0:00:10 > 0:00:12Hello, welcome to Gardeners' World.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17It's almost a sad moment when the tulips finish.
0:00:17 > 0:00:18Not that they all have,
0:00:18 > 0:00:21but certainly these ones have done their stuff.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24But you can't stay sad too long at this time of year
0:00:24 > 0:00:27because as one set of flowers finishes
0:00:27 > 0:00:29another comes bursting gloriously through.
0:00:29 > 0:00:32And of course, here in the Jewel Garden, it's the alliums.
0:00:32 > 0:00:34This is the Allium Purple Sensation,
0:00:34 > 0:00:37and it's never so purple as it is at this moment,
0:00:37 > 0:00:39just as it's about to open fully,
0:00:39 > 0:00:43and then you get this incredible, dazzling display,
0:00:43 > 0:00:46like purple stars in a night sky.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49And also, right across the garden, everywhere you look,
0:00:49 > 0:00:55there are new flowers venturing out into the spring sunshine.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59Now, on tonight's programme, which of course is a full hour long,
0:00:59 > 0:01:04we shall be venturing to the RHS Malvern Spring Festival
0:01:04 > 0:01:07as well as doing lots of gardening here.
0:01:07 > 0:01:12And we'll be bringing you the very best from the show.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19In tonight's show, Carol will be scouring
0:01:19 > 0:01:23Malvern's impressive marquee to discover what new floral delights
0:01:23 > 0:01:25are on display this year.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28And Joe and Frances will be exploring the showground,
0:01:28 > 0:01:33taking a close look at the very best of the gardens and exhibits.
0:01:49 > 0:01:51A couple of months ago,
0:01:51 > 0:01:55I cut back the grass borders right down to the ground,
0:01:55 > 0:01:57clearing all last year's growth.
0:01:57 > 0:02:03And I said at the time that you don't want to move or divide grasses
0:02:03 > 0:02:05until they're growing vigorously.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09The first grass I want to reposition is a calamagrostis.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18Now, this is Calamagrostis Karl Foerster
0:02:18 > 0:02:22and calamagrostis is one of the first of the grasses to grow.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26It has really deep green, lush growth early on,
0:02:26 > 0:02:30and it then develops very upright stems
0:02:30 > 0:02:34which can hold nice and firm in any weather.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38So it's a really good grass to add vertical lines to a border.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41But it is being crowded out by this cardoon
0:02:41 > 0:02:43and I don't want to move the cardoon,
0:02:43 > 0:02:46so what I'm going to do is lift all or some of that.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52The garden here at Longmeadow...
0:02:53 > 0:02:55..has been very dry.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58It's been really the driest in May I've ever known it.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00Obviously a lot of things suffer,
0:03:00 > 0:03:04but most grasses cope very well if it's dry.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07There we go, I think that's coming. Out you come.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14I'm bringing it over here because
0:03:14 > 0:03:16I don't have any calamagrostis in here.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20It is a plant that does much better in full sun.
0:03:20 > 0:03:25If you position Calamagrostis in shade, it'll grow, but it flops.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28But as far as soil goes it's pretty adaptable.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37It's worth saying that at this stage I could divide this.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39Obviously now is the time to do it,
0:03:39 > 0:03:43and it's a good way of propagating grasses.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46However, when you divide it and replant it,
0:03:46 > 0:03:48it won't grow much for the first year
0:03:48 > 0:03:50and then will gradually take off.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03This pheasant grass seeded itself in here
0:04:03 > 0:04:05and I never got round to moving it last year.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07Pheasant grass has got a new name.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09I know it as Stipa arundinacea.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12The new name, I always mispronounce.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17But effectively, it is part of the Stipa family in growth habit,
0:04:17 > 0:04:20if not literally in name.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23And all the stipas like really good drainage.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26Bright sunshine, good drainage.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32And I want to use it as an architectural plant.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35They're the exact opposite of calamagrostis,
0:04:35 > 0:04:37which is very upright -
0:04:37 > 0:04:40this needs space to flop.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44It's not wholly hardy.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46It's good down to about minus ten.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59The plan is to put that there.
0:04:59 > 0:05:04So you can see that it immediately creates an architectural feature.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07The big difference with this pheasant grass
0:05:07 > 0:05:08is that it is short lived,
0:05:08 > 0:05:11but because they seed themselves so freely, you just replace it.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23Now, even though this needs really good drainage and loves hot sun,
0:05:23 > 0:05:25it does need a good soak when you plant it.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27The same for any plant that you transplant.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35Ideally, soak it the day before you move it
0:05:35 > 0:05:40and definitely give it a good water after you move it,
0:05:40 > 0:05:43and then water it again once a week until you see it growing strongly.
0:06:03 > 0:06:04Come on.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15Now, this may not look like much, but this is our new herb garden.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18Focusing on culinary herbs.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22It's near the kitchen and the idea is to give us masses of herbs,
0:06:22 > 0:06:25have generous quantities for cooking.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28Today, I just want to start by planting
0:06:28 > 0:06:32some of the Mediterranean herbs that need extreme conditions.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36And I've already dug out three pits because I want these to have
0:06:36 > 0:06:41the best possible drainage and very poor soil,
0:06:41 > 0:06:46because herbs like thyme thrive in poor conditions.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50Think where they come from - baking-hot Mediterranean hillsides,
0:06:50 > 0:06:52it may not rain for months,
0:06:52 > 0:06:56the soil will be all stony, and that is what they like,
0:06:56 > 0:06:58so that is what I'm going to give them.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02Now, to that end...
0:07:03 > 0:07:05..I've got a load of rubbish!
0:07:13 > 0:07:16Think of this like a pot where you're putting lots of crocks
0:07:16 > 0:07:19in the bottom. That's just to ensure that when the roots go down,
0:07:19 > 0:07:22they don't find a pool of water.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25Now we add a bit of soil onto there.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32This is horticultural grit.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38But any grit will do, and you can use sand if you like.
0:07:38 > 0:07:39A little bit more soil.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44If you're mixing up to do this in a container,
0:07:44 > 0:07:49put a quarter of the pot with crocks or stones in the bottom then mix up
0:07:49 > 0:07:53some potting compost with at least its own volume of grit.
0:07:59 > 0:08:00Now I can start planting.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04And what I'm going to put in here is lemon thyme.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15Lemon thyme is particularly good for cooking,
0:08:15 > 0:08:19but I like to have lemon thyme, normal thyme, silver thyme.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23But the one thing I've learnt over the years with thyme...
0:08:24 > 0:08:26..is that it cannot take any shade.
0:08:26 > 0:08:31It gets very twiggy and the result is that it starts to die back.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37Just because these are Mediterranean plants that love sun,
0:08:37 > 0:08:39it doesn't mean to say they don't need watering in.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41But never feed them.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43Don't mulch them with compost.
0:08:43 > 0:08:48You could put gravel on if you wanted to, but let them grow hard.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50And apart from anything else, as well as lasting longer
0:08:50 > 0:08:53and being happy, they will taste much better.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56OK, it's a small start, but it's beginning!
0:08:56 > 0:08:58The herb garden is up and running.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06I've got three bags like this of fennel
0:09:06 > 0:09:08that we dug out of the borders there.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11I want to just recycle them because fennel,
0:09:11 > 0:09:15not only does it taste really good, both the foliage and the seeds,
0:09:15 > 0:09:17but it looks wonderful.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21Topped by umbels of flower and then the dried seedheads,
0:09:21 > 0:09:23absolutely lovely.
0:09:29 > 0:09:30Like that.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38You can see I'm not trying to space these out, I want clumps.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50These will need watering until they're nice and upright.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53Now, the idea of these is they will grow tall,
0:09:53 > 0:09:56up to about the first tier of the pleached limes,
0:09:56 > 0:09:58and then in between them I'm going to put some sage,
0:09:58 > 0:10:02which will give me a shrubby mid-layer, and then underneath,
0:10:02 > 0:10:08lots of oregano, marjoram, which will spread and create ground cover.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10The whole point about this is we've got lots of room,
0:10:10 > 0:10:13but I'm building it as a garden.
0:10:13 > 0:10:18I am creating the beds, which have rhythm and texture and colour.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22A herb garden is not just a little adjunct,
0:10:22 > 0:10:25it can be a really beautiful place.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36Right, that's a start,
0:10:36 > 0:10:39and in a month's time this will be full of herbs,
0:10:39 > 0:10:43and it will be a nice herby replacement to the box balls.
0:10:43 > 0:10:48Now, this week saw the beginning of the RHS's Malvern Spring Festival
0:10:48 > 0:10:52and Carol, Joe and Frances went along to see the show gardens
0:10:52 > 0:10:56and the plant displays, all set on this remarkable showground
0:10:56 > 0:11:00beneath the spectacular backdrop of the Malvern Hills.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19The medicinal qualities of Malvern's local spring water
0:11:19 > 0:11:22has been well documented since medieval times
0:11:22 > 0:11:25and brought to the area the great and the good,
0:11:25 > 0:11:30including Charles Darwin, Charles Dickens and Florence Nightingale.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34And it's this spa heritage that has created the theme
0:11:34 > 0:11:38for this year's show - it's all about health and wellbeing.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47If there's one place that really gets me buzzing
0:11:47 > 0:11:49it's the Floral Marquee.
0:11:49 > 0:11:54It's packed with plants, lots of them new, and new exhibitors too.
0:12:01 > 0:12:06This is my very first RHS Malvern Spring Festival and I'm looking for
0:12:06 > 0:12:09plants that have a purpose as well as being good for your health.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22There are six large show gardens here this year
0:12:22 > 0:12:26and all are striving for a really good RHS medal,
0:12:26 > 0:12:29and ideally a nice shiny gold one.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38This garden is called The Retreat. It's designed by Villaggio Verde
0:12:38 > 0:12:42and it's for a retired couple who have moved to France
0:12:42 > 0:12:44and created their dream garden.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47It's sort of wellbeing with wedge.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49There's a lot of money been thrown at this garden
0:12:49 > 0:12:52and there's plenty of structure that I really like,
0:12:52 > 0:12:55these huge olives and these wonderful terracotta pots,
0:12:55 > 0:12:58and then there's this outdoor kitchen.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02We've got this wonderful outdoor shower as well.
0:13:04 > 0:13:05Which works, nicely.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07And right in the middle,
0:13:07 > 0:13:11dominating the space entirely, we have this hot tub.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13That is a tempting temperature, there,
0:13:13 > 0:13:16which is fired by this wood-burning stove.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18This garden is seductive.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21Once you're in it you feel good, no doubt about it,
0:13:21 > 0:13:24like you might if you're in a posh hotel.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27But really, the garden is over here.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29I like the bleached deck boards and
0:13:29 > 0:13:31this sort of garden is achievable at home.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33A lot of these plants will grow outdoors,
0:13:33 > 0:13:37even the olives, and we've got those aromatic plants,
0:13:37 > 0:13:40things like the lavenders, the sage, the thyme.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43They love the sun beating down on them as they release
0:13:43 > 0:13:47those aromatic oils and make you feel even better.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50Well, the judges liked this garden - they gave it a Silver-Gilt -
0:13:50 > 0:13:53but I just think they thought perhaps it was
0:13:53 > 0:13:55a little bit too much jacuzzi and not enough garden.
0:14:04 > 0:14:05This is The Refuge Garden,
0:14:05 > 0:14:10it's designed by Sue Jollans and it highlights the plight of refugees
0:14:10 > 0:14:13searching for a safe place to live.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17And this boardwalk that leads you in is all part of the journey,
0:14:17 > 0:14:19all part of the narrative of the garden.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21It's not straight, it's not easy,
0:14:21 > 0:14:24it's really quite difficult and kinked,
0:14:24 > 0:14:28and it's quite trepidacious, walking down here, and that's the idea.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31But there is beauty too, because we look over
0:14:31 > 0:14:34this wonderful wildflower meadow that's sunken,
0:14:34 > 0:14:39and then these water features which represent travelling over water
0:14:39 > 0:14:42but make great garden features in themselves.
0:14:42 > 0:14:43And when you reach the other side,
0:14:43 > 0:14:47you do feel as if you've made it, you've got to the sanctuary.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51And this is a community space, it's a safe place.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55Now, what I like about this garden is it works on different levels,
0:14:55 > 0:14:57as art forms should.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00One level, you look at it and you think, "Yeah, lovely garden,
0:15:00 > 0:15:03"packed full of beautiful plants," but if you start digging deeper,
0:15:03 > 0:15:06the meaning and the narrative become more and more relevant.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09And that, to me,
0:15:09 > 0:15:13is an example of a really good and interesting show garden,
0:15:13 > 0:15:15and the judges really liked it too.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19They gave it a Gold Medal, and it's really well-deserved.
0:15:19 > 0:15:20Well done, Sue.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29This is the Molecular Garden, designed by a Russian design duo.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32Now, they were brought over as part of an exchange that Malvern have
0:15:32 > 0:15:36with the Moscow Flower Show, so they exhibited there last year
0:15:36 > 0:15:38and one of the spa gardens' exhibitors
0:15:38 > 0:15:40will go to Moscow this year,
0:15:40 > 0:15:42so that's exciting.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45Now, they literally took the meaning of a spa garden to heart.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48They've created a garden where you come out of a spa
0:15:48 > 0:15:52and it's a place to relax and chill out in, surrounded by nature.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55And they have done an astounding job.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58The level of detail in this garden is fabulous.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02I like the light paving surrounded by the lush green planting,
0:16:02 > 0:16:07and then these wonderful sculptural benches that just look great.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09They don't look that comfortable, do they?
0:16:09 > 0:16:10But you know what? They really are.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13They are flat-pack, they brought them over from Moscow with them.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15And from here you can see the planting,
0:16:15 > 0:16:17you feel in amongst it, and it's very relaxing.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21And that molecular theme runs through the alliums, the angelica,
0:16:21 > 0:16:23to the sculpture at the back.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26So it's a really nice, cohesive design,
0:16:26 > 0:16:28and I think they've done a fantastic job.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31But it's not only me, because the judges loved this garden.
0:16:31 > 0:16:32They gave it a Gold,
0:16:32 > 0:16:36they gave it Best In Show in the Spa Garden category.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39So, watch out, everybody, the Russians are coming.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55One of the country's leading designers, Peter Dowle,
0:16:55 > 0:16:57is no stranger to the show.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00He's supplied plants, built gardens for others
0:17:00 > 0:17:02and designed many himself too.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06Now, this year his design is called At One With,
0:17:06 > 0:17:09a meditation garden, and a few weeks ago
0:17:09 > 0:17:12Frances visited him at his nursery in Ross-on-Wye
0:17:12 > 0:17:15as he prepared for the show.
0:17:28 > 0:17:32We're used to hearing gardens described as nice or pretty,
0:17:32 > 0:17:36but the reality is that there's often a much deeper significance
0:17:36 > 0:17:38that goes beyond the aesthetic.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41At this year's show, Peter Dowle has been exploring the deep connection
0:17:41 > 0:17:43that we have with our gardens.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55So, Peter, your garden is called At One With.
0:17:55 > 0:17:56What's the thinking behind that?
0:17:57 > 0:18:04It's exploring the idea of a garden space having a meditative
0:18:04 > 0:18:06- or contemplative feel about it. - Mm-hmm.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08That when you're within the garden or viewing the garden,
0:18:08 > 0:18:13that you have a feeling of serenity, and that's the real challenge.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16It sounds like an amazing idea, but how do you kind of begin
0:18:16 > 0:18:18that design process and really put it into practice?
0:18:18 > 0:18:20We know the site at Malvern.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22We've got the lovely hills as the backdrop, of course,
0:18:22 > 0:18:25and that in itself is an inspiration.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28And then you start playing with the idea of reflection, with water,
0:18:28 > 0:18:30the earthy elements, with rock,
0:18:30 > 0:18:33and then obviously the muted palette of plants.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36Exploring ranges of greens, textures and forms,
0:18:36 > 0:18:38with the Malvern Hills in the background...
0:18:38 > 0:18:40- Incredible.- ..is the idea.
0:18:40 > 0:18:41And when choosing your plants,
0:18:41 > 0:18:44I'm guessing that you use the nursery round here for inspiration.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47Yeah, we've got some fabulous ones in the tunnel, actually.
0:18:47 > 0:18:48- Want to have a look? - I'd love to see them.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50- Yes, please! - Let's have a look.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03So, this is one of your polytunnels.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06- Yes.- And I can see an amazing array of plants.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08Can you tell me what these plants are
0:19:08 > 0:19:11and how you'll be using them in the Malvern Show?
0:19:11 > 0:19:14The selection we see here really just goes to show
0:19:14 > 0:19:16the variations in green.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19And then, if you start looking at textures,
0:19:19 > 0:19:22we've got the lovely hakon grass, the Hakonechloa macra.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24The best way that I like to use them
0:19:24 > 0:19:29is en masse, so that when you get the breeze running through,
0:19:29 > 0:19:31the whole thing moves and shimmers.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34They're also very soft and they're also very understated,
0:19:34 > 0:19:37so if a plant could be described as calm,
0:19:37 > 0:19:39I think the hakonechloa is absolutely on the calm list.
0:19:39 > 0:19:41I agree with that.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43And then plants that people will want to know about
0:19:43 > 0:19:45because they've not seen before.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48So things like the wollemi pine being just a talking point.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50Have you ever seen one as big as that?
0:19:50 > 0:19:51I haven't, actually.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53It's an impressive specimen.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56I mean, it's an impressive story and a tree in itself.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58Cos it was one of the most recent discoveries.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00I think it was 1996, wasn't it, in New South Wales?
0:20:00 > 0:20:02But it's a plant that was thought to be extinct,
0:20:02 > 0:20:06- and it dates right back to the Jurassic.- Yeah.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10And here we are, 2017, and it's headlining in a show garden.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12- It's great, isn't it?- Absolutely.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15I see you have some very large gunnera there.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17- Certainly do. - Will you be using them at the show?
0:20:17 > 0:20:18Yes, we will, yes.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20Because obviously it can take over a space,
0:20:20 > 0:20:23it's got a bit of a reputation as a thug, and it grows so fast -
0:20:23 > 0:20:26what, two centimetres a day, something like that?
0:20:26 > 0:20:30In absolute ideal conditions it can become a bit of a thug,
0:20:30 > 0:20:32but you just need to contain it.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36We've had one growing at home in a large tub for the last five years.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38It will make two metres by two metres at the end of the season
0:20:38 > 0:20:41as part of a tropical corner, and it's fabulous.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45It produces this prehistoric-looking flower in the centre,
0:20:45 > 0:20:49and the sound of rain water on it, and seeing it rush down the veins,
0:20:49 > 0:20:50it's just awesome.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07This is an amazing grove of acers, isn't it, Peter?
0:21:07 > 0:21:09And obviously something you're well known for.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13So will acers be featuring very heavily in your Malvern garden?
0:21:13 > 0:21:16We've got a couple of gems which will be used as highlight plants.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19- This is the Acer japonicum Vitifolium...- Yes.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22..but the spring flush, you see the range of greens
0:21:22 > 0:21:24and see how the shadows work as you look through
0:21:24 > 0:21:27- and the sun is coming through. - With that red background as well,
0:21:27 > 0:21:29it's an incredible variety, isn't it?
0:21:29 > 0:21:32It's lovely, isn't it? It's got a good, solid look about it, you know?
0:21:32 > 0:21:34Unlike this fella, which is...
0:21:35 > 0:21:39It looks so delicate, but a lot tougher than you credit it for.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41This one definitely will be going to Malvern,
0:21:41 > 0:21:43it's one of my favourite varieties.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45It's a palmatum Koto-no-ito.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49Very tactile, and I think it's such a lovely contrasting plant
0:21:49 > 0:21:53for bolder foliage as well as having a great green presence about it.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01Wow, that's an amazing specimen, isn't it?
0:22:01 > 0:22:02Isn't it gorgeous?
0:22:02 > 0:22:04It's the variety Acer palmatum Kashima.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07It's naturally a dwarf, or a slow-growing one,
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- and it's about 25 years old. - That's beautiful.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12It's got such a characterful form.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28Well, Peter, the garden is a triumph.
0:22:28 > 0:22:33It is, it's just absolutely breathtaking, I think.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35It just feels like it's been here forever.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43You got a Gold, you won Best in Show,
0:22:43 > 0:22:47- how are you feeling? - Absolutely delighted.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49The thought of just coming down and seeing life,
0:22:49 > 0:22:52all the world at a different perspective was the idea of
0:22:52 > 0:22:55bringing it in as a sunken garden, and then opting, really,
0:22:55 > 0:23:00for a very soft palette of plants, so not putting in too many colours
0:23:00 > 0:23:02and just trying to make it as restful as possible.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05I just love the way you've embraced the Malvern Hills.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07It's just the most fabulous backdrop.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09It's a term I use often in design,
0:23:09 > 0:23:13and it's a Japanese form of design called shakai,
0:23:13 > 0:23:14which is the borrowed landscape.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17By picking out the profile of the hills
0:23:17 > 0:23:20you can control the foreground and miss out the mid ground
0:23:20 > 0:23:23and, if you do that, you get the two to connect.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25But we just see the finished garden.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27We saw the plants at your nursery with Frances,
0:23:27 > 0:23:31but actually getting them here and keeping them looking so good
0:23:31 > 0:23:33- is quite a feat.- It is, yeah.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36We've had one of our guys on watering
0:23:36 > 0:23:38for pretty much nine hours a day,
0:23:38 > 0:23:41just keeping the plants at peak perfection.
0:23:41 > 0:23:42It really is special.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45This garden, within the setting, I feel...
0:23:45 > 0:23:47You know that sense of wellbeing
0:23:47 > 0:23:50and gardens being really good for your soul?
0:23:50 > 0:23:52- Yeah.- I'm feeling it right now.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56To be able to slow down and hear the birds, the sun,
0:23:56 > 0:23:57the sound of water...
0:23:59 > 0:24:02..I think it's fabulous. I think it's why we garden, isn't it?
0:24:11 > 0:24:16This year at Malvern, the marquee is absolutely massive.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19It's almost 200 metres long
0:24:19 > 0:24:24and it's packed with nursery people from all over the country,
0:24:24 > 0:24:27and full to the gunwales with the wonderful plants
0:24:27 > 0:24:30that they've brought for our delectation.
0:24:30 > 0:24:35And I'm really privileged to be in here before everybody else
0:24:35 > 0:24:38to see exactly what's new.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55Brand-new exhibitors at Malvern are Gail and David.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57- Hi, Gail.- Hello.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00It is just out of this world, this stand.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02It's full of woodland plants,
0:25:02 > 0:25:05and a few auriculas if you've got a sunny place,
0:25:05 > 0:25:07full of plants that anybody could grow,
0:25:07 > 0:25:09but right in the centre of the stand
0:25:09 > 0:25:12is something which is almost mythical.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16It's a meconopsis, but instead of those blue ones,
0:25:16 > 0:25:18this is red.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20It's Meconopsis punicea,
0:25:20 > 0:25:22it's from Sichuan and Tibet,
0:25:22 > 0:25:27and it's got this exotica, with these languid red petals.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30Almost look as though they're made out of silk.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34And right here is another exotic-looking plant,
0:25:34 > 0:25:36a dactylorhiza.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39This is a hardy orchid. And you'd think at first,
0:25:39 > 0:25:42"Yeah, it's all very well for them,"
0:25:42 > 0:25:44but you can grow this too.
0:25:44 > 0:25:48Given some shade, a lot of care and some patience,
0:25:48 > 0:25:53you too could have a fine dactylorhiza in your shady bits.
0:25:53 > 0:25:57And then, look at that, as the centrepiece, an anemone.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59This is trullifolia,
0:25:59 > 0:26:03and it looks as though it knew it was coming to the show.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05Each of these petals is perfect.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09Each of these round flowers looks out symmetrically
0:26:09 > 0:26:11from this clump in the centre.
0:26:11 > 0:26:15It really is exquisite.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17I think it's a beautiful stand.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29No, your eyes are not deceiving you -
0:26:29 > 0:26:33it's a dandelion at Malvern!
0:26:33 > 0:26:37This is Taraxacum pseudoroseum, but whatever its Latin is,
0:26:37 > 0:26:40it's definitely a dandelion.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43Pretty in pink, but I don't know whether I'd have it in my garden.
0:26:50 > 0:26:54Everybody's intrigued by cacti.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57Some people love them, some people hate them,
0:26:57 > 0:27:01but who could resist this kaleidoscopic display
0:27:01 > 0:27:03from Southfield Nursery?
0:27:03 > 0:27:07Nearly every plant on the stand is in flower and
0:27:07 > 0:27:10over the last 30 years, Southfield have been working towards
0:27:10 > 0:27:14increasing the flowering capacity of their new hybrids.
0:27:14 > 0:27:19And this year they've introduced this new plant, Matucana Festival.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22It's almost fluorescent in its colouring.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30How about this?
0:27:30 > 0:27:35This is a brand-new epimedium called Rhubarb And Custard -
0:27:35 > 0:27:38obviously because of the combination of colour within its flowers
0:27:38 > 0:27:43and the combination between the flowers and these lovely new leaves.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46There's nothing like the new leaves of epimedium.
0:27:46 > 0:27:51They're almost translucent, they're delicate and delightful,
0:27:51 > 0:27:54and they really just epitomise the spring.
0:27:54 > 0:27:58They are the go-to plant for dry shade.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00They're tremendously easy to grow
0:28:00 > 0:28:03and they'll compete even with tree roots.
0:28:03 > 0:28:07Splendid plants all round, and I think this is a real winner.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18This is the Grow Zone, and it's been designed to show you
0:28:18 > 0:28:21what's achievable even in a really tiny space.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24Each of these plots is two by two metres and absolutely crammed
0:28:24 > 0:28:28full of not only beautiful but really usable plants.
0:28:28 > 0:28:30Things like foxgloves, which are great for pollinators
0:28:30 > 0:28:34but also really good medicinally, and edibles.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36Dahlias you don't think of as edible,
0:28:36 > 0:28:39but this is called Malvern Spring and it's bred especially
0:28:39 > 0:28:42for the festival. You can eat the tubers, as with all dahlias,
0:28:42 > 0:28:44though they may not taste great.
0:28:44 > 0:28:46But if you want great-tasting veg,
0:28:46 > 0:28:49through here it's absolutely crammed with it.
0:28:57 > 0:28:59These are the edible beds.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02They're a brand-new feature at this year's festival and they showcase
0:29:02 > 0:29:04food-growing projects from all around the country
0:29:04 > 0:29:07that aim to improve the environment and enhance people's lives.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14There are some farming sisters that I've been told I have to meet.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16- Hello.- Hello!- Hello.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18Tell me about what you do.
0:29:18 > 0:29:20We want to sort of give children the opportunity to find out
0:29:20 > 0:29:23where their food comes from, so back to grassroots
0:29:23 > 0:29:25and thinking that actually a carrot doesn't come in a packet
0:29:25 > 0:29:29in a supermarket, we can go and dig it out of the garden.
0:29:29 > 0:29:30So, what have you put in your bed?
0:29:30 > 0:29:33We've got... These are the things that we plant
0:29:33 > 0:29:35- in the fields on the farm.- OK.
0:29:35 > 0:29:39We've got some wheat at the end and we've got barley.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42We've got beans, which are your broad beans.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44We've got some peas, haven't we, Josh?
0:29:44 > 0:29:46And then this is some of the wild flowers that we have in the borders
0:29:46 > 0:29:49to encourage bees, butterflies, the pollinators for the crops.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52Fantastic. Love your beds, they're absolutely crammed full of bees.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55- Thank you!- Always good for edibles. - Lovely.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11We'll be returning to the show later on.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14Now, I said last week that it was time to start
0:30:14 > 0:30:17hardening off plants and get them out.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20And certainly now you can safely put out citrus.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25I've taken one lemon to the mound, where they spend their summer.
0:30:26 > 0:30:27Let's take this one.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44HE GROANS
0:30:53 > 0:30:58Now, the first thing to do is to set these up on blocks...
0:30:59 > 0:31:00..to improve the drainage.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06Now, when you get them out, have a chance to look at them,
0:31:06 > 0:31:10it's a good time to prune. All citrus will take hard pruning,
0:31:10 > 0:31:12so don't be shy about it.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15The worst that can happen is you'll get masses of regrowth.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18And what you want is a nice, open centre.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21Now, this is growing too much inwards,
0:31:21 > 0:31:25it's shading out that at the back, so I can take this off right back...
0:31:27 > 0:31:28..like that.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30Now, immediately that's more open.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32I've got an inward-growing branch there
0:31:32 > 0:31:34so I'm going to take that right off.
0:31:39 > 0:31:40Like that.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43OK, what I must do now is reinvigorate it,
0:31:43 > 0:31:46because these are quite hungry plants.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49Rather than just top-dress it,
0:31:49 > 0:31:52I'm going to scrape off the top inch or so of soil.
0:31:54 > 0:31:58So I'm making room here to add some garden compost.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02And actually, what I'm taking off
0:32:02 > 0:32:04is last year's dressing of garden compost.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06Don't want to damage the roots,
0:32:06 > 0:32:11so as soon as I see roots appear under the trowel I'll stop digging.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16Now I'm going to top-dress that with fresh compost.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27It wants to be watered so it's drenched,
0:32:27 > 0:32:30so the water is running through the bottom.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33On top of that I'm going to add some seaweed every time I water it.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39As with all feeds,
0:32:39 > 0:32:44don't be tempted to make a stronger mixture than it needs.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47The plant simply can't take up too much, you won't be helping it.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58Now, that should start to appear out of the bottom.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01If it doesn't, it means the drainage isn't good enough.
0:33:01 > 0:33:05I shall feed this every week right through till October.
0:33:05 > 0:33:10A big water once a week is far better than a sprinkle every day,
0:33:10 > 0:33:12or every other day.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23Well, with any luck, the lemons will not only grow successfully
0:33:23 > 0:33:27but also avoid the predations of the local rabbit population,
0:33:27 > 0:33:29because they have become a real problem.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32All Miami I planted here on the mound a few weeks ago
0:33:32 > 0:33:34were eaten to a stub overnight.
0:33:34 > 0:33:40They've eaten sweet peas, roses - they are becoming a real pest!
0:33:40 > 0:33:43I asked you to send in ideas on how to control them
0:33:43 > 0:33:47and we got a few serious answers, and we also got other ones
0:33:47 > 0:33:50that included playing Bright Eyes on a loop,
0:33:50 > 0:33:52keeping a pet fox, having wind chimes,
0:33:52 > 0:33:55having Nigel sitting up all night on guard -
0:33:55 > 0:33:57you obviously haven't seen him chasing rabbits,
0:33:57 > 0:33:59or failing to chase rabbits!
0:33:59 > 0:34:03However, it's a serious problem and lots of us are sharing it,
0:34:03 > 0:34:06increasingly so, and we will be looking at serious ways
0:34:06 > 0:34:09of dealing with it in a few programmes' time.
0:34:09 > 0:34:16Now, moving onto happier things, because it is Adam Frost's turn
0:34:16 > 0:34:20to put forward the plant that he thinks has had most influence
0:34:20 > 0:34:22on our gardens over the last 50 years.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29The plant I want to champion is the rose.
0:34:29 > 0:34:33For me, it sits head and shoulders above all the other plants.
0:34:33 > 0:34:35When you think about it,
0:34:35 > 0:34:37over the last 50 years this plant has travelled
0:34:37 > 0:34:38and it's changed with us.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41Whatever style you wish to garden in,
0:34:41 > 0:34:45whether that's formal, informal, these plants sit comfortably.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48On top of that, we mark these important occasions in our lives
0:34:48 > 0:34:53with this plant, and you can get one for any conditions - shady, sunny.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56The flowers, the array of them, the scent, just beautiful.
0:34:56 > 0:35:00Fantastic hips - what else could you want from a plant?
0:35:00 > 0:35:02And if I had to pick one,
0:35:02 > 0:35:04it would be Rosa Gertrude Jekyll,
0:35:04 > 0:35:06my go-to rose.
0:35:06 > 0:35:08For me, the flower is fantastic,
0:35:08 > 0:35:11it'll grow as a climber, it will work in the border.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13Stunning.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16So, there you go, my plant for the Golden Jubilee
0:35:16 > 0:35:17has got to be the rose.
0:35:23 > 0:35:28We have just one more Golden Jubilee plant to reveal which, next week,
0:35:28 > 0:35:29will be Carol.
0:35:29 > 0:35:33Then you get the chance to vote for the plant that you think
0:35:33 > 0:35:36has had the most impact on our gardens over the last 50 years.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39We'll let you know how to do that next week and we'll be announcing
0:35:39 > 0:35:43the Golden Jubilee plant at Gardeners' World Live in June.
0:35:53 > 0:35:59Well, at this time of year it's hard not to love any kind of rose,
0:35:59 > 0:36:04although my favourites, in May, are the species roses.
0:36:04 > 0:36:06This is Rosa hugonis,
0:36:06 > 0:36:10which has this delicate primrose, very simple flower.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13Covering the shrub, which is tall and arched,
0:36:13 > 0:36:15for about three weeks, and then that's it,
0:36:15 > 0:36:17that's its performance.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20But worth waiting 49 weeks of the year for.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23And the whole of the spring garden now changes.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26At the beginning of the year it's quite an ordered place
0:36:26 > 0:36:28and the colours carefully controlled with the bulbs appearing,
0:36:28 > 0:36:32but by May the cow parsley has swept in
0:36:32 > 0:36:35and we just have this simple froth that takes over,
0:36:35 > 0:36:37and the whole of this part of the garden
0:36:37 > 0:36:41feels like it's slipping back to nature.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55The wildlife garden here at Longmeadow...
0:36:56 > 0:36:59..has become one of my favourite places, actually.
0:36:59 > 0:37:01I come up here at least once or twice a day.
0:37:03 > 0:37:07And the key to any wildlife garden is not just to make it good
0:37:07 > 0:37:10for wildlife but also good for you, the gardener.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13It's got to look good, and that's the balance.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16By the way, the pond I have not touched,
0:37:16 > 0:37:19but it's packed full of beetles and frogs,
0:37:19 > 0:37:22and I've seen hedgehogs come down to drink.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25Whatever it's doing, it's doing right.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28Now, a plant that we all grow you won't find
0:37:28 > 0:37:30in the average wildlife garden is a sweet pea.
0:37:30 > 0:37:35However, they do make the perfect show plant,
0:37:35 > 0:37:39and we visit an exhibitor at Malvern who has been growing
0:37:39 > 0:37:42show sweet peas for the last 70 years.
0:37:42 > 0:37:47Mind you, he needs to draw upon the experience of all those 70 years
0:37:47 > 0:37:49to get them ready this early.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01There's no question about it, I like sweet peas,
0:38:01 > 0:38:04but I wouldn't say I love sweet peas.
0:38:07 > 0:38:09I wasn't going to be a gardener.
0:38:11 > 0:38:15My father rented a large allotment from the local farm
0:38:15 > 0:38:17and by that time I was seven years old,
0:38:17 > 0:38:21the eldest of three children and big enough to move a barrel
0:38:21 > 0:38:24and big enough to handle garden tools,
0:38:24 > 0:38:27so it was my job to assist in this.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30And I can't truthfully say I liked it because my mates in the street
0:38:30 > 0:38:33didn't have the same privilege of having an allotment
0:38:33 > 0:38:35and therefore they got more time to play.
0:38:35 > 0:38:37So I swore I would never have a garden.
0:38:44 > 0:38:46In this property that we're in now,
0:38:46 > 0:38:51we moved in in 1966 and my father came along and said,
0:38:51 > 0:38:54"Why don't you grow some sweet peas?" he said.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56This was the fatal words, of course.
0:38:56 > 0:39:00He said, "I'll sew you some seeds, you prepare that trench."
0:39:00 > 0:39:02Anyway, they started to flower.
0:39:02 > 0:39:04I was cutting probably 10,000 flowers a week
0:39:04 > 0:39:07but I wasn't going to be a gardener, I was never going to be a gardener.
0:39:07 > 0:39:09I would suffer this, but that would be it, you see.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15I thought, "Next year, I could enter a flower show."
0:39:17 > 0:39:19In the middle of town, a banner appeared.
0:39:19 > 0:39:23The local show rules said you could enter up to nine o'clock
0:39:23 > 0:39:24on the morning of the show.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27There was only three entries in the class,
0:39:27 > 0:39:29so because there were only three entries
0:39:29 > 0:39:31I could get a prize because you never know,
0:39:31 > 0:39:33some of the others might even get disqualified,
0:39:33 > 0:39:35and I could see they were better than mine.
0:39:35 > 0:39:39Anyway, the prizes had been awarded, first, second and mine.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42Not even a third prize out of three.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44And I looked in the mirror and I said,
0:39:44 > 0:39:47"Tom, if you're not good enough to get third out of three,
0:39:47 > 0:39:48"you need to do something.
0:39:48 > 0:39:52"Either forget it altogether or do something about it."
0:39:52 > 0:39:57So I went to the library and I borrowed a book on sweet peas.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59I became really hooked.
0:40:07 > 0:40:11I grow 1,300 cordon plants,
0:40:11 > 0:40:13essentially for personal exhibition,
0:40:13 > 0:40:17but I do grow them in next door's garden as a kind of overspill.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19He just popped around one day and went,
0:40:19 > 0:40:22"You're not using the bottom of your garden, can I just borrow it?"
0:40:22 > 0:40:23I've got some in the local park
0:40:23 > 0:40:25planted by some of the local children.
0:40:27 > 0:40:30Also, I've got some planted in the local hospital.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34He's the Chorley Mafia for sweet peas!
0:40:38 > 0:40:40I never planned it to be that way and I never said,
0:40:40 > 0:40:43"I'm going to do this," it just evolved.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46I have no passion for the flower.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49To me, it is a means to an end
0:40:49 > 0:40:55of occupying time and interest and socialising with other people.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58The sweet pea is the catalyst that allows all this to happen.
0:41:03 > 0:41:07I don't have anxieties about Malvern, just terror,
0:41:07 > 0:41:10because obviously it's not the sweet pea season
0:41:10 > 0:41:14and to do something out of season is a lot of special preparation.
0:41:14 > 0:41:18In the fridge we've got three plants at this moment,
0:41:18 > 0:41:21two rather straggly ones that we might get a few cut flowers off
0:41:21 > 0:41:24to put in a vase and another one that's been in now
0:41:24 > 0:41:27for nearly four weeks which we've christened Nell
0:41:27 > 0:41:29after Eskimo Nell because it's spent most of the four weeks
0:41:29 > 0:41:32in the fridge - it gets an airing for an hour or two.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34I'm not sure that she's going to make it
0:41:34 > 0:41:37because it's still a week off the show or so at the moment,
0:41:37 > 0:41:41so we are hoping this year
0:41:41 > 0:41:44the season appears to be a little earlier.
0:41:44 > 0:41:45It is a little bit a wing and a prayer.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48We will, I'm sure, have a stand together.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52Unfortunately, I do realise I'm not a young person
0:41:52 > 0:41:54and I do have certain infirmities.
0:41:54 > 0:41:56But I would like to think I can keep on growing something,
0:41:56 > 0:41:59if it's only some of the dwarf ones or some of the species.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02I don't know whether that's a retirement from sweet peas
0:42:02 > 0:42:04or burial to put under the sweet peas
0:42:04 > 0:42:07to get plenty body in the ground!
0:42:07 > 0:42:09But I've bequeathed my ashes already to them, you see,
0:42:09 > 0:42:11because it's good for them, you know.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25So, Eskimo Nell made it!
0:42:25 > 0:42:28Yes, we didn't think she was going to but she's here.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31Perhaps she's not shivering now in this heat
0:42:31 > 0:42:34that we've got here, it's a change for her, so she's enjoying it.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37But she's obviously absolutely perfect
0:42:37 > 0:42:39because you've won a Gold Medal.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41Yes, and we've placed it on top of Nell.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44We decided that that was only fair, you see.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46It is for the whole stand, it's not just really for Nell.
0:42:46 > 0:42:51And I think what's so marvellous is that this is a joint effort -
0:42:51 > 0:42:54you've had sweet peas and people helping from all over the country
0:42:54 > 0:42:56from the National Sweet Pea Society.
0:42:56 > 0:42:59Yes, it was Tuesday afternoon before we knew exactly
0:42:59 > 0:43:01what we were going to get. We had telephone calls,
0:43:01 > 0:43:04"I'm stuck at traffic lights at such a point and I've got such a thing
0:43:04 > 0:43:07"in the car," and we're trying to find a space on the stand for it.
0:43:07 > 0:43:10We've changed the design at least six times, but it's here,
0:43:10 > 0:43:14it's wonderful and, yes, a lot of contributions from everywhere.
0:43:14 > 0:43:16But people would never believe it, seeing this.
0:43:16 > 0:43:21It all looks so cool, calm, collected and absolutely perfect.
0:43:22 > 0:43:25One of the aims of the National Sweet Pea Society
0:43:25 > 0:43:27is to draw in young people too, isn't it?
0:43:27 > 0:43:30And get them growing these wonderful flowers.
0:43:30 > 0:43:33Yes, in any society it's necessary to keep continuity.
0:43:33 > 0:43:36You've got to have succession and if you're not careful,
0:43:36 > 0:43:38you get too many people with my colour of hair
0:43:38 > 0:43:41and we do need to think that we'll be here into the future.
0:43:41 > 0:43:44Well, with such a superb display,
0:43:44 > 0:43:47I'm sure you're going to be pulling lots of young people into growing
0:43:47 > 0:43:48these beautiful flowers.
0:44:02 > 0:44:04I don't feel quite safe here, Matt.
0:44:04 > 0:44:07You'll be all right, Carol, don't get too close!
0:44:08 > 0:44:13So, you've won Best Exhibit in the Floral Marquee and no wonder,
0:44:13 > 0:44:15- it's marvellous. - Oh, it's brilliant.
0:44:15 > 0:44:19This is our 20th year at the Malvern Spring Flower Show
0:44:19 > 0:44:21and this is the first time we've ever had Best In Show,
0:44:21 > 0:44:24so it's fantastic. Really, really pleased.
0:44:24 > 0:44:25Tell us a bit about them.
0:44:25 > 0:44:29I mean, all these plants look as though they're closely related.
0:44:29 > 0:44:32They do, and they all look very tropical and exotic,
0:44:32 > 0:44:35but the only thing they've got in common is that they've all gained
0:44:35 > 0:44:36their nourishment from insects,
0:44:36 > 0:44:39or in some cases small mammals, rather than from the soil.
0:44:39 > 0:44:41So they all grow in areas which are very low in nutrition,
0:44:41 > 0:44:44they've adapted these unusual-shaped leaves to capture their prey
0:44:44 > 0:44:45or their food.
0:44:45 > 0:44:48But how about hardiness? Can we grow them in our gardens?
0:44:48 > 0:44:50There are a wide range of plants here.
0:44:50 > 0:44:54This one here, Sarracenia, North American pitcher plant, very hardy.
0:44:54 > 0:44:57They can be grown outside in a peat bog garden quite easily.
0:44:57 > 0:45:01Whereas the tropical pitcher plant here, nepenthes, or monkey cup
0:45:01 > 0:45:03as they're known, these need to be very warm and humid
0:45:03 > 0:45:07- and grown with orchids in a tropical heated greenhouse.- Yeah.
0:45:07 > 0:45:08So, any of us could grow it,
0:45:08 > 0:45:10provided we've got the right conditions.
0:45:10 > 0:45:13Put it in the right place, it's going to survive.
0:45:13 > 0:45:14Exactly, no problem at all.
0:45:14 > 0:45:17And look beautiful, but not quite as lovely as this.
0:45:17 > 0:45:20- You never know!- Well done. - Thank you. Thanks, Carol.
0:45:25 > 0:45:27Now, here at the Malvern Spring Festival this year
0:45:27 > 0:45:30we have horticultural royalty.
0:45:30 > 0:45:33We have the queen of herbs herself, Jekka McVicar.
0:45:33 > 0:45:36Now, this year she's taken on the task
0:45:36 > 0:45:38of creating a permanent display garden here
0:45:38 > 0:45:41that can be visited all year round.
0:45:49 > 0:45:50One there, please.
0:45:51 > 0:45:52Every time I come on-site,
0:45:52 > 0:45:56doesn't matter whether it's a show or not a show, I really feel ill.
0:45:56 > 0:45:58It's like a performance.
0:45:58 > 0:46:01Sort of mound in the middle there.
0:46:01 > 0:46:04'Will my vision work? Is it possible?'
0:46:04 > 0:46:08Because each garden is a bit of you going on show.
0:46:08 > 0:46:10Foxglove, one.
0:46:10 > 0:46:12Just there. Lovely.
0:46:12 > 0:46:14Yeah, perfect, yeah.
0:46:15 > 0:46:17Quite a lot to get on with today,
0:46:17 > 0:46:21because we've got to get bed one and two finished today
0:46:21 > 0:46:23so that then tomorrow we can do three and four,
0:46:23 > 0:46:29and then we top-dress and leave it and come back in two weeks' time.
0:46:31 > 0:46:32A bit beyond.
0:46:32 > 0:46:33Perfect.
0:46:34 > 0:46:38In triangles, so you go like that, one, up, down,
0:46:38 > 0:46:39so it will go there.
0:46:39 > 0:46:41Same depth. That's it, lovely.
0:46:42 > 0:46:47'The Three Counties Showground invited me to revitalise
0:46:47 > 0:46:52'this garden here on site, which is a permanent garden
0:46:52 > 0:46:56'which is used by a charity for adults with learning difficulties
0:46:56 > 0:46:58'and for the local schoolchildren.'
0:47:00 > 0:47:03The very first time I approached this garden
0:47:03 > 0:47:05was down this cherry walk,
0:47:05 > 0:47:11and there was a polytunnel, and it was all fragmented little rooms,
0:47:11 > 0:47:13and it wasn't inviting.
0:47:13 > 0:47:16So, when I designed it,
0:47:16 > 0:47:20I designed it so that there was a centre that you could sit,
0:47:20 > 0:47:24because in Ayurvedic medicine you sit in the middle of the garden
0:47:24 > 0:47:26because that is healing.
0:47:26 > 0:47:30The idea of the ellipse is, when you're in a low mood,
0:47:30 > 0:47:32you always look at your feet.
0:47:33 > 0:47:35You don't actually walk in straight lines
0:47:35 > 0:47:37because you walk like this,
0:47:37 > 0:47:40you walk as you go and you just follow your feet.
0:47:40 > 0:47:41Now, if you've got an ellipse
0:47:41 > 0:47:44you will just follow it all the way round
0:47:44 > 0:47:45and it's very soothing.
0:47:50 > 0:47:53The balance of the garden, it's all about health and wellbeing.
0:47:53 > 0:47:56All the plants in it are all about health and wellbeing.
0:47:59 > 0:48:02This corner of this bed is a seating area,
0:48:02 > 0:48:06and I wanted the rosemary to sort of embrace the people
0:48:06 > 0:48:07when they're sitting down
0:48:07 > 0:48:10because rosemary is all about memory
0:48:10 > 0:48:13and the actual scent of it promotes memory.
0:48:19 > 0:48:23Everybody knows parsley, but parsley is so beneficial.
0:48:23 > 0:48:27It makes your mouth water and it makes you feel hungry,
0:48:27 > 0:48:30so if you've got someone who's lost their appetite,
0:48:30 > 0:48:34all you've got to do is have fresh parsley mushed up with some eggs
0:48:34 > 0:48:37or with mashed potato and then they get eating again.
0:48:37 > 0:48:40And it's very high in iron and very high in minerals,
0:48:40 > 0:48:43because it's got a long tap root which goes down into the soil
0:48:43 > 0:48:46and brings it all back up into the leaf.
0:48:48 > 0:48:53My love and passion for herbs started from childhood.
0:48:53 > 0:48:56My grandmother was the most fantastic cook,
0:48:56 > 0:48:58my mother had the most fantastic garden,
0:48:58 > 0:49:01and I could tell the difference between apple mint and spearmint
0:49:01 > 0:49:03before I went to school.
0:49:07 > 0:49:09Every day, I'm learning something new.
0:49:09 > 0:49:14I don't know of any other world where every day
0:49:14 > 0:49:20you can have something given to you for free like gardening.
0:49:21 > 0:49:25You've got cardoon, which is a bitter herb,
0:49:25 > 0:49:27and it's the leaf ribs that are eaten
0:49:27 > 0:49:29and that helps your digestion.
0:49:31 > 0:49:35You've got lemon balm, and lemon balm relieves tiredness,
0:49:35 > 0:49:36headaches and tension.
0:49:38 > 0:49:39You've got woad.
0:49:39 > 0:49:43That was used traditionally as a dye plant.
0:49:43 > 0:49:48Now it's under research in Italy for its natural antibiotic properties.
0:49:48 > 0:49:52There's so much, and there's so much in here that can be of use to man.
0:49:57 > 0:50:00Well, we've nearly finished bed one.
0:50:01 > 0:50:06Wonderful! It looks amazing, better than I imagined,
0:50:06 > 0:50:07and I'm really chuffed.
0:50:10 > 0:50:13I'm hoping that when people come into this garden at the show
0:50:13 > 0:50:16they'll be able to sit down for five minutes,
0:50:16 > 0:50:20breathe and relax,
0:50:20 > 0:50:21have a cup of tea,
0:50:21 > 0:50:24and then be able to go and face the show again.
0:50:37 > 0:50:40Well, Jekka, this is fabulous!
0:50:40 > 0:50:43We've even got a bluetit nesting in the box over there.
0:50:43 > 0:50:45- Oh, really?- Yeah.
0:50:45 > 0:50:49And she's been flying in and out while I was tidying the place up.
0:50:49 > 0:50:52Oh, this is wonderful. What a great space!
0:50:52 > 0:50:55I love the way the heart of it is the seating area here.
0:50:55 > 0:50:58You're just looking through your fantastic planting,
0:50:58 > 0:51:00I have to say.
0:51:00 > 0:51:02It's planted to grow, not for show.
0:51:02 > 0:51:05Spacing of plants is very important,
0:51:05 > 0:51:07and people see show gardens and think, "Pack them all in,
0:51:07 > 0:51:09"don't leave any soil on show at all,"
0:51:09 > 0:51:12but, you know, within six months you're taking plants out.
0:51:12 > 0:51:14If you do give them space to grow
0:51:14 > 0:51:16you'll actually get the shape of the plant,
0:51:16 > 0:51:18and that's what's so beautiful.
0:51:18 > 0:51:21And so they then kiss like that, and you've got the mounds.
0:51:21 > 0:51:23But if you cram them together,
0:51:23 > 0:51:27they all go up like that and you don't get that lovely flow.
0:51:27 > 0:51:32And to see that it's already giving pleasure to so many people is magic.
0:51:32 > 0:51:35Yeah. Well, I'm going to really look forward to coming back
0:51:35 > 0:51:37- to this garden year-on-year. - In two years' time, yes.
0:51:37 > 0:51:39Yeah, and watching it grow and develop,
0:51:39 > 0:51:41as a real gardener should.
0:51:41 > 0:51:44- Well done, Jekka, it's beautiful. - Thank you very much.
0:51:52 > 0:51:55What a great show! I think this is the best show ever at Malvern.
0:51:55 > 0:51:58Yeah, and that big marquee is splendid, isn't it?
0:51:58 > 0:51:59I think it's superb.
0:51:59 > 0:52:01What's your favourite bit, then, Carol?
0:52:01 > 0:52:04I think it's got to be that Master Growers display.
0:52:04 > 0:52:07The RHS are running this scheme, so at every show
0:52:07 > 0:52:13one nursery is being asked to do a really big, wonderful exhibit,
0:52:13 > 0:52:16and this time it's just out of this world.
0:52:16 > 0:52:19They've got ferns, pelargoniums and ivies,
0:52:19 > 0:52:22and the quality is just... It's utterly superb.
0:52:22 > 0:52:24What about you?
0:52:24 > 0:52:27Well, it's kind of overwhelming because it's my first Malvern,
0:52:27 > 0:52:29so everything! But I think if I had to pick,
0:52:29 > 0:52:32some of the alpines on the stands. I've got loads of succulents
0:52:32 > 0:52:34and now I've just bought loads of alpines too,
0:52:34 > 0:52:36because you can grow them everywhere,
0:52:36 > 0:52:37just a bit of light, not much water.
0:52:37 > 0:52:40- Good for me!- Bit of grit. - Yeah, exactly!
0:52:40 > 0:52:42And the great thing about them is you can have lots, can't you?
0:52:42 > 0:52:45Exactly, really cram them onto the window still.
0:52:45 > 0:52:46Yeah, that sounds great.
0:52:46 > 0:52:49My bit... This sounds a bit self-indulgent, this,
0:52:49 > 0:52:53but I came up with the concept for a Plant Finder's Parlour
0:52:53 > 0:52:56in the floor marquee. The idea is it's sort of Victoriana,
0:52:56 > 0:52:59and the team here just picked up the idea and ran with it,
0:52:59 > 0:53:01and so over the weekends there's going to be talks
0:53:01 > 0:53:03and we're going to get nursery men and women up there
0:53:03 > 0:53:07who are going to talk about the history of the plants and how those
0:53:07 > 0:53:09Victorian plant-hunters travelled round the world,
0:53:09 > 0:53:11those intrepid plant-hunters.
0:53:11 > 0:53:14Yeah, and gave us all the plants that we grow in our gardens.
0:53:14 > 0:53:16Yeah, exactly. How's that swing?
0:53:16 > 0:53:18- I want a go! - THEY LAUGH
0:53:18 > 0:53:21You have a go, Carol. Go on, I'll push her.
0:53:21 > 0:53:22- Go on.- Can we both fit on?
0:53:22 > 0:53:25And then we'll get an ice cream later.
0:53:25 > 0:53:26Now, this is a proper day out.
0:53:42 > 0:53:45I'm just giving this Clematis gouriana a little bit of support
0:53:45 > 0:53:48so it can clamber into this Rosa Complicata
0:53:48 > 0:53:51rather than sprawling all over the border.
0:53:51 > 0:53:55Now, if what you've seen makes you feel you would like to
0:53:55 > 0:53:57go along to Malvern, do. It's open till Sunday night
0:53:57 > 0:53:59and if you go to the RHS website,
0:53:59 > 0:54:02you'll get all the details about tickets and directions
0:54:02 > 0:54:04and opening hours.
0:54:04 > 0:54:06But there's no doubt about it,
0:54:06 > 0:54:09the show is a lot more pleasant if the weather is good,
0:54:09 > 0:54:13so let's go and see what the weather for the weekend has in store.
0:55:13 > 0:55:14Well, whatever the weather,
0:55:14 > 0:55:16and even if you're going to the show,
0:55:16 > 0:55:20I'm sure you'll find time to do some jobs this weekend.
0:55:20 > 0:55:21Here are some ideas.
0:55:31 > 0:55:34If you grow peas they will need supporting,
0:55:34 > 0:55:36otherwise they become a tangled heap.
0:55:37 > 0:55:39Traditionally you use pea sticks,
0:55:39 > 0:55:43which is the brushwood top part of bean sticks.
0:55:43 > 0:55:46However, netting of any kind will do the job just as well,
0:55:46 > 0:55:49but make sure it is firmly supported.
0:55:55 > 0:55:57If you've got plenty of dahlias
0:55:57 > 0:56:00it's a good idea to spread the flowering,
0:56:00 > 0:56:04and you can do this by reducing them by a third or even a half,
0:56:04 > 0:56:06cutting above a pair of leaves.
0:56:06 > 0:56:09This will stimulate more side shoots,
0:56:09 > 0:56:11which will carry more flowers,
0:56:11 > 0:56:14albeit a little bit later than if you'd left them uncut.
0:56:23 > 0:56:26At the beginning of the programme I was taking spent tulips
0:56:26 > 0:56:31and their pots, and the idea is to lift them out the pot and dry them,
0:56:31 > 0:56:35leaves, stems and all, and then keep the bulbs.
0:56:35 > 0:56:38And in fact, I plant those in a nursery bed
0:56:38 > 0:56:40and use them for cut flowers.
0:56:40 > 0:56:42But if you grow tulips in the border,
0:56:42 > 0:56:45as I have here in the Writing Garden, this is spring green,
0:56:45 > 0:56:48you want them to reflower in the same place next year
0:56:48 > 0:56:49as well as possible.
0:56:49 > 0:56:53And a little job that will help that is to break off the seedheads,
0:56:53 > 0:56:57because the formation of seed is taking energy away from
0:56:57 > 0:56:59the formation of next year's bulb.
0:56:59 > 0:57:03Don't take off the stem and certainly don't cut back the leaves,
0:57:03 > 0:57:05let those die back naturally.
0:57:05 > 0:57:08The goodness will go into the bulb and there's a fighting chance
0:57:08 > 0:57:10you'll get a really good display next year.
0:57:10 > 0:57:13I'm afraid there's no chance that we'll continue further on
0:57:13 > 0:57:16today's programme because that's it, we've run out of time.
0:57:16 > 0:57:19If you go to Malvern, have a fabulous time.
0:57:19 > 0:57:22If you can't get there, well, enjoy your garden
0:57:22 > 0:57:26and I look forward to seeing you back here at the same time next week
0:57:26 > 0:57:28for another full one hour's programme.
0:57:28 > 0:57:30Until then, bye-bye.