 0:39:16Happily, the team isn't late for that date with Sharon and Alex,
0:39:16 > 0:39:18who's come along with her mum, Megan.
0:39:19 > 0:39:20Look down, Alex...
0:39:20 > 0:39:23Have the Rich brothers pulled off Sharon's dream garden?
0:39:24 > 0:39:26After three, open your eyes.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29Three, two, one... Open.
0:39:29 > 0:39:30Oh, my God!
0:39:31 > 0:39:33It's amazing.
0:39:33 > 0:39:36- Fantastic.- My God!- Oh, I really like this, this is fantastic.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38Yes, that's your seating area.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41- OK.- And then this is your dining area.
0:39:41 > 0:39:43- Oh, look. Fantastic.- Yellow, yellow.
0:39:45 > 0:39:46Looking very happy.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51And then the steps down, as well. I like that, as well.
0:39:51 > 0:39:53By putting the planter on the steps kind of gives...
0:39:53 > 0:39:56It defines the entranceway into the garden.
0:39:56 > 0:39:58I love the two different areas, as well,
0:39:58 > 0:40:01- so the adults can play in this area. Well, eat in this area.- Play.
0:40:04 > 0:40:05It looks phenomenal. Down here, as well.
0:40:05 > 0:40:09Like I say, the split level makes the garden looks so much bigger.
0:40:09 > 0:40:10Yes.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13I feel like you guys should go on down.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15You've cut this back, as well. Thank you.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19I love it. I like it.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22Yes, so you've got this whole second area now.
0:40:22 > 0:40:23I love it. When the party's happening,
0:40:23 > 0:40:25a little bit there for entertaining.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28People can sit down and enjoy the area, so, yes, I love it.
0:40:28 > 0:40:29Oh, and look - low-maintenance. Thank you.
0:40:29 > 0:40:31THEY LAUGH
0:40:31 > 0:40:34She remembered - low-maintenance.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36- And that's your yellow wall. - Yes, fantastic. I love it.
0:40:36 > 0:40:40- Extra seating, as well, yes? - Yes.- All the guests for the party.
0:40:40 > 0:40:42Right, so, that the adult area done.
0:40:42 > 0:40:43Down to the children's area.
0:40:43 > 0:40:47- Alex, shall we go and see the kids' area?- Yes.- Yay.
0:40:47 > 0:40:51Oh, look at that. Wow. Fantastic, I love it.
0:40:51 > 0:40:53- Oh, and these little things, too. - Yeah.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55That's what Charlie's been working on -
0:40:55 > 0:40:57ONE of the things Charlie's been working on.
0:40:57 > 0:40:59The kokedamas... So those are quite cool.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01Look at them.
0:41:01 > 0:41:02Do you like 'em?
0:41:02 > 0:41:04- Yeah.- Yeah!
0:41:04 > 0:41:06Thinks they're quite cool.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09- And then the rabbit hole as well. - Wow, I didn't see that.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12- Shall we go and look at this, Alex?- Come on over.- Let's have a look.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15- Can you see?- What's in there?
0:41:15 > 0:41:17You'd definitely fit in there.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20You could fit in there, couldn't you? No?
0:41:21 > 0:41:23Oh, fantastic.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29So, this is the checkerboard slab area.
0:41:29 > 0:41:33Oh, I like this, as well. Fantastic for Alex to come and just enjoy the area.
0:41:33 > 0:41:34Yes. It's quite simple.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37But I think it looks quite effective, and really fun, as well.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39It's really nice. I like these little light boxes, here.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42Yes, so there's solar bulbs in there, solar lights.
0:41:42 > 0:41:43Shall we go and play, Alex?
0:41:43 > 0:41:44And the mushrooms.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47- Oh, wow.- Andy made these amazing mushrooms.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50- Shall we go and sit on this one? - Look at that.
0:41:50 > 0:41:54- That's the right size.- Yes. Oh, oh, oh!
0:41:54 > 0:41:57Look at that.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01Alex fits the mushrooms really well.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04It's a total transformation, and I'm so happy that my 40th birthday's
0:42:04 > 0:42:07going to be amazing. I think Alex is happy, as well.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09- Yes.- She can come and play.
0:42:09 > 0:42:10She looks very happy.
0:42:12 > 0:42:14Only needed one paving, didn't we?
0:42:14 > 0:42:16- Yes, only one slab.- Thank you so much, guys.
0:42:16 > 0:42:18It's fantastic. Thank you very much.
0:42:18 > 0:42:20I'm so glad you like it.
0:42:20 > 0:42:24I can safely say I think we hit the brief.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26So you had £3,500 for the garden.
0:42:26 > 0:42:28Do you think it was money well spent?
0:42:28 > 0:42:30Definitely. I think you've done more than I could ever imagine.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33My birthday's going to be fantastic, so adults can play here and Alex
0:42:33 > 0:42:37looks like she's really happy and she can play in this area.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40Both parts of the brief were filled, thank you so much.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43I'm sure the 40th will go down a storm.
0:42:45 > 0:42:47Down to this area, ladies.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50Who said anything about waiting for her 40th?
0:42:50 > 0:42:54Sharon can't wait to celebrate her amazing new garden with her friends.
0:42:57 > 0:42:59THEY CHEER
0:43:03 > 0:43:06To Shaz, for her 40th birthday and her brand-new garden.
0:43:06 > 0:43:10Yay! Cheers, cheers. Thank you for coming.