0:00:14 > 0:00:17Hello and welcome to Beechgrove.
0:00:17 > 0:00:21It's a beautiful day. It's a bit cool, but it's just the right time
0:00:21 > 0:00:26for everybody hands to the pump to give this lawn a bit of a makeover.
0:00:26 > 0:00:28- Sorry.- Isn't it needing it? - Making a lot of noise.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31- Lawns all over the place needing a makeover, aren't they?- Certainly do.
0:00:31 > 0:00:32I think I've got the short straw.
0:00:32 > 0:00:35- You're doing a grand job. - You're doing a wonderful job.- Yeah.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37The important thing is to get rid of all this moss
0:00:37 > 0:00:40- which is clogging up everything. - Yes.- Yes, and look what you get.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42- And what a difference it makes. - Yeah, it's amazing.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45- What are we going to do with that? - Hanging baskets.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47I much prefer to do the scarifying first.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51Would you say a LIGHT scarify at this time of year?
0:00:51 > 0:00:52- Yeah.- Rather than the heavy one, you know...
0:00:52 > 0:00:55What are you saying about my scarifying?
0:00:55 > 0:00:57Are you suggesting mine's too heavy?
0:00:57 > 0:00:59Having got rid of that muck...
0:00:59 > 0:01:02And of course because some people have got lawns that are almost
0:01:02 > 0:01:05- puddled with water...- Yeah. - ..you can, if you've got the time,
0:01:05 > 0:01:08you know, you can actually fork it with a solid tine.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11- Yes. That's exactly what I do with our lawn.- Just to help.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14I think it's quite important to stress the sequence of all this.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16Get rid of the muck and rubbish
0:01:16 > 0:01:19and then once you've done that, you feed it.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23- Yep.- And I prefer just to put on a straight feed at this time.
0:01:23 > 0:01:24Get the grass going.
0:01:24 > 0:01:29Because moss-killing and weed-killing will come later
0:01:29 > 0:01:31when the grass has started to go and when it's warmer.
0:01:31 > 0:01:32You get a better kill, I think.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34Yeah, when the soil is warmer, as well.
0:01:34 > 0:01:36I mean, everything will just take off, won't it?
0:01:36 > 0:01:39Well, exactly. Everything happens much more quickly. So, fine.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42But listen, what're we going to do about this shape?
0:01:42 > 0:01:45- I'm using the scarify to mark out.- Yes.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47The area I've not scarified,
0:01:47 > 0:01:50I thought that's the area we could eventually plant up.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52So we've got more shrubbery and more herbaceous planting there.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55As a backdrop to the pond. So when we're down on the bridge there,
0:01:55 > 0:01:57we've got a great backdrop up here.
0:01:57 > 0:01:59So that's the reason I'm marking it out there.
0:01:59 > 0:02:00And then later in the programme
0:02:00 > 0:02:02I'm planting some of the structure shrubs and plants
0:02:02 > 0:02:04in the other side of the weir there.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06- Splendido.- That should look really nice.- Yes.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10But also, more revamping is going on in the garden.
0:02:10 > 0:02:12Last week, I was with Brian Cunningham,
0:02:12 > 0:02:14who's the head gardener of Scone Palace.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17He's actually been working on the Alpine Garden.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20Lots of lovely features to come there and this week he's been
0:02:20 > 0:02:24looking for planting inspiration at the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30And when we came here about 20 years ago, we used a lot of panel fencing.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32Some of which is beginning to fall apart.
0:02:32 > 0:02:33So we start to replace it.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37Not necessarily with more panelling.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42We keep on going on about the weather, don't we?
0:02:42 > 0:02:43Don't we just, Jim?
0:02:43 > 0:02:45And I think the bedding schemes have suffered.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49But we should say to start with again, we had an awful lot of rain.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52So much rain that I think things like the violas and the pansies...
0:02:52 > 0:02:56- Very little frost.- Yes. - And no snow cover.- I know.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58- Incredibly so. - So it shows, doesn't it?
0:02:58 > 0:03:00Because if we start at the bottom here,
0:03:00 > 0:03:02the ground cover is practically non-existent.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06- Well, those violas are Coconut Duet, that one.- Yes.
0:03:06 > 0:03:08- Look at it in the containers there.- Yes.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11Which, you know, a little bit better drainage, a bit of protection.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13Probably sitting in a bit of a protected area. Yes, yes.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16OK, well, let's have a look at some of the positives.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18With the daffodils.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20The little daffs are absolutely stunning.
0:03:20 > 0:03:21Where are you going to start?
0:03:21 > 0:03:24- Well, I'm going to start with this one.- You would.
0:03:24 > 0:03:25You don't like it, do you?
0:03:25 > 0:03:27Well, it can only get better from here, then.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29That's Rip Van Winkle. It's a double.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31Well, the Rip Van Winkle has a beard.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34Because that looks as if it's needing a shave. It's untidy.
0:03:34 > 0:03:35- I like the foliage.- Move on.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37That blue foliage and the contrast of colours.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40- More positive, what's that one? - OK, that one is Warbler.- Stunner.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43- And Tracey is next to it, behind it.- Mm-hm. Mm-hm.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46They're both cyclamineus and I think what's interesting
0:03:46 > 0:03:48- is, in the catalogues they're meant to be the same height.- Oh, really?
0:03:48 > 0:03:51In a way, I think Tracey is better for size...
0:03:51 > 0:03:54- Yes, yes.- ..than Warbler. But they're both lovely.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56But we weren't discussing size, madam.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59We were discussing the fact that the ground cover is useless.
0:03:59 > 0:04:00Myosotis is OK.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03Yes, but last year didn't it do so well?
0:04:03 > 0:04:04I mean, that was one of the reasons
0:04:04 > 0:04:07- that we thought we'd try and combine it with some bulbs.- Time.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10- Time, time.- There is time. There's certainly some flower to come.
0:04:10 > 0:04:11I think it will be all right.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13And so the tulips will come nicely, as well.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16But these are disappointing, aren't they?
0:04:16 > 0:04:19They are. The polyanthus again did better last year.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21- This is a combination this time with tulips.- Yes.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24And I've chosen them all early flowering
0:04:24 > 0:04:28- and fairly sort of compact. - Yes, the singles.- The singles.- Yes.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31This, I think, is the one that's really going to work.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33- I won.- Does it take you back in time?- Well, yes, it does.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35And it's a proven technique, isn't it?
0:04:35 > 0:04:37Cos Parks Departments of old,
0:04:37 > 0:04:39when they could afford to buy tulips...
0:04:39 > 0:04:42Wallflower with tulips, Darwin, Triumph and so on.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44They will come up just above the wallflower.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47You don't see much of the tulip's stem.
0:04:47 > 0:04:48And of course we'll need to come back in May.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51Yeah, and these tulips, they flower later, don't they? In May time.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54Yeah, these will have improved. And these will have improved.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56- With a bit of luck.- I hope so.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07Several references have been already made this season
0:05:07 > 0:05:09that this is our 20th year in the garden.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12Some features are needing a bit of a change,
0:05:12 > 0:05:14including this dear old green fence here.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16Which is about to fall apart.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18We're a bit fed up looking at it
0:05:18 > 0:05:21and it shades the low-maintenance garden there
0:05:21 > 0:05:24from this side of the garden. So we're going to take it out.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27But our first consideration has to be for the plants.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30And although it might be the right time to change the fence,
0:05:30 > 0:05:32it's not the right time to be frittering about with this
0:05:32 > 0:05:34lovely, lovely Japanese quince,
0:05:34 > 0:05:36which is just about to come into flower.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39So we're going to pull it out of the way to be able to get
0:05:39 > 0:05:43the new fence in, and once it's finished flowering, as is customary,
0:05:43 > 0:05:46we can then prune it and prune it to the shape of the new fence.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50The benefit of that is, of course, the people this side can enjoy
0:05:50 > 0:05:52the quince as well as the people in the low-maintenance garden.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54So it's time to get on with it.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00Yesterday, the site looked like this.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04With the quince shaded behind those long green panels.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07But Callum's made an early crack at taking out the panels
0:06:07 > 0:06:11and he's giving me a hand today erecting our new open fence.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15I think it's a bit round the other way - I'm giving HIM a hand.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19Well, as you can see, our Mr Fixit, Callum, has already made a start.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22He's got two of the panels down, one of the posts in.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24We're motoring, I can tell you.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27I need a hand here now, Callum, just to get rid of these.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29This is an irrigation tube here,
0:06:29 > 0:06:32so we need to get that out of the way and the wires.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35- Yes.- Yup.- OK.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37You feed it through and I'll...
0:06:40 > 0:06:41..pull.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46It's brute strength that is required here.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49This will all just fall away quite nicely.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53And my friend Lofty here.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56See, I think once we get these out of the way,
0:06:56 > 0:07:00pulling the plant back is not going to be a major task.
0:07:00 > 0:07:01Go, give us a heave.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05Well, Callum, to quote Robert Burns,
0:07:05 > 0:07:09"The best-laid schemes gang aft agley."
0:07:09 > 0:07:13We're stuck here because there's a bracket holding the shrub,
0:07:13 > 0:07:16and the shrub is more important than the bracket.
0:07:16 > 0:07:17- Yes.- Cut it off.- Yeah.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20THEY LAUGH Yes, there we go.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28Ah!
0:07:28 > 0:07:30Well, we pull it back like that. It'll be out of the way.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32Where are you going in with that now?
0:07:32 > 0:07:35- Just in there?- Just in through there.- In there?
0:07:35 > 0:07:36Splendid.
0:07:39 > 0:07:43We really just want to anchor this back.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46Quite a tension, actually.
0:07:46 > 0:07:47Go on, yerself.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54Right then, Callum.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56If I get rid of these wires, have you got a sort of
0:07:56 > 0:07:58specifically scientific way of getting rid of these fences...
0:07:58 > 0:08:01- this fence?- Yeah, very scientific. - Is it?- Yeah, yeah.
0:08:01 > 0:08:02Right, on you go, then.
0:08:06 > 0:08:07Oh, really? Oh.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13Easy-peasy, that is. Yeah.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15- That was a lot easier.- That was.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20- Aha.- Ready to go.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24What are you going to do with these posts?
0:08:24 > 0:08:26- You're just take that off at ground level?- Top them off, yeah.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28- Just cut them off. - Yes. Yeah, yeah.
0:08:35 > 0:08:36All right.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39I can see you've got some reinforcements, Callum.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43You've got Ford in there holding the other end of the board.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45In the meantime, do you know,
0:08:45 > 0:08:49taking away this fence has made me take a proper look at this quince.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52And there is a lot of dead wood in it.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54And there's no harm in me getting rid of that right now.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58So the boys can do the heavy work and I'll do a bit of pruning.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05Look at that. Dead.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07It's brown right all the way through.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11The boys are using post spades to dig the holes
0:09:11 > 0:09:14for the new wooden posts.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16And with the weather likely to turn,
0:09:16 > 0:09:21we need to use quick-drying concrete to help set them in place.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23I think our new fence will look
0:09:23 > 0:09:25quite strong and sturdy when it's finished.
0:09:31 > 0:09:32- Yep.- That's it.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36Well, that's the last one in place.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38A few screws and a wee bit of levelling up,
0:09:38 > 0:09:39and one thing or another.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41Job done.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43Bit of tidying. We'll be home for tea.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55Well, now we've just got the little caps to get, to finish that off.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57And that's a fence that's looking grand.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01Which is more than I can say for our dear friend, the quince.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03I keep cutting dead wood off it
0:10:03 > 0:10:06and here's proof if ever proof was needed.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10There we have coral spot, which grows on deadwood.
0:10:10 > 0:10:11And I keep on cutting.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14There might not be an awful lot left.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17But we'll persevere because in the new situation
0:10:17 > 0:10:18with a bit more light coming through
0:10:18 > 0:10:22and a bit more attention being paid to it, it might survive.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25I have an awful feeling we'll finish up getting a new one.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39The sound of water and the reflections you get from it
0:10:39 > 0:10:41is mesmeric in a garden.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44And it is for precisely that reason that 20 years ago,
0:10:44 > 0:10:47when this garden was laid out, water had to be at the heart.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51Starting with a mountaintop stream amongst the heath,
0:10:51 > 0:10:53through a series of delicate splash pools.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55And each one is completely different.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57So, for instance, on this side of the bridge,
0:10:57 > 0:10:59where we've got the pieris and the rhododendrons,
0:10:59 > 0:11:03you get many more reflections and the stream slows a little.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06But further down the ponds become much larger,
0:11:06 > 0:11:10partially to reflect the shrubs on this side of the bank,
0:11:10 > 0:11:12then over a small weir.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14And the final hurrah of the water,
0:11:14 > 0:11:17a tumbling waterfall through a rocky crevasse.
0:11:17 > 0:11:21The water eventually disappearing down a sinkhole
0:11:21 > 0:11:24and into the wider pond body itself.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27And of course it's the pond that has been completely reworked
0:11:27 > 0:11:30during the winter, with all the plants cleaned out
0:11:30 > 0:11:32and it's had a new lease of life.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35So now it's time to think about the pond margins.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37The pond banks.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39And whenever you're addressing a big project like this,
0:11:39 > 0:11:41you've got to stand back.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44This retaining mechanism is now in place
0:11:44 > 0:11:47and serving a wonderful purpose of dividing the pond
0:11:47 > 0:11:49from the rest of the garden.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53And it gives us a wonderful long planting bed which can be rich
0:11:53 > 0:11:56in herbaceous and grasses spilling over.
0:11:56 > 0:12:01It also gives us the opportunity to clothe this back wall with climbers.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03But before we get to that stage,
0:12:03 > 0:12:05well, we need to think about the structure plants,
0:12:05 > 0:12:08the big players that are going to hold the whole scheme together
0:12:08 > 0:12:11and create the frame for this part of the garden.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14We need a full-stop tree at this end
0:12:14 > 0:12:16to prevent the eye bleeding off in that direction.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19To create a real sense of separation
0:12:19 > 0:12:21from the upper part of the garden and the pond.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24Another full stop in there, with trees and planting.
0:12:24 > 0:12:29And then on the rock course and up the steps, climbing plants.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33Sprawling and scrambling, filling with foliage and flowers.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39The choice of trees to create the structure
0:12:39 > 0:12:42is really based on extending the season of interest,
0:12:42 > 0:12:45either through foliage or flower.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48And also on the structure of the plant itself.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50How it presents itself.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53Whether it's upright or whether it's more spreading and languid.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55And we also need some of stature.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58Now, I've got four trees in this pretty small area.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01Which sounds like a lot, but we are starting with the biggie at the end.
0:13:01 > 0:13:02It's the full stop.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06The one that holds the view and bookends the entire garden.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08It's the great white cherry.
0:13:08 > 0:13:13Two-inch wide clear-white single flowers.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15It's just an absolute beauty.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17And another cherry as a centrepiece in the garden.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19This will be the sort of flagpole.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21In fact, it's the flagpole cherry.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23This is Prunus Amanogawa.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26It's much better if you refer to it in the Japanese,
0:13:26 > 0:13:29which is the celestial river of blossom.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32Which perfectly describes the double pink blooms
0:13:32 > 0:13:36that festoon this naturally upright tree.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38Brilliant for a small garden.
0:13:38 > 0:13:39And then, Acer Bloodgood,
0:13:39 > 0:13:42one of the finest of the Acer palmatums.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45It's tough, it's resilient
0:13:45 > 0:13:48and it's got a beautifully languid, arching habit,
0:13:48 > 0:13:51which will sit on the corner of the bed here
0:13:51 > 0:13:53and just tickle you as you walk past.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55And then a real curiosity.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58It's an Aesculus, but a shrubby one.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01A shrubby horse chestnut.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04Aesculus x neglecta Autumn Fire.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07Now, this one is quite unusual because it's a grafted plant.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11You can see that there is the insert of the graft wood.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15So anything that's below is the pure species, neglecta.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18And this is a really hardy plant from the north-east of the US,
0:14:18 > 0:14:21so it will tolerate down to -25.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24But what you don't want are these buds on the side
0:14:24 > 0:14:27because otherwise you'll just get the straight species growing.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30What you do want is this, which is Autumn Fire.
0:14:30 > 0:14:35As the name suggests, the most fantastic red, orange and yellow
0:14:35 > 0:14:36in a thickety shrub.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39And that one is going right against the steps.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44As far as the climbers are concerned,
0:14:44 > 0:14:47well, I've got three principal specimens.
0:14:47 > 0:14:52The first is the rather ubiquitous Clematis montana Rubens.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54I know it's a real thug and it's vigorous
0:14:54 > 0:14:58with its bronze flowers and foliage, but it's exactly what I want.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00Because it's sprawling up the rocks behind me here.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04It needs to have some real appetite.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06Next to that, well, wisteria.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10This is taking a bit of a chance in these parts, but it's pretty hardy.
0:15:10 > 0:15:11So it should be OK.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13Especially against this south-facing wall.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15And this one is Macrobotrys.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19And with Macrobotrys, those blooms are to die for.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22A metre in length, racemes, pea-like flowers,
0:15:22 > 0:15:25very delicate blue and very sweetly fragrant.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29So if we can get that to succeed then we really are doing well.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32And then an evergreen from the coastal belt of California.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34This is Garrya elliptica.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37And it's a male form. There are male and female plants.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41Again, get a male because the males have long tassels
0:15:41 > 0:15:44that dangle very early in the season.
0:15:44 > 0:15:45This is James Roof.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47It's a real star.
0:15:47 > 0:15:52But just to be sure I'm going to put it tucked in against the wall here.
0:15:52 > 0:15:53It will grow as a shrub,
0:15:53 > 0:15:56but if you want to try it as a wall shrub,
0:15:56 > 0:15:59especially in a more exposed site,
0:15:59 > 0:16:02then it will just offer that extra bit of protection.
0:16:02 > 0:16:07And of course the soil here being made-up ground...
0:16:07 > 0:16:11it's an imported topsoil mixed with our own garden compost.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15It's really rich, which means that all of these plants will take off
0:16:15 > 0:16:17and really start to succeed.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21I'll tell you what, it's quite nice to be back inside,
0:16:21 > 0:16:24- because when the sun goes away... - It's chilly.- It's a chilly wind.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26But there's plenty to see in our conservatory.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29- Look at the camellias, that's nice. - Yep, I think we'll come back to them
0:16:29 > 0:16:31because there's quite a lot more flower to come out.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34- That's Anticipation.- A real beauty, Jim.- Looking good. Yep.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37And these are stunning as well, aren't they?
0:16:37 > 0:16:39The clivias. Yes, stonking.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41- And they're going to need feeding, aren't they?- Yes.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43- Once they've produced all the flowers.- Uh-huh.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45At this time of year lots of things need feeding.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48And they like to be pot-bound, that encourages the flowers.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51- Yes. Yeah, yeah.- OK, back to more feeding...- Absolutely.
0:16:51 > 0:16:52..because of the citrus here.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55- They've all been repotted. - So the leaves are quite clean.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57- There's no signs of, like, sooty moulds...- No, no.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00..or red spider mite, but really yellow.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03- Yes. So feeding is the order of the day.- Yes.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05I mean, the fact is that they stay in that compost.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08OK, you can top it off, but you've got to keep...
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- Because it's drawing nutrients all the time, isn't it?- It is.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14And I think it's a good idea to go for the specialist fertilisers.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17- So you actually have two different types.- Mm-hm.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20- You've got the winter one.- Blue top. - Which has equal amounts...- Cold.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23Yeah, it's cold. NPK, equal amounts.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25And then we move into the summer one, which...
0:17:25 > 0:17:27I mean, I would move on to that now, would you?
0:17:27 > 0:17:30- Oh, absolutely. Yellow, sunshine. - Yes, sunshine. That's what we want.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32- Mm-hm.- And that's high in nitrogen.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34So that's going to green up the leaves, isn't it?
0:17:34 > 0:17:35Should do, should do. OK.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37Now, what are you saying about the peace lily?
0:17:37 > 0:17:40OK, Well, this is a plant that you can pick up
0:17:40 > 0:17:43in the garden centres, the supermarkets.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45That one looks healthy, look at this one.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47- And I have to admit, this is my own one from home.- OK.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49- But we've had a couple of letters in...- Mm-hm.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53..with a bit of concern because...brown tips.
0:17:53 > 0:17:54Yes. Dry.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56- Dry atmosphere.- It is. It's the central heating.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59- Yes, indeed.- What I want to do...- Come on.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01- Because if I turn this round as well, look.- Oh, yes.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04- Couple of the rhizomes have died back.- Let's get it out of there.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06- You want to get it out of the pot? - Yes, OK. On you go.
0:18:06 > 0:18:07It's going to come out of the pot
0:18:07 > 0:18:09- and I think a lot of that's going to come away.- Yep, yep.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11And what I would do straightaway...
0:18:11 > 0:18:14And I know people get a little bit worried, but look.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16- Chop, chop.- You can just cut off.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20- These are the old rhizomes. - Yes, yes.
0:18:20 > 0:18:21And there's a nice...
0:18:21 > 0:18:24Look, there's a little one just coming up there.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27Ready to start again.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29And I'd actually take off some of this old compost.
0:18:29 > 0:18:30Yes, yes.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34If we'd more room and more space, we'd have watered it and washed it.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36Yeah, I know. Some of that in the bottom.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38You want a bit of French compost in the bottom.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40- But look, we were talking about the brown tips.- Yes.
0:18:40 > 0:18:41So this is the answer.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45Either a gravel tray or some clay granules with a bit of moisture.
0:18:45 > 0:18:50Doesn't sit in the moisture, but it gets that nice humid atmosphere.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52- Yeah, indeed it does. - And misting, as well.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54- Is that going to go in there? - Come on, get on with this.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56I know, we need to... I'll hold on to that.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58- Can you put the compost in? - Absolutely. Why not?
0:18:58 > 0:19:00- This is the new compost that we're testing out.- Yes.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02So that's that done.
0:19:02 > 0:19:03Let's get that out of the way.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07- And bring this one up... - Production line stuff.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09- This is your plant. - Oh, my Tradescantia.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12Yes. Yes. Isn't it looking...?
0:19:12 > 0:19:15Well, it's needing a wee bit of attention, I suppose.
0:19:15 > 0:19:16What's it called?
0:19:16 > 0:19:17Maiden's Blush.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21I think it's lost a bit of the blush, actually.
0:19:21 > 0:19:22I'm not going down that road.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24- Mustn't.- Take some cuttings?
0:19:24 > 0:19:26Why not? Well, it does need a tidy-up.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29- So you're going to take some cuttings.- I am. So easy.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31We just sort of go across the plant like this.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33- Yeah, yeah, yeah. - I can see so many cuttings here,
0:19:33 > 0:19:37perhaps I could take one or two home, could I?
0:19:37 > 0:19:41Oh, really? Was this a thought that just occurred to you, perhaps?
0:19:41 > 0:19:42Well, it is a lovely plant.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45Yeah, look at the blush. It's gorgeous.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47- That one's nice, isn't it?- Yeah.- I think...
0:19:47 > 0:19:49- See, it's lost the blush further down.- Well, because it's needing
0:19:49 > 0:19:52a bit of TLC.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55So apart from nicking cuttings...
0:19:55 > 0:19:58This is what I'd do. Put it in water.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00So you came prepared?
0:20:00 > 0:20:02- You'd every intention. - Every intention.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04She never misses a trick, I'll tell you.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06- Two to three weeks? - Yeah, easy-peasy.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08- Are you going to finish it off? - Aye, keep going.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23Last week I was busy at the Beechgrove,
0:20:23 > 0:20:26laying the foundations for our new alpine garden.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28This week I'm looking for the inspiration
0:20:28 > 0:20:29for the plants to fill it.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31And where else better to come
0:20:31 > 0:20:33than the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh?
0:20:33 > 0:20:37Home to one of the best collections of alpine plants in the world.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50I worked as a gardener at the Botanic's rock garden
0:20:50 > 0:20:52for five years.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54And today I have come to catch up with my old boss
0:20:54 > 0:20:56and alpine supervisor, John Mitchell.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07John, it really is great to be back here in this rock garden.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09It's looking magnificent.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12What I'm trying to create in the Beechgrove
0:21:12 > 0:21:14is a smaller version of an alpine garden.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17And I'm trying to get as many different environments as possible.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21So I'm trying to get a rocky outcrop, a scree,
0:21:21 > 0:21:23a crevice garden going down into a woodland garden.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25What advice can you give me?
0:21:25 > 0:21:26Well, you've come to the right place.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29This is one of the best rock gardens I think in the world.
0:21:29 > 0:21:30It's on a vast scale.
0:21:30 > 0:21:31But if you want to narrow that down,
0:21:31 > 0:21:34you could do something like this in your own garden.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36It's quite a small rocky outcrop.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39You've got the scree coming down, you've got the terraces,
0:21:39 > 0:21:41you've got different aspects for growing
0:21:41 > 0:21:42a different range of plants.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44And on the mountaintops,
0:21:44 > 0:21:46that's where we're wanting our low-growing plants
0:21:46 > 0:21:47cos the wind blows over the tops of them.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49There's not much that can grow there.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51We've got a lovely little plant here.
0:21:51 > 0:21:52Yeah, saxifrages are always quite good,
0:21:52 > 0:21:55but it's also nice to get a few dwarf conifers, as well.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58At the top, just to give you sort of interest all year round.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00- Yeah.- But then have your cushion plants at the top
0:22:00 > 0:22:01and then cascade down.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03And it's also nice to have...
0:22:03 > 0:22:06You can see here there's some dwarf narcissus.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08I love the way they seed themselves, so they're starting all the way
0:22:08 > 0:22:11at the top and then going all the way down to the bottom.
0:22:11 > 0:22:12Yeah, just looks so natural.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14Other plants are the Pulsatillas,
0:22:14 > 0:22:16which I think are absolutely spectacular.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19In the springtime the flowers are just stunning.
0:22:19 > 0:22:20And then when they've finished flowering
0:22:20 > 0:22:23- they've got these beautiful seed heads, as well.- Yes.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28So what's catching my eye here
0:22:28 > 0:22:30is these dwarf rhododendrons that you have.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32Yeah. The best way if you're planting the bed
0:22:32 > 0:22:35is to plant in the vegetation zones from your high alpines
0:22:35 > 0:22:38and then come down towards your dwarf rhododendrons
0:22:38 > 0:22:41and then into your woodland plantings.
0:22:49 > 0:22:50Back at the Beechgrove garden,
0:22:50 > 0:22:53I'm trying to create a wee woodland garden.
0:22:53 > 0:22:54And there's no better example here
0:22:54 > 0:22:57under the canopies of all these trees.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00I'm using logs like this to create these terraces,
0:23:00 > 0:23:03but I'm fair tickled by these root stumps that you got here.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06Yeah, this is our take on a stumpery.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09Stumperies are mainly roots that have been sort of dug up,
0:23:09 > 0:23:11turned upside down.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13This is a more modern slant, this is like root plates,
0:23:13 > 0:23:16but it looks nicer, in my eyes,
0:23:16 > 0:23:18and it gives you a wider range of areas for growing
0:23:18 > 0:23:19a different range of plants.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23And I like the way you've got the ferns tucked behind them, it looks so natural.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25It gives you interest all year round.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28In the sort of spring/summertime the plants come into their own.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30In the winter time when things have died down
0:23:30 > 0:23:31you've got lovely root plates
0:23:31 > 0:23:34and that just gives you a whole different meaning to the garden.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37You can't beat primulas. That's your typical woodland plant.
0:23:37 > 0:23:38I'm loving that one down there.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41Primula denticulata. stunning plant, easy to grow
0:23:41 > 0:23:42and it's a good garden plant.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46And the trillium there, even though it's not in flower just now,
0:23:46 > 0:23:48the foliage just looks stunning.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51I think against the root plates any sort of plant looks really good,
0:23:51 > 0:23:53but these trilliums are spectacular.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05Crevices are a great way to display alpines in an environment
0:24:05 > 0:24:08that resembles their natural habitat.
0:24:08 > 0:24:09On mountains there's no soil,
0:24:09 > 0:24:12so plants try to find homes in any space they can find.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18This here is a perfect example of what I'm trying to create
0:24:18 > 0:24:20up at the Beechgrove garden, with this crevice wall.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22Yeah, it's a different way of growing plants
0:24:22 > 0:24:24compared with what we were looking at before.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27We've got the plants here actually growing in through the wall.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29We get some nice forms here.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33This nice Helichrysum forms these nice mats coming down.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35Also, at the top of the wall you can see here,
0:24:35 > 0:24:39we have the sort of lovely Raoulia which forms like a moss effect
0:24:39 > 0:24:41on top of the wall.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43And then coming down we've got the ferns coming through.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45And this is how they grow in the wild, isn't it?
0:24:45 > 0:24:47They follow the cracks in between the rocks.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51And you can see a perfect example of what's happening just right here.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53Yeah, that's where at night-time when it gets cold
0:24:53 > 0:24:56the water condenses on the cracks and it comes down
0:24:56 > 0:24:58and that's where the plants get the moisture at night-time.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01So we've got a few here that are not yet in flower,
0:25:01 > 0:25:03but there's an absolutely stunning blue-foliage Helichrysum
0:25:03 > 0:25:06and behind that the blue-flowering Lithodora.
0:25:06 > 0:25:07Yeah, again, a great plant to have.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09It grows very quickly
0:25:09 > 0:25:12and you can see the way it forms, it cascades all the way down.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15The Lithadora's slightly slower-growing,
0:25:15 > 0:25:19but again just great for growing in these conditions.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29Now, that shows what we can do with a functioning wall,
0:25:29 > 0:25:32but here you've done something different.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34And now the rocks are all on their side.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36Yeah, this is now crevice gardening.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39And it's a great way of growing a different range of alpine plants.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42One thing I do like about this area is the fact that in the winter time,
0:25:42 > 0:25:44the way the rocks are all done
0:25:44 > 0:25:47and the fact you've got some evergreen mounded plants
0:25:47 > 0:25:48like that up there,
0:25:48 > 0:25:51it just gives you something different to look at.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53It's not dull. It's not boring over the winter months either.
0:25:53 > 0:25:57No, I think with crevice gardening it looks good all year round.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00But having some form plants like the Daphne arbuscula,
0:26:00 > 0:26:04which forms these sort of lovely green domes,
0:26:04 > 0:26:06has pink flowers, very sweetly scented.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09I think the best plant here is the Sax longafolia.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12Which forms these beautiful rosettes.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15It takes five to seven years to flower. Once it flowers,
0:26:15 > 0:26:18big spike, white flowers and it's spectacular.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20That's going to look beautiful.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22And just... I would like to give you one plant to take back to Aberdeen
0:26:22 > 0:26:24and this is a Sax longafolia.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27So hopefully it will be pride of place in your crevice garden.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29I'm sure it will. Thanks very much, John.
0:26:29 > 0:26:30You're welcome.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35This is the sort of thing that can cause disruption
0:26:35 > 0:26:36between the neighbours.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38You know, if it comes in from next door.
0:26:38 > 0:26:42This is Agropyron repens, or known as bishop weed in England.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45And ground elder in Scotland and you can work that out for yourself.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47Just look at it starting to spread.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50And of course at this time of the year when you've got young growths,
0:26:50 > 0:26:52you can pick it out.
0:26:52 > 0:26:53But just look what comes up with it.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56Oh, absolutely horrendous.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00Later on, I will tackle this with a herbicide.
0:27:00 > 0:27:04But at the moment, somebody will say you're needing the exercise, McColl.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09This is a perfect time of year to be doing a spot of seed sowing
0:27:09 > 0:27:12to add some colour into my greenhouse here.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15I've got a couple of climbers, black-eyed Susan
0:27:15 > 0:27:17and the cup and saucer plant.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19And also a couple of plants that can go on the bench.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22The balsam, which is related to the busy lizzie
0:27:22 > 0:27:24and also the amaranthus.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27And if you don't have a greenhouse, but as long as you can sow them,
0:27:27 > 0:27:30if you harden them off you can also grow them outside
0:27:30 > 0:27:32in a nice sunny sheltered spot.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37Well, it's not often we stop by the Crooked Garden
0:27:37 > 0:27:39and there's you with the crooked man there.
0:27:39 > 0:27:40Yep, he's doing fine.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43- Favourite plants? - Oh, there's lots in here.
0:27:43 > 0:27:44Lots of little gems.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47But I think at the moment in flower just at the front there, Jim,
0:27:47 > 0:27:48the Cardamine dentata.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51And by you, Chris, is the sort of creamy form I rather like.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53- It's fabulous, isn't it? - Mm.- Yeah, really unusual.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55And what about over your head there?
0:27:55 > 0:27:56Twisted hazel.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59Found by a vicar cycling through the lanes of Gloucestershire,
0:27:59 > 0:28:01if my memory serves me correctly.
0:28:01 > 0:28:03- Fabulous to see the tassels there. - Yeah, really, really nice.
0:28:03 > 0:28:07- And you, Jim?- Well, we just missed the best of Prunus incisa.
0:28:07 > 0:28:11- But it's such a delicate thing and does rather nicely in here.- Mm.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14If you'd like any more information about this week's programme
0:28:14 > 0:28:15it's all in the fact sheet
0:28:15 > 0:28:17and the easiest way to access that is online.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19Next week, Chris, what are you doing?
0:28:19 > 0:28:22I'm rolling one garden down the hill to have a little foray
0:28:22 > 0:28:25with some fungi. And make a little fungal valley.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28OK, you say little, but that's a lot bigger than myself
0:28:28 > 0:28:30because I'm going to be dealing with some mushrooms,
0:28:30 > 0:28:32but on the windowsill.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34And I shall be planting tatties.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36Until next week, bye-bye.
0:28:36 > 0:28:37Bye.