0:00:11 > 0:00:14Hello and welcome to Beechgrove Garden,
0:00:14 > 0:00:18back at Gardening Scotland, and from what I've seen already,
0:00:18 > 0:00:21you should join us at the biggest, bestest
0:00:21 > 0:00:24horticultural jamboree north of the border.
0:00:24 > 0:00:28This exceptional exhibit has been inspired by the fact that
0:00:28 > 0:00:342016 has been designated the Year of Architecture, Innovation and Design,
0:00:34 > 0:00:38and straightaway I think this is a novel way of displaying your plants.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41This is Gardening Scotland. This is a big show.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44This is where you can come and get information on growing plants
0:00:44 > 0:00:47and it's affordable and it's inaccessible.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49You can come and speak to the growers who have grown these
0:00:49 > 0:00:52wonderful blooms and get all the information you need
0:00:52 > 0:00:54to take home and grow them by yourself.
0:00:54 > 0:00:58- Hello there, nice of you to call. - Hello!- Oh, thank you. Can we sit down?
0:00:58 > 0:01:00Well, honestly, there's so much to do,
0:01:00 > 0:01:03I think you should get your skates on. Get on!
0:01:03 > 0:01:06- And your money out!- Aye.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17They seem to have forgotten the salt and pepper!
0:01:23 > 0:01:27Just look at that behind me. How about that for a hanging basket?
0:01:27 > 0:01:31# I'm gonna need somebody's hand
0:01:31 > 0:01:36# I'm gonna need someone to hold me down... #
0:01:36 > 0:01:39Look at this, it's an orange cauliflower!
0:01:39 > 0:01:43# I'm gonna writhe and shake my body... #
0:01:43 > 0:01:45It's the day before the show opens
0:01:45 > 0:01:49and exhibitors have only a few hours to finish before judging.
0:01:49 > 0:01:53It's still a bit of a building site but we will tiptoe around
0:01:53 > 0:01:58the work in progress to bring you an exclusive preview of the show.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00But first to the outside show gardens,
0:02:00 > 0:02:03and I had no idea George was such a good dancer.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07# Come on, let's twist again
0:02:07 > 0:02:10# Like we did last summer
0:02:10 > 0:02:13# Yeah, let's twist again
0:02:13 > 0:02:16# Like we did last year... #
0:02:16 > 0:02:19Right, that's it, that's enough, I'm fair worn out.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23Of course, we're dancing to every bee's favoured tune,
0:02:23 > 0:02:25which is of course by Chub-BEE Checker.
0:02:25 > 0:02:27Er, Sting?
0:02:27 > 0:02:29Oh, crivens!
0:02:29 > 0:02:31- Well,- I- thought that was a good one!
0:02:31 > 0:02:33But anyway, I'm here on the Scottish Rural College's garden
0:02:33 > 0:02:37and I'm going to meet Joan Sayers, who's one of the students.
0:02:37 > 0:02:42Joan, why am I dancing around with a bee sting attached to my bee-hind?
0:02:42 > 0:02:45Well, George, you've just been doing the hive jive,
0:02:45 > 0:02:48which is the theme of our garden here today.
0:02:48 > 0:02:50It's based on the waggle dance that the bees do
0:02:50 > 0:02:53when they come back to the hive to communicate the whereabouts
0:02:53 > 0:02:55of their pollen and nectar
0:02:55 > 0:02:59so the rest of the hive can go out and know exactly where it is.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02So all the plants you've planted here are particularly
0:03:02 > 0:03:05to attract bees, all heavy in nectar and pollen?
0:03:05 > 0:03:07Over 1,500 plants have been chosen
0:03:07 > 0:03:10because they're perfect for pollinators
0:03:10 > 0:03:13so we've got lavender, which the bees love,
0:03:13 > 0:03:14and it's just coming into flower.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18- Cosmos, allium, marigolds. - And they will just...
0:03:18 > 0:03:21I mean, the bees will find this. It's amazing, isn't it?
0:03:21 > 0:03:24Come in, find that, but so too will the public.
0:03:24 > 0:03:26They'll SWARM to this garden.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29BUZZING
0:03:29 > 0:03:34# Someone to watch over me... #
0:03:36 > 0:03:39Julie, it's a lot calmer here.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42- Your garden called Garden for Art Lovers.- Yes, it is.
0:03:42 > 0:03:43What's the inspiration?
0:03:43 > 0:03:49It's inspired by Margaret Macdonald, who was an artist in the 1890s.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53She used to make jewellery and work with metal so I have taken
0:03:53 > 0:03:58some of the elements of her style and made some of my own art pieces.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01It looks like you've had great fun collecting and recycling.
0:04:01 > 0:04:02It's been really good, yes.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05That was a lamp made of mother of pearl
0:04:05 > 0:04:07which became redundant in my house actually,
0:04:07 > 0:04:09so I decided to turn it into this obelisk
0:04:09 > 0:04:12with some meaningful words on it.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14And collecting textiles?
0:04:14 > 0:04:17Yeah, the planting is linked to the textiles
0:04:17 > 0:04:19that Margaret Macdonald designed.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22So you've got this lovely dianthus, the dotty,
0:04:22 > 0:04:25floral picture is actually linked to the textile design here.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28I have to say I like this there.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30This is a little link with Charles Rennie Mackintosh, who was her
0:04:30 > 0:04:34husband, and I've put it in this brass pot because of the connection
0:04:34 > 0:04:37with Margaret Macdonald and the way that she worked metal.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41The garden is actually inspired by the Willow Tearooms,
0:04:41 > 0:04:44that they collaborated on together, and I've just re-interpreted it.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47I think it's absolutely gorgeous. I hope you do well with the medals.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50- Thank you.- You did say Willow Tearooms. Can we have a cup of tea?
0:04:50 > 0:04:52- Yep, got it ready for you, Carole. - Great!
0:05:02 > 0:05:05Well, Ali Bruce, what's Dundee and Angus College up to this year?
0:05:05 > 0:05:07Well, welcome to my Heiland hame.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10This year, we're doing something a wee bit different.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13We're commemorating a gentleman by the name of William Gardiner,
0:05:13 > 0:05:17- one of these famous but not-famous...- Not-known persons. - Not-known persons.
0:05:17 > 0:05:18What was he well known for?
0:05:18 > 0:05:21He wrote a book called The Flora Of Forfarshire,
0:05:21 > 0:05:23which is really a seminal work
0:05:23 > 0:05:24and is still used today.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27So that's why we've got the Angus Glens at that side,
0:05:27 > 0:05:29this wonderful mossy area,
0:05:29 > 0:05:30and then this side,
0:05:30 > 0:05:33all the rock outcrops with these fabulous willows on them.
0:05:33 > 0:05:34These are cracking.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38All this beautiful plant material coming from Balnaboth Estate
0:05:38 > 0:05:42and it will have to be returned to Balnaboth Estate, most important.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44We are very conscious of the conservation
0:05:44 > 0:05:46aspect of what we're doing.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49The orchids that you see here, beautiful though they be,
0:05:49 > 0:05:52these are the only hybrid forms that we have in the display.
0:05:52 > 0:05:53Everything else is native?
0:05:53 > 0:05:55Everything else is totally native
0:05:55 > 0:05:58but obviously we werenae going to be digging up any native orchids.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01Talking about digging up, we've got a lot of work going on here,
0:06:01 > 0:06:04a lot of stuff being done here. Have you got an awful lot to do?
0:06:04 > 0:06:06Oh, we've still got a lot to do but we'll get there.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- We always do. - Ready for the judges?- I hope so!
0:06:13 > 0:06:17# So, brick by brick
0:06:17 > 0:06:19# I am breaking through... #
0:06:19 > 0:06:23I'm in the Macmillan Cancer Care garden with Jenna Stuart
0:06:23 > 0:06:27and the message this year, or the theme, is breaking down the walls,
0:06:27 > 0:06:30so can you tell us a bit more about that message?
0:06:30 > 0:06:32I've split the garden into two sections.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35The desolate side is to show the isolation you feel
0:06:35 > 0:06:38when you've been diagnosed with cancer.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40I have the wall there which represents
0:06:40 > 0:06:44the need for leaving a legacy in your will to Macmillan,
0:06:44 > 0:06:47in order to transition into this lush garden, which is
0:06:47 > 0:06:52the Macmillan side, which can give the care needed to all these people.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54As you say, it is very lush, and some beautiful plants.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57Yeah, we have a Macmillan rose actually.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59One's in bloom just behind me.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02Hoping the rest will come out with this sunshine.
0:07:02 > 0:07:03Fingers crossed for that, but also,
0:07:03 > 0:07:07I would pick out some of the alliums, the foxgloves.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11I think personally, it's a beautiful garden and a very positive place.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13Thank you.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18Within these walls is a garden designed and created
0:07:18 > 0:07:22by the prisoners of Glenochil and Cornton Vale.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24Wattie is going to give me a tour.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28- How are you doing?- Nice to meet you.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31Now, tell me, is rehabilitation aided
0:07:31 > 0:07:33greatly by the use of gardening and horticulture?
0:07:33 > 0:07:34Definitely, definitely.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38We bring them in there and they've never seen a garden in their life
0:07:38 > 0:07:41and get them through and teach them the skills and social interaction
0:07:41 > 0:07:43to be better people when they get out.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46You're obviously doing a bit of recycling as well.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48Yes, most of what you see on the garden has been
0:07:48 > 0:07:52- made from recycled materials. - Yes. And it's hope?
0:07:52 > 0:07:55Hope, yeah. The emphasis on that is to encourage people
0:07:55 > 0:07:58not to give up hope as they go through their sentence,
0:07:58 > 0:08:01that there's always that light at the end of the tunnel.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04Do you get the feedback when they leave,
0:08:04 > 0:08:06gardening has played a big part
0:08:06 > 0:08:11and in fact they may well go on to still be involved in it?
0:08:11 > 0:08:14Of course it does. We're all about transforming lives
0:08:14 > 0:08:18in the prison service, and putting offenders out...to succeed
0:08:18 > 0:08:20and not come back,
0:08:20 > 0:08:23and gardening definitely does play a positive side to that.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26You'll be saying to them, "I don't want to see you back here again"?
0:08:26 > 0:08:28- That's right.- Thanks, Wattie.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37In 1915, rumours began circulating on the Western Front
0:08:37 > 0:08:42about a pale yellow fog leaving a scene of death on Allied lines.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46A new horror had been introduced to World War I.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48A poisonous gas.
0:08:48 > 0:08:53This garden is presented by the Scottish War Blinded charity
0:08:53 > 0:08:56and with us to explain the theme is Jim Thomson.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00The idea of this garden is to represent our World War I scene,
0:09:00 > 0:09:05the Battle of Ypres, where mustard gas was used for the first time,
0:09:05 > 0:09:09- so 188,000 servicemen coming home with a visual impairment.- Ohh!
0:09:09 > 0:09:14So, the idea is that the despair that that created for the servicemen
0:09:14 > 0:09:16- is represented by the dark foliage at the back.- Yes.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19And, as you come forward through the bronzes,
0:09:19 > 0:09:22things are starting to lighten up and brighten up,
0:09:22 > 0:09:25until we get to the front, where you've got the astilbe and trollius,
0:09:25 > 0:09:27which are bright colours
0:09:27 > 0:09:29showing a brighter future for people with a visual impairment.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32Through the charity and the work of the charity.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35- And, tell me, are you still getting clients coming today?- Yeah.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38We've got clients from all theatres of war,
0:09:38 > 0:09:39including Afghanistan at the moment.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42- You're doing a great job, keep it up.- Thank you.
0:09:51 > 0:09:56On a very similar vein, this is Erskine Hospital in conjunction with
0:09:56 > 0:09:59the West of Scotland Dry Stone Walling Association.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02And I particularly like the way they've used this slate.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05It actually represents two willow trees.
0:10:05 > 0:10:10And this was the wood that was used for the limbs for the war amputees.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12It's absolutely fabulous.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14There's no mortar, no cement used in it at all.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17And then, as we move into the garden itself,
0:10:17 > 0:10:20what we have is two caring hands,
0:10:20 > 0:10:23and then the heart, which is looked after by those hands.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26And I know you can see this really well at the moment
0:10:26 > 0:10:27because the plants aren't here.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30But what a difference when the plants come in.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34And, in particular, the heart - isn't it beautiful?
0:10:34 > 0:10:36These lovely hydrangeas in the centre
0:10:36 > 0:10:40surrounded by the subtle blue salvia.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44At Gardening Scotland, you can always pick up lots of handy hints.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48And we thought we'd ask some of the exhibitors for their gardening tips.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55You don't have to spend a fortune to get something nice for your garden.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58This has all been made with recycled wood.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01People are forever throwing away stuff.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05Have a look around, see what's available and be creative,
0:11:05 > 0:11:07and you can produce great results.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13My handy hint for the day is to recycle and upcycle.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15As you can see behind me,
0:11:15 > 0:11:17this planter was built from recycled pallets.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19So, never throw anything away.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22This is a piece of art that I've made using recycled items.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25I found the mirror in the charity shop, had the jewels,
0:11:25 > 0:11:28so I just put it together and have a piece of art.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33One of the things that we've learned in developing this garden,
0:11:33 > 0:11:36which is something that anybody can do in their own garden,
0:11:36 > 0:11:39develop a concept, then develop a plan,
0:11:39 > 0:11:42but don't be afraid to change that plan.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47This is Dactylorhiza Lydia. It's a terrestrial orchid.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52There are lots and lots of beautiful new varieties on the market.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55They cost a wee bit more, but you get what you pay for.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58# Don't worry, be happy. #
0:12:00 > 0:12:02# You would not believe your eyes
0:12:02 > 0:12:08# If ten million fireflies lit up the world as I fell asleep... #
0:12:08 > 0:12:10In the Living Garden section of the show,
0:12:10 > 0:12:13we've got a brand-new exhibit, it's absolutely stunning.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17Keep Scotland Beautiful challenged Eco-Schools across Scotland
0:12:17 > 0:12:21to create a One Planet Picnic on a pallet garden.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25And I can tell you the inspiration they've shown is wonderful.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27They had three objectives.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30One, we have to feed ourselves and be healthy.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33Two, we have to look after nature and keep it healthy.
0:12:33 > 0:12:38And, three, we have to avoid waste, and recycle as much as we can.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41Have a look at the interpretations. They are absolutely stunning.
0:12:41 > 0:12:49# I'd like to make myself believe that Planet Earth turns slowly. #
0:12:55 > 0:12:58When you come into the Floral Hall, the first thing you see
0:12:58 > 0:13:01are the gardens which are designed by Keith Jackson and John Wheatley.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05Full of ideas. John, what's the story behind the gardens this year?
0:13:05 > 0:13:08This is about architecture and innovation, George.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10We've used some ideas using architectural plants
0:13:10 > 0:13:14and different forms of recyclable material
0:13:14 > 0:13:16that people can use at home.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19- So, take-home ideas? - Generally, yes.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22And there are some fabulous take-home ideas here.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24Have a look at this thing round the corner here which I saw earlier.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26This is absolutely brilliant.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29What I like about this, what I really like about this,
0:13:29 > 0:13:32is the way in which the colour which is on the bottom,
0:13:32 > 0:13:37this wonderful magenta, flows through into the kangaroo paw there,
0:13:37 > 0:13:39and the rusty metalwork right up there,
0:13:39 > 0:13:42into the area where the ferns are.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45Superb. Have a look in your garden and try and get this to work.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49Over here, which is... John designed this as well,
0:13:49 > 0:13:52we've got these wonderful yellows. Look at that.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54There's Hosta June at the corner, quite subdued.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57All of a sudden, we get excited and we get bouncing as we go along here
0:13:57 > 0:13:59with the yellows and the bronze foliage.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02It's even into the sweetcorn that comes round there.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04But, look what happens. He takes it up.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06So the yellow goes up
0:14:06 > 0:14:09into this wonderful little piece of architecture,
0:14:09 > 0:14:11and brilliant way of displaying the plants.
0:14:11 > 0:14:13But then you come to this corner.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16This is where things start to change.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18What we're changing here, we're bouncing colour.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21We've got yellows and oranges at this end.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25We come through into whites and bronze foliage. Pure white here.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29Ending up, look at that, with something which is quite unusual.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33Here's a piece of Swiss chard in a pot. Again, beautifully displayed.
0:14:33 > 0:14:38# Blow me a kiss from across the room
0:14:38 > 0:14:44# Say I look nice when I'm not
0:14:44 > 0:14:51# Touch my hair as you pass my chair
0:14:51 > 0:14:56# Little things mean a lot... #
0:14:56 > 0:14:59This is innovation on a completely different scale.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01I feel rather Gulliver-like
0:15:01 > 0:15:03with my friend Lesley from New Hopetoun Gardens.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- All about miniature gardening? - It is.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10This is called Hopetoun Hollows, and it's four seasons in miniature.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13We've got summer with the beach scene.
0:15:13 > 0:15:14This is springtime in a little village.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- Looking so fresh, the spring. - Isn't it, with the nice colours?
0:15:17 > 0:15:21This is all about using dwarf conifers and alpines,
0:15:21 > 0:15:24and making it look realistically scaled.
0:15:24 > 0:15:25It takes me back to my childhood,
0:15:25 > 0:15:27because you've got to use your imagination,
0:15:27 > 0:15:30you've got to get the right plants. These are lovely.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32That is a little orchard with Salix boydii.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35You say about being a child - it's a lovely way
0:15:35 > 0:15:38of getting children interested in gardening. They really enjoy it.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40And the little containers, gosh.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44Such fun with this. The more you look at it, the more detail you see.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46Over in autumn is my favourite little corner,
0:15:46 > 0:15:49with the tree root and the gardens framed there.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52And it's very natural, there's toadstools and gourds.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54- I think I even see a rabbit, Lesley. - Oh, I'm afraid so.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56All is not well in fairyland.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58It's a lovely way of using the conifers as well.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01So many different colours on dwarf conifers.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05- Then you move into a much colder theme.- Yes, we've got the ski slope.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07It's all very twinkly here in our snowy village.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09It's absolutely gorgeous.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12I know you've built so many show gardens before.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14The number of plants, maybe more.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17I think this is as many plants as we've ever used.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20- I think the public are going to love it.- I do hope so.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23The latest recruit to the Beechgrove team is Brian Cunningham
0:16:23 > 0:16:25from Scone Palace Gardens.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29He's been tasked with revamping our alpine garden.
0:16:29 > 0:16:30Well, he's been let loose here
0:16:30 > 0:16:34to see if he can find a few more gems to add to the planting.
0:16:34 > 0:16:40# Listen, baby, ain't no mountain high, ain't no valley low
0:16:40 > 0:16:45- # Ain't no river wide enough, baby - If you need me... #
0:16:45 > 0:16:48I've packed my sandwiches, and I'm back on the mountain trail.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50And here I am at the top of the mountain.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53I'm really loving the way these houseleeks
0:16:53 > 0:16:55are following these natural-looking crevices.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58And how about that for a colourful display of lewisias?
0:16:58 > 0:17:02On top, we've got the daisy flowers of the New Zealand celmisias.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04They look just like the sunshine.
0:17:04 > 0:17:10# Cos, baby, there ain't no mountain high enough... #
0:17:10 > 0:17:12At the bottom of these mountains, we have screes,
0:17:12 > 0:17:16which, in time, collect the soil and become a more grassy environment.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20And then these become homes to plants like these.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24We've got meconopsis, orchids, primulas and narcissus.
0:17:24 > 0:17:29And in a display like this can create a lush carpet of colour.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31# Oh, no, darling
0:17:31 > 0:17:40# No wind, no rain or winter's cold can stop me, baby... #
0:17:40 > 0:17:42Coming down the mountain, below the tree line,
0:17:42 > 0:17:46and we're looking at plants that like a bit of shade and moisture.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49And this display is as natural as it gets.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52And I do love the way they're using these stumps as features.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55Not only that, they're growing the plants in them.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58This epimedium is perfectly at home here.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01And I love its dainty white flowers which look just like bishops' hats.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06# My love is alive way down in my heart
0:18:06 > 0:18:08# Although we are miles apart
0:18:08 > 0:18:11# If you ever need a helping hand... #
0:18:11 > 0:18:12I've had a walk, and I'm back home.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15I've got the crampons off and I've eaten all my sandwiches.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17And if you're short of space in your garden,
0:18:17 > 0:18:20it's not just these traditional stone troughs that you can use.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23We've got buckets, and how about this wicker basket?
0:18:23 > 0:18:26I think this colourful display would look nice at my front doorstep.
0:18:26 > 0:18:32# Ain't no mountain high enough, ain't no valley low enough... #
0:18:32 > 0:18:35Gardening Scotland is always a riot of colour
0:18:35 > 0:18:39and I'm going to look at just one, which is often described as
0:18:39 > 0:18:41bold, passionate and fiery.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43It is, of course, the colour red.
0:18:43 > 0:18:49# But I see your true colours shining through... #
0:18:49 > 0:18:51Now, this is a really hot border.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54Just look at that wonderful scarlet dahlia,
0:18:54 > 0:18:58which works really well with the orange and yellow dahlias
0:18:58 > 0:19:01because they're next to one another on the colour spectrum.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04And it also gives a feeling of movement.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06We've even got a touch of a red in the banana.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08Who would have thought? Bananas in Scotland!
0:19:08 > 0:19:16# True colours are beautiful like a rainbow... #
0:19:16 > 0:19:19However, one of the most striking combinations
0:19:19 > 0:19:22is red and green, because it's complementary.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24And you know what they say, opposites attract.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27Of course, it doesn't just have to be about the plants.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29You can introduce red in a container,
0:19:29 > 0:19:32a piece of furniture, or how about an ornament?
0:19:32 > 0:19:37# I see your true colours shining through
0:19:37 > 0:19:43# I see your true colours, and that's why I love you.. #
0:19:43 > 0:19:47This Begonia rex display is all about the foliage,
0:19:47 > 0:19:50the different textures and the many shades of deep red.
0:19:50 > 0:19:54There's crimsons, there's rubies, there's maroon.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57And how about the aptly named Begonia Vesuvius?
0:19:57 > 0:20:00# Beautiful like a rainbow... #
0:20:09 > 0:20:12And, finally, how about this peony?
0:20:12 > 0:20:16It's a real wow factor, it brings me joy. I think it's so vibrant.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18If you've got a really long garden,
0:20:18 > 0:20:21think about using a red plant like this
0:20:21 > 0:20:24right at the end, because it's a focal point.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27And the name of it? It's called Red Red Rose.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30I would love a bunch of them. I think it's truly romantic.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33# And I see your true colours shining through... #
0:20:33 > 0:20:35Phew! Hot stuff there.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37But you know what that kind of talk leads to, Carole.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46What I'm proposing to you, Carole,
0:20:46 > 0:20:48is having weddings at the Secret Herb Garden.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52- So, this is why you've created such a romantic garden, then?- Yes.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55Herbs actually lend themselves to being romantic anyway.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57They have such lovely, soft colours,
0:20:57 > 0:20:59the blues, the greens, the purples and the pinks.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01So, you can get married in the glasshouse,
0:21:01 > 0:21:03or outside, obviously, weather depending.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06- Lovely weather today, haven't we? - Yeah, definitely.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08What about one or two combinations, just pick them out.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11I love the chervil, and the Roman chamomile,
0:21:11 > 0:21:13the sweet rocket, the chives, the rue.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15Things that you wouldn't normally consider
0:21:15 > 0:21:18but actually look very romantic.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21- Don't you think it works?- I do.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25# I do, I do, I do, I do, I do! #
0:21:26 > 0:21:29Are you thinking what I'm thinking, George?
0:21:29 > 0:21:31It's a wee bit weird!
0:21:31 > 0:21:33Well, I would put it down as ugly.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35I can hardly believe nature would produce something like that.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38When you think of what the other alliums are like in the same group,
0:21:38 > 0:21:41look at that, absolutely spectacular plants, Jim.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43You don't see a lot of them in Scotland.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45No. Some gardens, they'll do well.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47Where we've got a sandy soil and a bit of heat,
0:21:47 > 0:21:50then they do really well. These are stunning.
0:21:50 > 0:21:51- There's a lot to see.- Go on.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55# Imagine me and you, I do... #
0:21:55 > 0:21:58I love Primula vialii, the Red Hot Poker primula.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01But look, here's a white form, Alison Holland.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05Stunning, unique, absolute belter of a plant. One for the future.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09# I can't see me loving nobody but you... #
0:22:09 > 0:22:11We don't see many roses at the show these days.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13But this little collection is quite nice
0:22:13 > 0:22:16and there are two of them that I've picked out in particular.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18This one, Blue For You, catches the eye.
0:22:18 > 0:22:19I think that's rather pretty.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22And this one here is For Your Eyes Only.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25The attraction here is that, as the flower ages,
0:22:25 > 0:22:27it changes in colour. Really nice.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30# Me and you, and you and me... #
0:22:30 > 0:22:32This is an interesting plant.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34This is a thing called Plectranthus amboinicus.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36The Mexican mint.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38It smells quite strong.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41What do you do? You put this in the glasshouse with your tomatoes
0:22:41 > 0:22:43and it keeps the whitefly away!
0:22:47 > 0:22:49I just love fuchsias.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51And I go home having bought a new one every year,
0:22:51 > 0:22:53without a shadow. I think they're fantastic.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57There's a situation this year I'd like to draw your attention to.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59Here are the young plants for sale, absolutely stunning.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01But a bit leggy. Think about what happened.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04These propagated cuttings get some wonderful light,
0:23:04 > 0:23:07they've got food and water beneath them and they go like the clappers.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09And they're growing well. Then somebody puts the light out.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11You've a fortnight of really dull weather.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14And they're raring to go, so they push to get up,
0:23:14 > 0:23:17and they get a wee bit leggy. Not a problem.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21Just nip them back. Use them as cuttings.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30Now, there's a good use for an old tin bath. A hot tub of hostas.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32# Me and you, and you and me... #
0:23:32 > 0:23:35The versatility of begonias has never ceased to amaze me.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38Here on this stand of the Scottish Begonia Society,
0:23:38 > 0:23:41we've got non-flowering pot plants,
0:23:41 > 0:23:43we've got the absolutely staggeringly beautiful
0:23:43 > 0:23:45large-flowered pot plants,
0:23:45 > 0:23:47right down to bedding plants.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51And we go down through the ages. We've had the old flamboyance
0:23:51 > 0:23:55and now we're beguiled by these Nonstop flowering begonias,
0:23:55 > 0:23:57one of the most reliable bedding plants you can ever have.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00Whether it's a wet summer or a dry summer,
0:24:00 > 0:24:02it doesn't matter, they always perform.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06You know, it'd be a funny old world if we all thought the same thing
0:24:06 > 0:24:08and we all liked the same plants.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10So, we've been out and about around the show
0:24:10 > 0:24:14asking exhibitors what's their favourite plant on show.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20My plant of the show - it has to involve purple -
0:24:20 > 0:24:22is this little veronica called Lilac Time.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25It's got lots of little flowers on it,
0:24:25 > 0:24:28and I love the way it just tumbles over these rocks.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33This is my favourite plant of the show, Magenta Star.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36A single-flowered dahlia from New Zealand, with dark foliage.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39And, wow, it goes so well with begonias.
0:24:40 > 0:24:44Well, this is my favourite plant, this carnation.
0:24:44 > 0:24:49It's got a beautiful spicy scent, a lovely deep red colour,
0:24:49 > 0:24:51and, appropriately, it's named Passion.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53I just love this miniature little fir.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56It's so soft with its new creamy growth.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59What people don't know is that, when they're quite young,
0:24:59 > 0:25:02you can just prune conifers just to keep them to shape
0:25:02 > 0:25:04and they come to no harm.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12This is a part of Gardening Scotland that I really love.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14This is the Pallet Gardens.
0:25:14 > 0:25:18Built by societies and colleges and schools, a garden on a pallet.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22Full of excitement and colour and inspiration.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24Let's see how they've evolved this year.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30I'd like to attract some frogs to the garden,
0:25:30 > 0:25:33so I may try Freddie's Frozen Fantasies.
0:25:33 > 0:25:34But I'll need to heed the notice,
0:25:34 > 0:25:37because I wouldn't want to be "toad"!
0:25:37 > 0:25:39# Let's dance
0:25:39 > 0:25:42# To the song they're playing on the radio... #
0:25:42 > 0:25:45Now I remember where I parked my bike with a basket of goodies.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48# Let's sway! #
0:25:48 > 0:25:53Top marks for this pallet garden. I might even give it...180!
0:25:56 > 0:25:59Raspberry ripple, vanilla, strawberry,
0:25:59 > 0:26:01my favourite, which is chocolate.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04But you cannae lick this pallet garden.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10It's early morning on the opening of the show day,
0:26:10 > 0:26:12and the exhibitors nervously arrive
0:26:12 > 0:26:16to find out if all that hard work has paid off
0:26:16 > 0:26:18and what medal, if any, they have,
0:26:18 > 0:26:22and find out if it is indeed a lovely day.
0:26:22 > 0:26:26# Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day... #
0:26:26 > 0:26:29Wow! That's brilliant. Brilliant!
0:26:29 > 0:26:32- What did you get? - A premier gold medal!
0:26:32 > 0:26:36# Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day
0:26:36 > 0:26:39# Lovely day, lovely day... #
0:26:39 > 0:26:41We never thought we could ever do it.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45And here we are, picking up a silver medal. Fantastic. Superb.
0:26:47 > 0:26:49# Seemed impossible to face... #
0:26:49 > 0:26:51Oh, wow!
0:26:51 > 0:26:54This is really good. This is a gold medal on my first attempt
0:26:54 > 0:26:55at the Show Garden at Gardening Scotland.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57To be our first time here
0:26:57 > 0:27:02and to come away with a silver gilt is absolutely fantastic.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05Congratulations to everybody else who was here.
0:27:05 > 0:27:07# Lovely day, lovely day... #
0:27:07 > 0:27:09And, finally, it's all come together
0:27:09 > 0:27:11and the show is open to the public.
0:27:11 > 0:27:15# Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day
0:27:15 > 0:27:19# Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day... #
0:27:19 > 0:27:21Well, Jim, have you enjoyed yourself?
0:27:21 > 0:27:24I have indeed. I've had a wonderful time.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27And, do you know, as well as all the wonderful plants and gardens we see,
0:27:27 > 0:27:31I love to meet the people I haven't seen for a year.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33You can hardly get from A to B quickly.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36- You're stopped and talked to. - Absolutely. Great fun.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39As you say, it always is a friendly show, but loads of plants as well.
0:27:39 > 0:27:40So, we have been picking one or two.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43- What have you bought? - A rather strange plant, I think,
0:27:43 > 0:27:47but, for my 8x6 greenhouse, kangaroo paw.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50- You'll have to keep the window shut. - Yeah! What have you got?
0:27:50 > 0:27:53Well, I always try to take something home to add to our collection.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56I was waxing lyrical earlier about begonias.
0:27:56 > 0:27:58So, here we have Begonia rex L'Escargot.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01They are amazing. And they got a premier gold, didn't they?
0:28:01 > 0:28:05- They did, yes.- I bought something which previously I have killed.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08So, I want to try and make a better job of it this time,
0:28:08 > 0:28:09and grow this thing.
0:28:09 > 0:28:11It's a little alpine from South Africa, I think,
0:28:11 > 0:28:14called rhodohypoxis. An absolute stunner. Look at that.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16Do you know how you're going to keep it alive this time?
0:28:16 > 0:28:19No, I'm working on it, though! I'll keep you posted.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22I think the enthusiasm that we all feel for it,
0:28:22 > 0:28:25it transmits itself to the viewer.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28So, if you're sat out there, folks, get here tomorrow.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31- Because it's a wonderful show.- And the sun's going to shine, I think.
0:28:31 > 0:28:35And next week we're back in garden again.
0:28:35 > 0:28:36Until then...
0:28:36 > 0:28:38- ALL:- Goodbye!