0:00:12 > 0:00:14Well, hello and welcome to Beechgrove,
0:00:14 > 0:00:17this week coming from Gardening Scotland,
0:00:17 > 0:00:21the biggest gardening and outdoor living show north of the border.
0:00:21 > 0:00:25Now, you might have heard the rumours that we've had a difficult spring.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28What has it done to the plants? More to the point,
0:00:28 > 0:00:31what effect will it have on Gardening Scotland?
0:00:31 > 0:00:34Let's ask a few people who ought to know the answers.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40We may have experienced one of the strangest, coldest springs for many, many years,
0:00:40 > 0:00:42but one of the benefits of that is
0:00:42 > 0:00:47that we get delphiniums, daffodils and dahlias all flowering at the one time.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54This has been a complete nightmare to get anything ready for the show.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57The planting plan went completely out of the window months ago
0:00:57 > 0:00:59because nothing was working out at all.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02Flowers that should be in flower just now are not,
0:01:02 > 0:01:05and things that should have been finished ages ago are now in bloom.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07So there's a completely eclectic look for this year's show.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13I'm Jim Jermyn, show manager of Gardening Scotland,
0:01:13 > 0:01:15and in charge of what's fresh here at the show.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19And in a very difficult season, we're seeing a number of flowers
0:01:19 > 0:01:21that we wouldn't normally have at Gardening Scotland.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24I'm standing beside these amazing delphiniums.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27I guess they probably have been forced from about Christmas time.
0:01:27 > 0:01:28Quite amazing.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37It's been a tricky year for peonies, but we've managed. Look at these.
0:01:43 > 0:01:47Meconopsis are really, really tricky to get ready for a show.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51I've tried cooking them every way I can, bar deep-frying.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53But we're there at last.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01I'm just back from judging Chelsea Gardens, and most unusually,
0:02:01 > 0:02:05we saw lots of lovely apple blossom like this, because it's so late.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07Maybe it was a good thing things came into growth so late.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10When they did, they just exploded.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14This give us the potential of an amazing crop this autumn.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20Later, we'll see who's growing for gold at Gardening Scotland,
0:02:20 > 0:02:23and those exhibits that have hotfooted it from Chelsea with their medals.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27And congratulations to our own Chris, who won a gold medal
0:02:27 > 0:02:30for his thoughtful garden on arthritis research.
0:02:30 > 0:02:35More than that, he won the prestigious popular People's Award.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38I like that phrase, the People's Prize.
0:02:38 > 0:02:43Because I think that Gardening Scotland is the People's Prize,
0:02:43 > 0:02:45for ordinary gardeners like you and me.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52This is where the stars of the show are always the plants.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56And it seems that the exhibitors have got them flowering their heads off,
0:02:56 > 0:02:58out of season, no matter what.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02Join us for a glimpse of Gardening Scotland.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05It's going to be a classic show, timeless, a great vintage.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07And speaking of vintage.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10- Off we go. - Keep your eye on the road, John.
0:03:10 > 0:03:15- Watch the speed limit.- A bit of time travel, eh?- Absolutely.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18- Stop! Oh! - BRAKES SCREECH
0:03:18 > 0:03:19These brakes are funny.
0:03:19 > 0:03:24- Trust you to stop in a garden. - I hope I haven't damaged the garden!
0:03:24 > 0:03:28And if this isn't Mr Keith Jackson. How are you? And where are we?
0:03:28 > 0:03:29We're in the Vintage Car-den, Jim,
0:03:29 > 0:03:32and I thought you could have parked a wee bit better than that, John.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34Vintage Car-den! How appropriate!
0:03:34 > 0:03:38Vintage car, vintage me, vintage garden.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40- And the planting is good.- Yes.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43What we're trying to do here is just to show that the plants
0:03:43 > 0:03:46they had in 1935, which is that age of the car,
0:03:46 > 0:03:49are just as relevant today as they were then,
0:03:49 > 0:03:52using such things as dahlias and foxgloves.
0:03:52 > 0:03:53They are very, very popular again.
0:03:53 > 0:03:58I mean, I think I actually was very taken with these early new singles
0:03:58 > 0:04:01that we've gone back to, but these are stunning.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03And of course, a bit out of season!
0:04:03 > 0:04:05- Yes!- Have you seen the veg?
0:04:05 > 0:04:06It's just fantastic.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10I daresay you wouldn't mind if they were growing in your place.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13I would like to have them in my polytunnel, I tell you.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16- Where are we going now?- Take the first left, if you will.- OK.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19- Off we go.- Show gardens. Thanks, Keith.- No problem.- See you later.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31Ally, this is Dundee College show garden.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33It's called Turning Over A New Leaf,
0:04:33 > 0:04:34so what are you trying to portray here?
0:04:34 > 0:04:36We are trying to portray photosynthesis.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39Water, light, air -
0:04:39 > 0:04:41all the things that we require.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43In other words, without plants, we wouldn't be here.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45We would not be here.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47The plants look wonderful, but I have to say,
0:04:47 > 0:04:50the real focal point is this beautiful leaf. Who made that?
0:04:50 > 0:04:53This was made by Jeff Imrie and his metalwork team at the college.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55- It's beautiful. Stunning. - Absolutely stunning.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00And what about the team here? Sitting in the trailer?
0:05:00 > 0:05:04Doing nothing! It's terrible! All day long we've been like that. Desperate.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07The designer, Ali Macqueen, I don't know where Ali's got to,
0:05:07 > 0:05:09but we're all working away.
0:05:09 > 0:05:10You've only got a couple of hours left.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12- I know.- Are you going to get it finished?
0:05:12 > 0:05:14They'd better get a move on.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28MANIACAL LAUGHTER
0:05:31 > 0:05:37Double, double, toil and trouble. Fire burn and cauldron bubble.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41I'm in the Scottish Rural College garden with Jenna and Roma.
0:05:41 > 0:05:42Tell me what this is about.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46This is a Witches of Macbeth garden and it's based round
0:05:46 > 0:05:49plants that would have been found in the early 17th century.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51Why did you pick on the 17th century?
0:05:51 > 0:05:55Because Shakespeare wrote his play, Macbeth, between 103 and 1607.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58So all the plants that are in the play would have...
0:05:58 > 0:06:01Been there at that time. Anything in particular?
0:06:01 > 0:06:04Camomile in the cauldron at the front,
0:06:04 > 0:06:07that would have been used for calming tea and ointments.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09And the lemon balm at the front as well,
0:06:09 > 0:06:11that would have been used for an antiseptic.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14And the cauldron at the back, what's that about?
0:06:14 > 0:06:17Just to signify that there's still magic on the land.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46Steve from Rococo, nothing evil about this garden.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49It's called Reflections, and it's all about mood and colour.
0:06:49 > 0:06:53The aim of the garden is to show how planting and design can influence human emotion.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55We got three different areas within the design.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58In one area, we're using warm, vibrant colours.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00- That makes you feel happy? - Happy and excited.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03In the second area, we're using whites and blues
0:07:03 > 0:07:05- to create a feeling of calm. - And then the third area,
0:07:05 > 0:07:07now, that's very different. What's that all about?
0:07:07 > 0:07:09The naturalised planting area.
0:07:09 > 0:07:10We used waterside plants,
0:07:10 > 0:07:13and basically, the right plant in the right place.
0:07:13 > 0:07:14It's been a very difficult season,
0:07:14 > 0:07:18so how easy has it been for you to source these plants?
0:07:18 > 0:07:19It's been a bit difficult.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21We substituted some plants for other plants
0:07:21 > 0:07:22and we've got round it that way.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25Well, I think it's looking good, but it is work in progress.
0:07:25 > 0:07:26Very much so.
0:07:35 > 0:07:36So, Ray, this garden's been built
0:07:36 > 0:07:40as a collaboration between Turffit and Gardening Leave, hasn't it?
0:07:40 > 0:07:42Tell me a bit about Gardening Leave.
0:07:42 > 0:07:43Gardening Leave is a charity
0:07:43 > 0:07:46for ex-veterans and ex-military personnel
0:07:46 > 0:07:50that suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52And how does that connect with this garden, then?
0:07:52 > 0:07:55Well, I served with the British Army in Hong Kong,
0:07:55 > 0:07:58and the garden's based around the five themes of the Orient,
0:07:58 > 0:08:01as you can see. All the elements around the garden.
0:08:01 > 0:08:02Brilliant. Well, I certainly think
0:08:02 > 0:08:05the panda who's sitting in the background there with the bamboo,
0:08:05 > 0:08:07he's got plenty to munch on, hasn't he?!
0:08:10 > 0:08:13Interesting structure on the Cartmore Landscape garden.
0:08:13 > 0:08:14Alan, what's all this about?
0:08:14 > 0:08:17Yes, what we've got here, George, is the Forth Bridge crossing.
0:08:17 > 0:08:18The new Forth Bridge crossing.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21We wanted something that would be seen, so we have that.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24But what we've really got here is an outdoor living area,
0:08:24 > 0:08:28showing various paviers, slabs, coloured gravels, that can be used.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31My main involvement here has been the plant material,
0:08:31 > 0:08:34the choice of plants, and what I've gone for is something that's
0:08:34 > 0:08:37low maintenance, that won't need a lot of work,
0:08:37 > 0:08:40but gives colour and interest throughout the year.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42I've also selected some flowering plants
0:08:42 > 0:08:46just to give that inspiration, if you like, to the garden.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48- So, low maintenance ideas? - Yes, uh-huh.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01The Dry Stone Wallers of Scotland
0:09:01 > 0:09:03have come up with a unique take,
0:09:03 > 0:09:05I think, in the Celtic knot garden here.
0:09:05 > 0:09:10In fact, the knot is created using stone and not plants.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12The planting inside is intriguing as well.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14The St Andrew's Cross there
0:09:14 > 0:09:18and the white is delineated with a little Euonymus.
0:09:18 > 0:09:19Absolutely lovely.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27This show garden has been created
0:09:27 > 0:09:29by the team at Scotland's Rural College in Ayr,
0:09:29 > 0:09:31and sitting inside the garden
0:09:31 > 0:09:33in his grotto is the designer, Barry Small.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36So where did the idea come from for this garden?
0:09:36 > 0:09:38Well, it was borne out of a need
0:09:38 > 0:09:43for a sort of personal space to be creative in. Quiet, tranquil...
0:09:43 > 0:09:46OK, and this planting here is gorgeous.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48Yeah, that's the living wall panel
0:09:48 > 0:09:51that's in to sort of give you ideas for colour.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54It's really nice. Lots of ferns and things for shade.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57And out here, this palette is absolutely stunning, it really is.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00Well, the planting outside, again,
0:10:00 > 0:10:04is different leaf shapes and colours and textures
0:10:04 > 0:10:06to give you sort of inspirational ideas
0:10:06 > 0:10:09and it's in a contemporary style
0:10:09 > 0:10:12to match in with the rest of the design.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14What's also really good is the garden's quite small,
0:10:14 > 0:10:17only sort of five by four metres, and there's masses going on.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20A building, water, stepping stones, lots and lots.
0:10:20 > 0:10:21It's a really good way for people
0:10:21 > 0:10:24to get inspiration from a tiny wee garden, so it's great.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35Sheena, you're from Elmwood, one of the Scottish rural colleges,
0:10:35 > 0:10:37and this is your second time here.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40Last year, you were actually one of the students,
0:10:40 > 0:10:41and now you're a lecturer.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45Yes, I was invited back to Elmwood to lecture in garden design,
0:10:45 > 0:10:50and this year, our garden celebrates the Year of Natural Scotland 2013.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53I've depicted five landscapes
0:10:53 > 0:10:57and incorporated the SNH Big Five wildlife species.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00We can see the harbour seal behind us here. I think that's fantastic!
0:11:00 > 0:11:03But, of course, it's not just about the animals. It's about the plants.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05So what's looking good at the moment?
0:11:05 > 0:11:07The Royal Fern is looking stunning.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09No flowers, but, I mean, wonderful foliage.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11Yes, the native orchids are beautiful,
0:11:11 > 0:11:13and the bracket fungi,
0:11:13 > 0:11:17the Turkey Tail on the tree stump at the back is quite amazing.
0:11:17 > 0:11:18It is absolutely superb.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21And have you got a handy hint for the viewers?
0:11:21 > 0:11:23Yes, we're sitting here in a coastal area,
0:11:23 > 0:11:27where the plants are adapted for the salt spray conditions.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30Things like the sea kale here, which you can even eat.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32Now, that's a really good tip.
0:11:32 > 0:11:33In fact, we've been going round
0:11:33 > 0:11:35some of the other show garden exhibitors
0:11:35 > 0:11:38and we've had some hints and comments from them.
0:11:38 > 0:11:39Here's just a few of them.
0:11:43 > 0:11:49This garden is made to make children appreciate wild flowers.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51And wild flowers are very important.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54All over the countryside, children are passing wild flowers
0:11:54 > 0:11:56and not paying any attention to them.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59We would like to think that after they've seen our stand,
0:11:59 > 0:12:01that they would appreciate wild flowers better.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04Azaleas, rhododendrons, and ericaceous plants
0:12:04 > 0:12:08respond very well to a good dose of Epsom salts.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11Epsom salts, if you buy them in the garden centre,
0:12:11 > 0:12:12are a wee bit more expensive.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15But if you go to the chemist, it's nice and cheap.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17And you can put some in your bath later on,
0:12:17 > 0:12:19after you've been gardening.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21Borage is a very interesting plant
0:12:21 > 0:12:24that was used in the 17th century for medicinal purposes,
0:12:24 > 0:12:27and it still used today in beauty products.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29And for those of us who like a little tipple,
0:12:29 > 0:12:31you can freeze it and put it in your drinks.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34If you're thinking of edging your lawn for easy maintenance,
0:12:34 > 0:12:38it's a good idea to leave the lawn slightly above the edging surface
0:12:38 > 0:12:40so you can run the mower over it
0:12:40 > 0:12:42without causing any damage to the mower.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48Well, they say that first impressions are what counts,
0:12:48 > 0:12:50and people coming into this floral hall, Billy Carruthers,
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- what an impression you've created! - Afternoon, Jimmy.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56Tell us a little bit about the design of this set-up here.
0:12:56 > 0:13:00Well, this year, we've got Summer Days, and Woodland Haze.
0:13:00 > 0:13:01Well, tell us about the Summer Days.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05Well, here we have all these bee-loving plants
0:13:05 > 0:13:09and a little area where you can sit and have your G&T in the afternoon.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12Absolutely. It's individual plants that are your trade.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15What about this new one you've got here?
0:13:15 > 0:13:17Yeah, this is the native Angelica sylvestris.
0:13:17 > 0:13:18This is a purple one called Ebony.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21- And you expect that one to do extremely well?- Very well.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23It's the skill of putting them together
0:13:23 > 0:13:25that I find is so remarkable.
0:13:25 > 0:13:26Now, this side?
0:13:26 > 0:13:28Well, this is much more subdued.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31This is the moisture-loving woodland plants.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33And not a mark on these hostas!
0:13:33 > 0:13:35- Yes! - THEY LAUGH
0:13:35 > 0:13:39But, listen, your greatest triumph has got to be the peonies.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41- Of course.- Every year, you outdo yourself.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44"Oh, he'll never get better." And you do!
0:13:44 > 0:13:46They are my passion. I just love them to bits.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49We've got quite a few new varieties this year.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52Great. So you do create a most wonderful impression.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54- Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58And over here is a stand called 80 Years of Rock.
0:13:58 > 0:14:04MUSIC: "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones
0:14:04 > 0:14:07- MUSIC STOPS ABRUPTLY - No, not that sort of rock!
0:14:07 > 0:14:0980 years of the Scottish Rock Garden Club.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11Stan, this is a fantastic display.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14Well, the members have been celebrating the 80 years
0:14:14 > 0:14:16by contributing plants growing literally
0:14:16 > 0:14:20the length and breadth of Scotland to represent an even wider area.
0:14:20 > 0:14:21We've got plants in the stand
0:14:21 > 0:14:24from every continent in the world, other than Antarctica.
0:14:24 > 0:14:25Really? That's fantastic.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28Now, so we've got stuff on the mountain top here and then, what?
0:14:28 > 0:14:31As we move down from the windswept top with the little
0:14:31 > 0:14:33dwarf willows and cushion plants,
0:14:33 > 0:14:36we're looking at damp alpine meadows, we're looking at dry river
0:14:36 > 0:14:39beds with things like lewisias from North America.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42Then, as we come down into the valley, we're looking at things like
0:14:42 > 0:14:44meconopsis primulas from places like China
0:14:44 > 0:14:46and the foothills of the Himalayas.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49So, wherever we look, there's just little gems everywhere.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51It's absolutely outstanding. What do you think of it?
0:14:51 > 0:14:53I think that most of the members will be fairly pleased.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56I think, overall, it's not too bad a display.
0:14:56 > 0:14:57Not too bad.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00And so, for the second time at Gardening Scotland,
0:15:00 > 0:15:02it's the Dalgety Bay Horticultural Society.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06And Michael's one of the creators of the garden. So, what's the title of it?
0:15:06 > 0:15:07Through The Back And Then The Front.
0:15:07 > 0:15:11So it's a back garden and a front garden? And a bit about the back, then.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14Members grow the plants and they are heated greenhouses which
0:15:14 > 0:15:16we need in this weather.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18Definitely this year! And the design is lovely.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22Yes. It draws people in. It's angled so it draws people in to the sheds.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25- I want people to stand about. - What about the sheds?
0:15:25 > 0:15:28- Can people go through the sheds? - Please, do.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31So will people be able to walk through the sheds at the weekend?
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- Yes, that's what we want them to do. We want people to use them.- Lovely.
0:15:34 > 0:15:35There's so much going on in there.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38- This is the ornamental side, then? - Yes, this is the front garden.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42- It's just like my front garden. - I think it's a brilliant concept.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44Thank you very much.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53Stella, it's great to see you again from Kevock Plants.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56And you're just back from Chelsea with some wonderful news.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59Yes, we're really excited, we got a gold medal at Chelsea.
0:15:59 > 0:16:03Which is wonderful. Tell me a little bit about these plants here,
0:16:03 > 0:16:07- cos they are really unusual. - Yes, it's Rheum alexandrae. It's a rhubarb.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10And it's just one of the really rare and unusual plants that we have.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13- Do you think that helped you get the gold medal?- I'm quite sure, yes.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17Now, it's rather strange to see you actually setting up your stand.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20Normally it's completely finished. But it's in the making this time,
0:16:20 > 0:16:22so we see some of the tricks of the trade.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26Yes. Old boxes, pots, bits of polystyrene, bubble wrap.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29And then we have two cover it all up with moss and gravel.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32You've really got to be meticulous, so you don't see any of this.
0:16:32 > 0:16:33Perfect presentation.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36- Well, I hope it's a double gold for you.- Thank you very much.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39Now, Stella is an absolute expert with her alpines
0:16:39 > 0:16:42and we've actually been round the Floral Hall and seen
0:16:42 > 0:16:46some of the other exhibitors and got some comments from them too.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51Well, we've got a lovely range of plants here at Garden Scotland.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53We've got delphiniums,
0:16:53 > 0:16:57dahlias, foxgloves and a whole range of superb filler plants
0:16:57 > 0:17:00around the base, all of which have been grown especially for the show.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03The theme of my exhibit is hosta development through the ages.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07What I have here is some landmark popular varieties such as Halcyon,
0:17:07 > 0:17:09in family groups, such as Halcyon
0:17:09 > 0:17:13with its daughter June and Catherine.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15Anita, here, she's a very unusual one.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18Very unusual colouring, but a tender type.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20Has to come indoors in winter, that one.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23Whereas Kat Jan up at the top there, she's a hardy variety.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26Very unusual, she flowers all the way along the stands,
0:17:26 > 0:17:28but hardy even up here.
0:17:28 > 0:17:32We're moving the excess sprouts from the potatoes and we'll polish
0:17:32 > 0:17:36the skin with some cooking oil, just so it gives it a nicer finish.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39It does make a big difference when they're on display,
0:17:39 > 0:17:40if they've got nice, clean skin.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48# I love you
0:17:48 > 0:17:50# Most of all
0:17:50 > 0:17:52# My favourite vegetable... #
0:17:52 > 0:17:56Jim, the National Vegetable Society always put on a good show
0:17:56 > 0:17:58and you've been working really hard on the stand here.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01Slightly different, because more salads.
0:18:01 > 0:18:03We have very much emphasised the salads this year,
0:18:03 > 0:18:06because we feel you should be able to go into the garden
0:18:06 > 0:18:09and pick fresh salad produce every day of the year.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11- 365 days a year.- Indeed.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13And if you grow them in pots like this,
0:18:13 > 0:18:15with cut and come again type lettuces,
0:18:15 > 0:18:17there's no reason why you can't do it
0:18:17 > 0:18:19and you'll see we've got sprouts on the stand as well
0:18:19 > 0:18:22and if you grate a few sprouts on your salad with
0:18:22 > 0:18:24a bit of vinegar oil, they taste wonderful.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26Sounds delicious. You don't need a big garden, do you?
0:18:26 > 0:18:29No, definitely not. Just a small patio.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32- No reason why you can't do this. - Something unusual, that tomato.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35Very nice tomatoes, grown by the Clyde Valley growers.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37They reckon they're going to cost about £4.50 each.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39Hope they taste good.
0:18:39 > 0:18:40# One potato
0:18:40 > 0:18:41# Two potato
0:18:41 > 0:18:44# Three potato, four
0:18:44 > 0:18:45# Five potato... #
0:18:45 > 0:18:49- That's enough of that. 667 potato more.- Incredible!
0:18:49 > 0:18:52What a range of varieties. Absolutely fantastic.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55Somewhere you can pick one that just you would like.
0:18:55 > 0:18:57Because we all like different tatties.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00Of course we do. There is a division, North, South of the border.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04I mean, they say that south of the border people prefer a waxy potato.
0:19:04 > 0:19:08Whereas, here in Scotland, we prefer a floury potato.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11- As long as there's a wee bit of butter with it.- Which do you prefer?
0:19:11 > 0:19:12Mashed, chips...
0:19:12 > 0:19:17- Oh, right. Mash. Yes. - There's more to see. Off you go.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21# Seven potato more... #
0:19:23 > 0:19:25And exhibiting here for the very first time,
0:19:25 > 0:19:27Rumbling Bridge Nurseries.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30We're talking there at the tatties about 600 odd varieties.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33These plants are all grown at 600 feet,
0:19:33 > 0:19:36where the temperatures are quite cool.
0:19:36 > 0:19:37But just look at the range!
0:19:37 > 0:19:40Absolutely fantastic. I would call it a stoater.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43And who said you can't garden meaningfully in a small space?
0:19:43 > 0:19:45Just look at this.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47# Keep you head up
0:19:47 > 0:19:50# Keep your heart strong
0:19:50 > 0:19:52# No, no, no, no
0:19:52 > 0:19:53# Keep your mind set
0:19:53 > 0:19:55# Keep your hair long... #
0:19:55 > 0:19:58Cool conditions would suit these camellias.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02This one, introduced in North America 250 years ago. Perfect.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04You could pick it off the page.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07Fresh as you can be. Thousands of flowers.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10Absolutely stunning fuchsias from
0:20:10 > 0:20:14Roualeyn Nurseries in North Wales, gold medal winners at Chelsea.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17One of our most popular plants. Aren't they stunning?
0:20:19 > 0:20:22Well, from the sublime of the fuchsias
0:20:22 > 0:20:25over there to the "cor, blimey" of this stand here, which is
0:20:25 > 0:20:28set out by the South of Scotland Fuchsia Society
0:20:28 > 0:20:30and its definitely in Edinburgh.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32Here's Greyfriars Bobby.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34There are the trams, very topical at the moment.
0:20:34 > 0:20:36I can tell you, the thing that really stuns me
0:20:36 > 0:20:40every time I see them are these little bonsai fuchsia trees.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44# Keep you mind set in your ways
0:20:44 > 0:20:48# Keep your heart strong... #
0:20:48 > 0:20:51Hostas galore. There's nearly 90 on this stand.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55Two stonkers, Devon Desire and the well-named Devon Giant.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59# I'm happy to have you... #
0:20:59 > 0:21:02Warmenhoven, specialist growers of Amaryllis and Allium.
0:21:02 > 0:21:08Chelsea, best of the best, not just gold. Here, mathematical precision.
0:21:08 > 0:21:09Superb.
0:21:11 > 0:21:12# Keep you mind set
0:21:12 > 0:21:15# Keep you hair long
0:21:15 > 0:21:16# My, my darling
0:21:16 > 0:21:18# Keep you head up
0:21:18 > 0:21:21# Keep you heart strong
0:21:21 > 0:21:23# No, no, no... #
0:21:29 > 0:21:30Isn't this just amazing?
0:21:30 > 0:21:33Fir Tree Pelargoniums, all the way from North Yorkshire
0:21:33 > 0:21:35and they come here every year.
0:21:35 > 0:21:36And I mean, they bring these huge plants.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40The one at the back is 17 years old. A big standard. Imagine carting that all that way.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42It's like handling a baby.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45And they start right from the back, don't they?
0:21:45 > 0:21:47And they measure it all out and it just looks meticulous.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50It's all very carefully done and every plant is perfect.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52There's not a dead leaf to be seen.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54And if you were to pick one?
0:21:54 > 0:21:57I like this one, Ashby, because I like a good, strong pink.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59That would be my favourite. What about you?
0:21:59 > 0:22:02I actually like an Oriental Regal. It's called Rising Sun.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05- Perhaps slightly more delicate. - And they've got some scented ones.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08Nice orange scented, and lemon scented as well.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11- Let's find some more colour. - You go that way, I'll go that way.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16Hotfooting it straight from a gold medal at Chelsea
0:22:16 > 0:22:19are Chrysanthemums Direct, and look at this display.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21Everything from interesting flower shapes,
0:22:21 > 0:22:25big, blousy blooms like this, and then onto the sprays.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28This delicate white and the limey green. Lovely.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31Chrysanths are a flower really close to my heart.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34My grandfather grew these years ago. So did my father.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36So, for me, this display is just perfect.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43Yet another gold winner from Chelsea.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46This is Harts Nursery with beautiful liliums.
0:22:46 > 0:22:52They make a great cut flower, the fragrance is absolutely superb.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55Rather interesting way of displaying them with this gel.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58But I did say we were looking for colour.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00And this is the bloom I would pick,
0:23:00 > 0:23:02a vibrant yellow called Golden Tycoon.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10And from bright yellow to a slightly more subtle version of yellow.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14And a relatively recent introduction into the colour of streptocarpus.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17And look at the rest of the range of colours in this fantastic display
0:23:17 > 0:23:19from Dibleys.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21They like a bright situation, moderate watering
0:23:21 > 0:23:23and they will bloom from May till October.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26In my book, that makes them the ideal houseplant.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35But if you're looking for something to grow outdoors,
0:23:35 > 0:23:37you can't go wrong with clematis.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40Grow it in a sunny border or even in a pot.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43And then grow it up an obelisk or even up a trellis.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45And as for this combination, isn't it beautiful?
0:23:45 > 0:23:47The white of Miss Bateman
0:23:47 > 0:23:49and then the blue at the top there with Arabella.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58And over here, some cool whites and icy blues of the agapanthus.
0:23:58 > 0:23:59One of my favourite flowers.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02And they've got so many uses in a garden. Right at the back,
0:24:02 > 0:24:06these tall ones will punch through a border and make a real statement.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10This mid-range look great in a pot on a warm patio in a nice
0:24:10 > 0:24:11terracotta pot.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14And over here, these little tiny ones look wonderful
0:24:14 > 0:24:16right at the front of a border.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24And staying with the small, aren't these violas absolutely great?
0:24:24 > 0:24:27We've got all of the colours of the rainbow. And take a closer look.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30There's whiskers, there's little faces.
0:24:30 > 0:24:34They are cheery, happy chappies. And that's what it's all about.
0:24:34 > 0:24:38And if you keep deadheading them, they will flower for you for months.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50One of the things that really excites me about Gardening Scotland
0:24:50 > 0:24:52are the pallet gardens and the container gardens.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54This year is no exception.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56I've been up early, judging them,
0:24:56 > 0:24:58and this year there are 40 pallet gardens
0:24:58 > 0:25:01and round about 30 container gardens.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05There's a golf theme here, from the golf greens and fairway,
0:25:05 > 0:25:08through the planters in the town of North Berwick In Bloom.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10Some rather unusual planters.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16There seems to be a bee theme running through the pallet gardens
0:25:16 > 0:25:18this year, and this one is particularly interesting.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20We've got bees to pollinate the bushes,
0:25:20 > 0:25:22to give us the fruit for the Jeely Piece Garden.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27Fabulous range of vegetables grown by Liberton High School.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29Innovative group of containers
0:25:29 > 0:25:32and a bird scarer that will really whisk them away.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34True to the theme of the pallet gardens,
0:25:34 > 0:25:36the Health And Well-Being Garden.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38Look at this. Cures for all ailments.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42If you want something to put a smile on your face,
0:25:42 > 0:25:44you can't beat the pallet gardens.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52Amazing.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55I walked out this morning and found the silver gilt on the little step there
0:25:55 > 0:25:59and then I walk to the floral hall and got presented with Best In Show.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01So, I'm well chuffed.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07Premier gold. We are absolutely delighted. It's great for the whole team.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11It just means everyone can go away happy, knowing they've done their best.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16The news is very good news for the National Veg Society today.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19They've been awarded a gold medal by Gardening Scotland,
0:26:19 > 0:26:22so well done to all the members that put the display up.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28I think it's my fifth consecutive gold medal at Gardening Scotland,
0:26:28 > 0:26:30so rather a special occasion.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55Well, here we are - four very, very happy chappies.
0:26:55 > 0:26:59- They got a silver gilt for this. - Yes, it's a lovely garden, isn't it?
0:26:59 > 0:27:03- Superb.- What a cracking show! - Oh, Jim, this has been magical.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05And the weather couldn't be better, could it?
0:27:05 > 0:27:09- And the forecast is great for the whole weekend.- Yes, my phone told me.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12- My phone told me as well. - Must be right!
0:27:12 > 0:27:14And, you know, we've seen so many plants
0:27:14 > 0:27:17but I think we've missed out on carnivorous, cacti...
0:27:17 > 0:27:20- There's so much more to see.- I've not gone to see the heucheras yet.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23And don't miss the craft fair. I've already been there this morning.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25Pocket money again. Shelling out. But what about plants?
0:27:25 > 0:27:27I bought a little fuchsia.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30It's slightly old-fashioned. It's called Koralle.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32I'd like to add it to our collection at home.
0:27:32 > 0:27:36I know what it's called. I can't believe it, I got exactly the same.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38Great minds.
0:27:38 > 0:27:40I thought about our anniversary for Beechgrove, 35 years,
0:27:40 > 0:27:42and of course, one of the colours is coral.
0:27:42 > 0:27:46It's lucky that I managed to find another one.
0:27:46 > 0:27:53- And I thought about you, Carolyn. - Oh, how nice.- Soppy stuff. - I've gone one better.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56I managed to get our anniversary colours, coral and jade.
0:27:56 > 0:27:58And one plant called Aquilaria.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00It's a houseplant which is going back up
0:28:00 > 0:28:03- to the conservatory at Beechgrove. - Well, that's a real stunner.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05It's nice, isn't it? Really interesting.
0:28:05 > 0:28:09I went some way different. I thought I would just strike a purple patch.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12- Are these not just stunning? - Yes, lovely. Lovely.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15Absolutely fabulous plants.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18If people have a chance to get to the show, they will be gobsmacked.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20When you consider the weather we've had leading up to this,
0:28:20 > 0:28:26- gardeners have really come up trumps again.- The gardeners have made it.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30- They really have.- That's it for this week. See you again next week.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32ALL: Bye-bye!