0:00:14 > 0:00:17Hello and welcome to Beechgrove at Gardening Scotland,
0:00:17 > 0:00:21this diamond of a show on the Queen's Jubilee weekend.
0:00:21 > 0:00:23Where better to celebrate a diamond jubilee
0:00:23 > 0:00:25than at this glittering event?
0:00:25 > 0:00:29The biggest gardening and outdoor living show north of the border.
0:00:29 > 0:00:33There's only one word to describe it this year - paradise.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41From the reds...
0:00:44 > 0:00:46..whites...
0:00:48 > 0:00:50..and blues...
0:00:51 > 0:00:55..of the royal flush of precious petals...
0:00:58 > 0:00:59..to the subtle.
0:01:00 > 0:01:01And the strange.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07The plants are always the crown jewels of the show.
0:01:11 > 0:01:13There's much more to this gem of a show,
0:01:13 > 0:01:16from the pomp and pageantry of the showy show gardens
0:01:16 > 0:01:19to the tiny treasures of the Pallet Garden.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27Later, we'll find out who has been growing for gold,
0:01:27 > 0:01:30and see the exhibitors who have come hot-foot from Chelsea
0:01:30 > 0:01:31with their gold and silverware.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34We'll see if they can win again at Gardening Scotland.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42From mad March's heat, followed by the snow,
0:01:42 > 0:01:45then it was the wettest drought and the coldest spring.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48It is an absolute testament to the exhibitors
0:01:48 > 0:01:51that they can produce specimens like these regal pelargoniums.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54They really are the crowning glories.
0:01:58 > 0:02:02As you are sat, sitting there in your armchair,
0:02:02 > 0:02:04whatever the weather, get yourself down here
0:02:04 > 0:02:08to the Royal Highland Showground, Ingliston, just outside Edinburgh.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12Enjoy this royal weekend. You'll have a ball.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16We start off our romp around the show
0:02:16 > 0:02:18with perfect patriotic planting as the central feature
0:02:18 > 0:02:20to the Floral Hall.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24This is it. I'm with show manager, Jim Jermyn. What do you think?
0:02:24 > 0:02:27This is an amazing celebration of the Union Jack.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29How many bedding plants are we speaking about?
0:02:29 > 0:02:334,000 individual plants here.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37And such a variety, but we don't have time to talk about them all.
0:02:37 > 0:02:38What about one of each of the colours?
0:02:38 > 0:02:40I am loving this survivor scarlet.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42Quite a well-known variety of geranium.
0:02:42 > 0:02:44I think you need sunglasses for that one!
0:02:44 > 0:02:46What about the blues? My favourite colour.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49This upright form of salvia, Sally Fun Blue.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51Outstanding.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53I like that one. Finally, the white?
0:02:53 > 0:02:56Since impatiens are a non-starter now,
0:02:56 > 0:02:58I am liking this non-stop white begonia.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02That is a number one bedding plant, because whatever the weather,
0:03:02 > 0:03:04- it does really well. - I totally agree.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08- This is a real celebration of bedding plants.- Superb.
0:03:08 > 0:03:13But from inside, we now go outside, where George is in his element.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17It is every boy's dream, with the first of this year's show gardens.
0:03:17 > 0:03:19TRAIN WHISTLE
0:03:25 > 0:03:28I'm with Colin and Peter in a very special garden.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30Tell me about this.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33This is a first for Gardening Scotland. It is a joint venture
0:03:33 > 0:03:37between Calder's Garden Centres and the G Scale group in Scotland.
0:03:37 > 0:03:38Are you responsible?
0:03:38 > 0:03:40I'm one of the G Scale group.
0:03:40 > 0:03:42Ten of us got together to build this railway,
0:03:42 > 0:03:46and we had, really, to build it up, rather than put it in the ground.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48We're trying to encourage people to come into the garden.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51Houses are getting small, no longer big enough
0:03:51 > 0:03:53for the original size of locomotive.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55No railways in the attic now?
0:03:55 > 0:03:57A super idea.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00We were absolutely delighted, because railways were renowned
0:04:00 > 0:04:03for having colour about their stations, and we thought it apt
0:04:03 > 0:04:06that a garden railway should be at the show.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12This garden is called Serenity,
0:04:12 > 0:04:15created by the guys from Gardening Leave.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17To tell us more about it, Ray. How are you doing?
0:04:17 > 0:04:19Pleased to meet you.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21Tell me about Gardening Leave.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25It is a charity for ex-veterans that go down to a place called Hollybush.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28It's for PTSD - post-traumatic stress disorder.
0:04:29 > 0:04:35Gardening Leave is a therapeutic side to Hollybush.
0:04:35 > 0:04:40We do planting, pricking out vegetables.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43I have been to Auchincruive, where you do some work.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46- It's done the business for you, hasn't it?- It has.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48You have dedicated yourself to it?
0:04:48 > 0:04:51Yeah, to raise money for the charity
0:04:51 > 0:04:54for other veterans, past and present, coming through.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56You're beginning to get a bit of a pot hunter,
0:04:56 > 0:04:59- winning prizes in Fife, and Ayr show, as well?- Yeah.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01I took a gold last year at Ayr.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04But the crucial thing is that you and your mates find that serenity,
0:05:04 > 0:05:06don't you, when you're in a garden?
0:05:06 > 0:05:10We find it very therapeutic dealing with the plants.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12- Good on you.- Thanks very much.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16The focal point of this show garden is a yurt,
0:05:16 > 0:05:18backed with a log-stack wall.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21Designed by Jane Whitehead, of Ivy Maud Designs,
0:05:21 > 0:05:24it is called Legacy. Jane, why is it called that?
0:05:24 > 0:05:27The garden is built for Macmillan Cancer Support,
0:05:27 > 0:05:31and legacies underpin the work of Macmillan.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34A third of their income comes from legacy giving,
0:05:34 > 0:05:37so we really wanted to take that as the title of this garden
0:05:37 > 0:05:39and emphasise that through the design.
0:05:39 > 0:05:41And there's lots of symbolism?
0:05:43 > 0:05:45Yes, we made these paths very narrow,
0:05:45 > 0:05:49because the journey through cancer is narrow and difficult sometimes.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53We have a welcoming yurt at the end, and we have put words on them
0:05:53 > 0:05:57that explain some of the support that is available.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59Friends, family and Macmillan.
0:05:59 > 0:06:00It has a nice woodland-y feel to it.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03I have called it a "stylised woodland garden",
0:06:03 > 0:06:06and it has these mossy areas, and the reflective pools
0:06:06 > 0:06:10- to try and give a peaceful atmosphere.- It's beautiful.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14As you can see, I'm outside. A little bit of rain.
0:06:14 > 0:06:15That's good for the plants.
0:06:15 > 0:06:16This is Border Aggregates,
0:06:16 > 0:06:19and it is your second year you've been here, Paul.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21Tell us about the inspiration for the garden.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25Samantha is our inspiration this year.
0:06:25 > 0:06:30To design and build a garden with the colourful flowers and materials
0:06:30 > 0:06:36is a reflection of Sam's ambitions in life and in the future.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40Sam, I really want to know about your story.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42I was paralysed in 2010.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44Which made me decide to do wheelchair racing.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47I have been wheelchair racing for four months.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51My first race was the London Mini Marathon, which I came second in.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53That is absolutely brilliant. Meant to be!
0:06:55 > 0:06:59Then I had Liverpool, last weekend. I got a first in the 200 metres.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02Brilliant. What about the future?
0:07:02 > 0:07:06I would like to go to the Rio Paralympics in 2016.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09We wish you all the best,
0:07:09 > 0:07:11and I hope you are speaking about two golds here.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14Gold for you and gold for the garden.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34Flaming weather! Flaming June, what is this?
0:07:34 > 0:07:38It's amazing what they do in this programme, isn't it?
0:07:38 > 0:07:40Steve, this is your rococo garden and a fantastic concept.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42Could you explain it to us?
0:07:42 > 0:07:45The idea of the garden is to highlight
0:07:45 > 0:07:48the centenary of Scott's expedition to Antarctica,
0:07:48 > 0:07:51and to highlight the problems with global warming
0:07:51 > 0:07:54in the 100 years since his ill-fated voyage.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56The possibility of plants starting to grow there,
0:07:56 > 0:07:59hence the colour on that side and the white on this side,
0:07:59 > 0:08:03which is icebergs, and snow and fog.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07That is an idea we can use in our own garden,
0:08:07 > 0:08:10this juxtaposition of different colours?
0:08:10 > 0:08:13It is a good design trick to use warm colours in the foreground,
0:08:13 > 0:08:15and recessive colours in the background.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18It increases the sense of depth.
0:08:18 > 0:08:19Super idea.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22The white colours, in the twilight, really stand out, don't they?
0:08:22 > 0:08:23Very much so.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25You have a little bit of work to do,
0:08:25 > 0:08:26so I will leave you,
0:08:26 > 0:08:28as you "may be some time".
0:08:32 > 0:08:38MUSIC: "Big Rock Candy Mountain" by Burl Ives
0:08:43 > 0:08:46This is the bee garden and the backdrop has been provided
0:08:46 > 0:08:49by the Scottish Dry Stone Walling Association.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52These are a group of hobby wallers that come from all over the country.
0:08:52 > 0:08:57Phil, you have a big connection with bees, don't you?
0:08:57 > 0:09:01I do, I am President of the Scottish Beekeepers Association.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03This is a special year?
0:09:03 > 0:09:06This is our centenary, 100 years of beekeeping in Scotland.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08I wasn't there at the inception, but I'm here now.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11In the wall, there's these gorgeous little alcoves
0:09:11 > 0:09:14with little knitted things. What are they?
0:09:14 > 0:09:16They're called "skeps".
0:09:16 > 0:09:18The position in the wall is called a "bee bowl".
0:09:18 > 0:09:21We used to keep bees in these skeps many years ago.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23Some of these are really old, aren't they?
0:09:23 > 0:09:26Yes, they go back many centuries.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29You are trying to highlight the plight of bees
0:09:29 > 0:09:32- because they are so vital to us? - They are.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35A third of the food you eat is pollinated by honey bees,
0:09:35 > 0:09:37so they are vital to our ecology.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39So gardeners need to encourage them.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41You have some good bee plants here -
0:09:41 > 0:09:44things like the lavender and the centaurea.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47And then also you have some more bee activity, haven't you?
0:09:47 > 0:09:49Yes. Ayr & District Beekeepers Association
0:09:49 > 0:09:51have a static and open-hive demonstration.
0:09:51 > 0:09:56We will get people suited-up, and take them through boxes of bees.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58They'll not recognise you with all your stuff on?
0:09:58 > 0:10:00Not at all. I'll look far better then.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02SHE LAUGHS
0:10:02 > 0:10:06Continuing the theme of encouraging wildlife into the garden,
0:10:06 > 0:10:10things like bees and butterflies, we have Elmwood College
0:10:10 > 0:10:12as part of the living garden.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15Sheena, this is your design, and you have things like the pond?
0:10:15 > 0:10:19Yes, and bee-attractant plants with the beehive and bee log.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22And over in this area, butterfly-attractant plants.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25All through the garden, things wildlife would love to come to.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29It is looking really colourful, and it is productive, too?
0:10:29 > 0:10:31We have vegetables, fruit bushes,
0:10:31 > 0:10:34under-planted with wild strawberries.
0:10:34 > 0:10:35We have the orchard over here
0:10:35 > 0:10:39with the James Grieve apple, introduced in 1893 to Edinburgh.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42You mention it, because the Scottish theme,
0:10:42 > 0:10:45you have it running through the garden?
0:10:45 > 0:10:48Because it is the year of creative culture for Scotland,
0:10:48 > 0:10:51and we have the dry stane dyke, the willow hurdling.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53The seat is made from fallen timber.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55- It looks absolutely brilliant, so the best of luck.- Thank you.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58Five of the show gardens here have been built
0:10:58 > 0:11:01by Scottish horticultural colleges,
0:11:01 > 0:11:03and the aim is to showcase the creativity
0:11:03 > 0:11:06of the up-and-coming garden designers.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10This is Dundee College garden, and it has been built on behalf
0:11:10 > 0:11:14of Trellis, a charity which promotes all the benefits of horticulture.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18The designer is Marie. How did you get your inspiration?
0:11:18 > 0:11:23Sometimes inspiration comes from the most unusual places,
0:11:23 > 0:11:26and inspiration for this garden came from a piece of carved stone
0:11:26 > 0:11:28that we saw on a college trip.
0:11:28 > 0:11:33It is built around the two circular ponds, with the connecting seating.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36It is called a Garden of Tranquillity,
0:11:36 > 0:11:39but you have some really strident oranges and peaches -
0:11:39 > 0:11:42but they are put together so cleverly.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44- It is very calm.- It is.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47Lots and lots of planting. You haven't done this on your own?
0:11:47 > 0:11:50No, we have had a fantastic team.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53Over the two weeks, it has been amazing.
0:11:53 > 0:11:58Everyone has worked so hard, and created the garden we see here today.
0:11:58 > 0:12:02- Are you going to have a well-deserved hot bath?- I am.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04THEY LAUGH
0:12:04 > 0:12:07George, I would like you to meet Anna, from Finland.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10She is a student at the Scottish Agricultural College,
0:12:10 > 0:12:12and designer of this stand.
0:12:12 > 0:12:13What is the idea behind it?
0:12:13 > 0:12:16It is a cornucopia, a horn of plenty.
0:12:16 > 0:12:21My tribute to the abundance of northern nature.
0:12:21 > 0:12:26- To which I include Scotland, as well.- Very kind of you.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- Berries, and that sort of thing? - Health-full berries.
0:12:29 > 0:12:30You have some strange ones,
0:12:30 > 0:12:33- because on the corner is the cloudberry.- Exactly.
0:12:33 > 0:12:34Where did that come from?
0:12:34 > 0:12:38- All the way from Finland. - Is it a native here?
0:12:38 > 0:12:40Only on the top of Ben Lawers, I think.
0:12:40 > 0:12:41I have never seen it before.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44We could talk for hours, but we have to move on.
0:12:44 > 0:12:45Ciao!
0:12:45 > 0:12:47Next one.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49This one has travelled further.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- This is from SAC.- Another one?
0:12:52 > 0:12:56This came all the way from Chelsea. It has been down there.
0:12:56 > 0:12:57You have seen it before?
0:12:57 > 0:13:00It has been on the back of two lorries, but it is back here now.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03I don't think it's travelled all that well!
0:13:03 > 0:13:05It is just as though the man has left,
0:13:05 > 0:13:07and this is all the stuff he's collected,
0:13:07 > 0:13:09put into his little garden.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13In here are all the delightful little plants he has found.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16The more you look, the more you see.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18There's gems in here. Absolute stoaters.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20If you were designing a border,
0:13:20 > 0:13:24you wouldn't necessarily put all these things next to one another.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27- They don't really match. - This is a holding place for them.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31The skill of these designers is such that it makes it look just right!
0:13:31 > 0:13:33It's aye been. It looks as though it's aye been
0:13:33 > 0:13:35and they have planted it to look like that.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38I think it is brilliant.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41- No wonder they got a prize at Chelsea.- No wonder.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44MUSIC: "Desert Island Discs"
0:13:49 > 0:13:53There's a man taking pictures. Shall we spoil it?
0:13:53 > 0:13:57Desert Island Discs. 70th Anniversary.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59Elmwood College, Cupar, Fife.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01There is the island. The banana tree, the palm.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04Typical tropical planting. The Bible.
0:14:04 > 0:14:09Do you know, in its 70 years, what has been the most popular
0:14:09 > 0:14:12non-classical piece of music requested?
0:14:12 > 0:14:14Je Ne Regrette Rien.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18MUSIC: "Je Ne Regrette Rien" by Edith Piaf
0:14:18 > 0:14:21- # Ni-ni-ni-ni. # - You're on your own now.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27MUSIC: "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz
0:14:53 > 0:14:57One of the first stands you see as you come into
0:14:57 > 0:14:59the Floral Hall is Binny Plants,
0:14:59 > 0:15:02and, Adam, you guys have done it again, my boy.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04- Thanks very much, Jim. - An absolute belter.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06What's the inspiration for it?
0:15:06 > 0:15:09Well, we really wanted a real jungle feel to the stand, you know.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12This could be somewhere where you can actually sit, out of the sun
0:15:12 > 0:15:16with a nice hot plantain over here, going all the way through
0:15:16 > 0:15:19into a nice wet stream running through,
0:15:19 > 0:15:22and giving loads of nice wet plants going through
0:15:22 > 0:15:26- into the shady area that goes right round the back. - I don't know how you do it.
0:15:26 > 0:15:27It's absolutely stunning.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30Of course, the plants are the stars, aren't they?
0:15:30 > 0:15:33And that little trollius, to me, is the best thing I've seen.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35Yeah, it's fantastic. That's Trollius New Moon,
0:15:35 > 0:15:37it's a brand new one this year.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41And it's got nice subtle shade. It's got nice wee tinges round the edge.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45- And I've fallen in love with that wee primula. What's the name? - Primula Apple Blossom.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48Really subtle as well, it's not too in-your-face.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51My eye just keeps catching things, but I'm going to have to leave you,
0:15:51 > 0:15:54- I'm away to see your partner in crime.- Okey-doke. Thanks very much.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01Billy, this is the other major strand to your business,
0:16:01 > 0:16:04and that's the peonies. Tell us a little bit about this collection.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07This year, Jim, we're showing off some of the new generation peonies.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10Yes. And there's a bit special here,
0:16:10 > 0:16:12because I see they've got special labels.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14Yes, this is the mother and the father,
0:16:14 > 0:16:16and this is their offspring in the middle.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18This has never been seen before in the UK.
0:16:18 > 0:16:23Really? But along here, I understand this is the star of the show.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25Yes, this is one of the new hybrids,
0:16:25 > 0:16:28between a tree peony and a herbaceous peony,
0:16:28 > 0:16:30- and this is called Barcela. - Never been seen before?
0:16:30 > 0:16:33Well, it's been around a few years, but it is fairly new.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35But it's the setting that is so stunning.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38Yeah, it's inside a Japanese tokonoma, which is a way
0:16:38 > 0:16:42- of showing off your prized possessions.- Yeah. It's real class.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46Well, from peonies we go to poppies and Perennials On Parade,
0:16:46 > 0:16:50and that's with Poppyscotland and our dear friend Beryl from Macplants.
0:16:50 > 0:16:54Tell us first of all a little bit about the charity, Poppyscotland.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57Well, it provides for our heroes, our ex-servicemen
0:16:57 > 0:16:58who require some support.
0:16:58 > 0:17:04And by supporting this charity, we at Macplants feel it's very worthwhile.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07And we've put on what we hoped were poppies.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10It's been a bit difficult this year.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13Yes, for example, like the Himalayan poppy, how difficult was that?
0:17:13 > 0:17:16Very difficult. A fortnight ago, beautiful.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19But since then we've had really... It's been too hot.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22- So they went over really quickly? - Very, very quickly.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26And very hard to get flowers on the ladybird poppies.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29- But they are gorgeous, aren't they? - Yes.- But again, a timing issue.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31Yes, and catching the eye is the important thing.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33And then what about the Oriental poppies?
0:17:33 > 0:17:37Almost impossible. We usually have them for Gardening Scotland.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40- This year I've managed to get ONE! - Well, at least you've got one!
0:17:40 > 0:17:43But I mean, you've got some gorgeous perennials here,
0:17:43 > 0:17:46and a wonderful sort of display.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49Thank you. We've worked hard to get some good colours,
0:17:49 > 0:17:52and that's the important thing. People like to see the colours.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55Keeping on the theme of the P, I think it's an absolute picture.
0:17:55 > 0:17:56Thank you, Carole.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01I'm glad I have tracked you two guys down, Keith and John,
0:18:01 > 0:18:03because this really intrigues me.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05Keith, tell me what this is all about.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08Well, what we have here, Jim, is some unusual sculptures,
0:18:08 > 0:18:10surrounded by good-quality plant material.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14And what we hope is that the sculptures will attract your eye
0:18:14 > 0:18:16and you'll go from one to the other.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20And of course, we hope that visitors will go away with some ideas for their own garden.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22It's absolutely stonking. John, what's your part in this?
0:18:22 > 0:18:26I've grown most of the plants in Somerset. Transported them up.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29I'm quite proud of their association with Gardening Scotland.
0:18:29 > 0:18:34We've also been able to bring up a brand new dahlia from the National Collection in Cornwall.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37Oh, would you care to tell us what you're going to call it?
0:18:37 > 0:18:39We're going to call it Gardening Scotland.
0:18:39 > 0:18:40Well, I wish you all the very best,
0:18:40 > 0:18:44and I think the people will be intrigued by this. It's a smasher.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46Thank you very much.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49This garden in the Floral Hall, it's called Blossoms and Butterflies.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51Peter, you're the designer. I think it's a great title.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53So what's the connection?
0:18:53 > 0:18:56Both Mike and I are former trustees of the British Thyroid Foundation.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59And one of our members, Anna Knights, the renowned botanical artist,
0:18:59 > 0:19:01suffered from thyroid cancer in 2008.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03And in gratitude for the help we gave her,
0:19:03 > 0:19:05she's painted this gorgeous painting
0:19:05 > 0:19:09of Peacock Butterfly On Apple Blossom, because the thyroid gland
0:19:09 > 0:19:11in your neck is butterfly shaped.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14That's absolutely beautiful. And then, what about the garden?
0:19:14 > 0:19:16Because, Mike, you've been heavily involved with that.
0:19:16 > 0:19:21Yes, the Dalgety Bay Horticultural Society. We sourced the grass, artefacts, some of the plants,
0:19:21 > 0:19:23the butterfly circle.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26A lot of our members have volunteered. They've been fantastic.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29- And you do have a lot of members, about 400, don't you?- 400.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31OK, now this is another new plant at the show.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35Yes, this seedling red hypoxis occurred on my nursery in 2005.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39And last year we ran a competition in the BTF newsletter for a name for it.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43And the winning entry, chosen by Gay Search, was Butterfly Wings.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46And the person who put that entry in was Pauline, Mike's wife.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49- Now that's a lucky coincidence, isn't it?- Isn't it just!
0:19:49 > 0:19:53- Hoyland Plant Centre, what a wonderful display again.- Fantastic.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57I love these plants. They've got a new one called Queen Mum.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00- Oh, nice.- I would like to be able to grow agapanthus.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03But listen, there's a lot of new stuff about, isn't there?
0:20:03 > 0:20:06And one or two new exhibitors too. I think we should split up.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08- Let's go and find them.- Go!
0:20:15 > 0:20:20One of the new exhibitors is Oska Copperfield from Rothley
0:20:20 > 0:20:21in Leicestershire.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24Delighted to welcome another chrysanthemum grower.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27They are stunning. I've always loved them as a cut flower.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30Just look at that. A belter.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39This new display is really cool and calm,
0:20:39 > 0:20:42because it's all about white plants. Absolutely stunning.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45And it's from Brian Young from Holmes Farm Plants.
0:20:45 > 0:20:49And you can't get any higher than Allium Mount Everest.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51# I'll tell you what
0:20:51 > 0:20:54# What I have found
0:20:54 > 0:20:57# That I'm no fool
0:20:57 > 0:20:58# I'm just upside down... #
0:20:58 > 0:21:02And I'm warming up with Warmenhoven, alliums and hippeastrums,
0:21:02 > 0:21:05drumsticks and trumpets.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07Ideal for those who suffer from OCD.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09Pitch perfect.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13# Watching people scurry by
0:21:13 > 0:21:16# Rushing to and fro
0:21:16 > 0:21:19# Oh, this world is such a crazy place
0:21:19 > 0:21:22# It's all about the go, go, go... #
0:21:22 > 0:21:25Well, this is Picture Perfect with Pretty Ugly Plants.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29And what a pristine display. It's all about carnivorous plants
0:21:29 > 0:21:33and other plants that like a boggy situation.
0:21:33 > 0:21:34# I don't care
0:21:34 > 0:21:37# I'm halfway there
0:21:37 > 0:21:43# And I'm just soaking up the magic in the air... #
0:21:43 > 0:21:46No bugles here, Coronets Of Colour,
0:21:46 > 0:21:52golden nugget and black star, Calla lilies from brighter blooms.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56# Ain't got no cares
0:21:56 > 0:21:59# Ain't got no rules
0:21:59 > 0:22:02# I think I like
0:22:02 > 0:22:04# Living upside down... #
0:22:04 > 0:22:09From bright, we go to shade, to ferns, which fascinate me.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11From Bentleys of Salisbury,
0:22:11 > 0:22:14who on the way up here managed to pick up a gold medal at Chelsea.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17These are stunning. The beauty is in the detail.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20# Ain't got no cares
0:22:20 > 0:22:23# I ain't got no rules
0:22:23 > 0:22:25# I think I like
0:22:25 > 0:22:30# Living upside down. #
0:22:30 > 0:22:32As Gardening Scotland show manager,
0:22:32 > 0:22:36I have to say, it's great to see something really fresh here.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38And it's the Country in A Basket Competition,
0:22:38 > 0:22:42which embraces 23 eco schools. They've each been given a mentor,
0:22:42 > 0:22:45a basket, compost, £50,
0:22:45 > 0:22:47and they've developed their own country.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50Looking at France here, this was a school that I mentored,
0:22:50 > 0:22:52and it was great fun speaking to the kids there.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54But some of them are really involved here.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56Tanzania across here.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00I've noticed that the judging is going on and the results are just amazing.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03- Some old favourites. - Less of the old, George.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07It's interesting that you very quickly develop favourite themes, don't you?
0:23:07 > 0:23:10I mean, I love this border bells mix. It's just lovely.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14- Mm, it's a great combination, but will we find some more favourites? - Let's do that.
0:23:14 > 0:23:19# You won't find him drinking at the table
0:23:19 > 0:23:23# Rolling dice and staying out till three... #
0:23:23 > 0:23:26Well, now, here's something I've never seen before.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30A little bonsai fuchsia, by the name of Lottie Hobby.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32She's a wee cracker.
0:23:34 > 0:23:39# You won't find him trying to chase the devil
0:23:39 > 0:23:43# For money, fame, for power Out of grief... #
0:23:44 > 0:23:49This tiny streptocarpus called White Butterfly is rather delicate
0:23:49 > 0:23:50and really unusual.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53Whereas this is the type we're more familiar with.
0:23:53 > 0:23:57This is a new variety called Sweet Menace.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00And it's got a perfume. Now the jury's out for me.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02You'll just have to come to the show
0:24:02 > 0:24:04and make your own mind up.
0:24:08 > 0:24:12But my mind's made up, with the Scottish Rock Garden Club.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15From a little lilium to the comparative giant
0:24:15 > 0:24:18of a meconopsis in full bloom.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28Not so blowsy here, it's all about foliage.
0:24:28 > 0:24:33Bowdens are back, not just for the hostas and ferns, but grasses too.
0:24:33 > 0:24:37And what a novel way to display them. Grasses in a basket.
0:24:44 > 0:24:49Toasting majestic planting in the glorious gardens of Argyll.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52From the bottlebrush to the giant echium.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01And last but not least,
0:25:01 > 0:25:04first impressions are so important
0:25:04 > 0:25:06when you look at these little stands.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09And this one from Tinnisburn really caught my eye.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12I love the balance and perspective of it.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15And the constant reminders of the need to encourage wildlife
0:25:15 > 0:25:17in the garden.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31I've been in since early this morning, judging the Pallet Gardens.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34Now these are absolutely brilliant. They'll bring a smile to your face.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36So come and see them.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40A Right Regal Crown.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43A Jubilee Tea Party.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46A Day At The Seaside with starfish and sand.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50From the Very Hungry Caterpillar,
0:25:50 > 0:25:52to a Bumblebee Bistro,
0:25:52 > 0:25:56with Peony Punch and Allium Surprise.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00A gift for all - look what they've done to the grass!
0:26:00 > 0:26:06A Pause For Reflection, and Flushed With Success.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09The Pallet Gardens are just braw!
0:26:11 > 0:26:14- Primula!- Yes!
0:26:14 > 0:26:16A silver medal, Sheila. Are you chuffed?
0:26:16 > 0:26:19I'm really excited. First year, first attempt and here I am
0:26:19 > 0:26:20with a silver medal.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24- And there's a lot of work goes behind that.- There certainly is. - Well done, you.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29- What did you get?- A silver. - Are you pleased?- I am, yes.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31I think that is absolutely brilliant for your first time.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34Can I congratulate you on your gold?
0:26:34 > 0:26:39- Thank you.- I take it you're quite, as we would say, chuffed.- Yes, we are.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45- Are you pleased?- Aye, brilliant. Absolutely superb.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50Silver gilt, so the judges agreed with George and I.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52It's a belter.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59# Hey, soul sister
0:26:59 > 0:27:03# Ain't that Mr Mister on the radio
0:27:03 > 0:27:07# Stereo The way you move ain't fair, you know
0:27:07 > 0:27:09# Hey, soul sister
0:27:09 > 0:27:15# I don't wanna miss a single thing you do
0:27:16 > 0:27:18# Tonight
0:27:18 > 0:27:21# Hey
0:27:21 > 0:27:23# Hey... #
0:27:24 > 0:27:29Well, as we wait for the next train back to Beechgrove,
0:27:29 > 0:27:33can we reflect on what we've been seeing over the last hour or two?
0:27:33 > 0:27:36When you consider the kind of weather we've had this spring,
0:27:36 > 0:27:39and these people have come from all over the UK to exhibit,
0:27:39 > 0:27:42and to show off, and they've produced a miracle of a show, but think about it...
0:27:42 > 0:27:45I was frozen earlier on, but a wee bit warmer now.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48- Have you got the icing sugar off your moustache?- Just about.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51I think it has been a brilliant show, and so many newcomers,
0:27:51 > 0:27:54- which is wonderful.- The outside gardens go on getting better,
0:27:54 > 0:27:57particularly the Colleges, which I think is really heartening.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00It's been wonderful, and we have had time to shop, haven't we?
0:28:00 > 0:28:02- Yes.- This is my little primula, Apple Blossom.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04I just love the colour and the delicacy of it.
0:28:04 > 0:28:08Not so little, rather bold, but it's a royal occasion, isn't it,
0:28:08 > 0:28:09this weekend?
0:28:09 > 0:28:12And this is a Vanda orchid and it's called Royal Blue.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14Absolutely stunning.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17Well, for the Jubilee weekend, I've got a Regal pelargonium.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19It's called Royal Surprise, and it's purple.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23No surprise there, then. And this one is for my darker side.
0:28:23 > 0:28:27- Is that for your wife?- No, my darker side. It's Black Star,
0:28:27 > 0:28:30- but it's absolutely outstanding. A Calla lily.- Stunning.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33There you go. Well, listen, the weather forecast for the weekend
0:28:33 > 0:28:37is brilliant. Get yourself down here and have a ball. Until next time...
0:28:37 > 0:28:39ALL: Bye!
0:28:41 > 0:28:44Subtitles by Red Bee Media