0:00:13 > 0:00:15Hello and welcome to Beechgrove,
0:00:15 > 0:00:21on what's turned out to be another rather warm and muggy day -
0:00:21 > 0:00:22between the showers, that is.
0:00:22 > 0:00:26It's a weather condition that's come to really characterise
0:00:26 > 0:00:29this growing season. First it's hot, then it's dry,
0:00:29 > 0:00:31and then we have an absolute deluge,
0:00:31 > 0:00:34which may be good for general growth in the garden,
0:00:34 > 0:00:36but it is a challenge for some plants.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40So, for instance, these recently planted clump of Buxus spheres here.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44Just look at the yellowing and the slight bronzing on particularly the
0:00:44 > 0:00:49young foliage. It's a classic sign that a plant that was previously
0:00:49 > 0:00:53nurtured in a pot in a nursery is now, in the garden,
0:00:53 > 0:00:54starting to struggle a little.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56So, with plants like this,
0:00:56 > 0:01:01it's a good idea to get a good layer of organic matter,
0:01:01 > 0:01:05and mulch not only around them but to push the organic matter
0:01:05 > 0:01:08right underneath the canopy.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12Buxus, of course, very shallow rooting, very fibrous rooting,
0:01:12 > 0:01:16and they love having a nice, healthy organic matter mulch,
0:01:16 > 0:01:19right underneath the skirt.
0:01:19 > 0:01:21And, once you've done that,
0:01:21 > 0:01:24just give them a little bit of an injection of...
0:01:24 > 0:01:27Well, it's the sort of plant equivalent of steroids.
0:01:27 > 0:01:32It's a seaweed enriched with micronutrients.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35Do this about once every 10-14 days right through until the autumn,
0:01:35 > 0:01:40and you'll find the plants will really go into the winter strong,
0:01:40 > 0:01:42healthy and robust.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45Now, of course, you will have noticed
0:01:45 > 0:01:47that the apprentice has been left in charge of Beechgrove,
0:01:47 > 0:01:50which could be something of a disaster, but, fear not,
0:01:50 > 0:01:54because Jim and Carole are just down the road.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58Well, here we are,
0:01:58 > 0:02:01a few miles east on the outskirts of the city of Aberdeen.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04In fact, at the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary,
0:02:04 > 0:02:08a 900-bedded hospital serving the whole of the North of Scotland,
0:02:08 > 0:02:10600,000 population.
0:02:10 > 0:02:11You know, we are going to be
0:02:11 > 0:02:14in a very special place on this huge campus.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17We are going to be at the Children's Hospital.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20Yes, and that is a daunting prospect for parents and children alike.
0:02:20 > 0:02:22So, we're off to meet a bunch
0:02:22 > 0:02:25of really dedicated and enthusiastic people,
0:02:25 > 0:02:28who are transforming a really orra piece of ground
0:02:28 > 0:02:33into a naturally therapeutic garden, especially designed for children.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36And, you know, I think we are going to be meeting a few new friends.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46Back at Beechgrove,
0:02:46 > 0:02:48in the depths of the Secret Garden,
0:02:48 > 0:02:52there's a plant here which is well worth paying attention to.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55This is Lamium orvala.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59It is the most incredible nettle relative - in very early spring,
0:02:59 > 0:03:03almost the first of the herbaceous perennials to come into flower.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05It has orchid-like blooms.
0:03:05 > 0:03:09You're just looking at the remains of them here that have well faded.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11But, at this time of the year,
0:03:11 > 0:03:13as the plant starts to close down, already,
0:03:13 > 0:03:18believe it or not, you can seize the opportunity of sneaking up behind it
0:03:18 > 0:03:20and...
0:03:20 > 0:03:22Propagating from it.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25Now, this looks like one big batch but, in fact, if I come in here,
0:03:25 > 0:03:26you can see...
0:03:26 > 0:03:28it's two clumps.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32So, just spading round the back of one clump...
0:03:32 > 0:03:34Then, if you open the plant up...
0:03:35 > 0:03:38Put your spade in the middle...
0:03:38 > 0:03:40And push through.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45There we go.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47And you can see - look at that -
0:03:47 > 0:03:50how vigorous and how enthusiastic this plant is to grow.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53Now, obviously, as a herbaceous plant like this,
0:03:53 > 0:03:55you wouldn't want to transplant it with such harshness
0:03:55 > 0:03:58without doing something to the top.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02So, it's well worth going in and just taking the tops off.
0:04:02 > 0:04:03And you can do this with any
0:04:03 > 0:04:05of your early flowering herbaceous perennials
0:04:05 > 0:04:08that have finished flowering. Cut them back.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11Things like Geranium phaeum, and that sort of thing.
0:04:11 > 0:04:16And you will most likely get a second flush of growth
0:04:16 > 0:04:20from this mat of foliage. But, more importantly,
0:04:20 > 0:04:23that is good material to move elsewhere in the garden.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31Transplanting anything at this time of the year
0:04:31 > 0:04:33is always a bit of a challenge.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36And you do, in truth, run the risk of losing things
0:04:36 > 0:04:39unless you're careful with the process.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42So, with something like the Lamium,
0:04:42 > 0:04:44the trimming back is going to
0:04:44 > 0:04:47significantly reduce the stress on the roots
0:04:47 > 0:04:49from the mass of foliage.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53It looks harsh but dropping that in the hole a little deeper than it was
0:04:53 > 0:04:56originally planted, backfill.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58This soil's already been improved
0:04:58 > 0:05:01with lots of organic matter of home-made garden compost.
0:05:01 > 0:05:06Firm the soil in to make sure the roots are in contact with that soil.
0:05:06 > 0:05:11And, then, of course, the trick is just to water, water,
0:05:11 > 0:05:13and a bit more water.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17You won't be able to really over-soak them.
0:05:17 > 0:05:18The more water you apply,
0:05:18 > 0:05:21the more likely they are to settle in successfully.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24And, within a few weeks, you'll get fresh foliage,
0:05:24 > 0:05:26which will recharge the roots,
0:05:26 > 0:05:29and the plant will be up and ready to roll for next spring.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33And, talking about plants and how quickly they settle in,
0:05:33 > 0:05:36just have a look at these little geraniums here.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40This is nodosum. This was planted end of April as little, tiny,
0:05:40 > 0:05:43nine centimetre in one litre pot.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47And already they're doing exactly what we want them to do.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51Knit together and create that wonderful woodland understory
0:05:51 > 0:05:55with delicate blooms on. Great plant for in the shade.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58There is Geranium phaeum here as well, planted at the same time.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00You can see that's finished flowering.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02It's a very good plant for setting seed.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05If you have a much more relaxed approach to gardening,
0:06:05 > 0:06:08you don't mind the plants seeding around, just let it set seed.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11But, on young plant like this, if you allow it to set seed,
0:06:11 > 0:06:14it invests so much energy in the production of that seed,
0:06:14 > 0:06:16that it can, in effect, starve the roots.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18So what I like to do at this time
0:06:18 > 0:06:20of year is not give it a severe haircut,
0:06:20 > 0:06:24but just take off those flowering spikes.
0:06:24 > 0:06:29That helps to keep the plant not only compact but also, again,
0:06:29 > 0:06:31replenish the roots, ready for next season.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33These are just a couple of the geraniums
0:06:33 > 0:06:34that we tried planting here.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37All sorts of different shapes and sizes.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39Just sort of exploring the genus, really.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41So, we've got 'Wargrave pink' over here,
0:06:41 > 0:06:44which is a fairly broad and lax specimen.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47This is 'Westray', really super.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49Succulent foliage, covered in bees.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52If you want a plant to sprawl around on the edge of the path
0:06:52 > 0:06:55or tumble over a wall, it's perfect. And, then,
0:06:55 > 0:06:57same species but this time the lighter pink form.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00This is 'Biokovo' doing exactly the same thing.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03And then there are the some of the more vigorous plants, too.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06How about 'Splish Splash' at the back here?
0:07:06 > 0:07:08You can see why it's carrying the name 'Splish Splash'.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12Great for mixing among the more informal plantings of things
0:07:12 > 0:07:13like Rosa rugosa.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16And, then, how about this?
0:07:16 > 0:07:19One of my favourites, 'Lakwijk Star'. A real beauty.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22Dark foliage, splashes on the leaf,
0:07:22 > 0:07:25and then really super coloured flowers.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28It shows you just how generous these geraniums are,
0:07:28 > 0:07:30and how hard they work.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36This is a very distinctive landmark here at Aberdeen.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40It's the Maggie's Centre, and it provides all kinds of free support,
0:07:40 > 0:07:43whether it's emotional, practical, or social,
0:07:43 > 0:07:47for people who have cancer and also for their families and friends.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51But, you know, when you look at this building from a distance,
0:07:51 > 0:07:53to me, it looks like a wonderful, big,
0:07:53 > 0:07:55white pebble sitting on a sea of grass.
0:07:59 > 0:08:00The garden is really calming
0:08:00 > 0:08:03because you've got these wonderful lime greens
0:08:03 > 0:08:04of the Alchemilla mollis,
0:08:04 > 0:08:07you've got the cool blues of the iris.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10Now, in a similar way, but with children especially in mind,
0:08:10 > 0:08:12is the project in hand today.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15And Jim is with David Tipping, who's the project leader,
0:08:15 > 0:08:19and also the director of projects for the ARCHIE Foundation.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28Right, then, David. How did this project get started?
0:08:28 > 0:08:31Well, the hospital had reached its 10th birthday.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33And after a million children coming through its doors,
0:08:33 > 0:08:36- it was starting to look a little bit tired.- Aye.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38So, as a charity, we got together, and we thought,
0:08:38 > 0:08:40we've got to do something about this.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42So, we approached some of the local big companies,
0:08:42 > 0:08:44and the Wood group came forward and said, look,
0:08:44 > 0:08:46we can't give you the money, it's a lot of money,
0:08:46 > 0:08:49but we've got 7,000 staff, and, actually,
0:08:49 > 0:08:52they can fund-raise towards the project, and, actually,
0:08:52 > 0:08:54they can come and get stuck in and help.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56Absolutely. Fantastic, isn't it?
0:08:56 > 0:08:59Because they've come as a staff as well, working, volunteering.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02They're local. They're local people.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04Now, the site. I'm supposed to ask you what the site was like.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07I know what the site was like. It was like a commando course.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10It was situated between the building and the car park,
0:09:10 > 0:09:12and naebody kent what to do with it.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14But, by jingo, you've transformed it.
0:09:14 > 0:09:15Where do you see the benefits?
0:09:15 > 0:09:17The benefits are huge.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19We have created a bit of wow here.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21The kids will be excited to come here.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23- There's distraction.- Absolutely.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25We're not talking just about people...
0:09:25 > 0:09:26somebody's broken their leg
0:09:26 > 0:09:28and they're here for two days or something.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31Some families are involved here for quite a long time.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34Oh, yeah. There's families that have spent over a year in the hospital.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36And what an opportunity to have it at their back door.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40So close to where they are, yeah, that they can actually escape for...
0:09:40 > 0:09:42The benefits of being in a garden environment are going to benefit
0:09:42 > 0:09:44the patients and the parents.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47Absolutely. And when the parents are happy,
0:09:47 > 0:09:50- the patients are happy. - Thanks for that.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02Jake Dickie is in charge of implementing this design.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05And, really, it's a big project, Jake.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08Big project, but it is a big site.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10So, where are we at the moment on the plan?
0:10:10 > 0:10:14At the moment, we're just to the right of the main entrance with these wonderful creatures here.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17They're going to give all the kids a wow and a laugh at the beginning.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19They give me a wow. I mean, you can't miss them!
0:10:19 > 0:10:22You cannot miss them at all. And that's the whole idea - impact.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25And, then, back into the seating area on the right here.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27More contemplative for the parents.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30And the kids can play up and down on the paths,
0:10:30 > 0:10:32and the meandering walkways.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35I mean, that's important to the children. That they can play here.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39There's lots of... There's lots of ways they can approach this garden,
0:10:39 > 0:10:42and that's what it's all about - being in the garden and enjoying it.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44Nice to have a few mature trees.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46The mature trees give a bit of a glade here.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50And then that gives you a bit of a break before you open it into this
0:10:50 > 0:10:52- wonderful deck. - It's nice and bright.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54It is bright. That's the impact for the children.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56It'll get used as an outdoor classroom
0:10:56 > 0:10:58for the long-term patients here, too,
0:10:58 > 0:11:00to give them a wee bit of fresh air.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03And leading up to the bridge here, you've got this dry riverbed.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05There's a feature beside the deck,
0:11:05 > 0:11:07so it can be looked down upon as well as approached.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10- But perfectly safe. - Perfectly safe for the children.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13- They will be running across it. - Now, you mentioned children, Jake.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15It's not just about the children that are going to the hospital.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18- It's the whole family. - The whole family are here.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21The parents come here and bring their other children here with them
0:11:21 > 0:11:23while they are visiting their brothers and sisters.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25They're going to be playing here, they'll come along here,
0:11:25 > 0:11:28they'll see these wonderful creatures we're walking up to...
0:11:28 > 0:11:30- You saved the best till last! - They're ele-flumps.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33And they're also going to approach from the car park,
0:11:33 > 0:11:35so this is going to be a wow for kids.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38And the idea here is the high planting here creates a jungle effect for
0:11:38 > 0:11:40- these to be feeding on. - What, the jungle of Aberdeen?
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- The jungle of Aberdeen. - That's a first!
0:11:51 > 0:11:54Joe Mackie, as chairman of the ARCHIE foundation,
0:11:54 > 0:11:57is this the biggest project you've ever tackled?
0:11:57 > 0:12:00It's certainly the biggest outdoor project we've done.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03- And what a result.- It is fantastic.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07When you just see the transformation, and what we've now created,
0:12:07 > 0:12:11you know, just the ambience, the whole environment,
0:12:11 > 0:12:15the friendliness we've created, with the animals and the plants...
0:12:15 > 0:12:17It's just wonderful.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28Well, Tony, I've been pointed in your direction because I want some
0:12:28 > 0:12:31information on money, and maintenance.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34- You've come to the right man.- And you are, on behalf of the company,
0:12:34 > 0:12:36you're head of the volunteers, aren't you?
0:12:36 > 0:12:40- Absolutely.- First of all, tremendous beach plants, growing in pots,
0:12:40 > 0:12:43but I read somewhere that you're going to be putting in
0:12:43 > 0:12:44bare-rooted ones.
0:12:44 > 0:12:45Well, Jim, as you know,
0:12:45 > 0:12:47the pot growing plants are really quite expensive.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50And a project like this, every penny counts.
0:12:50 > 0:12:51So, come the autumn, we'll be
0:12:51 > 0:12:53planting some bare-rooted ones, which,
0:12:53 > 0:12:54as you know, is far more economical.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57Quite a nifty idea because they'll look much better
0:12:57 > 0:12:58and give you a thicker...
0:12:58 > 0:13:01Now, then, there's another one over here. Maintenance. Maintenance.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05Now... We all see this finished, and it's looking gorgeous,
0:13:05 > 0:13:07and everything else. But things start to grow,
0:13:07 > 0:13:09and things start to get out of hand.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12But where you can actually save on maintenance,
0:13:12 > 0:13:15and here's a classic example, soil's all made up,
0:13:15 > 0:13:18the fabric goes in there, the plants are in round,
0:13:18 > 0:13:22this wonderful tree's in, then that stops any weeds coming through.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25- So much easier for everyone. - And it looks tremendous.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27- It's going to be great. - So, you've cracked it?
0:13:27 > 0:13:29You've got the money sorted,
0:13:29 > 0:13:31and you've got the maintenance sorted. Good stuff.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39I think that's about right, Laura.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41OK.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45Now, Laura, would it be fair to say that you're Tony's deputy?
0:13:45 > 0:13:47Yes, on this project, yeah.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49And what's your involvement been?
0:13:49 > 0:13:52So, I was involved in the initial application for Beechgrove,
0:13:52 > 0:13:55and fundraising, and volunteering throughout.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58Now, isn't it fantastic, all these plants that have gone in,
0:13:58 > 0:14:00and we've got a bit structure and a bit of height with things
0:14:00 > 0:14:02like the bamboos. I mean, what do YOU think?
0:14:02 > 0:14:05Oh, yeah, I like the movement through all these as well.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09And one of the reasons we've put in the plants in first here is because
0:14:09 > 0:14:12the dry riverbed, we don't want any soil going into that.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16- OK.- So we bring in the slate and glass, it looks nice and fresh.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18I think it looks absolutely fantastic at the moment.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21But there's still a lot more work to do.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23Now, I wonder what Chris is up to.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26I bet he's having coffee in the potting shed.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28Cor, a chance would be a fine thing.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31Honestly, you should see the list of jobs they've left.
0:14:31 > 0:14:32All the heavy stuff.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38Fatsia japonica, free for a good home.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41This plant, it's hardy in most parts of the UK,
0:14:41 > 0:14:44but where it's a little bit windswept
0:14:44 > 0:14:46or maybe you're a little bit nervous about growing it,
0:14:46 > 0:14:48it's a good idea to keep it in a pot.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50In fact, it applies to anything, doesn't it?
0:14:50 > 0:14:53Keep it in a container. Try it in various parts of the garden.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55And, if it proves hardy, then transplant it.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59And, this one, as you can see, it's slightly chlorotic,
0:14:59 > 0:15:01with this sort of yellowing of the foliage,
0:15:01 > 0:15:03due to a lack of nutrient and also a lack of moisture
0:15:03 > 0:15:05in this terracotta container.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08So, we thought it was high time to plant it out in the garden.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11Which prompted us to think, well,
0:15:11 > 0:15:14is it possible to create, in these climes,
0:15:14 > 0:15:20a garden or at least a border which reflects something of the tropics?
0:15:20 > 0:15:22They're not necessarily plants from the tropics,
0:15:22 > 0:15:24but they give a kind of tropical feel.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27Bold foliage in lavish colours.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30A generosity in the way that they grow and mingle.
0:15:30 > 0:15:34Pack them all together and just see what happens.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38Not all of them are going to be hardy enough to stay outside.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41Some of them will need to be protected.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45Some of them, like the Ricinus communis here is an annual,
0:15:45 > 0:15:47so you can sow it early in the season, plant it out,
0:15:47 > 0:15:51let it do its thing, and let the frosts cut it down.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54But the idea is, in a way,
0:15:54 > 0:15:55to travel the globe via
0:15:55 > 0:15:58the horticultural specimens in the border.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01So, for instance, the Fatsia's from
0:16:01 > 0:16:03Japan, the Veratrum nigrum in here is...
0:16:03 > 0:16:06If I just move that out of the way...
0:16:06 > 0:16:08This is a curious little specimen.
0:16:10 > 0:16:11It's one of those plants
0:16:11 > 0:16:16which is related to Melianthus major over here, and,
0:16:16 > 0:16:18although the berries are highly toxic,
0:16:18 > 0:16:20it does produce the most wonderful,
0:16:20 > 0:16:24arching, lush, green, striped foliage.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27Fabulous plant in a little cluster there.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31And then there are some plants which are really quite unusual.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33How about this? This is an aralia.
0:16:33 > 0:16:38Now, you might be used to seeing aralias with spiny stems,
0:16:38 > 0:16:40the devil's walking sticks, some people call them.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44Well, this is the California form of aralia, Aralia californica.
0:16:44 > 0:16:49And, although it does grow as a suckering shrub or small tree,
0:16:49 > 0:16:52if you're slightly nervous about its hardiness,
0:16:52 > 0:16:54then it's a good idea to get
0:16:54 > 0:16:56a specimen which has got several stems on it,
0:16:56 > 0:16:59and, if it gets cut down in the winter,
0:16:59 > 0:17:02it doesn't really matter because it will reshoot,
0:17:02 > 0:17:04and you'll end up with a coppice of stems.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06And, then, up to the cannas.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08This whole batch of cannas
0:17:08 > 0:17:12is a mixed bag of plants we've rescued from around
0:17:12 > 0:17:14the garden. We've potted them up in the autumn,
0:17:14 > 0:17:18kept them well fed and watered in a cool glasshouse through the winter,
0:17:18 > 0:17:20and you can see they're already in flower.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22So, well worth putting them out,
0:17:22 > 0:17:25and then taking them in again during the autumn and winter.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29And all of these plants, we're just going to see how they perform.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32And, really, just give them the best chance.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34If you're keeping plants in a pot.
0:17:34 > 0:17:40I'm going back to my seaweed drench because, in a week or so,
0:17:40 > 0:17:45all of this chlorotic foliage will have returned to a lovely, lush,
0:17:45 > 0:17:47dark green colour.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49And, as for everything else...
0:17:51 > 0:17:55The trick, of course, is to keep all these plants well-fed and
0:17:55 > 0:17:56well-watered.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59They're not going to cause you too much problem.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02In fact, the more food and water you put on,
0:18:02 > 0:18:04the bigger they're going to get.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06And the only thing you have to watch
0:18:06 > 0:18:07out for is - is your garden big enough
0:18:07 > 0:18:11to cope with the exuberance of planting?
0:18:11 > 0:18:12There's a fair few to get in here.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15I wonder if they've started planting at the hospital?
0:18:18 > 0:18:22Work has moved on apace here at the Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25Most of the hard landscaping has been completed,
0:18:25 > 0:18:26and there's another army
0:18:26 > 0:18:29of volunteers have arrived to start with the planting.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36Underneath the elephants, Jim.
0:18:36 > 0:18:37This is true, but, I'll tell you what,
0:18:37 > 0:18:40on every building site I've ever been on,
0:18:40 > 0:18:43whether it's a private house or a school or wherever it is,
0:18:43 > 0:18:44we get the problems, don't we?
0:18:44 > 0:18:47We do. What we've discovered is basically with the diggers,
0:18:47 > 0:18:50all those heavy vehicles, you get this pan,
0:18:50 > 0:18:52so the top couple of inches is fine, then it's ever so solid.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54Hides a multitude of sins.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56- You go into your new house, you think, oh, magic.- Yes.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58And then you find a pan like that.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00Calum's been laying into that with a mattock!
0:19:00 > 0:19:03- And preparation is so important. - There's nothing wrong with the soil.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05It's just that it's been so compacted.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08The beautiful thing about this site is there's been so many donations.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11We've got extra plants, so those little plants there,
0:19:11 > 0:19:14- things like the thrift, are going to go in.- Around the fringe.- Yes.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17And then we're going to have sort of wild flowers, a bit of wild grass,
0:19:17 > 0:19:20you know. The elephants will be at home.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22Yes, indeed. Suitably fertilised grass.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36These guys are all planting into a mixture of native soil,
0:19:36 > 0:19:39imported topsoil, and compost.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42And it makes a lovely mix, but it'll take a wee while to settle down.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45Now, then, chaps, are you enjoying the work in the sunshine?
0:19:45 > 0:19:46Yes, it's great fun.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49And how does this compare with the soil in your own garden?
0:19:49 > 0:19:51My garden's got quite heavy clay soil
0:19:51 > 0:19:52so it's quite light in comparison.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56No, this is looking good, and I guess that in fact it's this
0:19:56 > 0:19:57wee bit of the service
0:19:57 > 0:20:00- to the community you guys are interested in.- Absolutely.- Yes.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02But we might make a gardener of you yet.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04- Get stuck into it, go on.- Thank you.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17It's always good to have one or two trees in your garden.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19Here we've got a cherry plum, but, you know,
0:20:19 > 0:20:22what's really important when you buy a specimen like this,
0:20:22 > 0:20:23it does need to be staked.
0:20:23 > 0:20:27And this is a great way to stake your tree - at an angle.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31So, in other words, that is not going through the root at all.
0:20:31 > 0:20:32It's not disturbing the root ball.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36At the same time it's slightly lower down the stem.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40That means the top can move in the wind, and then the roots can grow.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42We've got a nice rowan here.
0:20:42 > 0:20:43That is still needs to be staked.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46At the moment, that bamboo cane is just temporary.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49The nice thing about rowans, though, they're going to produce fruit.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52And that's going to encourage the birds - the wildlife -
0:20:52 > 0:20:54into the garden. And, then, how about this one?
0:20:54 > 0:20:57It's a Magnolia. It's a mature shrub.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00It needs staking as well, just because of the size of it.
0:21:00 > 0:21:01It would move in the wind.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04You can't see it, though, and this is what we've done,
0:21:04 > 0:21:07is imagine the root ball's about this size.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11There's been four stakes gone down at the corners of the root ball,
0:21:11 > 0:21:14and, then, two pieces of wood put across,
0:21:14 > 0:21:16and they've been screwed in.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18That's going to be very secure.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28Here's a thought for you.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31We're building a huge project here, a garden,
0:21:31 > 0:21:33but it's not like building a supermarket.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37All the shelves don't have to be filled on the same day, on day one,
0:21:37 > 0:21:39and all the trolleys ready.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42A garden evolves, and you've got to allow it to do so.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45I expect this garden will change with time.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48For example, here we have lots and lots of turfed banks.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52They're going to be expensive and time-consuming to maintain
0:21:52 > 0:21:53and keep them tidy.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55And, over time, I would expect...
0:21:55 > 0:21:58I would have thought it would add to the interest and the season,
0:21:58 > 0:22:01if parts of these banks were covered in daffodils.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05Naturalised, needing a lot less maintenance.
0:22:05 > 0:22:06It's a thought for the future.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13Six or seven weeks ago, it was a building site.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16And now we've got all these people in,
0:22:16 > 0:22:18and a beautiful creation.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21And, hopefully, people can enjoy it.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24It was good fun because there was nice people to work with,
0:22:24 > 0:22:26and you get to learn new things.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32It's an ideal environment to complement the lovely environment
0:22:32 > 0:22:34we've got inside the hospital.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40I think, you know, if you've got some nice, green space
0:22:40 > 0:22:42to look out on, it does make such a difference, you know.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45There'll be lots of different colours, and things like that,
0:22:45 > 0:22:48to look out on, as well, rather than, you know, building works,
0:22:48 > 0:22:49and fences and things.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52It does make such a difference having the garden instead.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59Instead of just walking into a medical institution...
0:23:01 > 0:23:05you're walking into an environment that shows that people care,
0:23:05 > 0:23:09that must translate into the fact that you're going to go into a place
0:23:09 > 0:23:12where people care about the kids. We're growing out here.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16The whole purpose of a children's hospital
0:23:16 > 0:23:18is to keep the kids growing well.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20And I think that theme of growth...
0:23:22 > 0:23:24nourishment...
0:23:24 > 0:23:26is perfect. What could be better?
0:23:26 > 0:23:29We're fortunate to have with us today Malcolm Wright,
0:23:29 > 0:23:31who is CEO of NHS Grampian.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34Are you chuffed that this is happening on your watch?
0:23:34 > 0:23:36I am absolutely delighted with it.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39I think the quality of work that's gone on here is just fantastic.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43And we're so grateful to the ARCHIE foundation for all the fundraising
0:23:43 > 0:23:47they've done on our behalf. So, it's just a huge thank you to everybody.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58The entrance to the Children's Hospital is just above me.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00So if you want to come into the garden,
0:24:00 > 0:24:03this is the first border you come to.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05It's very busy, there's lots going on.
0:24:05 > 0:24:07It's really quite joyous because you've got bright colours,
0:24:07 > 0:24:12like the lupins, the geums, and also interest 12 months of the year,
0:24:12 > 0:24:14with things like the box balls.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16I mean, that's a bit of fun.
0:24:16 > 0:24:17It's also a sensory experience
0:24:17 > 0:24:20because we've got things like the Choisya ternata,
0:24:20 > 0:24:22that is the Mexican orange blossom.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25And lots of herbs. This is one of my favourites, lemon balm.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28That's a beautiful smell of lemon.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31And, of course, those herbs also have healing properties.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33So, that is fun.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35But, at the same time, when you come into the garden,
0:24:35 > 0:24:38maybe you just want to sit down and relax.
0:24:38 > 0:24:42And then you look onto this border, which is extremely calming.
0:24:54 > 0:24:55Well, the troops are busy putting
0:24:55 > 0:24:57the last touches to a bit of turfing,
0:24:57 > 0:24:59and there's a lot of turf been laid in this area,
0:24:59 > 0:25:03and we've got a beaming-down sun, and the turf's sitting there,
0:25:03 > 0:25:04and it's getting very dry.
0:25:04 > 0:25:08Well, it's fine to work with when it's like that because it's lighter.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11Once it's out, come evening, get the sprinklers on it,
0:25:11 > 0:25:13and give it a real good soaking,
0:25:13 > 0:25:15if you're in the same boat at the moment.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18Usually, our weather helps us with that, with a few showers,
0:25:18 > 0:25:20but don't take a risk. Have the sprinklers ready.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40This recycled glass, it's absolutely appropriate for this dry riverbed.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42It's a cracking show here of colour.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45It's quite a tactile product, and bearing in mind where we are,
0:25:45 > 0:25:46at the Children's Hospital,
0:25:46 > 0:25:50it's going to entice the children to come and stand on that bridge
0:25:50 > 0:25:51and look at this dry riverbed.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53It's perfectly safe - there's no sharp edges.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55It looks like water at the moment.
0:25:55 > 0:25:56It's really glinting in the sunshine.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59That's the whole idea, the different shades in the sheen and the glint
0:25:59 > 0:26:02- that you see.- I think it's absolutely stunning but, you know,
0:26:02 > 0:26:04let's go back to the plants.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06That lovely contrast over the blue
0:26:06 > 0:26:07and the sort of maroon of the heuchera.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10I mean, it shows up against the beach stone.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12And that's going to develop and get quite a lush foliage down here.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14The hostas as well.
0:26:14 > 0:26:15And then we've got a bit of form.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17Lots of spiky plants.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19Yeah, it's important to see that difference with the yucca,
0:26:19 > 0:26:21things like the phormium, the grasses,
0:26:21 > 0:26:23and then moving to the left,
0:26:23 > 0:26:25it gets quite a lush foliage, moving on to the elephants.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27And you've also got interest.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29You thought about it again for 12 months of the year.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31It's important - it'll be used 12 months of the year.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33So we've got the hellebores and the sedums,
0:26:33 > 0:26:36and all these things to spread interest as well.
0:26:36 > 0:26:37I think we should crack on, although
0:26:37 > 0:26:40- I'm quite enjoying doing this. - We'd probably be better to, aye.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47After a massive effort from hordes of volunteers,
0:26:47 > 0:26:49the garden is coming together,
0:26:49 > 0:26:53and you can see how this will have a therapeutic and healing effect.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00You know, if you were looking for evidence why it's worth going to the
0:27:00 > 0:27:04trouble of fan-training a cherry in a cold fruit house,
0:27:04 > 0:27:07then this must surely be it.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09It's 'Sweetheart' in full flow.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11Almost ripe, too.
0:27:11 > 0:27:12Great crop this year.
0:27:12 > 0:27:16But if you haven't got the space for something like that,
0:27:16 > 0:27:20then how about this one? This is 'Celeste',
0:27:20 > 0:27:22planted two years ago from a single stem,
0:27:22 > 0:27:25and, remember, we've been pruning this one back.
0:27:25 > 0:27:27You can see where we stunted back all of the growth,
0:27:27 > 0:27:29so just a short amount.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33And then flower and let the fruit set. Very, very compact.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36It's a stunning performance, and the fruit is...
0:27:36 > 0:27:39Well, just about ripe, isn't it?
0:27:39 > 0:27:40Do you think I should try one?
0:27:40 > 0:27:42You know what they say - the cat's away.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47Anyway, it's goodbye from the garden,
0:27:47 > 0:27:50but the final goodbye has to come from the hospital.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53Mm - these are delicious.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05Well, so ends our visit to this fantastic project.
0:28:05 > 0:28:06And, by jingo,
0:28:06 > 0:28:10the old saying is that if people can actually pull together,
0:28:10 > 0:28:12they can move mountains.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14Well, this lot here have moved mountains of soil,
0:28:14 > 0:28:17mountains of plants, and they've made a fantastic job.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20We are absolutely chuffed to bits. Well done, all of you.
0:28:20 > 0:28:24It is a fantastic new resource for Aberdeen.
0:28:24 > 0:28:25What can I say apart from that?
0:28:25 > 0:28:28Also, we are going to be back in the garden next week.
0:28:28 > 0:28:30We've been away for several weeks, Jim.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32I think the weeds will probably have grown.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34But from everybody here at the Children's Hospital...
0:28:34 > 0:28:35Goodbye!
0:28:35 > 0:28:37THEY CHEER