0:46:00 > 0:46:03Hello, and welcome to Beechgrove at Gardening Scotland,
0:46:03 > 0:46:06the biggest show of its kind north of the border.
0:46:06 > 0:46:10It's an everyman's garden show. And it's blooming marvellous!
0:46:18 > 0:46:22All around us, there's inspiration for everyone and anyone starting out in gardening.
0:46:22 > 0:46:23With a few smiles along the way!
0:46:26 > 0:46:29As well as inspiration for any gardening budget
0:46:29 > 0:46:32and more than a little Scottish style.
0:46:34 > 0:46:36No shrinking violets here!
0:46:36 > 0:46:38Fresh as a daisy.
0:46:38 > 0:46:40And coming up roses.
0:46:42 > 0:46:46But the rightful prima donnas are the plants.
0:46:47 > 0:46:50The stars of the show.
0:46:50 > 0:46:54Join us as we lead you up the garden path for a glimpse of Gardening Scotland,
0:46:54 > 0:46:57where many of the exhibits have come straight from Chelsea.
0:46:57 > 0:47:01The best of the best. The cream of the Chelsea crop.
0:47:07 > 0:47:09Are we sitting comfortably? Then we'll begin.
0:47:09 > 0:47:13And for those of you who are old enough, what's the magic word?
0:47:13 > 0:47:15Herbidacious.
0:47:17 > 0:47:24- Well, that word "herbidacious" just fits that scene there. Tell us about this stand.- It's gorgeous, isn't it?
0:47:24 > 0:47:28This whole stand is in celebration of 50 years of Britain in Bloom,
0:47:28 > 0:47:31- the community gardening campaign.- And I've seen this fella before here.
0:47:31 > 0:47:35Yes. Here's Parsley the Lion, all the way from Bath Gardens.
0:47:35 > 0:47:36And the scene has changed.
0:47:36 > 0:47:40Completely. From the formal planting into a wildflower area.
0:47:40 > 0:47:44And it changes on every side, so something different to see on every side of this garden.
0:47:44 > 0:47:47And you were saying this is celebrating the 50th anniversary.
0:47:47 > 0:47:51- Yes.- It's also celebrating a collaboration between Fife...
0:47:51 > 0:47:54- Tell us about the beaches. - Fife, our beach areas...
0:47:54 > 0:47:57We have the most award-winning beaches in the whole of Scotland.
0:47:57 > 0:47:59- Stop bragging!- There's a lot to brag about in Fife! There is.
0:47:59 > 0:48:02I tell you what, I would brag about these vegetables forever and a day.
0:48:02 > 0:48:04- They are amazing, aren't they? - Fabulous.
0:48:04 > 0:48:07- Yes, these have come up from the Southwest.- Southwest England,
0:48:07 > 0:48:10- so it's quite a collaborative thing, isn't it?- Absolutely.
0:48:10 > 0:48:13Between North and South, of course. Here's one of the other figures.
0:48:13 > 0:48:17- Bath was the first city to win. - Lord Basil himself.- Lord Basil!
0:48:17 > 0:48:21- It's great. Absolutely wonderful. - Is fantastic, isn't it? It's a beautiful garden.
0:48:21 > 0:48:26MUSIC: "Adagio for Strings" by Samuel Barber
0:48:31 > 0:48:35This is the Lost Gardens of the Great War by Ivy Maud Garden Design,
0:48:35 > 0:48:39in conjunction with Poppy Scotland and the Dry Stone Wallers Association.
0:48:39 > 0:48:42And I'm here to meet Jane Whitehead, who's the garden designer.
0:48:42 > 0:48:45Jane, tell us what all this is about.
0:48:45 > 0:48:48Well, the concept behind the garden was that so many young gardeners
0:48:48 > 0:48:51went off to fight in the First World War and didn't return.
0:48:51 > 0:48:55So that's why we have the wildflowers growing up in front of the cultivated plants.
0:48:55 > 0:48:57And there's no catch on the other side of the door?
0:48:57 > 0:49:00There's no way back sometimes.
0:49:00 > 0:49:02And we even see the scythe propped beside the door
0:49:02 > 0:49:04as a poignant reminder of that.
0:49:04 > 0:49:06And where's this going afterwards?
0:49:06 > 0:49:10After the show, it's going to the Erskine Hospital
0:49:10 > 0:49:14and it will be completely rebuilt by dry stone walling volunteers again
0:49:14 > 0:49:15for use by ex-servicemen.
0:49:21 > 0:49:25MUSIC: "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong
0:49:25 > 0:49:28We all know that gardening is good for us, but it's also therapeutic.
0:49:28 > 0:49:33And that seems to be the theme running through one or two of the gardens this year.
0:49:33 > 0:49:35So, Amber, this is called the Perennial Garden,
0:49:35 > 0:49:39- and Perennial is a charity?- It is, yes. It's a gardening charity.
0:49:39 > 0:49:41They help gardeners in need, whatever their problem is.
0:49:41 > 0:49:43Financial or illness or anything else.
0:49:43 > 0:49:46So, how did that influence you with the design?
0:49:46 > 0:49:49Well, their logo is actually an arum lily,
0:49:49 > 0:49:52so we've got these great big steel arum lilies at the back there.
0:49:52 > 0:49:55- Your husband made those? - He did, yes.
0:49:55 > 0:49:59- He's a steel fabricator, so that's really helpful.- Absolutely beautiful.
0:49:59 > 0:50:03- And then the water coming out of them?- Yes, we've got this chaotic landscape at the back.
0:50:03 > 0:50:07With shards of slate all lined up and really bold purple planting.
0:50:07 > 0:50:09And then the water kind of flows through the garden,
0:50:09 > 0:50:12healing it as it goes. And it gets softer and gentler as we go through.
0:50:12 > 0:50:14- So we end up in the calm bit here. - We do.
0:50:14 > 0:50:16- I'm quite relaxed, actually! - Oh, lovely!
0:50:16 > 0:50:21- THEY LAUGH - # What a wonderful world. #
0:50:38 > 0:50:42Carolyn, you're the designer of this lovely round show garden.
0:50:42 > 0:50:45Is there a significance to that? It's called the Garden of Hope?
0:50:45 > 0:50:47Yes, it's a garden which was designed and built for
0:50:47 > 0:50:50the Freedom from Fistula Foundation, and I realised that it was
0:50:50 > 0:50:54about healing for women and that this was not a straightforward process.
0:50:54 > 0:50:59So hence the circle? Same with the path as well, then? That's taking you on that journey?
0:50:59 > 0:51:04Yes, it's a winding path for a complicated journey, yes.
0:51:04 > 0:51:07And what about the plants? Because I particularly love these alliums.
0:51:07 > 0:51:09Yes, I've combined Stipa tenuissima
0:51:09 > 0:51:13with Allium giganteum and Allium "Purple Sensation".
0:51:13 > 0:51:15- It's very much a team effort? - Very much so.
0:51:15 > 0:51:17The garden was built by Water Gems
0:51:17 > 0:51:20and the plants were supplied by Binny Plants.
0:51:20 > 0:51:25- Well, we've certainly plenty of water today, but I wish you the best of luck.- Thanks very much.
0:51:26 > 0:51:29The Retreat is a garden designed by Dundee and Angus College.
0:51:29 > 0:51:33It is another one of these therapeutic gardens.
0:51:33 > 0:51:36I'm here with Ally McQueen. Ally, tell me something about this.
0:51:36 > 0:51:40Well, it first was initiated last year by the guys from CHAS,
0:51:40 > 0:51:43the Children's Hospice Association Scotland.
0:51:43 > 0:51:47They loved our design and wanted to commission a design from us
0:51:47 > 0:51:50for this year's show that would be finally installed through
0:51:50 > 0:51:53Robin House, which is a hospice at Loch Lomond side.
0:51:53 > 0:51:55And the purpose of the garden is?
0:51:55 > 0:51:58It's really for the respite of the parents, to hang out in
0:51:58 > 0:52:02and contemplate in and just have a place of respite for a while.
0:52:02 > 0:52:05Now, you've had a lot of help with making this, haven't you?
0:52:05 > 0:52:08Yeah, great teamwork, both from our students and staff from Robin House
0:52:08 > 0:52:11came through, Andy and Maggie, and a team of volunteers,
0:52:11 > 0:52:15helped us build the dykes and also do a lot of the planting and donkey work.
0:52:15 > 0:52:18- And you've got a picture here of Robin House itself.- Yeah.
0:52:18 > 0:52:21And this roofline reflects the roofline that we've got here.
0:52:21 > 0:52:24Yes, it's a very dramatic, modern building, isn't it?
0:52:24 > 0:52:27And our final design is going to have an amazing stainless steel roof
0:52:27 > 0:52:32designed by Jeff Henry at the college, which he's busy still welding bits onto at the moment.
0:52:32 > 0:52:35Well, when he's finished and it goes through at the end of the show,
0:52:35 > 0:52:37it will just look splendid.
0:52:39 > 0:52:43Now, this area of Gardening Scotland shows off the talents of
0:52:43 > 0:52:47a new crop of garden designers from the Scottish horticultural colleges.
0:52:47 > 0:52:51This one is Glasgow, with the cheerful sunflowers.
0:52:51 > 0:52:55Now, George, he is over there doing a bit of space exploration.
0:52:55 > 0:52:58# There's a starman waiting in the sky
0:52:58 > 0:53:01# He'd like to come and meet us... #
0:53:01 > 0:53:06That's one small step for George and one giant leap for garden design.
0:53:06 > 0:53:09MUSIC: "Starman" by David Bowie
0:53:09 > 0:53:12Oh, Donald! Good to see you. I'm glad I made it.
0:53:12 > 0:53:16- Have you have landed? - I have, aye! What's this all about?
0:53:16 > 0:53:20This is a student project for SRUC Edinburgh
0:53:20 > 0:53:24and the idea originally came from a plant list checked out at NASA
0:53:24 > 0:53:29that would sustain a human being or astronaut in a hostile environment.
0:53:29 > 0:53:32- So, what have we got? - We have hydroponics. Air-pots.
0:53:32 > 0:53:36We've got some test tubes, we've got the ROCKWOOL.
0:53:36 > 0:53:40All different methods of growing experimental-type stuff.
0:53:40 > 0:53:42- And a whole range of plants. - A whole range.
0:53:42 > 0:53:45We looked at a list for available vitamins and nutrients,
0:53:45 > 0:53:48and these came up. We've elaborated slightly with some of them.
0:53:48 > 0:53:53- And this would sustain me in space? - We would hope so.- Beam me up.
0:53:53 > 0:53:55- Beam me up! - THEY LAUGH
0:53:55 > 0:53:56RADIO STATIC
0:53:56 > 0:53:59'We can't hear you. Come in, Anderson...'
0:54:01 > 0:54:06Right next door and from the same college, but Jingo, it could be from
0:54:06 > 0:54:10an entirely different planet, is the Woodman's Hut, designed by Anna.
0:54:10 > 0:54:12Has this memories of home for you?
0:54:12 > 0:54:16Yes, I'm from Hungary and most of these ideas and equipment came from my country.
0:54:16 > 0:54:19And, of course, when we go out here, there's an incredible path.
0:54:19 > 0:54:22- What's the story of that? - Yes, it's called a barefoot walk
0:54:22 > 0:54:24and we thought after a long day trip in a forest
0:54:24 > 0:54:26a woodsman could take off his shoes
0:54:26 > 0:54:29and just walk his way in the hut and this path will massage his feet.
0:54:29 > 0:54:32Well, you've kept faith with that, but I'm certainly not!
0:54:32 > 0:54:35The point being that in a forest there is so much that's edible?
0:54:35 > 0:54:37Yes, it's called a forest gardening method,
0:54:37 > 0:54:40and it's full with all these fruit-bearing trees and shrubs
0:54:40 > 0:54:44and edible leaves, edible flowers. Everything is edible or medicinally used.
0:54:44 > 0:54:48- I think you've created a bit of a masterpiece.- Thank you. - Well done, you. Thank you.
0:54:50 > 0:54:52Louise, you're the designer from SRUC Ayr.
0:54:52 > 0:54:55It's being in the jungle and all about childhood?
0:54:55 > 0:54:58Yes, well, our sponsors are the NSPCC,
0:54:58 > 0:55:00so that's really where the childhood theme came from.
0:55:00 > 0:55:03So, we've got these tree ferns, the bananas, the cannas
0:55:03 > 0:55:07with their big leaves, which really get that kind of jungly feel.
0:55:07 > 0:55:11- And when you're small, that kind of sense of seclusion in the garden. - Yeah, you have to bend down.
0:55:11 > 0:55:14We've obviously got this wee hut for them to hide in,
0:55:14 > 0:55:18- with our friendly orang-utan here. - Has he got a name?
0:55:18 > 0:55:22- I think that might be George! - What a good idea! He'll like that.
0:55:22 > 0:55:24Water, I think, is important to play with.
0:55:24 > 0:55:28Yeah, and we've got these boats here which will also be good fun
0:55:28 > 0:55:31- when they're ready.- It's making me reminisce about childhood.
0:55:31 > 0:55:33I used to make mud-pies and collect rose petals.
0:55:33 > 0:55:36- It's all about having fun, isn't it? - Yeah, all about having fun.
0:55:36 > 0:55:40MUSIC: "Go Wild in the Country" by Bow Wow Wow
0:55:42 > 0:55:45It never ceases to amaze me what you can do in a few square metres.
0:55:45 > 0:55:47Here we've got the Scottish landscape.
0:55:47 > 0:55:50We've got a little pebble beach with the thrift on it.
0:55:50 > 0:55:52A lovely meadow with the campion.
0:55:52 > 0:55:56And then we come out onto the top and we see this little mountain tarn
0:55:56 > 0:55:58and meet the perpetrators, Jenna and Matt.
0:55:58 > 0:56:01- Now, what's it all about, then, Matt?- So, this garden's all about
0:56:01 > 0:56:05looking at how you can use a range of different plans to bring wildlife into your garden.
0:56:05 > 0:56:09So we've got all different aspects. We've got the heather moorland, we've got the grass, we've got everything.
0:56:09 > 0:56:11- It's fairly diverse.- Yes.
0:56:11 > 0:56:14Great stuff. What about this tartan? Where does that come into it?
0:56:14 > 0:56:15Dotted around the garden,
0:56:15 > 0:56:19- there's plants that are associated to Scottish clans.- Ah, yes.
0:56:19 > 0:56:22So we've got the thistle over there, which is Clan Stewart.
0:56:22 > 0:56:24And the ferns behind it are Clan Chisholm.
0:56:24 > 0:56:27- And there's more dotted around. - It's good stuff.
0:56:27 > 0:56:33As we go round the showground, we're on the lookout for tips, hints and observations.
0:56:33 > 0:56:36MUSIC: Guitar plays "Mr Sandman"
0:56:39 > 0:56:41We've use a lot of greens in our garden, which is
0:56:41 > 0:56:44a really nice therapeutic calming colour.
0:56:44 > 0:56:46In particular, we've got these wild ginger, which,
0:56:46 > 0:56:51when you're planting them, the roots really smell strongly of that ginger.
0:56:51 > 0:56:54Our top tip is, how about going on a weekend course?
0:56:54 > 0:56:55Learn some dry stone walling,
0:56:55 > 0:56:58then look at these lovely wildflowers you can grow.
0:56:58 > 0:57:03This is a lovely native mix, which I think just looks great.
0:57:03 > 0:57:06Nature abhors a vacuum, so don't leave too much bare soil in your garden,
0:57:06 > 0:57:10otherwise nature will fill it up with weeds. So make sure you cram your plants in.
0:57:10 > 0:57:14This is a very straightforward design tip. Keep it simple.
0:57:14 > 0:57:17We've got red sandstone here in the two dykes behind us.
0:57:17 > 0:57:19We've got a lovely stone trough
0:57:19 > 0:57:22and we've repeated the sandstone down here in the rockery.
0:57:22 > 0:57:26So keep it simple and repeat the same material throughout
0:57:26 > 0:57:28to draw your design together.
0:57:28 > 0:57:31Fresh herbs make such a difference to our cooking.
0:57:31 > 0:57:32Probably the best-known is mint.
0:57:32 > 0:57:35It's lovely with new potatoes or peas.
0:57:35 > 0:57:37But it does tend to spread quite a lot.
0:57:37 > 0:57:41We always recommend you grow it in a container. Here's a new idea.
0:57:41 > 0:57:45This is a vertical planter. We've got six different sorts of mint in there.
0:57:45 > 0:57:47Guess what? The planter's purple.
0:57:49 > 0:57:52MUSIC: "BBC Golf Classic Theme"
0:57:52 > 0:57:57Club caddy, get the right one now. Thank you. Thank you.
0:57:57 > 0:58:01Here we go, then. Let's have a wee look at this. OK?
0:58:03 > 0:58:06Oh, yes! CRASH
0:58:06 > 0:58:09That's on its way. Caddy, next club.
0:58:09 > 0:58:12Well, I think you should try this one because that shot was rubbish.
0:58:12 > 0:58:15Hey, you, guys. Off the grass!
0:58:15 > 0:58:18Come on, the only shots you're good for are doubles.
0:58:18 > 0:58:22- It's the greenkeeper! I thought we were going to have to pay!- It's OK.
0:58:22 > 0:58:25- It's just James Wheatley, we're all right.- Behind all of this here.
0:58:25 > 0:58:27Tell us a little more about it.
0:58:27 > 0:58:32Well, we've been building this garden for the last three or four days for Westbank Enterprises.
0:58:32 > 0:58:36- And that's in Perth?- That's right. They're celebrating the arrival,
0:58:36 > 0:58:38or they're welcoming the Ryder Cup this September.
0:58:38 > 0:58:41- Of course!- And what a fantastic way to celebrate that.- Yes.
0:58:41 > 0:58:46Now, the planting intrigues me. Just brilliantly organised, these plants.
0:58:46 > 0:58:49We've gone for the naturalistic planting behind me,
0:58:49 > 0:58:54through to the formal planting that Perthshire's well-known for.
0:58:54 > 0:58:58And then we've fused it through with this soft, gentle planting.
0:58:58 > 0:58:59It's hard to combine the colours,
0:58:59 > 0:59:02hard to get that naturalistic look flowing into that,
0:59:02 > 0:59:05- but I think we've done it. - Oh, you certainly have.
0:59:05 > 0:59:08- And that curve going round there is absolutely stunning.- Thanks.
0:59:08 > 0:59:10- Well done.- Thanks.
0:59:10 > 0:59:12MUSIC CONTINUES
0:59:16 > 0:59:19Binny, it's really good to see you again, from Binny Plants.
0:59:19 > 0:59:22And this garden has been inspired by your trips to New Zealand?
0:59:22 > 0:59:24Yeah, very much so.
0:59:24 > 0:59:28The whole structure, everything, the trees, the shrubs, the grasses,
0:59:28 > 0:59:31- they're all New Zealand plants. - Absolutely brilliant.
0:59:31 > 0:59:33And straightaway we've got to mention these here
0:59:33 > 0:59:35because they do dominate it.
0:59:35 > 0:59:38The big pseudopanax. Pseudopanax ferox,
0:59:38 > 0:59:41or the lancewood as it's known. It's weird and wonderful.
0:59:41 > 0:59:44- But you like that, don't you? - I love it.
0:59:44 > 0:59:47I love the ferns and there's a beautiful asplenium just on the edge.
0:59:47 > 0:59:49That's the "Chicken and Hen" fern,
0:59:49 > 0:59:52which has these little babies on the tips of the leaves.
0:59:52 > 0:59:55Yes, I noticed that. So a little bit of propagation there.
0:59:55 > 0:59:57Yeah, I'll give you some of those before you go.
0:59:57 > 1:00:00Another plant that dominates is the grass.
1:00:00 > 1:00:03Anyone that's ever seen Lord of the Rings will remember
1:00:03 > 1:00:06all the hillsides covered in red grasses, and this is it.
1:00:06 > 1:00:08Chionochloa rubra. The New Zealand red tussock.
1:00:08 > 1:00:10- I prefer red tussock, I think!- I think so!
1:00:10 > 1:00:12- Beautiful.- Thank you.
1:00:19 > 1:00:22Well, Keith, I'm a bit worried about you and this sword.
1:00:22 > 1:00:23What's this about today?
1:00:23 > 1:00:27George, we were asked by Dunfermline Delivers to put on a floral display
1:00:27 > 1:00:30that reflects Dunfermline's connection with Robert the Bruce,
1:00:30 > 1:00:33and through that, the Bruce Festival.
1:00:33 > 1:00:35As you know, Robert the Bruce is buried in Dunfermline Abbey.
1:00:35 > 1:00:37All, that is, except his heart.
1:00:37 > 1:00:40And the visitor to the show here can see the spider,
1:00:40 > 1:00:43the cave behind us, Robbie himself, his sword,
1:00:43 > 1:00:46and if they look really, really carefully,
1:00:46 > 1:00:48they can actually see his heart as well.
1:00:48 > 1:00:50Now, what happens to this garden when you're finished?
1:00:50 > 1:00:53Well, fortunately, there will be a legacy
1:00:53 > 1:00:55because we hope to put this in Dunfermline Park itself,
1:00:55 > 1:00:59where everybody can see it, all of us can see it there.
1:00:59 > 1:01:01- So a legacy from Robbie?- Indeed.
1:01:01 > 1:01:05And another legacy from the exhibitors is their handy hints.
1:01:05 > 1:01:09MUSIC: "Mr Sandman"
1:01:12 > 1:01:14To protect your hostas from slugs,
1:01:14 > 1:01:18the old rule of thumb is to put the slug defences down on 14 February
1:01:18 > 1:01:19and supposedly that will keep
1:01:19 > 1:01:21the slug pellets, or the slug defences, dry
1:01:21 > 1:01:25but if it's in Scotland, it might be 14 July.
1:01:25 > 1:01:29Why not try growing this really hardy little kiwi plant in your garden?
1:01:29 > 1:01:32Bulbinella hookeri.
1:01:32 > 1:01:35Well, this is a bladderwort and it is carnivorous.
1:01:35 > 1:01:38It's an ideal plant for the windowsill.
1:01:38 > 1:01:41It catches its prey via little sacs on the roots
1:01:41 > 1:01:44so you don't get to see what happens,
1:01:44 > 1:01:47but at least you get a lovely little flower.
1:01:47 > 1:01:51My hot tip is to collect dahlia seed, sow the seed,
1:01:51 > 1:01:55select them, and you can actually name it after yourself.
1:01:55 > 1:01:58This one we've named Bloom 50
1:01:58 > 1:02:01to commemorate 50 years of Britain in Bloom.
1:02:01 > 1:02:03Isn't it lovely?
1:02:03 > 1:02:06Yeah, people often ask how you get vegetables looking as good
1:02:06 > 1:02:08and as large as this.
1:02:08 > 1:02:09But I think the first thing is,
1:02:09 > 1:02:11you need really good quality seed
1:02:11 > 1:02:13then, after that, I feed all my plants.
1:02:13 > 1:02:15Every time I water them I give them a weak liquid feed.
1:02:15 > 1:02:19I find they respond well to that and they keep their form and shape.
1:02:19 > 1:02:23Yeah, we always deadhead pelargoniums so that they don't come into seed.
1:02:23 > 1:02:26If they start to produce seed, then they stop flowering.
1:02:26 > 1:02:28So removing any heads that are going over
1:02:28 > 1:02:30is really important to keep them flowering.
1:02:34 > 1:02:37I always enjoy the Vegetable Society stand
1:02:37 > 1:02:41because these vegetables are absolutely immaculate
1:02:41 > 1:02:44and you can eat all of them, and I just love my food.
1:02:44 > 1:02:46I particularly like the wheels here.
1:02:46 > 1:02:49And that's an interesting combination, isn't it?
1:02:49 > 1:02:51Garlic and radish.
1:02:51 > 1:02:55Chillies, I think I could only eat one of those. Hot Mexican.
1:02:55 > 1:02:58And potatoes? I love my tatties.
1:02:58 > 1:03:00A variety called Nadine,
1:03:00 > 1:03:04whether you roast it or mash it, it's very versatile.
1:03:04 > 1:03:05It's a plant with a purpose.
1:03:05 > 1:03:07And we're going to find other plants with a purpose.
1:03:07 > 1:03:11MUSIC: "Pass It On" by The Coral
1:03:16 > 1:03:19I reckon that this plant, the chrysanthemum,
1:03:19 > 1:03:24was actually bred for a purpose. And that purpose is cut flower.
1:03:24 > 1:03:28The range of colours, the shapes, absolutely fabulous.
1:03:28 > 1:03:32This particular display, from Chrysanthemums Direct,
1:03:32 > 1:03:33got a gold medal at Chelsea.
1:03:33 > 1:03:35You could be cutting them
1:03:35 > 1:03:38all the way from July right beyond Christmas.
1:03:38 > 1:03:41Just look at that. Isn't that sublime?
1:03:47 > 1:03:48Now, I know Jim mentioned Christmas,
1:03:48 > 1:03:51so how about this as a cracker of a plant?
1:03:51 > 1:03:55The fuchsia is incredibly versatile as a bedding plant -
1:03:55 > 1:03:59whether you plant it in the border, put it in a container, or even
1:03:59 > 1:04:04trailing in a hanging basket, these plants will flower for months.
1:04:04 > 1:04:09Just keep deadheading them, even feed them with a tomato fertiliser.
1:04:09 > 1:04:11And I know this is slightly different,
1:04:11 > 1:04:13but you can also grow them as bonsai.
1:04:20 > 1:04:22Two more plants for a purpose, dry shade.
1:04:22 > 1:04:25An epimedium with its wonderful bronze foliage coming
1:04:25 > 1:04:28through into Blechnum penna-marina,
1:04:28 > 1:04:32absolutely charming, both with bronze foliage, ideal for dry shade.
1:04:38 > 1:04:39Do you know?
1:04:39 > 1:04:42I reckon that the hostas are the most promiscuous plant family
1:04:42 > 1:04:44that I have ever come across.
1:04:44 > 1:04:46That's why there's so many of them.
1:04:46 > 1:04:49But do you know? If you've got a problem in the garden,
1:04:49 > 1:04:51or a damp spot that doesn't get a lot of sun,
1:04:51 > 1:04:53the hosta family might just solve the problem.
1:04:53 > 1:04:57Now, I'd like to introduce you to the latest member of the family.
1:04:57 > 1:04:59There he is in there - 'Andy Murray'.
1:05:05 > 1:05:10From herbaceous to shrubs, I think rhododendrons are fantastic plants.
1:05:10 > 1:05:13And if you have a busy lifestyle, you might want to grow these
1:05:13 > 1:05:15because they are low-maintenance.
1:05:15 > 1:05:20Fantastic foliage, colours, they're evergreen, so you get interest
1:05:20 > 1:05:2412 months of the year, also a wonderful range of flower colours.
1:05:24 > 1:05:29Give them acid conditions, a little bit of deadheading, and do remember
1:05:29 > 1:05:33it's maybe not no-maintenance but it's definitely low-maintenance.
1:05:39 > 1:05:42So from low-maintenance to high-value.
1:05:42 > 1:05:45This is a foxglove known as 'Camelot'.
1:05:45 > 1:05:47Normally foxgloves flower on one side of the stem only,
1:05:47 > 1:05:50but this one flowers all the way round the stem.
1:05:50 > 1:05:53Twice the value. Brilliant plant.
1:05:56 > 1:05:58And there's no place I'd rather be than
1:05:58 > 1:06:00the Scottish Rock Garden Club stand.
1:06:00 > 1:06:04This is all about plants growing in different situations,
1:06:04 > 1:06:07starting off with a woodland area where we have to pick out
1:06:07 > 1:06:10the meconopsis - the beautiful blue poppy.
1:06:10 > 1:06:13It associates so well with the candelabra primula.
1:06:13 > 1:06:17And then we move into the mountains and right at the peak,
1:06:17 > 1:06:21look at these two plants here that grow so well together -
1:06:21 > 1:06:25celmisia, the grey foliage and the daisy-like flowers
1:06:25 > 1:06:29and then the white flower heads there of the saxifrage.
1:06:29 > 1:06:33Then we go into a dry area, right into the crevice. The house leeks,
1:06:33 > 1:06:36they love that, they don't need a lot of moisture.
1:06:36 > 1:06:38And so do the lewisias.
1:06:38 > 1:06:41And then, just moving on to the edge of the river bed,
1:06:41 > 1:06:44are two plants that have really caught my eye - the oxalis,
1:06:44 > 1:06:49which is called 'Sheffield Swan', and the bright-blue polygala.
1:06:49 > 1:06:52Now, Jim, George and myself are going to take the opportunity
1:06:52 > 1:06:55to go around and find some more planting partners.
1:06:55 > 1:06:58MUSIC: "Put Your Records On" by Corinne Bailey Rae
1:07:04 > 1:07:07Ever get that sensation when you visit a gallery,
1:07:07 > 1:07:08or an exhibition, or a garden,
1:07:08 > 1:07:11something happens that makes you stop and take a step back,
1:07:11 > 1:07:14as it happened to me a wee while ago here?
1:07:14 > 1:07:16And what was it?
1:07:16 > 1:07:20It was this pleasing, beautiful arrangement, plant design,
1:07:20 > 1:07:22of the different sizes, the different shapes,
1:07:22 > 1:07:26the different colours all coming together with a very,
1:07:26 > 1:07:28very pleasing outcome in my eyes.
1:07:28 > 1:07:31I couldn't do it but I can certainly admire
1:07:31 > 1:07:32the work of the people that do.
1:07:32 > 1:07:34It's absolutely beautiful.
1:07:42 > 1:07:44Well, I think this is beautiful too.
1:07:44 > 1:07:46It's very simple but personally
1:07:46 > 1:07:49I think it's a very effective combination.
1:07:49 > 1:07:53We've got two plants, the Heuchera 'Midnight Rose' - deep maroon
1:07:53 > 1:07:55and then a splash of pink.
1:07:55 > 1:07:58And then we have the contrast with the veronica, fresh green foliage
1:07:58 > 1:08:03and then these lovely spires with the soft pink blooms.
1:08:03 > 1:08:05No wonder it's called 'Inspire Pink'.
1:08:05 > 1:08:10And these two plants are quite happy in the sun or slight shade.
1:08:13 > 1:08:15Often when we plant aliums, we get upset
1:08:15 > 1:08:19because we can see the foliage dying back and it looks really ugly.
1:08:19 > 1:08:22So what to do is plant them amongst other herbaceous plants
1:08:22 > 1:08:26so that the herbaceous plants cover the dying foliage and you get
1:08:26 > 1:08:29extra height to your planting and everything looks wonderful.
1:08:34 > 1:08:37When people talk to me about plant associations, I think of little
1:08:37 > 1:08:43cameos like this, dominated slightly by this gorgeous little Iris tenax.
1:08:43 > 1:08:45And they're all happy.
1:08:45 > 1:08:49And the skill of the planter, of course, is to look at all of these.
1:08:49 > 1:08:52None of them are complaining about their neighbours, are they?
1:08:52 > 1:08:54They're all seated in nicely, in the right position,
1:08:54 > 1:08:57and it gives the most wonderful effect.
1:08:57 > 1:08:59And just to finish off, something that is quite sublime -
1:08:59 > 1:09:02that gorgeous primula there.
1:09:02 > 1:09:04You'd think it'd been there all its days.
1:09:09 > 1:09:14And this is a divine combination, two plants, one pot.
1:09:14 > 1:09:16Clematis on the top with wonderful blue flowers.
1:09:16 > 1:09:20Underneath, the variegated foliage of ampelopsis, which extends
1:09:20 > 1:09:24the planting season and covers the messy base of the clematis.
1:09:27 > 1:09:31The last planting combination is just a bit of fun.
1:09:31 > 1:09:34Have you ever thought of planting up an old barbecue?
1:09:34 > 1:09:36And I really like the choice of plants.
1:09:36 > 1:09:40Right at the top you've got the dark foliage of the lysimachia,
1:09:40 > 1:09:44then there's the cirsium with the thistle-like flower heads,
1:09:44 > 1:09:46followed by fiery red geums.
1:09:46 > 1:09:49And round at the bottom, you've got the lettuce.
1:09:49 > 1:09:53This is really potager-style gardening in a novel container.
1:10:00 > 1:10:02One area of Gardening Scotland which really excites me
1:10:02 > 1:10:03is the pallet gardens.
1:10:03 > 1:10:06This year is no exception - there are 40 pallet gardens
1:10:06 > 1:10:09in 40 containers of absolute brilliance.
1:10:09 > 1:10:12MUSIC: "Shiny Happy People" by R.E.M.
1:10:12 > 1:10:16Look at Nature's Carnival, it's a roller coaster of a tea party.
1:10:20 > 1:10:22I like this one, this is a grandpa's garden
1:10:22 > 1:10:24and I've got a garden just like this at home.
1:10:24 > 1:10:26What do you think about it, Billy?
1:10:32 > 1:10:36I love these green, textural mounds. But look, a candy-striped path.
1:10:36 > 1:10:39And I didn't know that dolly mixtures grew on trees!
1:10:42 > 1:10:44And just look at the detail in this.
1:10:44 > 1:10:47A little blue house, washing on the line,
1:10:47 > 1:10:50a sweet pea arch and a wonderful spiral staircase.
1:10:50 > 1:10:52And you thought it was just a broken pot.
1:10:54 > 1:10:57Unhand that! What are you doing to that?
1:10:57 > 1:10:59THEY LAUGH
1:11:00 > 1:11:03Ivy...hebe...geranium. F?
1:11:03 > 1:11:06What's the F in here? Fuchsia.
1:11:10 > 1:11:12So, on reflection, if you want to see what I see,
1:11:12 > 1:11:14don't miss the pallet gardens.
1:11:14 > 1:11:17MUSIC: "Treasure" by Bruno Mars
1:11:21 > 1:11:24Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!
1:11:25 > 1:11:29Oh, that's absolutely brilliant. It's unbelievable.
1:11:30 > 1:11:33Oh, my God. Oh, my God!
1:11:33 > 1:11:35I thought we didn't get anything
1:11:35 > 1:11:37but it was just blown away by the wind.
1:11:37 > 1:11:39Gold!
1:11:41 > 1:11:42Woo, we've got a gold!
1:11:44 > 1:11:47And you've got a premier gold. And it's best in show as well.
1:11:47 > 1:11:50- Best in show.- In the floral hall. - It's just, "Oh!"
1:11:50 > 1:11:53So, where's the champagne?
1:11:53 > 1:11:54That's my first gold medal.
1:11:58 > 1:12:00- Another gold!- Yes, fantastic.
1:12:00 > 1:12:03- Oh, you must be so pleased about that.- Absolutely delighted.
1:12:03 > 1:12:06- Congratulations.- Thank you.
1:12:06 > 1:12:08- Well, a premier gold.- Yes. Really pleased with that.
1:12:08 > 1:12:11It's wonderful because this is going to be your last year showing.
1:12:11 > 1:12:13Yes, that's right.
1:12:13 > 1:12:15But I believe you're coming back to do some judging.
1:12:15 > 1:12:18Yes. Yes, I always love coming to Gardening Scotland.
1:12:18 > 1:12:20It's such a warm, friendly show.
1:12:20 > 1:12:22So, yes, I'll enjoy coming back just as a judge.
1:12:22 > 1:12:26WOODWIND RICH MELLOW POP MUSIC
1:12:44 > 1:12:48- Well, Jim, have you enjoyed yourself? - Enjoying myself? Absolutely.
1:12:48 > 1:12:51And there's a lot more to see. It's a tremendous show, absolutely.
1:12:51 > 1:12:54I haven't seen the pallet gardens, but you were judging them.
1:12:54 > 1:12:56You have to go, because if you want to lift your spirits
1:12:56 > 1:12:58and make you smile, that's the place.
1:12:58 > 1:13:01I was judging them this morning and they're absolutely fabulous.
1:13:01 > 1:13:04What do you think of the new layout? Show gardens...
1:13:04 > 1:13:06And more show gardens, which is brilliant.
1:13:06 > 1:13:09And the standard of the show gardens is well up this year.
1:13:09 > 1:13:11Absolutely. Now, you've been purchasing.
1:13:11 > 1:13:12From the floral hall.
1:13:12 > 1:13:16I went in and I bought this orchid because I want to try that and make
1:13:16 > 1:13:20sure that it's hardy in Scotland and then we can really get off and go.
1:13:20 > 1:13:23Do you think we could divide it?
1:13:23 > 1:13:27- I think we MIGHT be able to.- Moving swiftly on.- I bought this as well.
1:13:27 > 1:13:28I didn't go for another plant,
1:13:28 > 1:13:31I went for this because I think this is a wee example of recycling.
1:13:31 > 1:13:34You can fill it with water or you can fill it with liquid feed
1:13:34 > 1:13:36- and you can spray plants. - Moisten your plants.
1:13:36 > 1:13:39- Two nozzles, I like that. - One for up and one for down.
1:13:39 > 1:13:42- Yes, yes. And yourself? - Two plants.- Predictable as ever.
1:13:42 > 1:13:44Two plants. Two plants. One for sun and one for shade.
1:13:44 > 1:13:48Yes, I love the blue of that. That's a Veronica 'Crater Lake Blue'.
1:13:48 > 1:13:52And this for the foliage. A viola and the name - 'Heartthrob'.
1:13:52 > 1:13:53Aw!
1:13:53 > 1:13:55What about you, Jim?
1:13:55 > 1:13:58Well, George was talking about hardiness a minute ago.
1:13:58 > 1:14:00Hydrangea quercifolia, absolutely stunning.
1:14:00 > 1:14:03Grows at Crathes, I wonder if it will be hardy in my garden?
1:14:03 > 1:14:06It's marketed as hardy plant, we shall see.
1:14:06 > 1:14:08And then, what about this little fella?
1:14:08 > 1:14:11This has been the people's choice of a new introduction -
1:14:11 > 1:14:14- Streptocarpus 'Bella'.- Look at the veining on that.- Isn't it gorgeous?
1:14:14 > 1:14:17- Wonderful.- The colour and movement in that is brilliant.
1:14:17 > 1:14:21- What a choice.- But that's it. Until next time...- ALL: Goodbye!