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 > 0:00:12Looking 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 > 0:00:24Wow, that's amazing, isn't it?
0:00:25 > 0:00:28..the boys have become known for their dramatic outdoor spaces.
0:00:30 > 0:00:34Now, these two different generations of gardening are going head-to-head.
0:00:34 > 0:00:38I know they've got a gold medal, but I can come up with a few ideas.
0:00:38 > 0:00:42They're meeting frustrated garden owners across the country...
0:00:42 > 0:00:45Not a lot going on, is there? Not a lot!
0:00:45 > 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 > 0:00:50Wow!
0:00:50 > 0:00:52..and budget.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54- Oh, that sounds amazing.- Doesn't look like it could be our garden.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56The winner...
0:00:56 > 0:00:57Yay!
0:00:57 > 0:00:58Yeah!
0:00:58 > 0:01:00..brings their design to life...
0:01:00 > 0:01:02Hold on, hold on! Sweet as a nut.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05..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, easy.
0:01:09 > 0:01:11This is what happens...
0:01:11 > 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 > 0:01:20Right, are we doing this?
0:01:20 > 0:01:23..to turn garden dreams into reality.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25- Open your eyes.- Oh!
0:01:25 > 0:01:27Oh, it's lovely.
0:01:27 > 0:01:28Wow!
0:01:28 > 0:01:30Look at that!
0:01:30 > 0:01:31Whoa!
0:01:31 > 0:01:32It's not our garden!
0:01:39 > 0:01:41It's time for Charlie and the Rich brothers
0:01:41 > 0:01:43to find out today's garden challenge.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49Here we have Jane and Michael. They're from Somerset.
0:01:49 > 0:01:50Smiley, Smiley.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53Here's their garden. Look at that.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55- What a view! Oh, my!- Isn't that beautiful?
0:01:55 > 0:01:57- Can't go wrong with that, can you? - No.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08Jane, a primary school teacher, and her husband Michael
0:02:08 > 0:02:12have enjoyed spectacular views from their home for 20 years.
0:02:12 > 0:02:14When we came to look around the house,
0:02:14 > 0:02:18we went to the back garden and just stood there and went...
0:02:18 > 0:02:19"Oh, my gosh."
0:02:19 > 0:02:21The view is why we bought the house.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25But the garden itself isn't quite as picturesque.
0:02:27 > 0:02:28People will come in and go,
0:02:28 > 0:02:31"Wow, what a great view," but wouldn't it be lovely if they sat
0:02:31 > 0:02:34in a beautiful garden and said, "Wow, Jane, this is a lovely garden,
0:02:34 > 0:02:37"and it has a great view"?
0:02:37 > 0:02:38And there's another issue
0:02:38 > 0:02:41that's not going to make life easy for the designers.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44Has this got a bit of a slope here or is that my imagination?
0:02:44 > 0:02:46It does look a little bit like that, doesn't it?
0:02:46 > 0:02:49- Can't really tell, though, how much of a slope.- No.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53In fact, it's a VERY steep slope,
0:02:53 > 0:02:56but slopes can sometimes have added benefits.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59Over the years, Jane, Michael and their two daughters
0:02:59 > 0:03:02have found a rather novel use for theirs.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05The girls really love the slope, rolling down it sideways,
0:03:05 > 0:03:08and then, when we discovered you could put a water slide on it
0:03:08 > 0:03:10with a piece of tarpaulin, they shot down it.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12We used to apologise to the neighbours
0:03:12 > 0:03:14about the amount of shrieking that was going on in the summer!
0:03:16 > 0:03:19But since the girls have gone off to university,
0:03:19 > 0:03:21things have become much quieter.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25There's not really an awful lot going on in the garden.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27It's almost at a standstill, isn't it?
0:03:27 > 0:03:30Every year that goes by, it just gets more and more tired.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34It's a gorgeous setting, huge potential,
0:03:34 > 0:03:36but, at the moment, it's wasted. It's a bit of an empty space.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38It's just transforming it, really,
0:03:38 > 0:03:41- from being a bland lawn into something special.- Yeah.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45Jane and Michael have a particular theme in mind.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49We'd like something really quintessentially English about it,
0:03:49 > 0:03:51something that will attract the wildlife,
0:03:51 > 0:03:54something that'll be peaceful, like, English country garden.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56What would you like?
0:03:56 > 0:03:59I'd like to replace my corkscrew hazel, which died.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01That was my favourite plant.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04Are you going to accuse me again of killing it?
0:04:04 > 0:04:06Let's talk about the money!
0:04:06 > 0:04:10- £3,000.- I think that's quite good. - That's quite a decent amount.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12- Yeah.- I know it's a biggish garden, but...
0:04:12 > 0:04:15I think, whatever we do, it's really important to keep that view.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19Really? I'd be blanking it out, lots of trees up there...
0:04:19 > 0:04:21We've got this one, we've got this one!
0:04:21 > 0:04:23LAUGHTER
0:04:23 > 0:04:26£3,000 might be a healthy budget,
0:04:26 > 0:04:29but it's clear there's going to be a lot of work to do.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34So Charlie and the boys head to Somerset to take a look
0:04:34 > 0:04:36at the view and that slope.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44- Wow.- It is, isn't it?
0:04:44 > 0:04:47- It's way better than the pictures. - Yeah. Panoramic.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50But if you do that...
0:04:50 > 0:04:53- Block it out...- Don't look at the view, look at the garden...
0:04:53 > 0:04:55- Then you're in trouble! - Pretty boring, isn't it?
0:04:55 > 0:04:57Yes. And a bit of a slope as well, which...
0:04:57 > 0:05:00A bit? Understatement of the year!
0:05:00 > 0:05:04This looks like you'd roll a cheese down it and chase it, mate!
0:05:04 > 0:05:06Sloping gardens are notoriously tricky to design,
0:05:06 > 0:05:09but there are things Charlie and the Rich brothers can do
0:05:09 > 0:05:12to make the most of this particular one.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17Terracing is a tried and tested method of making sloping gardens
0:05:17 > 0:05:20more accessible, and it doesn't have to be uniform.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24Each level or terrace can have its own individual purpose or theme.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32The design could also include steps or add a feature path that meanders
0:05:32 > 0:05:33or zigzags around the garden.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39Or they could choose a mixture of hardy, easy-to-care-for plants
0:05:39 > 0:05:41to make the slope more attractive
0:05:41 > 0:05:43without adding too much extra maintenance.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48But before they decide how they'll tackle this particular slope,
0:05:48 > 0:05:51they need to find out what will suit Jane and Michael,
0:05:51 > 0:05:54so Harry and David head inside to take a look around the house.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57Can they spot any clues about the couple's taste?
0:05:57 > 0:06:00Meanwhile, Charlie will grill Jane and Michael to find out more.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04So, the garden's got lots of,
0:06:04 > 0:06:07obviously, very fond memories for you.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09Yes, it definitely does,
0:06:09 > 0:06:13- but, you know, it's time now to look forward...- Uh-huh.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15..and to make it more of a garden just for us.
0:06:15 > 0:06:20I mean, this patio area, is there a reason why it's here?
0:06:20 > 0:06:22In the evening, when the sun's setting over there,
0:06:22 > 0:06:24it's really quite sheltered,
0:06:24 > 0:06:26and it's beautiful views over the valley.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30So we wouldn't want to be planting this up heavily so you can't use it?
0:06:30 > 0:06:31No.
0:06:31 > 0:06:32LAUGHTER
0:06:34 > 0:06:37- Some beautiful pieces of furniture in here.- That is nice, isn't it?
0:06:37 > 0:06:39- '60s Danish, got to love it. - Good start.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42What's so nice is, it's just got really lovely lines, hasn't it?
0:06:42 > 0:06:45Lovely material. It's quite simple, quite elegant.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48Definitely how we'd like to portray the garden.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50- Yeah.- Also, they've got a few nice cushions,
0:06:50 > 0:06:51they've got a few nice throws.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54It's lovely to have this kind of beautifully crafted structures
0:06:54 > 0:06:57in the garden, but I think you have to have something that softens it.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00Some soft, airy planting that's blowing in the wind.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03- It would be gorgeous. - Timeless and elegant.
0:07:03 > 0:07:04Much like myself!
0:07:06 > 0:07:08The Rich brothers have been inspired
0:07:08 > 0:07:12whilst, outside, Charlie's doing some investigating of her own.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16When it comes to the design, what are you thinking about?
0:07:16 > 0:07:20We'd like something really typically English countryside.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22We were thinking about, sort of, a wildlife area.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25Something down the middle, you were thinking, wasn't it?
0:07:25 > 0:07:26With flowers either side.
0:07:26 > 0:07:31So, we are saying very traditional English garden,
0:07:31 > 0:07:34- manor house, walled garden... - Oh, manor house would be nice!
0:07:34 > 0:07:35I like that idea!
0:07:35 > 0:07:38So, would you like to get rid of all the lawn?
0:07:38 > 0:07:40- No.- No.- No. - So, we want some lawn.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42Would you like it terraced?
0:07:42 > 0:07:44Not particularly, no.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47- I'm doing really well here, aren't I?- We like the slope.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50The slope has been our friend for many years.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54So, Jane and Michael want an English country garden,
0:07:54 > 0:07:59whilst preserving their beloved slope, and that fantastic view.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01It's time for the designers to get to work.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07Charlie and the Rich brothers will compete against each other
0:08:07 > 0:08:09to come up with a design that will work
0:08:09 > 0:08:11within Jane and Michael's £3,000 budget.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17The couple will then have to choose a winner,
0:08:17 > 0:08:20and whoever loses will have to help the winner build the garden.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25The £3,000 budget will be used to cover the cost of the materials
0:08:25 > 0:08:28for their new garden, while the labour will be supplied
0:08:28 > 0:08:32by Charlie, the Rich brothers and their team of landscapers.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39It's time for the designers to pitch their ideas.
0:08:40 > 0:08:41Hello.
0:08:41 > 0:08:46The brothers have spotted Jane and Michael's love of elegant, clean lines.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48How will that feature in their design?
0:08:48 > 0:08:52While Charlie knows they're keen on a traditional, English theme,
0:08:52 > 0:08:56can she give Jane and Michael the garden they've been dreaming about?
0:08:58 > 0:09:03So, for me, your garden is all about...
0:09:03 > 0:09:07- the journey to your seating area, and the plants.- Wow.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11So, making it quintessentially English,
0:09:11 > 0:09:14we're going to have a stone pathway
0:09:14 > 0:09:16leading to this feature,
0:09:16 > 0:09:20which is going to be a weeping rose.
0:09:20 > 0:09:25- And you've got a sort of a seat already here.- We have, yeah.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27I want to enhance that.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30And we can plant some camomile through the grass
0:09:30 > 0:09:32so it'll be a scented seat.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35The Rich brothers have really got to work hard to beat this one, Charlie.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38Charlie's thrown down the gauntlet.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40How will David and Harry respond?
0:09:40 > 0:09:43We know this garden for you is very much about the view.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46So what we wanted to do is give you a really, really special place
0:09:46 > 0:09:48where you can appreciate the view from.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51But you've got to get there first, of course, that's quite important,
0:09:51 > 0:09:54so what we've done is, we've put in this quite linear, straight path,
0:09:54 > 0:09:56which creates a really nice avenue,
0:09:56 > 0:09:58but before you can get down to this space and appreciate it,
0:09:58 > 0:10:00you've got to turn off left and that takes you through
0:10:00 > 0:10:03a large planted bed. And, then, down in this area,
0:10:03 > 0:10:07- we've made this lower seating area much larger, haven't we?- Yeah.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09The brothers have focused their attention
0:10:09 > 0:10:10on the lower part of the garden.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14Enlarging the patio area will make it much more comfortable
0:10:14 > 0:10:17and appealing place to be, but the couple seem unsure.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20It's not the quintessentially English garden they asked for.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25You'll carry on walking down and so I'd lose the steps down here
0:10:25 > 0:10:28and just have one, so the path slopes down,
0:10:28 > 0:10:29but it won't be so steep,
0:10:29 > 0:10:33- so you don't spill your wine on the way down.- Very important!
0:10:34 > 0:10:37And then this is my sensory walkway,
0:10:37 > 0:10:42with stepping stones running through, down to your seating area.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45Charlie has left the existing patio untouched,
0:10:45 > 0:10:47while the brothers have gone one step further
0:10:47 > 0:10:51and framed their extended patio with a retaining dry-stone wall.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55The stone wall is actually a key feature in this design,
0:10:55 > 0:10:58and not only does it create this lovely structure
0:10:58 > 0:11:01around the seating space, but also it incorporates these steps.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05I would never even have thought about doing something like that.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07And we'd bring the planting down into this lower space
0:11:07 > 0:11:09so it still feels very much part of the garden.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11What plants are going to be in there?
0:11:11 > 0:11:14We'd like to introduce a few small trees and shrubs,
0:11:14 > 0:11:16things like blackthorn, hawthorn,
0:11:16 > 0:11:19and then this big bed of grasses and perennials will create
0:11:19 > 0:11:21a lot of movement, attract the wildlife,
0:11:21 > 0:11:23and it's basically like a bit of living artwork.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27Harry and David have also incorporated a separate meadow area.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30Planted with grasses and wild flowers,
0:11:30 > 0:11:33this will be great for attracting butterflies,
0:11:33 > 0:11:36but, when it comes to planting, Charlie's not to be outdone.
0:11:36 > 0:11:41Plant-wise, delphiniums and thistles and peonies...
0:11:41 > 0:11:43You can put a lot of annuals in,
0:11:43 > 0:11:46which are going to be great for the wildlife,
0:11:46 > 0:11:51things like wheat and grasses, which the birds are going to love.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54And, then, to pick up on the English theme,
0:11:54 > 0:11:56we've got simple arches
0:11:56 > 0:12:00covered with lots of different climbers.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04Very silent. I don't know whether that's a good thing or not!
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- It's absolutely...- I think it's fabulous, yeah.- I'm amazed.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11Charlie has stuck to the brief with her traditional English design,
0:12:11 > 0:12:14and Jane and Michael certainly seem happy.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16Will this be an easy win for Charlie
0:12:16 > 0:12:19or will the Rich brothers' clean geometric lines
0:12:19 > 0:12:23and their emphasis on that important view steal her thunder?
0:12:23 > 0:12:24It's time to decide.
0:12:24 > 0:12:29It's like Charlie's really done exactly what we've asked her to do.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33We've got this curvaceous garden with beautiful planting.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35Well, that went pretty well for us, I feel.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- How did it go for you, Charlie? - Yeah, loved the plants.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42- What did you go for?- Oh, lots of really glamorous cottage plants.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46And the Rich brothers have come at it from a totally different angle,
0:12:46 > 0:12:48but I can imagine us entertaining here.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50We focused completely on that bottom area.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53I didn't change the bottom area at all!
0:12:53 > 0:12:55- That's interesting.- Well, I hope they don't choose yours.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- Why not?- All that groundwork! All that soil moving!
0:12:58 > 0:13:01I think, if I'm going to have to work for you,
0:13:01 > 0:13:03I'm going to make sure I twist my ankle that day!
0:13:03 > 0:13:06So, will it be the Rich brothers' modern, straight lines,
0:13:06 > 0:13:10extended patio and wild flower meadow,
0:13:10 > 0:13:12or Charlie's English country garden with meandering paths
0:13:12 > 0:13:15and colourful, traditional planting?
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- Hello.- Hello!- Good afternoon.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25Now, this was a really, really, really difficult decision.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29We've had a good look at both designs and, er...
0:13:29 > 0:13:31We've decided on...
0:13:34 > 0:13:35Ta-da!
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- BROTHERS CHEER - Stamp on my foot now!
0:13:38 > 0:13:40LAUGHTER
0:13:40 > 0:13:42Amazing! How come you went for ours?
0:13:42 > 0:13:45Oh, you've just come up with ideas that we'd never have dreamt of.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48The walled garden with the steps within it,
0:13:48 > 0:13:50we thought was just really clever.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52And that bigger space, I think that...
0:13:52 > 0:13:54I can see why you went for the boys' design,
0:13:54 > 0:13:57cos I didn't change that bottom area at all,
0:13:57 > 0:14:01and that will just make it a bigger space away from the house,
0:14:01 > 0:14:04so I can... And you'll appreciate the view so much more.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06- Thanks, Charlie! - I'm not doing any work!
0:14:06 > 0:14:09- I'm just going to look. - Are you feeling all right?
0:14:09 > 0:14:12LAUGHTER
0:14:12 > 0:14:14The brothers are thrilled,
0:14:14 > 0:14:17but they're going to have to keep Charlie out of hospital
0:14:17 > 0:14:18if she's going to help with this one!
0:14:18 > 0:14:22They'll need all the hands and feet they can get to pull this off.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30It's early morning in the Somerset countryside...
0:14:34 > 0:14:36..and the landscaping team are here to clear the garden.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46The Rich brothers are off sourcing the shrubs and grasses
0:14:46 > 0:14:50for their design, so they've given Scott, Scott, Seb,
0:14:50 > 0:14:54and the project manager Bonnie the unenviable task of excavating
0:14:54 > 0:14:57the extra patio area at the bottom of the garden,
0:14:57 > 0:15:00but, first, they need to remove the old retaining wall.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02That's been really well built, hasn't it?
0:15:02 > 0:15:05- That's going to be fun. - What we might need to do
0:15:05 > 0:15:07is dig from the other side and then lift the sleepers out.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09Yeah, take the sleepers out,
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- then we'll probably have to grind these off, I'd imagine.- Yeah.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15The existing path is about 1.5 metres wide,
0:15:15 > 0:15:17but needs to be double the size.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22The steep slope makes it unsafe to use a digger,
0:15:22 > 0:15:24so it'll all have to be done by hand,
0:15:24 > 0:15:27and removing all that soil is proving an uphill battle.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31Come on, Scott, you can do it!
0:15:31 > 0:15:33I'm going to be disappointed if I have to help you.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36Oh, he's struggling, he's struggling!
0:15:36 > 0:15:37Come on, come on!
0:15:37 > 0:15:39Whoa!
0:15:40 > 0:15:42The soil just keeps on coming,
0:15:42 > 0:15:46so Bonnie comes up with a plan to re-use more of it in the garden.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49With all this soil, do you think we could make a step
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- and back-fill it in there?- I think that's a really good idea, actually.
0:15:53 > 0:15:57Bonnie wants to create a step in the path as it leads down from the deck,
0:15:57 > 0:16:01using soil to build up the top section and make it less of a slope,
0:16:01 > 0:16:03but will the Rich brothers agree?
0:16:05 > 0:16:07LINE RINGS
0:16:07 > 0:16:10- 'Hello?'- Hi, David, it's Bonnie. - 'Oh, hey, Bonnie.'
0:16:10 > 0:16:13We've got too much soil and we could possibly use some of
0:16:13 > 0:16:16the sleepers and actually create a little step down.
0:16:16 > 0:16:17Do you think that would work?
0:16:17 > 0:16:19Cos it would help us get rid of some of the soil.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22'Yeah, very happy with that. Yeah, go ahead.'
0:16:22 > 0:16:24- Thanks, David. - 'No worries. Bye-bye.'- Bye!
0:16:26 > 0:16:28With the thumbs-up from the bosses,
0:16:28 > 0:16:30at least some of that soil can be re-homed.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36Out front, the materials have arrived for the dry-stone wall.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42Not exactly a gentle landing, but at least they do need broken stones.
0:16:46 > 0:16:47With the big dig completed,
0:16:47 > 0:16:50a new retaining wall goes in to stop the rest of the lawn
0:16:50 > 0:16:52crashing down the hill.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55These concrete blocks are strong enough to retain the weight,
0:16:55 > 0:16:57but will be concealed behind the dry-stone wall.
0:17:01 > 0:17:05Work is progressing well, and David, Harry and Charlie arrive on site.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- Oh, wow, doesn't that look different?- Yeah, very different.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12They've done really well, haven't they?
0:17:12 > 0:17:14They have. That area down there looks really big.
0:17:14 > 0:17:15Right, I'm off home, then!
0:17:15 > 0:17:17- No, Charlie, not yet!- Not a chance.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20It's incredible. Well, there are plenty of things to get done
0:17:20 > 0:17:22in the garden - a path to build,
0:17:22 > 0:17:25- we've got the stone walling to get on with.- It's my day, isn't it?
0:17:25 > 0:17:27But, at the moment, there's a large pile of soil over there,
0:17:27 > 0:17:29and that's actually not part of our design
0:17:29 > 0:17:32so we'll have to figure out what we're doing with it.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34I'm not barrowing it up these stairs!
0:17:34 > 0:17:36Well, you might be in luck, Charlie,
0:17:36 > 0:17:39because the brothers want to use it to bring a feature
0:17:39 > 0:17:41of the surrounding landscape into the garden.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45Having soil left over like this isn't necessarily a bad thing.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47A bit of sculpting, I think.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49The landscape says it all, really, doesn't it?
0:17:49 > 0:17:51Try and echo a bit of that.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53What, the grassy knoll over there?
0:17:53 > 0:17:56Bringing the grassy knoll into their garden?
0:17:56 > 0:17:58- Yeah.- Are we doing anything with this bit of...?
0:17:59 > 0:18:03On my design, that was a beautiful, centred seat,
0:18:03 > 0:18:05but they didn't choose my design.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08- Do you want us to still do it, Charlie?- Yeah?- Yeah.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11It's nice to have another kind of perch back in the garden.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13- Different views.- And then we could use this as a kind of...
0:18:13 > 0:18:17Just to accentuate that curve and maybe a sit-soft area, lie back,
0:18:17 > 0:18:20- look at the stars. - So, you need to push that soil,
0:18:20 > 0:18:23- you need to push that soil that way. - I need a spade, do I?- Yeah.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27- Oh, what?- And I will go and check it out with Jane and Michael.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30- Lovely. Cheers, Charlie.- Perfect.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33While Charlie goes to fetch Jane and Michael,
0:18:33 > 0:18:37Harry and David make a start on sculpting all that soil into a mound
0:18:37 > 0:18:40which, in time, will become the couple's very own grassy knoll.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47So, this area here, the boys reckon that I can do my seat.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50You know, in my design that you didn't choose?
0:18:50 > 0:18:52- Oh, yes.- Yes.- Not that I'm bitter!
0:18:52 > 0:18:54- Don't be bitter! - LAUGHTER
0:18:54 > 0:18:56I think we remember it, vaguely.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00So, what I'm hoping to do, and the boys think it's a good idea,
0:19:00 > 0:19:03is I make that into a scented seat that you can perch,
0:19:03 > 0:19:07and the boys are sculpting the soil around here so that this will be
0:19:07 > 0:19:09a much more enclosed seating area
0:19:09 > 0:19:11that you look at the beautiful garden.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13That's just amazing.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17- I'm so pleased, because I was really bereft about the...- The seat?- Yeah.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20- You've made my wife a very happy lady.- Good, good.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23Well, I'm hoping you're going to make her very happy as well
0:19:23 > 0:19:26and take her away for a lovely lunch.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28Well, I'm sure we can manage that.
0:19:28 > 0:19:29Because it's time that you, sort of,
0:19:29 > 0:19:32leave the house so we can get on with the garden.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35- Lovely. How exciting.- All right? - Thank you very much.- Let's go.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37- Cheers.- Should be all done by the time you come back.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39- Lovely. Thank you.- Cheers.
0:19:39 > 0:19:41- She says, smiling! - LAUGHTER
0:19:41 > 0:19:43So, it's a yes to the seat,
0:19:43 > 0:19:47which will provide another place where they can enjoy that view,
0:19:47 > 0:19:49which should keep the couple - and Charlie - happy.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53A well-designed garden will not only enhance the views,
0:19:53 > 0:19:55but frame them in the best way possible,
0:19:55 > 0:19:59and, if you get this right, the benefits can be spectacular.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08Set on the edge of the rolling Cotswold Hills,
0:20:08 > 0:20:10one of the best views in the region can be seen
0:20:10 > 0:20:14from historic Kiftsgate Court Garden in Chipping Campden,
0:20:14 > 0:20:17which has been in Anne Chambers's family for three generations.
0:20:21 > 0:20:22We have a spectacular view.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26I think, on a clear day, you can see about 50 or 60 miles.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32Framing the view, we have these very old pines,
0:20:32 > 0:20:34these radiata pines and Scots pines,
0:20:34 > 0:20:38which we doctor and cut the branches every year so that you can see
0:20:38 > 0:20:42through the pine trees out into the landscape beyond.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47When you do a garden, you want something a bit different,
0:20:47 > 0:20:50but you also want it to flow, so the garden looks as though
0:20:50 > 0:20:52it naturally goes into the countryside,
0:20:52 > 0:20:54which I think is very nice,
0:20:54 > 0:20:57so you sort of envelop the countryside into the garden.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03Framing the view doesn't have to be limited to expansive vistas.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07In other gardens, a favourite tree or sculpture
0:21:07 > 0:21:09are framed using hedges...
0:21:09 > 0:21:11arches...
0:21:11 > 0:21:12or walkways.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15Just as an artist frames a painting,
0:21:15 > 0:21:18the views in a garden can be enhanced by blocking out
0:21:18 > 0:21:21undesirable distractions and directing the eye to focus on
0:21:21 > 0:21:23a scene's most striking features.
0:21:28 > 0:21:32Alternatively, obscuring all or part of a view so that it isn't
0:21:32 > 0:21:34immediately on display will provide visitors
0:21:34 > 0:21:36with a pleasant surprise as they turn a corner
0:21:36 > 0:21:38and discover something unexpected.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47The brothers have incorporated their own surprise element
0:21:47 > 0:21:49into their design. At the top of the garden,
0:21:49 > 0:21:53Jane and Michael's sunken patio will be obscured from the few
0:21:53 > 0:21:55by the perennial planting beds.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58Only as they approach the steps will the patio be revealed.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02Back in the garden,
0:22:02 > 0:22:04Charlie's cracking on with her own unexpected task.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09This is my willow hurdle that I'm going to use
0:22:09 > 0:22:13as the front face of the bench to make a wall.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15Quick and easy and bendy, hopefully.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18Oh, look at that!
0:22:18 > 0:22:20- Yep.- Looking good, isn't it?- It is.
0:22:20 > 0:22:21That's got to be up, level,
0:22:21 > 0:22:23so we're going to dig in a bit, I think.
0:22:25 > 0:22:26Yeah, like that.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29Front of the seat.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33We're going to whip that off there. Yeah? Does it make sense?
0:22:33 > 0:22:35- I think it does.- It makes "fence"!
0:22:35 > 0:22:36It makes "fence"!
0:22:36 > 0:22:40Oh... Get back to your sculpting of soil!
0:22:40 > 0:22:42That's told him.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44Who's meant to be in charge of this garden?
0:22:48 > 0:22:50In the patio, the ugly concrete blocks
0:22:50 > 0:22:53are disappearing behind natural stone,
0:22:53 > 0:22:55sourced from the local quarry.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57This is being laid to form the dry-stone wall,
0:22:57 > 0:22:59which will not only make an attractive feature,
0:22:59 > 0:23:03but will fit perfectly into the rural setting.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06The sunken area at the moment is coming on really well
0:23:06 > 0:23:08and the guys are dressing it with a local limestone,
0:23:08 > 0:23:11which is going to give that lovely dry-stone-wall effect.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14Me and Dave use stone a lot in our designs
0:23:14 > 0:23:15and especially stone walling.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17It's got a lovely natural appearance
0:23:17 > 0:23:20and it adds that lovely bit of depth to the garden.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22Also, this limestone depicts the local area
0:23:22 > 0:23:24and what's so nice is it forges this connection
0:23:24 > 0:23:27between the garden and the landscape.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30But because it's a natural product, each stone is unique,
0:23:30 > 0:23:32which is very difficult to use
0:23:32 > 0:23:34and creating a stone wall is a real craft,
0:23:34 > 0:23:36but with that you get something very special.
0:23:44 > 0:23:45On the other side of the garden,
0:23:45 > 0:23:48landscaper Scott is constructing Bonnie's extra step,
0:23:48 > 0:23:52which will make that slope easier to navigate.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56He's repurposing some old sleepers from the original retaining walls
0:23:56 > 0:23:58and he's not the only one putting these to good use.
0:24:05 > 0:24:07So, originally, retaining the seating area down the bottom,
0:24:07 > 0:24:09there was a lot of these sleepers,
0:24:09 > 0:24:11so we've replaced them with a lovely dry-stone wall.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14So, what we're going to do is create a lovely length of deck,
0:24:14 > 0:24:16which creates a lovely spot in the garden to sit.
0:24:17 > 0:24:19Timber!
0:24:19 > 0:24:22The deck in the midst of the meadow area will provide Jane and Michael
0:24:22 > 0:24:24with yet another place to sit.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27They'll have no excuse not to get out into the garden
0:24:27 > 0:24:29once the brothers have finished!
0:24:29 > 0:24:33I want it to be about that height-ish...
0:24:33 > 0:24:34At the top of the garden,
0:24:34 > 0:24:37Charlie and Scott are measuring out the frame for her seat.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39Measure that.
0:24:39 > 0:24:40I will measure that there.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43That is 22... A foot, basically.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45How long have we been in the metric system?
0:24:45 > 0:24:47LAUGHTER
0:24:49 > 0:24:51The willow hurdle needs cutting to the right size,
0:24:51 > 0:24:54and then can be attached to posts at either end.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59Charlie, it's looking good, but it looks a little high.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01No, no, no. It's bum height,
0:25:01 > 0:25:02so it's going to go down a little lower...
0:25:02 > 0:25:04- That's perfect, actually.- Yeah.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06So, yeah, it's going to come down a bit.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09It's looking gorgeous, though. I think this will link really nicely
0:25:09 > 0:25:11- with the shrubs, with the plants. - Yeah, and picking up
0:25:11 > 0:25:14natural products using natural stone,
0:25:14 > 0:25:18- natural hurdles.- Love it. - I'm getting really carried away.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21I might even put a back up there as well.
0:25:21 > 0:25:22Oh, that'd be really nice!
0:25:28 > 0:25:30The garden is beginning to come together,
0:25:30 > 0:25:34but building a dry-stone wall can be a tricky and time-consuming job,
0:25:34 > 0:25:37so the boys have brought in specialist Neil
0:25:37 > 0:25:39to get this done quickly and correctly.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42And, because Harry has some experience in this field,
0:25:42 > 0:25:44he'll be helping out, too.
0:25:44 > 0:25:45- Hi, Neil.- Hi.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48- This is looking great.- Oh, thanks.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50I used to do a bit of stone walling back in Wales,
0:25:50 > 0:25:52and I know it's a tricky art.
0:25:52 > 0:25:53It is. It is tricky.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56It takes years of practice.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58And it is an art form.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00There's a saying -
0:26:00 > 0:26:03"If you pick up one stone, you've got to find a home for it."
0:26:03 > 0:26:05- No waste.- That's right.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08If it doesn't go on here, then you find somewhere else on the wall.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11- Yeah.- So, yeah, "There's a home for every stone."
0:26:11 > 0:26:14Yeah, that's the one! You don't mind if I crack on at the end, do you?
0:26:14 > 0:26:15No, go ahead.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24In the meadow area, David is cutting his timber to size.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28Definitely looking forward to this, but they're quite difficult to cut.
0:26:29 > 0:26:30That's my excuse anyway.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35Reclaimed sleepers like these can cost around £60,
0:26:35 > 0:26:38but brand-new ones will only set you back about half that.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41Thanks to the old retaining wall, these ones were free.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46Just persevere. Two hands.
0:26:48 > 0:26:52Project manager Bonnie is marking out where the turf will be lifted
0:26:52 > 0:26:54to make way for the brothers' path.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58To speed the process along, they're using a motorised turf cutter,
0:26:58 > 0:27:00which can cost around £50 a day to hire.
0:27:08 > 0:27:09Dream. Easy.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16Perfect. So this now is going to give a nice little seating area -
0:27:16 > 0:27:19sit behind some shrubs, amongst the planting,
0:27:19 > 0:27:20just a lovely place to look at the view.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26David has nearly finished the decking
0:27:26 > 0:27:29and Charlie has popped over to inspect his handiwork.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32- It's going to be lovely. - Well, hopefully.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35One chair, book, look at the view.
0:27:35 > 0:27:37- Perfect.- Alone time.
0:27:37 > 0:27:39- Yeah, exactly.- There will be so many seats in this garden
0:27:39 > 0:27:41that they ain't going to do any gardening,
0:27:41 > 0:27:44they're just going to be sit there, sit there, sit there...
0:27:44 > 0:27:47It's like a park, there's so many places to sit!
0:27:47 > 0:27:50Seating is an important part of any garden,
0:27:50 > 0:27:53and most sitting places are located in the sunniest area.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58But if yours is open to the elements,
0:27:58 > 0:28:00it should be in a more protected position.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06Useful seating isn't limited to benches or chairs.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08Any flat surface will work.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10When it comes to design and style,
0:28:10 > 0:28:12the only restriction is your own imagination.
0:28:18 > 0:28:19In steep gardens,
0:28:19 > 0:28:23any resting areas will be especially welcome on the way up the slope,
0:28:23 > 0:28:25but any seats on uneven surfaces
0:28:25 > 0:28:27should be safely fixed to the ground.
0:28:30 > 0:28:34However, the most important thing about a seating area is the view,
0:28:34 > 0:28:37and the new sunken patio will be the perfect place
0:28:37 > 0:28:39for Jane and Michael to enjoy theirs from.
0:28:43 > 0:28:44Unlike cemented walls,
0:28:44 > 0:28:47a dry-stone wall is made by stacking stones
0:28:47 > 0:28:50without using mortar to hold them together.
0:28:50 > 0:28:52By choosing the stones carefully and packing them tightly,
0:28:52 > 0:28:55a dry-stone wall can be completely self-supporting
0:28:55 > 0:28:57and last hundreds of years.
0:28:57 > 0:29:01Apart from looking great, this wall will provide an excellent habitat
0:29:01 > 0:29:03for rock plants and insects alike.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08The great thing about dry-stone walls is,
0:29:08 > 0:29:11it creates all these little cracks and crevices for wildlife,
0:29:11 > 0:29:14and it's a great little space just to encourage that.
0:29:15 > 0:29:19And, over time, it's going to grow moss and lichen, and, again,
0:29:19 > 0:29:21that's really, kind of, encouraging more wildlife in here,
0:29:21 > 0:29:23and it'll soften the wall
0:29:23 > 0:29:25and it'll become part of the fabric of the garden.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37So, how goes it in the dry-stone walling world?
0:29:37 > 0:29:39- Very well.- Yeah?
0:29:39 > 0:29:44- Yes.- So, Neil, when he graduates, does he get a hat like this?
0:29:44 > 0:29:47- He can have my hat. - Shall we see what it looks like?
0:29:47 > 0:29:49Wow, that's a tight fit, isn't it?
0:29:51 > 0:29:53I've graduated.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56- That's put ten years on you, mate. - Oh, I can feel the power already!
0:29:56 > 0:29:58Now, I'm not here just to chit-chat.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00- I'm on the scrounge. - You're always on the scrounge.
0:30:00 > 0:30:04- Yeah, that big bit of stone... - I was saving that one for you.
0:30:04 > 0:30:06Oh, thank you, that's good.
0:30:06 > 0:30:08So, steal a few bits like that...
0:30:08 > 0:30:10But, yeah, not bad, not bad.
0:30:16 > 0:30:20So, with my acquired bits of stone...
0:30:20 > 0:30:22we're going to create...
0:30:23 > 0:30:26..a jigsaw effect. So, like that...
0:30:26 > 0:30:27Oh, no.
0:30:27 > 0:30:29That's a nicer side.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33And then we'll have another one there, there, there, there.
0:30:33 > 0:30:35Leaving gaps.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39So that'll make the surface to sit on, and plants all around.
0:30:39 > 0:30:44And look at everybody who's doing absolutely nothing.
0:30:46 > 0:30:50How many men does it take to build a dry-stone wall?
0:30:50 > 0:30:52Charlie, it's really important to step back
0:30:52 > 0:30:54and have a look at what you've just done.
0:30:57 > 0:31:01Tea break over, the lads are breaking ground on the planting beds.
0:31:04 > 0:31:06The two Scotts are using simple timber edging
0:31:06 > 0:31:08to hold the path in place.
0:31:09 > 0:31:11Ready-to-assemble edging kits are available to buy
0:31:11 > 0:31:13in a range of colours and materials.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16The boys have chosen wood to fit in well
0:31:16 > 0:31:19with all the other natural elements in the garden.
0:31:19 > 0:31:20And, speaking of nature,
0:31:20 > 0:31:23it's time for David to get some of it into the ground,
0:31:23 > 0:31:25and he's starting with the contorted hazel,
0:31:25 > 0:31:27which should go down well with Michael.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32So, this is the exciting part of the garden now,
0:31:32 > 0:31:34where the plants start coming in,
0:31:34 > 0:31:36and this part of the garden is reserved for the shrubs,
0:31:36 > 0:31:39so we want to focus the view down to the landscape,
0:31:39 > 0:31:42but also help to blur out some of the buildings here on the left.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45One plant that Michael's really particular about
0:31:45 > 0:31:48was the contorted hazel, and you can see why, cos, without the leaves,
0:31:48 > 0:31:50you can really see these twisted, gnarled stems,
0:31:50 > 0:31:53and it makes a really interesting shrub.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56And what's so great is that it is quite slow growing,
0:31:56 > 0:31:58so it's not going to grow too big and block out the view,
0:31:58 > 0:32:02but it'll work perfectly in this situation.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04With a contorted hazel, you will have to keep an eye on it,
0:32:04 > 0:32:07because it's grafted onto the rootstock of a standard hazel,
0:32:07 > 0:32:10and that means that straight shoots will come up through the middle,
0:32:10 > 0:32:12so you've got to keep an eye, cut them off,
0:32:12 > 0:32:15and that means that the twisted, more gnarled ones will keep growing.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19It's best practice to plant shrubs when they're smaller
0:32:19 > 0:32:20if they're in windier conditions.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23That means they'll have a better chance of establishing
0:32:23 > 0:32:24and growing well.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29As well as the contorted hazel, we've also got a standard hazel,
0:32:29 > 0:32:30and that's Corylus avellana.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33And what's so great about this is, you can coppice it,
0:32:33 > 0:32:34you can cut it down at the base,
0:32:34 > 0:32:36and that means if it ever grows too tall,
0:32:36 > 0:32:39you just chop it down and you let it regrow,
0:32:39 > 0:32:41and that means it's going to be a healthier shrub.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44As well as preventing a tree from growing too tall,
0:32:44 > 0:32:46coppicing will encourage regeneration
0:32:46 > 0:32:48and make the plant appear fuller.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57The motte layer for the paths is finally going down
0:32:57 > 0:32:59and Charlie's nearly finished her seat.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02She just needs to add the finishing touches.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05So, we've got plants that really like sunny conditions,
0:33:05 > 0:33:08so this is a rock rose, a double one.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11The great thing about having a double rock rose
0:33:11 > 0:33:14is the flowers last way longer than the single ones.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16Then we've got this erodium,
0:33:16 > 0:33:18and it sort of has a floppy habit to it,
0:33:18 > 0:33:21so it'll soften that wall at the back.
0:33:21 > 0:33:26Big, pink, open flowers, so I'm thinking up there somewhere.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29And, then, for the scent, we've got this rosemary,
0:33:29 > 0:33:33and that one's a prostrate one, which means it sort of tumbles,
0:33:33 > 0:33:36so it'll tumble over this corner, so as they walk down the steps,
0:33:36 > 0:33:39they'll knock against it and get the scent.
0:33:39 > 0:33:41And then I'm going to squash some thymes in.
0:33:41 > 0:33:45Originally, I did say that I was going to use camomile,
0:33:45 > 0:33:47but I've gone for thymes,
0:33:47 > 0:33:50because they're really good for bees and butterflies
0:33:50 > 0:33:53and it'll pick up the wildlife planting
0:33:53 > 0:33:54that David's doing over there.
0:34:12 > 0:34:13This is sedum Autumn Joy,
0:34:13 > 0:34:16and what's so nice is, it's actually recycled from the original garden,
0:34:16 > 0:34:19so it's lovely to be able to put them back in the new beds.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22We've left the seed heads up as well, because I think what's so nice
0:34:22 > 0:34:24about these is, it gives amazing winter form
0:34:24 > 0:34:27and when the grasses are long and left as well,
0:34:27 > 0:34:29this garden's going to have lovely interest in the winter.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35Look out, lads - Charlie's on the scrounge again.
0:34:35 > 0:34:39So, I'm almost finished, but I really need an evergreen there.
0:34:40 > 0:34:42And they've got them all.
0:34:42 > 0:34:44Harry!
0:34:44 > 0:34:48Don't try and ignore me! I saw you pretend you didn't hear me!
0:34:48 > 0:34:50I'm after an evergreen.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53- OK.- Is that... So I can have one?- Yeah, of course.
0:34:53 > 0:34:55You don't have to ask, Charlie.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57- OK, then.- Take whatever you want!
0:34:57 > 0:34:59- They won't say that later. - You're in danger!
0:35:01 > 0:35:03Let's hope the brothers don't regret their generosity.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06I might take two, actually.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09Oh, yeah.
0:35:10 > 0:35:11Maybe a hellebore.
0:35:17 > 0:35:19Hey! How many have you got in there?
0:35:19 > 0:35:21A couple more than one.
0:35:21 > 0:35:22LAUGHTER
0:35:22 > 0:35:23So, I'm thinking...
0:35:24 > 0:35:26That'll fill up that space.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29- Nice.- Nice. I mean, you wouldn't like that daphne anyhow,
0:35:29 > 0:35:31cos it's variegated.
0:35:31 > 0:35:34- Don't worry about it, have it.- So, I'm thinking that might be nice...
0:35:34 > 0:35:36- Just over the fence?- No.
0:35:36 > 0:35:38Just down there, leading into your meadow,
0:35:38 > 0:35:40cos that's going to be meadow, isn't it?
0:35:40 > 0:35:43- Yes, going to seed that up.- So that'll just give me an evergreen...
0:35:43 > 0:35:44Yeah. Really scented.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47And then I couldn't resist the hellebore, cos it's too pretty.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50- No problem at all.- Don't know where I'm going to put it,
0:35:50 > 0:35:51but I'll get it in there somewhere!
0:35:58 > 0:36:01While Charlie gets her pilfered plants in,
0:36:01 > 0:36:04David is putting the final touches to the meadow.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08Wild flower meadow seed is a really easy, really cost-effective way
0:36:08 > 0:36:11of adding a lot of interest to the garden.
0:36:11 > 0:36:13What we've got here is a grass and wild flower mix,
0:36:13 > 0:36:15so it's going to add a really lovely, natural element
0:36:15 > 0:36:18into the garden, and what's so great about this is,
0:36:18 > 0:36:19it thrives on poorer soils.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21You don't have to add manure, you don't have to have the topsoil.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24It'll do really, really well and, actually, poorer soil will help
0:36:24 > 0:36:27the flowers take over rather than the grass dominating the space.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30And a little trick when sowing, if you've got a small space like this,
0:36:30 > 0:36:32you don't have to worry too much about it.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34You want to make sure you just put out a thin layer on top,
0:36:34 > 0:36:36and then you can just go back over it.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39This little area of the garden's really going to transform this summer.
0:36:39 > 0:36:41When the shrubs come into leaf and the meadow starts growing,
0:36:41 > 0:36:45all the flowers will come out and the grasses will thread through it,
0:36:45 > 0:36:47and that's so nice, because it's actually going to tie in
0:36:47 > 0:36:49with our perennial planting beds over here.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55There are three different types of grasses in these beds.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57This one here is the pheasant tail grass.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00As you can see, it's really pretty, because the tint of the leaves
0:37:00 > 0:37:02picks up really nicely with the gravel.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05What's so great about this is it will spread and it will take over,
0:37:05 > 0:37:08which means it might self-seed in the gravel as well,
0:37:08 > 0:37:10so it'll really create this meadow-like effect
0:37:10 > 0:37:12with the perennials poking out through.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15As you can see, the planting's really beginning to take shape,
0:37:15 > 0:37:17so all we've got to do is get the garden finished.
0:37:25 > 0:37:26And, with the weather on the turn,
0:37:26 > 0:37:28the team had better get a move on
0:37:28 > 0:37:31so Jane and Michael can see their new garden before the rain hits.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45Before they called in Charlie and the Rich brothers,
0:37:45 > 0:37:49Jane and Michael's garden was an unloved, boring and barely used hill
0:37:49 > 0:37:50that the family had outgrown.
0:37:56 > 0:38:00Now it's been given a new lease of life with a £3,000 makeover.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06At the heart of the design is the extended sunken patio,
0:38:06 > 0:38:09where the couple can spend many a relaxing evening
0:38:09 > 0:38:11basking in the setting sun.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14Sheltered from the elements by the locally sourced dry-stone wall -
0:38:14 > 0:38:17which cost a total of £502 -
0:38:17 > 0:38:20the patio area blends naturally with the rural setting
0:38:20 > 0:38:23whilst following clean, geometric lines.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27The brothers have repositioned Jane and Michael's chiminea,
0:38:27 > 0:38:30whilst a chunky table that has been gathering dust in the garage
0:38:30 > 0:38:32now has a new home.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38But, of course, it's not the only place to sit and enjoy
0:38:38 > 0:38:40those glorious views.
0:38:40 > 0:38:41The brothers have spent £75
0:38:41 > 0:38:45on the materials and plants for Charlie's rustic seat.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47It will be a perfect place for a morning coffee
0:38:47 > 0:38:50surrounded by beautiful rock roses
0:38:50 > 0:38:53and fragrant thyme and rosemary to excite the senses.
0:38:54 > 0:38:55In a few months' time,
0:38:55 > 0:38:58the garden will be awash with colour and fragrance.
0:38:58 > 0:39:02The boys spent £103 on three types of ornamental grasses
0:39:02 > 0:39:05planted either side of the new path.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08But more form and structure is provided free of charge
0:39:08 > 0:39:10by Jane's existing sedums.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18The meadow area features a recycled sleeper deck
0:39:18 > 0:39:20and the tall grasses and wild flowers
0:39:20 > 0:39:25will provide a haven for birds, bees and butterflies in the future.
0:39:25 > 0:39:30And not forgetting not one, but two contorted hazels, which cost £46.
0:39:36 > 0:39:40Jane and Michael had dreamed of a quintessential English garden.
0:39:40 > 0:39:41But, at the last minute,
0:39:41 > 0:39:44opted for the Rich brothers' clean and minimal contemporary design.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46- (Here they come!) - As it starts to drizzle,
0:39:46 > 0:39:49it's time to find out if their gamble has paid off.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54- Are you excited?- Yes!
0:39:54 > 0:39:55I think we're excited.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57LAUGHTER
0:39:57 > 0:39:59OK, open your eyes.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02- Wow.- Oh, my gosh.
0:40:02 > 0:40:06- It's absolutely spot-on.- Oh, fantastic. Isn't that amazing?
0:40:06 > 0:40:09- Is it what you expected?- No! - It's actually better.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11It's...it's exceeded my expectations!
0:40:11 > 0:40:13- That's a win!- We can rest easy!
0:40:14 > 0:40:17- I just want to get down there. - Well, hey, it's your garden.
0:40:17 > 0:40:18- Go ahead!- Let's go.
0:40:20 > 0:40:22Get ready to step onto the path.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25- There we go.- Just makes it a lot more usable, doesn't it?
0:40:25 > 0:40:28- It looks great.- We put a step in as well.- That's super.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30Right, then, which way?
0:40:30 > 0:40:32The idea then is to, kind of, dogleg to the left,
0:40:32 > 0:40:34just between the two planting beds.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37- That's super.- All of these will knit together and you'll have
0:40:37 > 0:40:39this lovely, natural planting scheme.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42- That's my corkscrew hazel! - There's your corkscrew hazel!
0:40:42 > 0:40:44Really pleased about that one.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47We put that at the front as well, so you could really see it.
0:40:47 > 0:40:49He likes his twisted hazel.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53And he's got two, so he'll be doubly excited.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55So, there's meadow seed down there, all through there,
0:40:55 > 0:40:57so in the summer that will grow up.
0:40:57 > 0:40:58- Lovely.- All green and natural.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01Lovely. So, you don't want me to weed it, then?
0:41:01 > 0:41:04- Don't you dare!- Don't touch it! - LAUGHTER
0:41:04 > 0:41:07All right, head on down the steps.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09- There we go.- The dry-stone wall.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11That is amazing, isn't it?
0:41:11 > 0:41:12It looks so fabulous.
0:41:12 > 0:41:14Doesn't it add a nice character to it?
0:41:14 > 0:41:16It's just unbelievable.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18It's depictive of this local area.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21- It's nice to have a little bit of that in your garden.- Beautiful.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23Oh, they love that area down the bottom.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26I can see them spending a lot of time there.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29It's so nice, just giving you that extra bit of space down here.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31It really makes it a lot more usable.
0:41:31 > 0:41:33It's just beautiful.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35We've got something else to see as well.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38We've got Charlie's little spot up here. We can't forget about that!
0:41:38 > 0:41:39And now my bit.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42How exciting!
0:41:43 > 0:41:46- How's that?- Gosh.
0:41:46 > 0:41:48I love it. Charlie's very clever.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51- She is.- She's a clever lady, isn't she?
0:41:51 > 0:41:53They like my bench, that's a hit.
0:41:53 > 0:41:57And I think the whole garden has gone down a storm.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05The Rich brothers spotted Jane and Michael's love of timeless elegance
0:42:05 > 0:42:08and gave them a garden to be proud of.
0:42:08 > 0:42:10So, are the couple happy with their decision?
0:42:12 > 0:42:14I just can't believe what they've done.
0:42:14 > 0:42:16I can't wait till it's dry and I can go and sit over there
0:42:16 > 0:42:20- and watch the sun rise. - And all the flowers come out and it's all beautiful.
0:42:20 > 0:42:21It's going to be a great summer.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28It's even better than we thought it would be.
0:42:28 > 0:42:29It's given us more space.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32I mean, I know we saw the plans, but, actually, to see it
0:42:32 > 0:42:36in real life, it is more stunning and just...
0:42:36 > 0:42:38It's just perfect for us.
0:42:42 > 0:42:45This dry-stone wall just blends in so well.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48And when all these scented plants are at their height in the summer...
0:42:48 > 0:42:51At last, I've got my corkscrew hazel in place.
0:42:51 > 0:42:53- Yes!- Here's to you, doing the gardening.
0:42:53 > 0:42:55- Thank you. Cheers.- Cheers.