0:00:17 > 0:00:23Well, hello there, and welcome back to Beechgrove.
0:00:23 > 0:00:25It's not very much different in here than it is outside.
0:00:25 > 0:00:27It's pretty grim.
0:00:27 > 0:00:30Anyway, time to have a wee look at progress in the crops.
0:00:30 > 0:00:32First of all, let's look at this automatic watering system,
0:00:32 > 0:00:35which Lesley's been trying at home for these last two or three years.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37I've had it for a couple of years,
0:00:37 > 0:00:39and we've always just had one crop.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41The whole ideas is we have six plants,
0:00:41 > 0:00:44all fed from one reservoir.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47But we've got three different types of crop
0:00:47 > 0:00:48with different demands.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51This time we have two cucumbers, two tomatoes, two peppers.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53Just to see how they go,
0:00:53 > 0:00:55being in bed together, so to speak.
0:00:55 > 0:00:57They all get the same treatment.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00Now to this trial we have here.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02We've taken eight different grow bags,
0:01:02 > 0:01:05tipped them out into pots,
0:01:05 > 0:01:09so the size, shape and volume of the grow bag
0:01:09 > 0:01:10doesn't come into the play -
0:01:10 > 0:01:12it's just the compost we're looking at.
0:01:12 > 0:01:14We have eight different types.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16Same variety of tomato.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19And they have started to change a bit
0:01:19 > 0:01:21over the time since we've been away.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24This crop here was always looking behind.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27It's doing not too badly. The plant is a bit thin,
0:01:27 > 0:01:31but that's not always a bad thing if you're getting decent crops,
0:01:31 > 0:01:34and you see a nice truss of fruit developing there.
0:01:34 > 0:01:35A little bit of chlorosis of the foliage -
0:01:35 > 0:01:38we'll come back to that in a minute. But the others
0:01:38 > 0:01:41have really changed, from looking really good.
0:01:41 > 0:01:46I think they're suffering from a combination of weather
0:01:46 > 0:01:47and, more importantly,
0:01:47 > 0:01:49it's not strictly part of the weather,
0:01:49 > 0:01:50but lack of light.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53Not easy to tell the difference between them yet.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56I suppose, looking superficially, that this lot here
0:01:56 > 0:01:59are probably the healthiest-looking.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02But they are beginning to show a bit of chlorosis.
0:02:02 > 0:02:04I talked about that earlier. Here it is here.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07Because the nutrition gets imbalanced.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10If the plant's not operating and getting enough light
0:02:10 > 0:02:12to be photosynthesising, and all the rest of it.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15So, the trusses are sparse.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17I get reports from all over the place
0:02:17 > 0:02:20there has been poor setting of the early trusses -
0:02:20 > 0:02:22again, lack of light.
0:02:22 > 0:02:24I think these guys need a wee bit of a pick-up.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27So we need to give them a bit of fertiliser,
0:02:27 > 0:02:29and possibly even a dose of salts.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31In other words, some magnesium sulphate,
0:02:31 > 0:02:33which would help with that chlorosis.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37The crop is there, but we do need some bright light, really.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39We need to bring them on a bit.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41There's no question about that.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44Now we'll have a look at how the bush tomatoes are doing
0:02:44 > 0:02:45up in the tunnel.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56As I think I said when we planted these bush tomatoes,
0:02:56 > 0:02:59many people regard them as an outdoor crop.
0:02:59 > 0:03:01But not in this part of the world,
0:03:01 > 0:03:03and what better year could we have had
0:03:03 > 0:03:05just to show that?
0:03:05 > 0:03:07These young tomato plants are looking superb.
0:03:07 > 0:03:11They're all bush varieties. There's four either side of the path here,
0:03:11 > 0:03:14all beginning to show their different characteristics,
0:03:14 > 0:03:17which we'll look at in more detail as they come into cropping.
0:03:17 > 0:03:19Even - we've them in the baskets here -
0:03:19 > 0:03:20they were wonderful names.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22This one's called Cherry Falls.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25There it is, flowering away madly.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27Then we have Peardrops,
0:03:27 > 0:03:29and Tumbling Tom Red. There's more to come.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31Meanwhile, in the rest
0:03:31 > 0:03:32of the programme...
0:03:36 > 0:03:38I have a confession to make.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40My visit this week is to a place
0:03:40 > 0:03:42I'd only ever visited in the dark before.
0:03:42 > 0:03:43I'm awful glad I came back.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46Wait till you see this village. It's a belter.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53What could possibly be wrong with a beautiful location like this?
0:03:53 > 0:03:55Well, keep watching.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00Jim, I think you were making a really interesting point
0:04:00 > 0:04:01about the bush tomatoes.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04- They're happy under cover this year.- Yes, indeed.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06We start off with these runner beans.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08It's not going to be a classic year for them.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11It's not a new variety, a golden variety, is it?
0:04:11 > 0:04:13It looks really poor.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16- On top of that... - What about your French beans?
0:04:16 > 0:04:18I know. George and myself are doing a trial.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20George in his allotment, down in Edinburgh.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22We're growing them here,
0:04:22 > 0:04:24and the ones outside look really sad.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26Again, the ones with an umbrella over them
0:04:26 > 0:04:29- are not doing badly.- I think we'll get something from them.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31Sweetcorn, as well?
0:04:31 > 0:04:32We have the barrier around,
0:04:32 > 0:04:34but I still think when we planted those out
0:04:34 > 0:04:36it went really cold. Touch of frost.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38But look at George's here.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41I have to say I think he's been cheating.
0:04:41 > 0:04:42He says - you can see it -
0:04:42 > 0:04:45he's just taken the fleece off.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47Already with the beans,
0:04:47 > 0:04:48you can see one or two flowers.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51And there are one or two male flowers starting to form
0:04:51 > 0:04:53on the sweetcorn.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57East Lothian is the Land of Goshen. They claim it's the best place to grow...
0:04:57 > 0:05:00But he's put a fleece on it. Wait till I see him!
0:05:00 > 0:05:02- Well, he's not here to defend himself.- No!
0:05:02 > 0:05:03But he's cheating!
0:05:03 > 0:05:05- Anyway, something positive, Jim. - Absolutely.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08We'll sow some seed. It's a cheap way to get colour,
0:05:08 > 0:05:09isn't it, for next year?
0:05:09 > 0:05:10We're talking about bi-annuals.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13Sow them this year, and they flower in the spring of next year.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16We get so used to going to the garden centre,
0:05:16 > 0:05:19and taking plums - you're shelling out and all the rest of it.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21Packet of seeds. Shall we do it?
0:05:21 > 0:05:23Yes, why not? Anything from £1- £2,
0:05:23 > 0:05:25and you can get about 400 seeds.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28- It really is a cheap way.- Yeah.
0:05:28 > 0:05:33The end point is we will do one of these lovely, old-fashioned
0:05:33 > 0:05:35bedding displays for the spring.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37- In one of the big trial beds.- Yeah.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39Let's be positive, definitely.
0:05:39 > 0:05:41You standing on the boards
0:05:41 > 0:05:43is taking me back nearly 30 years,
0:05:43 > 0:05:46when I first started with George Barron.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49- It's come to the bit when you're reminiscing.- It's terrible!
0:05:49 > 0:05:52First of all, prepare the ground.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54I'll take out the seed.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57- Nice you let me do the standing-up bit.- I'll do the seed-sowing.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00What kind of plants? Things like the lovely wallflowers,
0:06:00 > 0:06:02- with a bit of scent?- Yup.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05They tend to flower a bit late, don't they, sometimes?
0:06:05 > 0:06:09The Siberian wallflower, but it's a lovely orange colour.
0:06:09 > 0:06:10And myosotis.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14Yes, the blue myosotis, but you can get a pink variety, as well.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17Other wallflowers. This one is Cloth of Gold.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20There's a lovely one called Scarlet Bedder.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22There's no bellis here, there's none of that daisy.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25I'm not going to be planting daisies!
0:06:25 > 0:06:26SHE LAUGHS
0:06:26 > 0:06:27The whole point is,
0:06:27 > 0:06:30by growing them in this way, as soon as the seedlings are handle-able,
0:06:30 > 0:06:32we prick them out, as it were,
0:06:32 > 0:06:34but putting them into a nursery row.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36Then we move them again,
0:06:36 > 0:06:38and what it does
0:06:38 > 0:06:39is to break the taproot,
0:06:39 > 0:06:41so you produce really bushy plants.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44I remember having to plant them with a spade at one time,
0:06:44 > 0:06:46they were so big.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48- But they come through the winter well.- I hope so!
0:06:49 > 0:06:51Get on, then.
0:06:56 > 0:07:01Today, I'm in what Jim McColl would describe as "the Land of Goshen".
0:07:01 > 0:07:02This is East Lothian.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05This is where my horticultural heritage came from.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07I was born in Drem, which is down there,
0:07:07 > 0:07:09and Athelstaneford - which is over that way -
0:07:09 > 0:07:11is where I went to school.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13I'm in the little village of Kingston,
0:07:13 > 0:07:14just outside North Berwick,
0:07:14 > 0:07:16where Rosie Craik is.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18She contacted us,
0:07:18 > 0:07:20to see if we could solve a problem she had
0:07:20 > 0:07:22with a very dark area in her garden.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24It's right below a tree.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27Dry shade. One of the most difficult problems to solve in gardening.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29But we'll see what we can do.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37I've been here about 2½ years.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39There's lovely stuff in the garden.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41- It's been a loved garden?- Yes.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44But I just don't know how to tackle it.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48We have this very dry, dark problem!
0:07:48 > 0:07:51Look at it. It's not so dry today,
0:07:51 > 0:07:54but we have an area which is dry shade,
0:07:54 > 0:07:55underneath a tree.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57We can do something about that,
0:07:57 > 0:08:01because this is a cherry plum. We can take some of the branches off -
0:08:01 > 0:08:03there's some fruit there.
0:08:03 > 0:08:04We can take the branches off, open this up,
0:08:04 > 0:08:06and you'll see a huge difference.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09It's quite important, cos the view from the window
0:08:09 > 0:08:11allows you to see right up through there.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13When we've planted the new stuff in here,
0:08:13 > 0:08:16I think we'll get this wonderful effect of colour
0:08:16 > 0:08:18most of the year round.
0:08:18 > 0:08:19Or maybe all the year round.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21That's quite important, that.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24It is very important,
0:08:24 > 0:08:26cos that's the corridor from the kitchen to the sitting room.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28You're coming along there every day?
0:08:28 > 0:08:30Yes, many times a day.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32So no pressure on me to get it right(!)
0:08:32 > 0:08:34THEY LAUGH Absolutely none, George.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36If we take a branch off that,
0:08:36 > 0:08:38I think we'll allow the light in underneath,
0:08:38 > 0:08:40and it'll be so much better.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42We can get things to grow in there.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45The rest of this, we can take one or two branches off the back.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48- Is there anything precious in here? - Not that I've identified!
0:08:48 > 0:08:50Bulbs or anything?
0:08:50 > 0:08:52- No, they're all out. Yes!- Wonderful.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55So, we have carte blanche here. We can take out what we want,
0:08:55 > 0:08:57and that will give us some wonderful planting places
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- to get some stuff in.- Perfect!
0:09:11 > 0:09:13Did you mean to cut that?
0:09:13 > 0:09:14Who's holding the ladder now?
0:09:17 > 0:09:18You all right, Rosie?
0:09:18 > 0:09:20We can see you, can you see us now?
0:09:20 > 0:09:22I'm starting to see you. It's great!
0:09:22 > 0:09:26Can we have Mike all the time, please?
0:09:26 > 0:09:27He's very expensive to feed.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29SHE LAUGHS
0:09:35 > 0:09:36The thing to remember,
0:09:36 > 0:09:39when you cut back big branches on trees like this,
0:09:39 > 0:09:41especially when there's foliage on it,
0:09:41 > 0:09:43is to trim it back from the ends,
0:09:43 > 0:09:45so that you lighten the load.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47That means you can hold on to the branches
0:09:47 > 0:09:50when you're sawing through, and they don't split.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52The last thing you want is it to split,
0:09:52 > 0:09:55and tear the bark right down the trunk.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58You have to be very kind to the tree when you do this,
0:09:58 > 0:10:01because you're giving it an awful hammering.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03Woo!
0:10:12 > 0:10:15See how dry that is? For all the rain we've had,
0:10:15 > 0:10:18and it's still almost as dry as dust under there,
0:10:18 > 0:10:21that's cos the roots of the trees are taking all the water out.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23So anything we put in here,
0:10:23 > 0:10:26now it has this wonderful light to bask in,
0:10:26 > 0:10:29will have to be drought-tolerant.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31And I have the plants in the car for that.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42The idea was to get as much colour
0:10:42 > 0:10:44into the whole of the year as we could.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46I hope that's what we've done.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48We have sedum over there,
0:10:48 > 0:10:51with the purple and silver on it,
0:10:51 > 0:10:53and when we put these into the dry,
0:10:53 > 0:10:57they will really intensify their colours, so that should be OK.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00If you look at some of the little rocky knolls
0:11:00 > 0:11:02round here in the landscape,
0:11:02 > 0:11:04you find there's thyme, and some of the pinks,
0:11:04 > 0:11:06and there might even be thrift on it,
0:11:06 > 0:11:08cos we're not far from the shore.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11So I've tried to bring in things which would normally be
0:11:11 > 0:11:13in this sort of area.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15Lovely.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17Plants which will grow in woodland.
0:11:17 > 0:11:21Dusky cranesbill is what that is - it's a geranium.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24That's a super thing for growing in woodland conditions.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27Come up year after year.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29Lots of these things are perennials.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32Once we plant them, we hopefully can just forget them.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34- Great!- Hopefully!
0:11:34 > 0:11:36Some of these will do at the window,
0:11:36 > 0:11:40where you'll see them every day as you come through.
0:11:40 > 0:11:41And others way back in the distance.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43Fair bit of interest, I hope.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45Oh, lovely. I'm thrilled!
0:11:45 > 0:11:47Yes!
0:11:47 > 0:11:51- The rain's coming on now, so we best go and get them planted.- Great.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57This is the bit you'll see from the window, isn't it?
0:11:57 > 0:11:59Yeah, walking up and down the hall.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01This has got to look quite good.
0:12:01 > 0:12:02Are you happy with that?
0:12:02 > 0:12:05It looks really nice, and they'll fill in the gaps.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08The other thing is, I've just brought SOME plants.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10If you like what's here,
0:12:10 > 0:12:13go away to a nursery and buy some more of the same,
0:12:13 > 0:12:15and put them in, cos there's plenty space.
0:12:23 > 0:12:24Done!
0:12:32 > 0:12:35Lots of light getting in here now.
0:12:35 > 0:12:36That's it planted up.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39Maybe now I see it planted, there's not as many plants here
0:12:39 > 0:12:41as I would have wanted.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43But that's the way it is.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45It's opened out, we've got lots of things in here
0:12:45 > 0:12:47which will give us colour.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50It goes right down the bottom to where the window is.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- Yes.- Right where we wanted to have that view.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55That will be, I hope, splendid as well.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58You now have the licence to go off and buy things,
0:12:58 > 0:13:00cos I spoke to Alistair earlier,
0:13:00 > 0:13:04and he was quite happy for us to buy the things we liked,
0:13:04 > 0:13:05and put them in.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08That's the idea. Look and see what grows well,
0:13:08 > 0:13:09buy some more of it, and plant it.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11That's the way to garden to begin with.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14Gardening is supposed to be a pleasure!
0:13:14 > 0:13:17There it is. Enjoy it, cos that's what it's about.
0:13:17 > 0:13:18Thank you very much.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21- It's been lovely.- No pressure(!) - Yes.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25It's a few weeks since we had a look at our bedding display here.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27Our Jubilee bedding display.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30It's very simple, with two varieties of lettuce,
0:13:30 > 0:13:33and the silver cineraria.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36It's filled-in totally. I think it looks absolutely great.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38Then, in the centrepiece here,
0:13:38 > 0:13:41Lesley chose a petunia called Queen Bee,
0:13:41 > 0:13:43sadly not looking so good at the moment,
0:13:43 > 0:13:45just because of the weather conditions.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47Really what you need to do
0:13:47 > 0:13:49is keep deadheading.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51That goes for all kinds of bedding plants,
0:13:51 > 0:13:53even the pansies here.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55If you keep deadheading,
0:13:55 > 0:13:57it stops the plants from setting seed,
0:13:57 > 0:14:00and, hopefully, we'll get some more flower colour,
0:14:00 > 0:14:03because that is a lovely petunia.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06Here, you may remember
0:14:06 > 0:14:09that I did a little trial with some lettuce plants,
0:14:09 > 0:14:12and the marigold Naughty Marietta,
0:14:12 > 0:14:14looking at different types of seed composts.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16I've taken it one stage further,
0:14:16 > 0:14:18and gone into a multi-purpose compost.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21I only have one pot of each.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23I think to do a proper trial,
0:14:23 > 0:14:24we need a few more.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27But it's quite interesting, cos at this stage,
0:14:27 > 0:14:29with the multi-purpose compost,
0:14:29 > 0:14:31the peat-based one is doing the best,
0:14:31 > 0:14:34and then I think the next one
0:14:34 > 0:14:35is the reclaimed peat.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37That's very different results
0:14:37 > 0:14:39from the seed sowing.
0:14:39 > 0:14:40Now come round here,
0:14:40 > 0:14:42and have a look at the tatties.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46I think Lesley is going to be really delighted.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49and Lesley, I am looking after your potatoes here.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52What we need to do is keep earthing them up.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54This is a variety called Bounty.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57Lesley, this time, has gone for a main crop.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00The "main crop" means it can take a long time
0:15:00 > 0:15:03before we start to crop them.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06You'll notice already I've put another tier
0:15:06 > 0:15:07on the one there in the corner.
0:15:07 > 0:15:11Who knows? We may even be able to go up another tier,
0:15:11 > 0:15:12add another ring to that.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14My potatoes that I chose
0:15:14 > 0:15:16were new varieties
0:15:16 > 0:15:18of second early potato,
0:15:18 > 0:15:22so we should be able to crop those in maybe two or three weeks' time.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24I hadn't realised I had actually gone for
0:15:24 > 0:15:26a red, white and blue theme
0:15:26 > 0:15:27with the varieties,
0:15:27 > 0:15:31so a bit of Jubilee celebration with potatoes, as well.
0:15:31 > 0:15:32Lettuce, ready for cropping.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35These little carrots that I sowed in the grow bags,
0:15:35 > 0:15:37these are small, round carrots.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39Look at the difference here.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41Same grow bags,
0:15:41 > 0:15:43four different varieties,
0:15:43 > 0:15:45but you'll notice these ones
0:15:45 > 0:15:46are a lot shorter in height.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48I think that's just the fact
0:15:48 > 0:15:50that this is in a little, sheltered corner.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54That just shows you where you grow things can make a difference.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57A dwarf new variety of broad bean,
0:15:57 > 0:15:59called Robin Hood. Loads of flowers on that
0:15:59 > 0:16:02so I hope we will get a good crop there.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05A little pea that doesn't really need staking at all -
0:16:05 > 0:16:07that one's called Tom Thumb.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09Again, loads of flowers.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11I'm not sure you want to look under here, though.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14Courgettes. Don't they look dreadful?
0:16:14 > 0:16:16Again, it's the weather conditions.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19I think everyone is suffering when they're growing courgettes outside
0:16:19 > 0:16:21at the moment.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23Then we have this tiered container
0:16:23 > 0:16:25with the carrots.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27We won't be cropping those yet.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29But will there be a difference between the top and the bottom?
0:16:29 > 0:16:33But finally, just have a look at these radish.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35It's a variety called Jolly.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37Wow - look at the size of that!
0:16:37 > 0:16:40I need to find some water, and have a taste of that.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42The decking veg are looking pretty good.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46I saw there was Carole earthing up potatoes.
0:16:46 > 0:16:47A word of warning.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49We've had a blight warning for this area,
0:16:49 > 0:16:50which is a Smith period.
0:16:50 > 0:16:54It's all about temperatures and humidities.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56The fact is, there is blight in the air.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58We have a lovely crop of potatoes
0:16:58 > 0:17:00in prospect over there in the main veg plot,
0:17:00 > 0:17:02and we will have to spray.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05Because the fungicides we have are protective materials.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08They're not for eradicating it once it's in.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10So you have to get the copper oxychloride in, PDQ,
0:17:10 > 0:17:13if you want to save your tattie crop.
0:17:13 > 0:17:14Especially in this part of the country.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17I imagine that is more widespread, actually,
0:17:17 > 0:17:19considering the weather reports from around.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21Whilst we're over on the veg plot,
0:17:21 > 0:17:24our onions and shallots are doing rather well,
0:17:24 > 0:17:26coming through the cornstarch there.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28Needing very little weeding, or anything at all.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31That's how we benefit from it. They look pretty good.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33I'm here at the raised beds.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36It's something of the same picture as you've seen already.
0:17:36 > 0:17:40Here we have courgettes that have done absolutely nothing.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43This raised bed is quite valuable,
0:17:43 > 0:17:46and we should be starting to fill up gaps.
0:17:46 > 0:17:47Nice crop of lettuce.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50This is Little Gem, ready to cut,
0:17:50 > 0:17:52and you have to cut them fairly regularly,
0:17:52 > 0:17:54otherwise they'll go past.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56Some direct-sown leeks here,
0:17:56 > 0:17:58which will come on - maybe need a bit of feeding.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00But we'll pick them in early winter.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02I'm afraid it doesn't matter
0:18:02 > 0:18:04whether they're in the ground -
0:18:04 > 0:18:06these French beans are for out.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08The space is far too valuable.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10Tom Thumb, a little lettuce here,
0:18:10 > 0:18:12just the last of it.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14Then more courgettes. I've cleared them,
0:18:14 > 0:18:15ready to plant lettuce.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17Filling up the spaces.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20I think we can sow carrots, beetroot, and turnips, as well.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22Keep the beds filled up.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24Over this side,
0:18:24 > 0:18:26the whole thing has been covered with fleece,
0:18:26 > 0:18:28because of the cushies.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30And also to keep the carrot fly out.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34Cushies would go for the brassicas, carrot fly for the carrots.
0:18:34 > 0:18:35Good parsley.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37Absolutely spotless, ready for using.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39Here we have the little turnips.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41This is Tokyo Cross.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44Jane had actually sown them in modules,
0:18:44 > 0:18:47planted the module with several little plants at each station.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49They push themselves out in this kind of soil.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51Lovely crop.
0:18:51 > 0:18:52New beetroot here called Cornette.
0:18:52 > 0:18:57Then our ideal - carrots and so on, looking fine.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00These turnips, I think maybe we missed the boat.
0:19:00 > 0:19:01We should have thinned them a bit.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04Then we're looking at trying to get this miniature cauliflower again.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06Igloo is the variety
0:19:06 > 0:19:09that we test all the others by. And they'll come away.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11There's a nice cabbage, called Guardian.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14The important thing is, the bed is full - they're all coming on.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16I'll start filling this one up again,
0:19:16 > 0:19:18get some lettuce planted.
0:19:22 > 0:19:27"Yestreen the queen had four Marys, the nicht there'll be but three.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30"There's Mary Seaton, and Mary Beaton..."
0:19:30 > 0:19:34I'll stop there, because the said Mary Beaton lies
0:19:34 > 0:19:37in that churchyard, just up behind me.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39Today, we've come to have a look round
0:19:39 > 0:19:43the award-winning, picturesque little village of Fordyce.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48Gorgeous poppies, hey?
0:19:48 > 0:19:49Magic.
0:19:49 > 0:19:54This little village is home to about 150 souls.
0:19:54 > 0:19:59But by 22nd July, 12 of their gardens will be open to view.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02I'm going to see how many I can clock up today.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10Richard Leith is one of the village stalwarts
0:20:10 > 0:20:13who helps to run this garden scheme.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16Richard, tell me about this gardens opening scheme.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20Well, Jim, we started six years ago.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24But it was originally just an idea for a one-off event
0:20:24 > 0:20:26to raise funds for the village hall.
0:20:26 > 0:20:31And the first year we had was so successful
0:20:31 > 0:20:34that many of the visitors asked us
0:20:34 > 0:20:36if we'd hold another one the following year.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38How many gardens at that time?
0:20:38 > 0:20:41That first year, we had three gardens open.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44And last year, we had 20.
0:20:44 > 0:20:45What's the fundraising for?
0:20:45 > 0:20:47The fundraising is for the village hall,
0:20:47 > 0:20:49which is somewhat dated,
0:20:49 > 0:20:52and simply needs to be revamped.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55A key element in the village, of course.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58But you don't charge for entry, so where does the money come from?
0:20:58 > 0:21:01The money is made principally
0:21:01 > 0:21:04from WRI put on wonderful afternoon teas,
0:21:04 > 0:21:07which are always hugely popular.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09We have a plant sale.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11What's the story with these pancakes?
0:21:11 > 0:21:14The pancakes are available all day.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17Anybody, at any time,
0:21:17 > 0:21:19can come and have one.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22Sounds good! Now, your garden is part of this scheme.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25- I reckon we ought to have a look at it.- Excellent. OK.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28Richard, I get a great sense of design.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31It's not all just casual here.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34I've wanted to create a garden
0:21:34 > 0:21:37that has loads of areas of interest.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40Basically, you're creating different rooms.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43This is Sissinghurst-like.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45Well, they did copy us, yes(!)
0:21:45 > 0:21:47THEY LAUGH
0:21:47 > 0:21:50What we've created here, what we've just walked through,
0:21:50 > 0:21:52is very much the woodland wild garden.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54Aye. Quite.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56I love your recycling policy.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00We have a cairn here of all sorts of bits and pieces.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03You can take that bowl off the top and just keep on going.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05A multi-storey cairn, yes.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07The wild flower area around here
0:22:07 > 0:22:09seems to have developed rather nicely.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12Over the last two years especially, it has come on.
0:22:12 > 0:22:13We took down some trees,
0:22:13 > 0:22:15to open it out,
0:22:15 > 0:22:17and it's given it much more light.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19Absolutely gorgeous. I could stay here for ages.
0:22:19 > 0:22:20I like talking to you.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23- But I have to see these other gardens.- OK. Bye-bye.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30Fordyce is such a compact wee village
0:22:30 > 0:22:33that all the 12 gardens could be seen easily,
0:22:33 > 0:22:35moving around on foot.
0:22:35 > 0:22:40This is Pat Currie's garden. A real cottage-y feel about it.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42Look at the butterflies enjoying themselves.
0:22:42 > 0:22:46These poppies are still putting on a fantastic display,
0:22:46 > 0:22:50despite the fact their foliage got hammered by the weather.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54If you're ever stuck for what to do with a redundant coal cellar,
0:22:54 > 0:22:56how about this, then?
0:22:56 > 0:22:58Brill, eh?
0:23:00 > 0:23:02The Jubilee Garden.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04Work-in-progress,
0:23:04 > 0:23:07by the children of Fordyce Primary School.
0:23:08 > 0:23:13Some of the gardens, you must go through the owner's house to get to.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15I'm now in Susan Clark's garden.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17You know that saying,
0:23:17 > 0:23:19"You never know what's around the next corner"?
0:23:19 > 0:23:20Have a look at this.
0:23:20 > 0:23:24Absolutely stunning! Isn't it?
0:23:24 > 0:23:26A tiny, narrow space,
0:23:26 > 0:23:28and how well has she used it?!
0:23:28 > 0:23:29Beautiful shrub area,
0:23:29 > 0:23:31and here we have it,
0:23:31 > 0:23:33and some gorgeous carp.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35Heavens above!
0:23:35 > 0:23:38I doubt the local seagulls dinnae ken they're here.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45So what's the story of this garden?
0:23:45 > 0:23:48Well, it belongs to my neighbour.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50I live over the garden wall.
0:23:50 > 0:23:54Is he secretary, treasurer, or something...?
0:23:54 > 0:23:57He's the secretary of the Community Association.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00They're the people who organise the open day.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02The thing about these gardens,
0:24:02 > 0:24:05I just love this beautiful, wee, herbaceous,
0:24:05 > 0:24:07informal, no staking... It's gorgeous.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10And the colours have changed throughout the whole year.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14It's quite stunning. Now, lead on, MacDuff.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17Come through here, there's a lovely colour...
0:24:17 > 0:24:18It predominates at the moment.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21The geranium, Johnson's Blue.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24We've more of this lovely, herbaceous cottage garden planting.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27- Yes.- And a huge bit, further on.
0:24:27 > 0:24:28That's the old field.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31That's what he still refers to as "the field".
0:24:31 > 0:24:33And that's where you would find
0:24:33 > 0:24:35the marsh orchids and things?
0:24:35 > 0:24:38The fritillaries and such-like.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41He's got a huge patch of euphorbia down there.
0:24:41 > 0:24:42Very spectacular.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45I like the fact there's no need
0:24:45 > 0:24:48to keep that as pristine down there. It can be allowed to go.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51- It's natural.- It's lovely.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56By now, you'll think I've found a bit of paradise
0:24:56 > 0:24:57here in Fordyce.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00But things are not always as bonny as they are here.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03This burn flooded twice in recent times.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05Would you believe it? Look at the depth of the walls here.
0:25:05 > 0:25:06It flooded.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08Pulled down a bridge up there.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11brought it down here, blocked this one. Flooded the garden.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14Floated this summerhouse across.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17That garden has been flooded twice in recent times.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20It just shows, we're not the only survivors.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22Look at these bonny yellow roses.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27Well then, Dorothy. How long have you been gardening here?
0:25:27 > 0:25:30- About 44 years.- Crikey!
0:25:30 > 0:25:32But it wasn't always a garden here.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35There used to be cottages here,
0:25:35 > 0:25:37so my husband had to get out the shovel,
0:25:37 > 0:25:39put in new earth and everything,
0:25:39 > 0:25:42and make a garden.
0:25:42 > 0:25:43He's made a fine job of it.
0:25:43 > 0:25:44The first year was tatties!
0:25:44 > 0:25:47- HE LAUGHS - It's often the case.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49It's supposed to clean a garden, isn't it?
0:25:49 > 0:25:52Well it does, because you're out cultivating them.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54You have a fantastic range of flowers.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56Right in front of us here,
0:25:56 > 0:25:58we have one of these replacements
0:25:58 > 0:26:01- for the Busy Lizzie? - That's right!
0:26:01 > 0:26:02We all know
0:26:02 > 0:26:04that it's suffering from a disease.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06This has been promoted as a replacement.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08What do you think of it?
0:26:08 > 0:26:09It's bonny,
0:26:09 > 0:26:11but they don't like the cold,
0:26:11 > 0:26:13and it hasn't been easy to grow.
0:26:13 > 0:26:15It is a New Guinea Impatiens.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18The very name tells you it really wants warmer conditions.
0:26:18 > 0:26:19Of course.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21You've so many other things to choose from.
0:26:21 > 0:26:25Everywhere I turn, I see something different.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27You're a credit to the village, my dear!
0:26:27 > 0:26:30- And tell the manny that, will you? - Of course I will!- Thanks.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32And it's open to the public. By jingo!
0:26:32 > 0:26:34We can't hide it, really, can we?
0:26:34 > 0:26:35It gives us pleasure,
0:26:35 > 0:26:37and we hope it gives everybody else great pleasure.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39I'm sure you're right. It will.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46I fairly enjoyed my day. We were blessed with decent weather.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48To see a feast of colour
0:26:48 > 0:26:51in all these gardens - absolutely stunning.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54I hope they're similarly blessed on the 22nd of July.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56Don't forget, if you come here,
0:26:56 > 0:27:00to get a pancake made by the rural wifies of Fordyce.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16I think we should finish with a good news story.
0:27:16 > 0:27:18The sweet peas are looking great, aren't they, Jim?
0:27:18 > 0:27:21A member of the leguminous family doing well!
0:27:21 > 0:27:23Whereas the beans,
0:27:23 > 0:27:24absolutely dreadful!
0:27:24 > 0:27:26They are, aren't they?
0:27:26 > 0:27:28With them growing as a cordon - a single stem -
0:27:28 > 0:27:30which I think is great,
0:27:30 > 0:27:32there is quite a bit of maintenance, though.
0:27:32 > 0:27:36If we shoved in the time between dinner time and tea time, we could.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39We take off these, there,
0:27:39 > 0:27:42and remove the side shoots from in-between,
0:27:42 > 0:27:43and we will very quickly...
0:27:43 > 0:27:46I think you're beginning to see a flower appear.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49There is the odd flower I can see down there. There's one.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52How about these new clips?
0:27:52 > 0:27:55- I think they're great. - They only cost about ten pence each.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58That's a lot better than your plastic-covered wire.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00- Round the broom handle?- Yes.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02That costs you hardly anything, but I do like these,
0:28:02 > 0:28:04because if you have quite a big cane,
0:28:04 > 0:28:06look at the way that just slips onto there.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09Clever, and it doesn't damage the plants.
0:28:09 > 0:28:10At ten pence each?!
0:28:10 > 0:28:14- Fantastic!- I know what somebody will get for their Christmas.
0:28:14 > 0:28:15SHE LAUGHS
0:28:15 > 0:28:17If you'd like any more information
0:28:17 > 0:28:18about this week's programme -
0:28:18 > 0:28:20and we do have some successes in the garden -
0:28:20 > 0:28:22it'll all be in the fact sheet.
0:28:22 > 0:28:24The easiest way to access that is online.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27Don't forget, new for us this year, you can find out about us
0:28:27 > 0:28:28on Facebook and Twitter.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31Next week,
0:28:31 > 0:28:34the old "heidwallahs" haven't got their diaries right yet.
0:28:34 > 0:28:35We're off golfing next week.
0:28:35 > 0:28:37We'll be back with you on the 27th.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39- See you then.- Goodbye!
0:28:58 > 0:29:01Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd