Episode 14

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0:00:11 > 0:00:15Hello there, and welcome to Beechgrove on a gorgeous summer day.

0:00:15 > 0:00:17Light winds, light clouds,

0:00:17 > 0:00:19and let's hope they don't accumulate -

0:00:19 > 0:00:21- we want it to be dry for the rest of the programme.- We do.

0:00:21 > 0:00:25I'm going to christen you the queen of the miniature garden,

0:00:25 > 0:00:27because you've got all this stuff here in the decking,

0:00:27 > 0:00:29the raised beds and the lot,

0:00:29 > 0:00:31and now we're into a fruit garden in miniature.

0:00:31 > 0:00:33We are, fruit garden in miniature.

0:00:33 > 0:00:35Also I've even added some fruit in containers.

0:00:35 > 0:00:37But we really want to have a look at this bit, don't we?

0:00:37 > 0:00:39Well, indeed we do. Start with the raspberries.

0:00:39 > 0:00:42- Well, it's amazing, first of all, what we can fit in the space.- Sure.

0:00:42 > 0:00:43We've got two varieties here.

0:00:43 > 0:00:47So, ruby beauty - and it looks like we're going to get a good crop.

0:00:47 > 0:00:49- Yeah, yeah.- Summer fruiting.

0:00:49 > 0:00:52- And then this is an autumn fruiting one - little red princess.- Yes.

0:00:52 > 0:00:54And we've a problem, haven't we?

0:00:54 > 0:00:57Well, we have a problem, but unless you let this happen,

0:00:57 > 0:00:59you don't know the problem exists, do you?

0:00:59 > 0:01:00We can retrieve the situation.

0:01:00 > 0:01:03What we're talking about is it's suckering all over the place.

0:01:03 > 0:01:04Yes, I mean, look at the blueberry, there.

0:01:04 > 0:01:08So, I mean, we've kind of left it just to show what can happen, but...

0:01:08 > 0:01:10If I was growing that one, I would probably grow it in a tub.

0:01:10 > 0:01:12- You'd contain it? - That would hem it in...a bit.

0:01:12 > 0:01:15That's one way of hemming it in, or just keeping on top of it.

0:01:15 > 0:01:18So, look - the suckers underneath the apple here.

0:01:18 > 0:01:20I mean, you can just tug at them, can't you?

0:01:20 > 0:01:22And that just pulls it out.

0:01:22 > 0:01:24And I'd be doing that right the way over.

0:01:24 > 0:01:27Obviously, a little bit more careful by the blueberry,

0:01:27 > 0:01:28cos it's maybe gone underneath now.

0:01:28 > 0:01:30Yes, indeed. Now, the apple's doing rather well.

0:01:30 > 0:01:32- Some lovely nice apples there - fiesta.- Fiesta.

0:01:32 > 0:01:35Coming along here. But it's needing some attention.

0:01:35 > 0:01:36It's a good variety, isn't it?

0:01:36 > 0:01:38Step over. So that just shows that, again,

0:01:38 > 0:01:40you can grow it in a small space.

0:01:40 > 0:01:42- It's almost like a little hedge, which is lovely.- Yes, yes.

0:01:42 > 0:01:47But, look, that's the leader, and that, basically, needs tying in.

0:01:47 > 0:01:51And you want to catch that, don't you, when it's nice and soft?

0:01:51 > 0:01:53Otherwise you're going to end up breaking it, so I'm...

0:01:53 > 0:01:56Moving swiftly on, then, to the blueberries.

0:01:56 > 0:01:58Now, they like a very acid soil.

0:01:58 > 0:02:00We're talking about pH 4 or something like that.

0:02:00 > 0:02:01And they're looking good now,

0:02:01 > 0:02:05- but when they were planted we put in a plug of ericaceous soil.- We did.

0:02:05 > 0:02:08How long do you think that will last before the pervading situation takes over?

0:02:08 > 0:02:10Well, it will be interesting to see.

0:02:10 > 0:02:13I mean, if the foliage starts to go maybe a little bit yellow,

0:02:13 > 0:02:17then can we add perhaps a little bit of sulphur or some pine needles,

0:02:17 > 0:02:19just to try and get that acidity to go down?

0:02:19 > 0:02:22Yes, or the alternative again is to put them in pots, isn't it?

0:02:22 > 0:02:24That's true. But little wonder, here -

0:02:24 > 0:02:25which is a very compact form -

0:02:25 > 0:02:29- I mean, look at the prospect of that. Lots of fruit.- Yes, it's good.

0:02:29 > 0:02:31Meanwhile, in the rest of the programme,

0:02:31 > 0:02:33wait till you see the garden Anderson goes to.

0:02:33 > 0:02:36He owes me a pint - it was me that was meant to do it!

0:02:36 > 0:02:37It's an absolute stunner!

0:02:47 > 0:02:51And if you're looking for a novel way of making an old pallet

0:02:51 > 0:02:54productive, join me here, in Ardersier, later.

0:02:57 > 0:03:00Well, I admit I keep going on about the weather,

0:03:00 > 0:03:03but it is important in the growth of plants.

0:03:03 > 0:03:04So many people are commenting

0:03:04 > 0:03:07on the fact that there's a lot of green growth.

0:03:07 > 0:03:11Heat and plenty water and the plants will respond by producing.

0:03:11 > 0:03:14So, I've started to summer prune these cordon apples.

0:03:14 > 0:03:15This is discovery,

0:03:15 > 0:03:17and look at the length and the quality of the growth there.

0:03:17 > 0:03:20Well, I've already started pruning it,

0:03:20 > 0:03:23because if it goes into that it's not going to go into the fruit.

0:03:23 > 0:03:24And the other bonus here

0:03:24 > 0:03:27is if you cut these back to about three or four inches,

0:03:27 > 0:03:31the bottom of that shoot, next year, it will produce a fruit bud.

0:03:31 > 0:03:33That's how you get the continuum.

0:03:33 > 0:03:35So, all over the bush, cutting all these off,

0:03:35 > 0:03:38and that will then expose the young fruits.

0:03:38 > 0:03:40Just look at that.

0:03:40 > 0:03:41And the next thing I would point out

0:03:41 > 0:03:44is something that we call the June drop.

0:03:44 > 0:03:46Well, we're about to have a fortnight's holiday,

0:03:46 > 0:03:49so just keep this in mind when we've gone.

0:03:49 > 0:03:50Except it's not a June drop in Scotland -

0:03:50 > 0:03:52it's more often a July drop.

0:03:52 > 0:03:54The plant itself will physiologically drop

0:03:54 > 0:03:56some of the fruits that are set,

0:03:56 > 0:04:00and you can see the difference here. That one's going to go,

0:04:00 > 0:04:02and that one's going to go.

0:04:02 > 0:04:03Two's enough.

0:04:03 > 0:04:05Sometimes there's too many.

0:04:05 > 0:04:09Third job to be done, once the June drop is over - or the July drop,

0:04:09 > 0:04:13wherever you live - you go back and look at clumps like this.

0:04:13 > 0:04:16Far too many in the one space,

0:04:16 > 0:04:18so there's a thinning process to be done,

0:04:18 > 0:04:20perhaps taking the misshapen ones

0:04:20 > 0:04:23or the in-between ones that are not quite so big.

0:04:23 > 0:04:26That one might come out. Funnily enough, see this biggie here?

0:04:26 > 0:04:30That's got all the sort of qualities of what we call a king fruit.

0:04:30 > 0:04:33It's a different shape from the rest, and it's dominating the rest.

0:04:33 > 0:04:36Maybe, in fact, biggest is not always best,

0:04:36 > 0:04:37and you'd take that one out.

0:04:37 > 0:04:39So you have a bit of work to do when we're away.

0:04:47 > 0:04:51A recent Allotment Society survey reckons that you can save nearly

0:04:51 > 0:04:56£1,500 a year growing your own fruit and vegetables

0:04:56 > 0:04:58as opposed to buying it in a supermarket.

0:04:59 > 0:05:04Now, of course, not everybody can have an allotment or even a garden,

0:05:04 > 0:05:08so I've come back to Ardersier to find out the progress that's been

0:05:08 > 0:05:11made at a land-sharing produce partnership.

0:05:15 > 0:05:18Ardersier near Inverness is the home

0:05:18 > 0:05:19of trained horticulturalist

0:05:19 > 0:05:23and busy working mum Mari Reid.

0:05:23 > 0:05:24She recycles everything

0:05:24 > 0:05:28and her mission is to grow as much produce as she can,

0:05:28 > 0:05:31while spending the least amount of money.

0:05:31 > 0:05:34She's run out of room in her own garden, so she's struck up

0:05:34 > 0:05:38a fruitful partnership with friends and neighbours.

0:05:38 > 0:05:40She shares her gardening skills with them

0:05:40 > 0:05:42in exchange for using a bit of their land

0:05:42 > 0:05:45to grow food that they can all share.

0:05:46 > 0:05:48At nearby Loch Flemington,

0:05:48 > 0:05:51Mari and Mary are already reaping the rewards

0:05:51 > 0:05:54of the produce they planted together in Mary's garden,

0:05:54 > 0:05:56back in April.

0:06:00 > 0:06:04Well, you know, I can't believe the difference in, what, eight weeks?

0:06:04 > 0:06:06It's really been fabulous.

0:06:06 > 0:06:08I mean, look at the peas, for example.

0:06:08 > 0:06:11And do you see - you can see the difference between the height of

0:06:11 > 0:06:12these ones and these over there?

0:06:12 > 0:06:14We actually fleeced this end.

0:06:14 > 0:06:17Mari told me that the fleece raises the temperature by five degrees.

0:06:17 > 0:06:20- It's a big difference, isn't it? - Yes.- And, I mean,

0:06:20 > 0:06:22that way, you're going to maybe create a succession as well...

0:06:22 > 0:06:25- That's what we were hoping, yes. - ..which is good. OK, fleece.

0:06:25 > 0:06:27- Have you been spending money on it? - No, not a penny.

0:06:27 > 0:06:31There was a roll of fleece lying in my mother-in-law's shed,

0:06:31 > 0:06:33- so she said, "Take as much as you need."- And you've utilised it.

0:06:33 > 0:06:36- So I've been using it, yes.- So you always find something, don't you?

0:06:36 > 0:06:38I always find something, somewhere.

0:06:38 > 0:06:41Now, I remember the last time I was here I was fascinated by the way

0:06:41 > 0:06:44that you were sewing the carrots,

0:06:44 > 0:06:46because you sewed them and then you put the black polythene on.

0:06:46 > 0:06:49- Yes.- Yes, we did. - Yes, to keep the heat in.

0:06:49 > 0:06:51Keep the heat in and about the germination.

0:06:51 > 0:06:54- It's obviously worked really well. - Yes, really well.- It has.

0:06:54 > 0:06:57- How long did we have it there for? - I think about three weeks. - Three weeks.

0:06:57 > 0:06:59And a few times you had to take it off so the rain could go in.

0:06:59 > 0:07:02Yes, I was slightly concerned they were getting a bit dry,

0:07:02 > 0:07:03and without wanting to water them

0:07:03 > 0:07:05I lifted it slightly when it was a bit rainy,

0:07:05 > 0:07:08just to add a bit of moisture to it to help them germinate.

0:07:08 > 0:07:10Well, it obviously worked, and as soon as it germinated

0:07:10 > 0:07:11- you took that off.- Yes, we did, yes.

0:07:11 > 0:07:14OK, cropping - have you been cropping anything?

0:07:14 > 0:07:17- All sorts of things, all sorts of things.- It's been great.

0:07:17 > 0:07:20We've had fantastic radishes, we've been eating pea shoots.

0:07:20 > 0:07:24- So much salad, so many varieties. - Yes, lettuce everywhere.

0:07:24 > 0:07:25- Yes.- Yes.

0:07:25 > 0:07:27Just wherever there was a space, there was a lettuce planted in.

0:07:27 > 0:07:30I mean, and you've mixed them up, too, just to confuse Mary!

0:07:30 > 0:07:31Yes, completely confused me.

0:07:31 > 0:07:34The main lettuce crop is over in that direction,

0:07:34 > 0:07:37and then suddenly I find it in amongst the strawberries as well,

0:07:37 > 0:07:38in different varieties.

0:07:38 > 0:07:40Again, though, using all the space.

0:07:40 > 0:07:42I just think that's brilliant.

0:07:50 > 0:07:54Mari, talk us through some of the money-saving tips that you've got on the plot.

0:07:54 > 0:07:57Well, here I use some hazel twigs for supporting the nets,

0:07:57 > 0:08:00but you can also use elder or you can use cotoneaster -

0:08:00 > 0:08:02anything that's soft and bendable.

0:08:02 > 0:08:05- Which is great, isn't it? - Yes, it's very good.

0:08:05 > 0:08:08And I use some birch twigs for supporting the peas,

0:08:08 > 0:08:09and it works well.

0:08:09 > 0:08:12Also used some netting that was left over from fencing,

0:08:12 > 0:08:14so the hens don't get in, or any other animals.

0:08:14 > 0:08:15- Keep the pigeons off? - The pigeons off.

0:08:15 > 0:08:18Well, they're not touched, so hopefully it's working.

0:08:18 > 0:08:22- And the pipe?- I got that from a recycling centre for free.

0:08:22 > 0:08:24- I asked if I could have them. - I mean, we use those at Beechgrove.

0:08:24 > 0:08:26- I think it's great for support. - Yeah.

0:08:26 > 0:08:29We also gave you a little bit of a challenge to be kind of creative

0:08:29 > 0:08:32- as well on the plot, so... - Well, I tried my best.

0:08:32 > 0:08:35Made this lovely arch for the runner beans.

0:08:35 > 0:08:38Again, it's just some birch and some hazel

0:08:38 > 0:08:40and it's formed into a nice shape.

0:08:40 > 0:08:43It looks really bonny. Also, you've added some flowers to the plot.

0:08:43 > 0:08:45Yes, I have added some flowers,

0:08:45 > 0:08:48just to bring in the pollinators and make it look pretty.

0:08:48 > 0:08:50I had the seeds sent from a friend, so they were free.

0:08:50 > 0:08:55I want to say perhaps the most expensive is maybe the two little mini greenhouses for the tomatoes.

0:08:55 > 0:08:56Well, they're not actually.

0:08:56 > 0:08:59They were 50p, reduced to clear in a garden centre.

0:08:59 > 0:09:01- You've got an eye for a bargain! - I do, yes.

0:09:01 > 0:09:02"I'm having those," I said.

0:09:02 > 0:09:05I didn't know what I was going to do with them at the time.

0:09:05 > 0:09:07But there you go - they come in handy.

0:09:07 > 0:09:10I think this system that we use is working quite good.

0:09:10 > 0:09:14We used the pots, recycled the pots. We cut the bottoms off them so

0:09:14 > 0:09:18the roots can get out and we also put the horse manure underneath.

0:09:18 > 0:09:20And if you look - look, you can actually see. Look at that...

0:09:20 > 0:09:22- Fantastic. - ..the roots are actually coming out.

0:09:22 > 0:09:24Yes, the roots are coming through to the manure.

0:09:24 > 0:09:28- Yes, and that way they will get a good feed from the manure and they will grow well.- Brilliant.

0:09:28 > 0:09:31So, do we just let them...? Or do we just leave them...?

0:09:31 > 0:09:32You just let them grow,

0:09:32 > 0:09:35but the only thing you need to do is to take the side shoots off.

0:09:35 > 0:09:38So you just snap the shoot, just like that - take it off.

0:09:40 > 0:09:42Mary's children, Florence and Angus,

0:09:42 > 0:09:45have volunteered to thin the carrots.

0:09:45 > 0:09:48So, guys, see we have carrots? See how well they've grown?

0:09:48 > 0:09:49But, you know what? They're a bit too thick,

0:09:49 > 0:09:53and I was wondering if you could help me thin them out a little bit

0:09:53 > 0:09:56so the other ones get a chance to grow.

0:09:56 > 0:09:57So, if we pull some of these thicker ones -

0:09:57 > 0:10:00- would you like to do it, Florence?- OK.

0:10:00 > 0:10:03- Yeah? That one, there.- This one?

0:10:03 > 0:10:05Yes. Wow, look at that. Well done, Angus.

0:10:05 > 0:10:07- This is a pretty thin one. - That's a good one.

0:10:07 > 0:10:09Yes. And, look, there's more here.

0:10:09 > 0:10:13- Look, that one there. - This one. Like this one?

0:10:13 > 0:10:15Yes, gently. One at a time, OK?

0:10:15 > 0:10:17- So shall we have some tasting now? - Yes.

0:10:17 > 0:10:20Shall we give them a wee wash?

0:10:20 > 0:10:21Oh, look at that! Lovely carrots.

0:10:24 > 0:10:27Wash them well and then we can have a wee taste.

0:10:27 > 0:10:29And...

0:10:29 > 0:10:31They're nice and fresh and crunchy.

0:10:31 > 0:10:33Crunchy. They are, aren't they?

0:10:33 > 0:10:35- Will I taste a little bit, see? - Yes.

0:10:35 > 0:10:37Mmm...mmm!

0:10:37 > 0:10:38They are delicious.

0:10:43 > 0:10:47Down in Ardersier, Mari's been doing the hard graft in Rosemary's

0:10:47 > 0:10:51beach-side garden in exchange for a share of the fruit and veg.

0:10:51 > 0:10:55So if we have a wee look, Aaron, to see if there's any potatoes.

0:10:57 > 0:11:00Even when Rosemary's not at home,

0:11:00 > 0:11:03Mari and her family are free to come and go in the garden.

0:11:03 > 0:11:05Look at that one.

0:11:05 > 0:11:06That's almost ready to eat.

0:11:06 > 0:11:08This we planted about eight weeks ago.

0:11:08 > 0:11:10- Remember, you planted them? - Yes.

0:11:10 > 0:11:13Do you think they've done quite well since then?

0:11:13 > 0:11:14Done really well, haven't they?

0:11:14 > 0:11:17But I think we maybe wait for another week before we harvest,

0:11:17 > 0:11:18or at least a week or two.

0:11:21 > 0:11:22With Mari's expertise,

0:11:22 > 0:11:25Rosemary's garden is just bursting with produce.

0:11:26 > 0:11:28OK, more money-saving tips. Where do we start here?

0:11:28 > 0:11:31Well, my favourite one at the moment is the pallet over there.

0:11:31 > 0:11:33It was lying here - cost nothing.

0:11:33 > 0:11:35I got seaweed for nothing,

0:11:35 > 0:11:38and I put seaweed underneath and topsoil on top

0:11:38 > 0:11:43and then I planted the seeds, the wee plug plants of lettuce, through,

0:11:43 > 0:11:44and they're doing really well.

0:11:44 > 0:11:46They look healthy. The other thing that I like about it,

0:11:46 > 0:11:49- it's a bit like putting straw on strawberries.- Yes.

0:11:49 > 0:11:51Because those leaves are coming through the pallet,

0:11:51 > 0:11:54they are going to stay nice and clean.

0:11:54 > 0:11:56It's almost to the point that you won't need to wash them,

0:11:56 > 0:11:58- but I suppose you'd better! - Yes, it is better, yes.

0:11:58 > 0:12:01What about the polystyrene cups?

0:12:01 > 0:12:04Well, the polystyrene cups were left over from a coffee morning,

0:12:04 > 0:12:07and I just made a hole in them and planted the kale in it,

0:12:07 > 0:12:11- and it keeps them warm, nice and light...- Perfect.- ..so that's good.

0:12:11 > 0:12:13And this thing, my husband broke the spade.

0:12:13 > 0:12:15I said to him, "I want a leek planter",

0:12:15 > 0:12:17- so he made a point on it... - It looks like it's been well used.

0:12:17 > 0:12:22- Yes.- So, so far this has cost you nothing.- Yes, that's correct.

0:12:22 > 0:12:26But then I went online, on an online recycling site,

0:12:26 > 0:12:32and I got a job lot of tools, nets, watering cans,

0:12:32 > 0:12:34for £15.

0:12:34 > 0:12:35- £15?- £15.

0:12:35 > 0:12:37- You filled the boot. - I did.

0:12:37 > 0:12:38I was delighted!

0:12:50 > 0:12:52Now, I think this is quite a novel way of planting this up.

0:12:52 > 0:12:54- It looks really attractive. - Thank you.

0:12:54 > 0:12:57Yes, I just thought sun rays would look quite nice.

0:12:57 > 0:12:59I did try to be a little bit creative.

0:12:59 > 0:13:01So one day I went to the woods with the kids and I made an obelisk

0:13:01 > 0:13:04out of twigs, and I think it's quite nice.

0:13:04 > 0:13:07And it's for supporting my sweet peas and also the net.

0:13:07 > 0:13:12Now, your biggest spend on the plot is £23 on asparagus crowns.

0:13:12 > 0:13:15I know! Well, I'm hoping I'm going to get my money back on that

0:13:15 > 0:13:18in years to come, cos asparagus is a crop

0:13:18 > 0:13:20that lasts quite a few years.

0:13:20 > 0:13:22So, yes, I'm looking forward to harvesting it.

0:13:22 > 0:13:25- Yes, it's starting to grow well. - It's doing really well.

0:13:25 > 0:13:28The seaside situation is happy.

0:13:28 > 0:13:31And another thing I've been doing, I've been keeping a record of

0:13:31 > 0:13:35all the salads and rhubarb that I've been harvesting since April.

0:13:36 > 0:13:39And, yes, in April I had, like, £1 for a meal.

0:13:39 > 0:13:42OK, so when you say £1, obviously it's cost you nothing...

0:13:42 > 0:13:45- Cost me nothing.- ..but that's how much it costs in the supermarket?

0:13:45 > 0:13:47- Yes.- What's this one - June, salad, £5?

0:13:47 > 0:13:49- That must have been... - I got a huge bag!

0:13:49 > 0:13:52I mean, that would have made at least five bags of salad,

0:13:52 > 0:13:53at a pound in the supermarket.

0:13:53 > 0:13:55So how much does that come in total?

0:13:55 > 0:13:56Over £45.

0:13:56 > 0:13:59- £45, just for you? - Just for myself. Yes.

0:13:59 > 0:14:02So, if we included Mary and Rosemary,

0:14:02 > 0:14:05- we could say that's £150 or something.- Definitely. Easily, yes.

0:14:05 > 0:14:07- It's really great. - Well, as the season goes on,

0:14:07 > 0:14:09- you'll get more and more... - We'll just get more and more.

0:14:09 > 0:14:11As you can see, they're really doing well.

0:14:11 > 0:14:13- What about the rhubarb - another £5 there?- Yes,

0:14:13 > 0:14:15I harvested quite a bit of it, and I cooked it down

0:14:15 > 0:14:18and put it in the freezer for making crumbles in the winter time.

0:14:18 > 0:14:21- Delicious.- Delicious. - Because this is just the start.- Yes.

0:14:21 > 0:14:24Wait till you start harvesting the tatties and the carrots...

0:14:24 > 0:14:27- And onions...- You name it. - ..beetroot.

0:14:27 > 0:14:30- So will you keep a record? - I will try.

0:14:30 > 0:14:32- And I'm coming back in August. - Yes, it will be lovely to have you.

0:14:32 > 0:14:35- And we will reap some of the harvest and see how we get on.- Lovely.

0:14:35 > 0:14:38- And that will be fun to see it then. - Yes, that will be great. Thank you.

0:14:45 > 0:14:47From time to time, we draw attention to the hedges

0:14:47 > 0:14:48that we have around the place.

0:14:48 > 0:14:52This western hemlock, a star of the show - it's an absolute cracker.

0:14:52 > 0:14:55But we all know about yew as well - very reliable,

0:14:55 > 0:14:56long-lasting and so on.

0:14:56 > 0:14:59And Chamaecyparis lawsoniana varieties

0:14:59 > 0:15:01are usually very good hedges.

0:15:01 > 0:15:03Look at that for a start off. Wonderful.

0:15:03 > 0:15:06And then, like drawing a line...

0:15:06 > 0:15:08dead!

0:15:08 > 0:15:11Now, this is the second time this has been planted with lawson cypress

0:15:11 > 0:15:13and they don't like it.

0:15:13 > 0:15:16I think it's water - I DID think it was water,

0:15:16 > 0:15:19until I talked to my pal here, Allan Brownie.

0:15:19 > 0:15:22You came along asking if we'd check for water, which we did.

0:15:22 > 0:15:25Without actually dowsing, it just changed our thought.

0:15:25 > 0:15:27We did look for water, see if it was a water problem,

0:15:27 > 0:15:30- and it's not a water problem - it's an energy problem.- Oh, really?

0:15:30 > 0:15:32Like a power line through here?

0:15:32 > 0:15:35The same idea. But it's not a power line, it's just a different energy.

0:15:35 > 0:15:37It's a natural soil...?

0:15:37 > 0:15:41Yes. And, as you can see - Jim, he's working across there,

0:15:41 > 0:15:43and all energy lines have different widths,

0:15:43 > 0:15:46and you'll find the edge of an energy line with the dowsing.

0:15:46 > 0:15:49- Yes?- And it'll show you the edge, the middle, the edge...

0:15:49 > 0:15:51So it starts here and it'll finish somewhere...?

0:15:51 > 0:15:53That's right - just where Jim is at the moment.

0:15:53 > 0:15:56When you find the edge of a line, the rods will just start moving.

0:15:56 > 0:15:59That's the edge. All energy lines are different widths,

0:15:59 > 0:16:01so once you come to the middle, the rods cross,

0:16:01 > 0:16:03and once you come to the other edge, they move again.

0:16:03 > 0:16:06So, you find the width of it - there are different widths.

0:16:06 > 0:16:09But that green one there is overlapping, and that one's OK.

0:16:09 > 0:16:12That's right. We've also got another energy line coming this way -

0:16:12 > 0:16:15we're on a crossroads, and this is the centre.

0:16:15 > 0:16:17- We're right on the centre here, this one.- Yeah.

0:16:17 > 0:16:20That's astonishing. It really is astonishing.

0:16:20 > 0:16:22It's quite fascinating for us, as dowsers,

0:16:22 > 0:16:25- being invited along to see this. - Aye, aye.

0:16:25 > 0:16:29Now, my reaction, of course, is that we will try once again.

0:16:29 > 0:16:32We will dig these up, we'll give this bit of ground a real doing

0:16:32 > 0:16:36with some muck and all the rest of it, and plant the same ones back.

0:16:36 > 0:16:39What can you do to ensure that they're going to grow?

0:16:39 > 0:16:43We're going to re-divert these lines away from here, over the top,

0:16:43 > 0:16:46so the energy's not flowing through here any more.

0:16:46 > 0:16:50- And we'll just tidy that energy up. - ALLAN LAUGHS

0:16:50 > 0:16:51I'll give you two years -

0:16:51 > 0:16:53- they're going to have to be up this height.- One year.

0:16:53 > 0:16:56- Less than that.- Thanks, Allan. THEY LAUGH

0:16:56 > 0:16:57Thank you.

0:16:58 > 0:17:01Now, it's been a wee while since we've been into the 8x6 greenhouse,

0:17:01 > 0:17:04and it's all about displaying plants,

0:17:04 > 0:17:05making it look rather bonny,

0:17:05 > 0:17:08and the good news is this Eucomis,

0:17:08 > 0:17:09or the pineapple flower,

0:17:09 > 0:17:12and I think you can see why, look...

0:17:12 > 0:17:15There, there is the prospect of a flower at last.

0:17:15 > 0:17:18Because these were bulbs that we bought in, actually, last year,

0:17:18 > 0:17:21we didn't get anything, then they were dried off over the winter,

0:17:21 > 0:17:25repotted, and it really is great news.

0:17:25 > 0:17:28So, what else have we got that I've used?

0:17:28 > 0:17:30The Oxalis - I love these plants,

0:17:30 > 0:17:32and, again, these were dried off over the winter.

0:17:32 > 0:17:34You start them off again

0:17:34 > 0:17:37and the purple form, I think, is particularly pretty.

0:17:37 > 0:17:39They actually close up at night-time

0:17:39 > 0:17:41and I think they are like little butterflies.

0:17:41 > 0:17:42So, that's the purple one.

0:17:42 > 0:17:44We've also got iron cross,

0:17:44 > 0:17:45and I think that is really

0:17:45 > 0:17:48attractive as well, sort of the two

0:17:48 > 0:17:50tones of the colour on the leaf.

0:17:50 > 0:17:52I've also gone for some new things.

0:17:52 > 0:17:54Look at the begonia, here.

0:17:54 > 0:17:56Fantastic, the way that is swirling.

0:17:56 > 0:17:59The other thing, do remember at this time of year

0:17:59 > 0:18:04that we are feeding all these house plants every 10 to 14 days.

0:18:04 > 0:18:06Also, look at the lovely begonia -

0:18:06 > 0:18:09crackling white fire is that one.

0:18:09 > 0:18:10OK, you could use that in

0:18:10 > 0:18:12a hanging basket, but it's also nice

0:18:12 > 0:18:14as a display plant.

0:18:14 > 0:18:16And do you remember as well the plant that I got from

0:18:16 > 0:18:17Gardening Scotland?

0:18:17 > 0:18:20The Kalanchoe, there - Dorothy -

0:18:20 > 0:18:21looking absolutely stunning,

0:18:21 > 0:18:25and I think she's going to flower for quite a while.

0:18:25 > 0:18:28And it's all about... I was saying a bit about display,

0:18:28 > 0:18:30so we've got the tiered benching.

0:18:30 > 0:18:33The other thing, though, to give you a little bit of height,

0:18:33 > 0:18:37here's a good example of having a pot on an upturned pot.

0:18:37 > 0:18:38Very simple.

0:18:38 > 0:18:40Obviously, the most difficult thing

0:18:40 > 0:18:42is actually getting the watering right.

0:18:42 > 0:18:45And also, apart from some of our ornamental plants,

0:18:45 > 0:18:49I've got some other plants that look nice but we can use them.

0:18:49 > 0:18:52We've got this eucalyptus called the lemon bush.

0:18:52 > 0:18:55I do wish that we had smelly telly,

0:18:55 > 0:18:57because that is just like lemon balm.

0:18:57 > 0:19:00And, evidently, you can use a little bit of that on a brulee.

0:19:00 > 0:19:03I think that would be absolutely delicious.

0:19:03 > 0:19:06And, finally, I have got some chilies,

0:19:06 > 0:19:08and these are so pretty as well.

0:19:08 > 0:19:12This one is masquerade, beautiful purple fruits on it,

0:19:12 > 0:19:14and it's meant to be very, very hot.

0:19:21 > 0:19:26Hidden away in the Perthshire hills is the garden at Craigowen,

0:19:26 > 0:19:28by Ballinluig, south of Pitlochry.

0:19:29 > 0:19:34This five-acre site has been created and developed by Ian Jones

0:19:34 > 0:19:37and his family over the past 30 years.

0:19:37 > 0:19:40Ian's passion is rhododendrons,

0:19:40 > 0:19:44but his stunning collection of over 600 species and hybrids

0:19:44 > 0:19:47has been a hard-won achievement on this hillside location.

0:19:51 > 0:19:52So, how high are we above sea level?

0:19:52 > 0:19:56We're 600, 650 feet. Where we're standing now, anyway.

0:19:56 > 0:19:59And in the Perthshire hills, you get a lot of rain

0:19:59 > 0:20:03and the water runs down the hill and into your garden, doesn't it?

0:20:03 > 0:20:04And how!

0:20:04 > 0:20:07It certainly does, and it's been getting worse over the years.

0:20:07 > 0:20:08Deluges.

0:20:08 > 0:20:10They're vicious, actually.

0:20:10 > 0:20:12And you've got to be able to take it away, as we all know.

0:20:12 > 0:20:14Drainage is absolutely fundamental

0:20:14 > 0:20:17and I learned, because of under soil ponding,

0:20:17 > 0:20:21rhododendrons start to exhibit some degree of stress.

0:20:21 > 0:20:23Hill drainage is a complex issue.

0:20:23 > 0:20:25You've got to get your run-off right.

0:20:25 > 0:20:27You've got to get your ring main right.

0:20:27 > 0:20:29You've got to get your filter system right.

0:20:29 > 0:20:31You've got to get your depth right. It takes a bit of doing.

0:20:31 > 0:20:34So you eventually drag the water off the site,

0:20:34 > 0:20:37or run it off the site, and that improves the topsoil, doesn't it?

0:20:37 > 0:20:38Yes, it does. It gives it a chance.

0:20:38 > 0:20:40It also gives the plants a chance.

0:20:42 > 0:20:46The rhododendrons are nurtured in a nursery bed at the top of the site.

0:20:48 > 0:20:49When they outgrow this space

0:20:49 > 0:20:53they are moved, by machinery and by hard graft,

0:20:53 > 0:20:56down into the spacious woodland glades at the bottom of the site.

0:21:10 > 0:21:13This is the move they've made. They've been brought down here.

0:21:13 > 0:21:15What a space they get now, don't they? Look at that!

0:21:15 > 0:21:18Well, they've got more space than they have nearer the house,

0:21:18 > 0:21:19in the more formal garden.

0:21:19 > 0:21:20We've arranged for drainage,

0:21:20 > 0:21:23which is not the same complex drainage pattern down here,

0:21:23 > 0:21:24by mound planting.

0:21:24 > 0:21:28Yes, these all look as though they're up on little molehills.

0:21:28 > 0:21:29- But that's essential. - Yes, I'm afraid so.

0:21:29 > 0:21:32Without that, we'd have a lot of rhodies under stress.

0:21:32 > 0:21:35So planting on a mound like this keeps the root system dryer,

0:21:35 > 0:21:38they're not sitting with their feet in water, and the growth which

0:21:38 > 0:21:41you're putting on is quite exceptional, some brilliant growth.

0:21:41 > 0:21:43The answer is we've learned from experience

0:21:43 > 0:21:45and it is working, I'm glad to say.

0:21:45 > 0:21:48Now, because they've got all this space, you can see right round

0:21:48 > 0:21:52them, you can let the things develop to the shape that they should be.

0:21:52 > 0:21:54But is this their final move?

0:21:54 > 0:21:55Well, I rather doubt it,

0:21:55 > 0:21:58but that's a matter for the next generation, I think, George.

0:22:05 > 0:22:07The next generation is Ian's son, Simon,

0:22:07 > 0:22:11for whom this garden is just about a full-time job.

0:22:11 > 0:22:13As part of a team with Nicky Maddox,

0:22:13 > 0:22:18Simon has developed the extensive herbaceous planting at Craigavon.

0:22:19 > 0:22:22These lupins are absolutely spectacular, Simon.

0:22:22 > 0:22:23That's fabulous, isn't it?

0:22:23 > 0:22:27Yes, they're fairly going for it this year. Quite high.

0:22:27 > 0:22:30And then we've got quite a decent selection across here,

0:22:30 > 0:22:32just adding that nice bit of colour at this time of year.

0:22:32 > 0:22:35Just really mixing in very nicely with the tree peonies

0:22:35 > 0:22:37and, as you can see,

0:22:37 > 0:22:40we've really tried to cover as much earth as possible.

0:22:40 > 0:22:42Makes life a little bit easier when it comes to weeding,

0:22:42 > 0:22:45cos with the netting, which is fantastic for holding up the taller

0:22:45 > 0:22:48plants, it just gives them that bit of support for when the wind comes.

0:22:48 > 0:22:50The daylilies are fabulous, aren't they?

0:22:50 > 0:22:53Yeah, fantastic golden yellow colour.

0:22:53 > 0:22:54You get that lovely light in the evening -

0:22:54 > 0:22:58just looking down, they just catch your eye in the bottom corner, here.

0:22:58 > 0:23:00The whole thing is just a mass.

0:23:00 > 0:23:03Yeah, it's just starting to get going,

0:23:03 > 0:23:05and it's certainly enjoyed this spring.

0:23:05 > 0:23:07It should be a very nice showing once it gets into full flow.

0:23:16 > 0:23:19The whole design of this garden, Simon, is just fabulous.

0:23:19 > 0:23:22- It's really kept those nice flowing lines.- Yes.

0:23:22 > 0:23:24Not too many straight edges, you know?

0:23:24 > 0:23:26And, of course, it changes

0:23:26 > 0:23:28cos the rhodies keep on growing out to the edge

0:23:28 > 0:23:31and so you're always changing the edge of the borders

0:23:31 > 0:23:33and creating more work.

0:23:33 > 0:23:36- Ah...- Is this what you brought me up to see?

0:23:36 > 0:23:38Yeah, we've got a couple of interesting things up here.

0:23:38 > 0:23:42So here we are, what, 650-feet-up in Perthshire,

0:23:42 > 0:23:45and there's a plant from Morocco -

0:23:45 > 0:23:48the Moroccan broom, Cytisus battandieri -

0:23:48 > 0:23:49how does that happen?

0:23:49 > 0:23:51And it's not doing very badly at all.

0:23:51 > 0:23:53It's flowering very well, it's growing nonstop.

0:23:53 > 0:23:55As you can see, this is a very sunny spot here.

0:23:55 > 0:23:59It's very sheltered, very dry soil, up next to the house, here.

0:23:59 > 0:24:00And it was here originally.

0:24:00 > 0:24:02It's not something that we would have thought of planting,

0:24:02 > 0:24:04but it's doing very well.

0:24:04 > 0:24:07- A microclimate for it - that's it. - Why move it? Why move it? Yeah.

0:24:07 > 0:24:09Now, what's this over here? Cos this is another surprise.

0:24:09 > 0:24:11From Morocco to California.

0:24:11 > 0:24:15- For goodness' sake! Carpenteria californica.- Yeah.- Eh?

0:24:15 > 0:24:16All in the space of 10 metres.

0:24:18 > 0:24:20No, it's very healthy here.

0:24:20 > 0:24:22Again, something we wouldn't even think about planting up here,

0:24:22 > 0:24:24but it was here when we arrived.

0:24:24 > 0:24:26As you can see, it's right in front of this window here,

0:24:26 > 0:24:30which is our guest bedroom, which kind of ruins all these nice views.

0:24:30 > 0:24:32So I've done a lot of hacking back

0:24:32 > 0:24:35and it still comes back and flowers, and it's just fantastic.

0:24:35 > 0:24:36It's amazing what we can grow

0:24:36 > 0:24:39- if we just get the right position for things.- Yeah. Yeah, definitely.

0:24:49 > 0:24:52So, just when you think you've seen it all, what have we got?

0:24:52 > 0:24:54A pond, and all these wonderful primulas all the way around.

0:24:54 > 0:24:55It takes my breath away.

0:24:55 > 0:24:58This whole garden is just so exuberant.

0:24:58 > 0:25:01It's nice having all the different areas, you know?

0:25:01 > 0:25:04And each area has its own little specialties.

0:25:04 > 0:25:07But my favourite bit's always the end of the day when I finish work!

0:25:07 > 0:25:11Honestly, I've had a fabulous day, so thank you very much indeed.

0:25:11 > 0:25:12Thanks for sharing it.

0:25:12 > 0:25:15Thank you for coming. We've enjoyed having you.

0:25:20 > 0:25:22In Mr Anderson's absence,

0:25:22 > 0:25:24but with his permission,

0:25:24 > 0:25:28we're going to take one of his fig airlayers to the next stage,

0:25:28 > 0:25:30and here it is.

0:25:30 > 0:25:31You remember the story?

0:25:33 > 0:25:35Get it up into the light.

0:25:35 > 0:25:37Isn't that incredible?

0:25:37 > 0:25:39Look at the root system there is there.

0:25:39 > 0:25:44Now we have to gently ease the ball and remove it, like so.

0:25:44 > 0:25:46Look at that! Isn't that staggering?

0:25:46 > 0:25:48Absolutely staggering.

0:25:48 > 0:25:50Absolutely tremendous.

0:25:50 > 0:25:52And...

0:25:52 > 0:25:53about a five-inch pot.

0:25:54 > 0:25:56In here it goes...

0:25:56 > 0:25:58like so.

0:25:58 > 0:26:00And whilst I can still see,

0:26:00 > 0:26:03I'm going to put a cane in there, at the back.

0:26:03 > 0:26:05Hold the two together, plenty of compost.

0:26:05 > 0:26:08I might remove the fruit, I think.

0:26:08 > 0:26:11I don't think the fruit is important at this juncture.

0:26:11 > 0:26:12There we go.

0:26:12 > 0:26:15Give it a real press down.

0:26:15 > 0:26:17The two things that will complete this job at the moment

0:26:17 > 0:26:20are give it a thorough soaking,

0:26:20 > 0:26:22and keep the plant in the shade...

0:26:23 > 0:26:26..so that it is not stressed.

0:26:26 > 0:26:29Yes, I think I'm actually going to take that fruit off.

0:26:30 > 0:26:33That will reduce the stress even further.

0:26:33 > 0:26:35Give it a little bit of a tie.

0:26:35 > 0:26:38Always tie it above a leaf so that it doesn't slip.

0:26:40 > 0:26:43Don't tell my Scout leader.

0:26:45 > 0:26:47It's a granny knot!

0:26:47 > 0:26:49Right, this is the last bit we do.

0:26:50 > 0:26:52Put it on the floor, in the shade...

0:26:54 > 0:26:55..and give it a real good soak.

0:26:59 > 0:27:02Now, this wild flower area looks really bonny at the moment.

0:27:02 > 0:27:05We've got things like the gorgeous orchids,

0:27:05 > 0:27:09the ragged robin and then further behind me are the oxeye daisies.

0:27:09 > 0:27:12However, I am doing a little bit of management

0:27:12 > 0:27:15and taking out some of the really invasive weeds,

0:27:15 > 0:27:17so things like the dockens,

0:27:17 > 0:27:19the rosebay willowherb.

0:27:19 > 0:27:21Now, this one is ragwort,

0:27:21 > 0:27:22so, especially if you've got horses,

0:27:22 > 0:27:24you certainly need to get rid of that one.

0:27:24 > 0:27:27And then in this little patch at the moment

0:27:27 > 0:27:29I'm seeing quite a few brambles,

0:27:29 > 0:27:32and, OK, these will be all right on the edge of the site,

0:27:32 > 0:27:35but I certainly don't want them to smother the beautiful flowers here.

0:27:38 > 0:27:40Do you think people will make the connection between

0:27:40 > 0:27:44that gorgeous peony and the fact that we are sat in the June garden,

0:27:44 > 0:27:46which is all about peonies and irises?

0:27:46 > 0:27:48It is, and isn't it looking gorgeous?

0:27:48 > 0:27:51And, I mean, OK, that's a pale pink, that particular peony, but,

0:27:51 > 0:27:54I mean, look at the white with the yellow centre...

0:27:54 > 0:27:56- This one...- Yeah.- Stunning.

0:27:56 > 0:27:58- Yeah, and the maroon one behind me, yeah.- I know, gorgeous.

0:27:58 > 0:28:00- And then the iris as well.- Yes. - Such a contrast.

0:28:00 > 0:28:02But we don't know some of the varieties, unfortunately.

0:28:02 > 0:28:06Well, I think the labels were lost at some stage, which is very sad.

0:28:06 > 0:28:08It is a shame, but maybe we'll find out.

0:28:08 > 0:28:11Take some photographs and go to an expert on that one.

0:28:11 > 0:28:13But, you know, if you'd like any more information about

0:28:13 > 0:28:15this week's programme, it's all in the fact sheet

0:28:15 > 0:28:18and the easiest way to access that is online.

0:28:18 > 0:28:20And I think George visited a really nice garden, didn't he?

0:28:20 > 0:28:22Oh, I'm jealous.

0:28:22 > 0:28:24What a cracker of a garden!

0:28:24 > 0:28:28Anyway, we're going on holiday for two weeks.

0:28:28 > 0:28:30- Something to do with Wimbledon or something?- Yeah.

0:28:30 > 0:28:32- Strawberries and cream. - Well, but where's the Pimms?

0:28:32 > 0:28:34"Where's the Pimms?" I'm saying.

0:28:34 > 0:28:35We'll be back with you on the 20th of July.

0:28:35 > 0:28:37- Until then, goodbye.- Goodbye.