0:00:02 > 0:00:04There are few sights more satisfying than a beautiful garden.
0:00:04 > 0:00:07But what do you do if your outdoor space isn't quite
0:00:07 > 0:00:10so picture perfect and you're short on time?
0:00:10 > 0:00:13Well, meet the Instant Gardener.
0:00:13 > 0:00:14Da-da!
0:00:14 > 0:00:17'Danny Clarke is an expert at transforming gardens.'
0:00:17 > 0:00:21Here's my plan. I'm going to rejuvenate this garden.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24'Each time our gardening guru will show you how to create
0:00:24 > 0:00:27'gorgeous garden makeovers.'
0:00:27 > 0:00:30That's the art of garden design. Delegation.
0:00:30 > 0:00:34'Each transformation will be packed with brilliant ideas and tips...'
0:00:34 > 0:00:36It makes it easier to cut through.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40..to help you get to grips with your own outdoor space.'
0:00:40 > 0:00:42It does feel unnatural, but take your time.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44'With his magical ideas...'
0:00:44 > 0:00:48These flowers will look like they are floating in amongst the grasses.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51..and advice on spending wisely on a budget...'
0:00:51 > 0:00:55- That's why Danny makes me bring a list.- OK.- Oh, my word.
0:00:55 > 0:00:57This is amazing!
0:00:57 > 0:00:59'And because he is the Instant Gardener
0:00:59 > 0:01:03'everything you see will happen in just one day.'
0:01:03 > 0:01:06- Oh, my gosh! - That looks so much better.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18This time we are in the West Yorkshire city of Bradford,
0:01:18 > 0:01:22where imposing relics like these 19th-century mills remind us
0:01:22 > 0:01:26of its important heritage as a Victorian industrial powerhouse.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30Today, Bradford is a city on the rise,
0:01:30 > 0:01:34and sometimes things can move so fast it can be hard to keep up.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37I'm about to meet a family with a garden that's been left behind,
0:01:37 > 0:01:41and it needs to be dragged kicking and screaming into the here and now.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54- Hello, I'm Helen.- I'm Beverley. - Nice to meet you.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58- Do you want to come in? - Thank you very much.
0:01:58 > 0:02:02This Victorian terrace house is home to three generations.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06Beverley Finch, her 18-year-old son Dale and her elderly mother Brenda.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09Beverley lived with her parents until she moved out
0:02:09 > 0:02:12and started a family, but then she became a single mum.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15In dire need of somewhere to go, she moved back in with Brenda,
0:02:15 > 0:02:17along with her young son.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20Brenda was a tower of support to her daughter
0:02:20 > 0:02:23and has helped to raise Dale since he was one.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26But the devoted grandmother, now nearly 80, suffers daily with
0:02:26 > 0:02:28crippling arthritis.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32And being unsteady on her feet, has had a number of falls.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40Brenda used to love sitting in the garden
0:02:40 > 0:02:42and enjoying the wildlife, but now that she is
0:02:42 > 0:02:46so frail their tangled jungle has become a death trap for her,
0:02:46 > 0:02:49so Beverley nominated her mother for an instant garden
0:02:49 > 0:02:53makeover as the big thank you Brenda so richly deserves.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56This is a garden that's been lost in time -
0:02:56 > 0:03:00left to its own devices for the past 12 years. The borders are overgrown,
0:03:00 > 0:03:05the lawn is shapeless and tangled. And weeds and saplings have run
0:03:05 > 0:03:08wild. But hidden in the undergrowth are some interesting plants.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11Rhubarb, crocosmia, peony,
0:03:11 > 0:03:14all in danger of being smothered.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17Behind the overgrown beds, in a disused greenhouse,
0:03:17 > 0:03:19this thick forest was once a shrubbery.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21There are some hidden gems here,
0:03:21 > 0:03:25but they're completely inaccessible, especially for Beverley's mum.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28For an elderly resident, this garden is a nightmare.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32Steep and broken steps, overgrown hedges and a lumpy lawn to navigate.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35This neglected spot needs some serious clearance to give it
0:03:35 > 0:03:39back some shape, purpose and, above all, safety for Brenda.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44Right, Beverley, let's have a look at this garden.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47- It is kind of a jungle, isn't it?- Very much so.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49It is very overgrown,
0:03:49 > 0:03:52lots of things I have no idea what they are completely.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56- Other than the rhubarb. - And the Danny. This is Danny.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59What do you reckon, Danny? It is quite overgrown, isn't it?
0:03:59 > 0:04:03Very overgrown. I can see this was once a loved garden.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07Quite possibly. It has been quite full since we moved in,
0:04:07 > 0:04:10but obviously it's just got a little bit wilder and wilder, but apparently
0:04:10 > 0:04:14we've got raspberries, gooseberries, rhubarb, we've got everything.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16But no idea which one is which, I must admit.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20- So it really needs bringing back to life, doesn't it?- Oh, it would be amazing.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22Just to have a nice garden where we can just sort of sit
0:04:22 > 0:04:26and not have to worry about things and, you know, it would just be amazing.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29- How long have you lived here?- We've lived here now about 12 years.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32And have you done much with the garden in that 12 years?
0:04:32 > 0:04:34We've sort of tried to manage it a little bit,
0:04:34 > 0:04:37but it has just got overgrown, and the back part, we can't even
0:04:37 > 0:04:41get through, it is nettley, it is prickly, it is just horrendous.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44And I've, unfortunately, not been able to keep up with it at all.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46So, there is your mum, yourself and Dale,
0:04:46 > 0:04:49- who is 18.- Yeah.- So three generations.- Yes.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52What would you like to see from this space?
0:04:52 > 0:04:54Somewhere where everybody can sort of appreciate,
0:04:54 > 0:04:57my mum particularly. For my mum to be able to come out
0:04:57 > 0:05:00and know she was safe is one of the main things,
0:05:00 > 0:05:02because she is very unsteady on her feet.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04Is this a bit of a thank you for your mum?
0:05:04 > 0:05:07Yes, because my mum has done loads for us.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10I split up from Dale's dad when he was quite little,
0:05:10 > 0:05:14and my mum and dad, at the time, took me back in,
0:05:14 > 0:05:17they welcomed them both back in and said, "No problems, come back home."
0:05:17 > 0:05:19And we've been here ever since, really.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22And I guess now you are at a stage in your life where you want to look after her, give her
0:05:22 > 0:05:25somewhere nice and safe to spend time.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28Although she likes to think she is very independent, but unfortunately
0:05:28 > 0:05:32she is not as independent as she likes to think she is.
0:05:32 > 0:05:37So, yes, it would be nice to be able to give her something back...
0:05:37 > 0:05:40just to say thank you, really, for all the help she has done for us over the years.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43Beverley, is there anything specific you like in this garden?
0:05:43 > 0:05:46Anything that your mum would really like?
0:05:46 > 0:05:50It would be lovely for her to have somewhere to sit.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52She likes to come out and she likes to watch all the wildlife
0:05:52 > 0:05:56and the birds, so maybe something for the birds, you know,
0:05:56 > 0:05:58that she could sit and watch wildlife and things.
0:05:58 > 0:05:59But just to be able to come out, relax,
0:05:59 > 0:06:02- have somewhere nice to sit and just take it all in.- Yes, sure.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06- Don't forget this. You know what's coming, don't you, Helen?- Yes.
0:06:06 > 0:06:08- The magic book.- The shopping list.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12We'll go off and get some inspiration, and come back with
0:06:12 > 0:06:16a few goodies that will hopefully contribute to the garden.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19Don't spend the afternoon playing on that slide.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21Oh, ca... But I wanted to. HELEN LAUGHS
0:06:21 > 0:06:25- Come on then, Beverley, we'll get out of their hair.- Thank you. - See you.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30While I sweep Beverley away to civilisation, Danny has only
0:06:30 > 0:06:34ten hours to convert this primeval forest into an elegant garden.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38So, Danny, what's the plan of action?
0:06:38 > 0:06:39Here's my plan.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42The first thing I'm going to do is cut this lawn,
0:06:42 > 0:06:46cut it right back and give it some shape.
0:06:46 > 0:06:47Cut these hedges back.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49These hedges are massively overgrown,
0:06:49 > 0:06:51so they are going to be cut right back.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53And I'm going to cut these sappys down.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57I'd love to dig them out, but sadly we won't have time to do that.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01And then work my way into there, into that shrubbery over there,
0:07:01 > 0:07:04cutting from side to side, just to see what we've got.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08And once I can see what we've got, I can then make a true assessment.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10I'm going to be very brutal, but that's what you have to do
0:07:10 > 0:07:13when you're renovating a garden, and it will come back.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15So once I've cut back
0:07:15 > 0:07:18and I can see what we've got, I think what we've got to do, because
0:07:18 > 0:07:22a lot of the plants are overgrown, I'm going to lift them and divide them.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24So less is going to make more.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27And by doing that, I'm going to rejuvenate the plants,
0:07:27 > 0:07:29they are going to absolutely love it.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31And we can just dot them around.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35Brenda is very elderly and she is unsteady on her feet.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39And she's got to negotiate some steep steps...
0:07:39 > 0:07:41over there, which are damaged.
0:07:41 > 0:07:46And, you know, she can't really get access to this garden safely,
0:07:46 > 0:07:50so we are going to repair the steps and attach a hand rail to the wall.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53So she can negotiate those steps safely
0:07:53 > 0:07:56and enjoy the garden once we've finished with it.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59My intention is to put a seating area here.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03So, I'm not really sure in what position I'm going to put it in.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05I can only assess that once I've cleared,
0:08:05 > 0:08:08because this garden is so badly overgrown.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12I've got to get in here, start working and then I'll see what's here.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16Danny's handyman AJ and horticultural expert
0:08:16 > 0:08:20Lou are here to help as always, and Beverley's son Dale is pitching
0:08:20 > 0:08:24in. Plus, he's drafted two of his best mates, Jamie and Billy.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27- All right, lads. How are you doing? - All right.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30Thanks for coming along to give us a hand today. Really appreciate it.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32There's a lot to do, as you can see.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35So we need all the manpower we can muster.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38So, do you think you will be mates after today, after he's roped you in?
0:08:38 > 0:08:41- Do you think you will still be mates?- Maybe. - THEY LAUGH
0:08:41 > 0:08:44So, what we'll do, we will get our safety gear on.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48- I feel like I'm going swimming. - Goggles on.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52I tell you what, you all look really supercool.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58While the lads mow the lawn and clear out Dale's weather-beaten
0:08:58 > 0:09:02childhood toys, AJ makes a start on those slippery steps.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07Beverley's mum is quite elderly and they are quite steep.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10- And concrete, generally, can be slippery.- Yeah, sure.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14So I'm going to rebuild the steps, really,
0:09:14 > 0:09:17because there is a lot of it chipped out here
0:09:17 > 0:09:18which is quite dangerous, really,
0:09:18 > 0:09:23- because you are expecting it there and...- Yeah, yeah ..tumble. - And then...
0:09:23 > 0:09:27I'm going to then attach the fake grass to it, so we can
0:09:27 > 0:09:31sort of bring the garden actually further back towards the house.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34Because the artificial grass will be less slippy,
0:09:34 > 0:09:37so it is non-slippy, rather than just plain.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39And, Lou...
0:09:39 > 0:09:42look at this. Lou.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45- Oh, it is going to take more than a...- I think it is. - ..pair of pruners!
0:09:45 > 0:09:48I think we are going to have to get the heavy gear out, aren't we?
0:09:48 > 0:09:50The serious stuff.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54And the heavy stuff will be arriving a bit later on,
0:09:54 > 0:09:57when Danny drafts in some specialist help.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00But for now, Danny and the teenage trio will get started on cutting
0:10:00 > 0:10:03back those overgrown hedges.
0:10:03 > 0:10:04With bad weather forecast for later on,
0:10:04 > 0:10:09the team need to get stuck in right away, there's no time to waste.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13Meanwhile, I've taken Beverley away from all the chaos to
0:10:13 > 0:10:16a garden not far away, near Leeds.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18Like Beverley's, it was once a jungly mess,
0:10:18 > 0:10:22but is now a picture of safe and orderly beauty,
0:10:22 > 0:10:26with abundant seating and good access to all areas.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29Right, Beverley, so we've come to a house that has a garden which
0:10:29 > 0:10:32- has had similar sorts of issues to yours...- Right.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35..in that once upon a time it was quite overgrown.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37It isn't now, so hopefully you will find some things in there
0:10:37 > 0:10:40- that you like the look of. - Hm. Lovely.- Right.
0:10:44 > 0:10:45Oh, that is amazing.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48Oh! This has serious wow factor, doesn't it?
0:10:48 > 0:10:51This is amazing.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53Can you imagine sitting here all day
0:10:53 > 0:10:57and just being able to look at the birdhouse and everything?
0:10:57 > 0:10:59It is absolutely stunning, is this.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02I don't even need to ask you if you like get, you clearly love it.
0:11:02 > 0:11:03It is absolutely gorgeous.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07The archway and all the different plants, the little summerhouse.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11- But there are things, that you also have, in this garden.- Yeah.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14The woodland surrounding it, the birds tweeting.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16The birds tweeting, the wildlife and everything.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19And like your garden, it sort of steps away from the house.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23- It does, yeah.- Road at the front and then it tiers down. Trickles down.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27This sort of does the same, in a way, doesn't it? But it is beautiful.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- It is absolute stunning.- First impressions are clearly good.- Oh...
0:11:30 > 0:11:33Let's have a bit more of a look around.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35- Oh!- I love this arch.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37It's absolutely beautiful. Look at the pretty flowers.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40That's gorgeous, how it just sort of hangs over, isn't it?
0:11:40 > 0:11:42Those clematises are so gorgeous, aren't they?
0:11:42 > 0:11:45Rose on this side, so perfect for climbing over.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49- So lots of places to sit around the garden, you can follow the sun. - Yeah.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53- And great little bird house over there.- Yes. And the deer.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55I think this is a really fun addition to a garden.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57- How do you feel about it? - It is lovely.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00It is quite big, but it fits in the garden perfectly
0:12:00 > 0:12:03and it is overseeing everything that is going on.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05It is as if the wildlife, it has sneaked out
0:12:05 > 0:12:08and just having a look at everything going on, isn't it?
0:12:08 > 0:12:10Taking it all in, it's gorgeous.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12Well, I'm confident you are excited by this garden.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14Definitely, definitely.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16I think there are quite a few things here that you could take away
0:12:16 > 0:12:18and incorporate into your garden.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21- Do you think that?- Yes. Definitely. Yes.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25If I had a garden like this, I would never go in again. It is beautiful.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27Absolutely stunning.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31Back in the lost garden of Bradford,
0:12:31 > 0:12:33there could be a spanner in the works.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36Before the more dense overgrowth at the back of the garden can be
0:12:36 > 0:12:40tackled, there is an essential check that must be made first
0:12:40 > 0:12:42in case it's already occupied.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44- Now, I want to take this tree out. - Right.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47So one of the things I need to check for, obviously, is to see
0:12:47 > 0:12:50- if there are any nesting birds here. - OK.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54So we need to have a check before we chainsaw this down.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57- OK, so shall we have a look? - Yeah, yeah.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00And then we can satisfy ourselves that it is
0:13:00 > 0:13:02perfectly OK.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05Did you know it is an offence to destroy a wild bird's nest
0:13:05 > 0:13:06while it is in use?
0:13:06 > 0:13:10- No, I didn't know that.- Yeah, well, it is. You know, it is an offence.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13Just one nest could put a swift end to Danny's grand plans
0:13:13 > 0:13:16for the shrubbery, so it is with great relief that it
0:13:16 > 0:13:20can be declared a birdless zone after a careful check throughout.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24- I think we can attack this with confidence.- Yeah.- Yeah?.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26I can't see anything.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30The big chop back can now really get into full swing,
0:13:30 > 0:13:32and Danny's got his strimmer out again, which is
0:13:32 > 0:13:36making short work of those massive overgrown hedges.
0:13:36 > 0:13:37But has he got carried away?
0:13:37 > 0:13:41Looks like he is marmalising the only thing in flower in the whole garden.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43And now I hear you say, "What's he doing,
0:13:43 > 0:13:45"cutting that kerria that is in flower?"
0:13:45 > 0:13:49Now, as I said earlier, this garden is overgrown.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52And you can't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56So I'm cutting it back for now, and it will come back again next year.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59You can cut most things back and they will regenerate
0:13:59 > 0:14:02and they will be absolutely fine.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05And since more powerful gear is going to be needed
0:14:05 > 0:14:07if we are to get all those sapling trees down by dusk,
0:14:07 > 0:14:11the much wanted extra help Danny has arranged has arrived,
0:14:11 > 0:14:14in the shape of an experienced and qualified tree surgeon
0:14:14 > 0:14:16and some specialist equipment.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19This is a massive job.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22And we need a chainsaw, and chainsaws are dangerous.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26So we've called in the professional. Joffrey.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29- Hi, there.- This is Joffrey Benedict...
0:14:29 > 0:14:32Joffrey Benedict Lucian Marshall Watson.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34- That's impressive.- You can call me Joff.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36- I'll call you Joff. - It'll make it easier.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39- And my name is Dannahue Barrington Clark.- I'm beating you buy one, then.
0:14:39 > 0:14:44- You can call me Danny.- Oh, thank you. - There's a lot to do.- Yeah.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47But before you go, you've got, like, a special job you want to do for me?
0:14:47 > 0:14:50Yes, I have, I've brought a couple lumps of wood, but you're
0:14:50 > 0:14:52going to have to wait and see what I'm going to be doing.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55I tell you what, I really can't wait. I'm really looking forward to that.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59- OK, well, we better get on and do some more work.- Let's start.- OK.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06Joff's petrol-driven chainsaw makes mincemeat of these
0:15:06 > 0:15:11self-seeded saplings, but of the 87,000 gardening injuries we sustain
0:15:11 > 0:15:15every year, chainsaw accidents are some of the most serious.
0:15:15 > 0:15:16Protective clothing,
0:15:16 > 0:15:19a safety helmet and ear defenders should always be worn
0:15:19 > 0:15:24and, if in doubt, the job should be done by a professional like Joff.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27Joff is over there pruning that hedge,
0:15:27 > 0:15:29which is mainly sycamore.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33Now, he's going down below the required height.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36With any pruning, what that does is stimulates growth,
0:15:36 > 0:15:39and that hedge will come back thicker than ever.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41So, once that happens, you can
0:15:41 > 0:15:44then trim it again to the required height.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50While Danny and Joff tackle the trees, Beverley and I
0:15:50 > 0:15:53are finding out how Kate Van Heel, the owner of this garden,
0:15:53 > 0:15:55approached her own overgrown oasis.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59Kate, talk us through this garden - what it was like
0:15:59 > 0:16:01when you first moved in.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05When we first moved in it was a complete wilderness.
0:16:05 > 0:16:06There was...
0:16:06 > 0:16:08No, there were a few plants.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10I think there were some peonies here.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13And apart from that, we had brambles,
0:16:13 > 0:16:16we had nettles, we had ground elder...
0:16:16 > 0:16:18All the things that you don't want.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20It was just totally and utterly overgrown.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24So we sort of very gradually started working on it
0:16:24 > 0:16:26bit by bit, clearing.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28Me and my dad got our forks and our spades
0:16:28 > 0:16:30and we dug out all the brambles
0:16:30 > 0:16:32and we just kept doing it -
0:16:32 > 0:16:34digging them out, digging them out, digging them out -
0:16:34 > 0:16:36till we got rid of them.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38You say gradually... How long has this process taken?
0:16:38 > 0:16:42To get to this stage, it's taken us more than 20 years.
0:16:42 > 0:16:43SHE LAUGHS
0:16:43 > 0:16:45And is it quite intimidating?
0:16:45 > 0:16:48- It's very intimidating, isn't it? When you first...- Definitely.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50- You've no idea where to start.- Mm.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53It's really... You just look at it and think...
0:16:53 > 0:16:54"Where? Where do I begin?"
0:16:54 > 0:16:56So, where did you begin?
0:16:56 > 0:17:00The first thing we did was worked on the parts nearest the house.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02So we started there, and then all the beds.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06The beds have changed. I mean, the first planting has been and gone -
0:17:06 > 0:17:09this is the second, third incarnation.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12As I discover new plants and think "Where can I put them?"
0:17:12 > 0:17:14I suspect there will be a lot of people like Beverley
0:17:14 > 0:17:17who have quite an intimidating overgrown garden
0:17:17 > 0:17:19and would love to get somewhere near yours.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21What would you recommend they do?
0:17:21 > 0:17:24Well, I would say, first of all,
0:17:24 > 0:17:28get rid of all the nasty weeds.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30The ones that are going to come back year after year.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32Get rid of all the... particularly, brambles.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34And then you need to think about
0:17:34 > 0:17:37putting the right plant in the right place.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40This is what all fantastic gardeners say, and I listen to them.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42Put the right plant in the right place.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44So if you've got some shady areas,
0:17:44 > 0:17:46plant things that are appropriate to that.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48I love ferns. I adore ferns.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51And so, if you look round the shady parts of the garden,
0:17:51 > 0:17:52there are lots of ferns.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55But there's all sorts of things that you can plant.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58But right plant, right place, definitely.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01Would it be fair to say that this garden has excited you
0:18:01 > 0:18:04- about the potential of yours? - Yes, definitely. Definitely, yeah.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06Just to see what can be done.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09And especially now that I've found out that yours was once like mine!
0:18:09 > 0:18:13- Yes. Oh, yes! - Albeit a long time ago. It's just...
0:18:13 > 0:18:15You would never, ever imagine,
0:18:15 > 0:18:18looking around this garden now, that ever it was like that.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21It's just unbelievable what you can do.
0:18:21 > 0:18:2312 years out of the garden? Is this the start of a whole new you?
0:18:23 > 0:18:25Definitely! Definitely.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27After seeing this today, definitely.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34If you've moved house and inherited an overgrown jungle
0:18:34 > 0:18:36like Kate or Beverley, don't panic.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40Slashing and burning is not your only option.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43There are several great tips that have been put into practice in this garden
0:18:43 > 0:18:46to help bring it back to its former glory.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50For the first year of living with your new jungle,
0:18:50 > 0:18:54take pictures of it from every corner in all four seasons
0:18:54 > 0:18:56to help remember any plants
0:18:56 > 0:18:59that are worth keeping and those that need to go.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02Borders chock-full of pernicious weeds can be dealt with
0:19:02 > 0:19:05by laying down a thick layer of weed-resistant membrane
0:19:05 > 0:19:07to starve weeds of light.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10Removing large and overgrown trees
0:19:10 > 0:19:13can make a huge difference to your garden - letting in light
0:19:13 > 0:19:15and releasing nutrients.
0:19:15 > 0:19:16But be careful -
0:19:16 > 0:19:19if a mature tree is considered a neighbourhood amenity,
0:19:19 > 0:19:22it might be under a tree preservation order,
0:19:22 > 0:19:26so check with your council before hiring that chap with a chainsaw.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31Keep an eye out for the National Gardens Scheme
0:19:31 > 0:19:34which lists hundreds of private gardens - including Kate's -
0:19:34 > 0:19:37that are sometimes open for anyone to have a look around.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45It's no show garden yet,
0:19:45 > 0:19:47but Beverley's plot
0:19:47 > 0:19:50is improving by the minute, which is just as well,
0:19:50 > 0:19:53because those minutes are ticking away.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55The big chop-back is nearly complete,
0:19:55 > 0:19:57and AJ's made progress transforming the steps
0:19:57 > 0:20:00from a rickety nightmare into a stairway to heaven.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03- Hello, AJ.- Hello, mate.
0:20:03 > 0:20:04- How's it been going?- Oh, good.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07- Looks good.- Getting there. - Looks great.- It's getting there.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09You're moving on, aren't you?
0:20:09 > 0:20:10Yeah. I've changed it slightly.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13I was going to have, sort of, like,
0:20:13 > 0:20:16this sort of, like, fake grass starting on the top.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18- Yeah.- But that would kind of leave,
0:20:18 > 0:20:20sort of, it proud this high,
0:20:20 > 0:20:23and I thought that might be a tripping hazard at the top there.
0:20:23 > 0:20:27- Sure.- So what I've done is sandwiched the edge
0:20:27 > 0:20:31of this artificial grass between this wood
0:20:31 > 0:20:34and the concrete there. Drilled it in.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37- So, if you want to help me roll it down...- Yeah, sure.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41Just like rolling out the red carpet, this fake turf
0:20:41 > 0:20:45should help Brenda make her grand entrance more safely.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47Artificial grass will soften
0:20:47 > 0:20:51hard surfaces, and some brands are specifically designed to be non-slip.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53While AJ is restoring the steps,
0:20:53 > 0:20:58Joffrey the tree surgeon is doing some brilliantly creative recycling
0:20:58 > 0:21:01using leftover wood from the trees he's chopped down.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04Remember that surprise he talked about? Well, here it is.
0:21:04 > 0:21:05A gorgeous owl sculpture
0:21:05 > 0:21:09carved with his chainsaw and his electric router.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12He's already nearly finished this exotic chair.
0:21:12 > 0:21:13If Beverley liked the deer sculpture
0:21:13 > 0:21:16in Kate's garden, she is going to love these!
0:21:18 > 0:21:21OWL HOOTS
0:21:21 > 0:21:25The rest of the garden is finally starting to see the light,
0:21:25 > 0:21:28which is a good thing because with bad weather forecast
0:21:28 > 0:21:30it could be dark sooner than they think.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33But the team have already filled a skip
0:21:33 > 0:21:35so they must be getting somewhere.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37This is very satisfying seeing this go.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40Erm, it's a full load
0:21:40 > 0:21:44and I can't believe how much progress we've made today.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48Do you know what? The last hour has moved things forward so quickly.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50It's half past four now,
0:21:50 > 0:21:53and I sense that we're well ahead of schedule.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55But who knows, anything can happen,
0:21:55 > 0:21:58so I better not count my chickens before they're hatched.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04While Danny ships off his skip, we're taking a bit of time out
0:22:04 > 0:22:07in Kate's beautifully restored garden.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10I want to find out about what life's been like for Beverley
0:22:10 > 0:22:13since she and Dale moved back into the family home.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16So, how did that come about, then,
0:22:16 > 0:22:18you and Dale moving back in with your mum?
0:22:18 > 0:22:22I initially moved away with my ex-partner
0:22:22 > 0:22:24and it didn't work out.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26And I needed somewhere to go back to.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29So, my mum and dad - cos my dad was alive at the time -
0:22:29 > 0:22:31said that we were more than welcome to come back home.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33Made us feel totally welcome
0:22:33 > 0:22:35and we've just never ever left.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38Becoming a single parent, with Dale being so young,
0:22:38 > 0:22:39must've been quite scary.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42How helpful was your mum in that situation?
0:22:42 > 0:22:43Very helpful.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47It meant that I could go to back to work part-time.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49She'd take him to playgroup when he was little, to school,
0:22:49 > 0:22:50pick him up from school.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52Look after him during the holidays and things.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54I always knew he'd be safe.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57And how is your mum now? Because she's in her 70s.
0:22:57 > 0:22:58- She is.- How's her health?
0:22:58 > 0:23:01Erm... She's not very good health-wise.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03She has a lot of things wrong with her.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06She's got chronic rheumatoid arthritis,
0:23:06 > 0:23:08so she's on quite strong painkillers for that.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10Morphine, included.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12So, she's in a lot of pain most days.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14Quite unsteady on her feet.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16She's had a few bad falls recently,
0:23:16 > 0:23:19so it's a little bit of payback now, I think.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21It's time for us to look after her,
0:23:21 > 0:23:23rather than her to look after us.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25How close are your mum and Dale?
0:23:25 > 0:23:26Very close.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29She's always been there, ever since he was little.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32Dale was 13 months old when we moved in.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34Always been involved in things.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36So it's been nice. They're got a really close relationship.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39It's a weird point in your life, isn't it,
0:23:39 > 0:23:41when you start thinking about looking after your parents
0:23:41 > 0:23:43rather than them looking after you?
0:23:43 > 0:23:46Yes. I've gone from looking after my son, to now...
0:23:46 > 0:23:49The tables turned, and we're looking after her more now.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51But from her point of view, she must be frustrated.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54- She sounds like a woman who's always been...- She gets fed up.
0:23:54 > 0:23:55She does get fed up. Erm...
0:23:55 > 0:23:58And as much as she doesn't want to admit she can't do things,
0:23:58 > 0:24:02she is now having to get to the point where she's realising
0:24:02 > 0:24:05she can't do as much. So she doesn't get out a great deal.
0:24:05 > 0:24:10So, just to be able to go out and sit and enjoy the garden,
0:24:10 > 0:24:13the wildlife and things, would really give her some confidence
0:24:13 > 0:24:16and a self-esteem boost, and really enjoy it.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19- That's not good for anyone, is it, being stuck in the house? - Not at all.
0:24:19 > 0:24:23- So, first and foremost, this is a place for your mum.- It is.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25But what about you and Dale?
0:24:25 > 0:24:27How much do you think you two will get out of it?
0:24:27 > 0:24:30It'll be nice to spend some quality family time outside together
0:24:30 > 0:24:32and just enjoy it all together.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35I know Dale's angling after getting a barbecue.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38So that could be next in the pipeline.
0:24:38 > 0:24:40But he's got his friends around there already,
0:24:40 > 0:24:43- so I think they're staking their claim.- Yeah, probably!
0:24:43 > 0:24:45They've probably got it all planned now.
0:24:45 > 0:24:46I'll go back home and they'll be,
0:24:46 > 0:24:48"And we're getting this here and this here..."
0:24:48 > 0:24:50Well, they won't be getting anything finished
0:24:50 > 0:24:52if we don't do our bit and get this shopping.
0:24:52 > 0:24:57- So shall we get to the garden centre?- That sounds like a plan!
0:24:57 > 0:24:59While we're on the hunt for plants,
0:24:59 > 0:25:01AJ's cracking on with the repairs on the stairs.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03He's screwed a new railing to the wall
0:25:03 > 0:25:05to help Brenda navigate the steep alley,
0:25:05 > 0:25:08and he's moving on to the broken edges.
0:25:08 > 0:25:09What's the plan here?
0:25:09 > 0:25:11I know you're putting timber around the step
0:25:11 > 0:25:14which will look absolutely fab. What are your plans?
0:25:14 > 0:25:16Well, I've used a decking board
0:25:16 > 0:25:18- here because it is quite decorative. - Yeah.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20And as you can see...
0:25:20 > 0:25:23half the step's eroded away here.
0:25:23 > 0:25:24Sure.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26So to kill two birds with one stone
0:25:26 > 0:25:28I'm going to put this on as it's decorative,
0:25:28 > 0:25:31but also, it allows me to fill this with cement
0:25:31 > 0:25:33without it pouring out.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36- So it's retaining it, while it goes off.- Yeah.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38Are you going to turf it all the way down?
0:25:38 > 0:25:42Well, to be honest, this was a little bit of an off-cut we had.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45And I just thought it could go to good use on those steps there.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47The same with this timber here.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49It was just an off-cut that I found.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52Luckily, it was long enough to go around here, so, you know...
0:25:52 > 0:25:55Hunt down your sheds and your garages to find things.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58Little things like this which don't cost anything
0:25:58 > 0:26:01can titivate something from zero to hero.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03Yeah, sure.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05I think it's such a clever idea of his
0:26:05 > 0:26:07to put this artificial turf down.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10I mean, it's going to give this garden some continuity.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12So, in its own little way,
0:26:12 > 0:26:16it kind of joins the house to this little plot here.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20It all seems to be going very much to plan,
0:26:20 > 0:26:24which can only mean that we're about to be royally scuppered by Mother Nature.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26But there's no time to spare.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28While rain and power tools don't mix,
0:26:28 > 0:26:31Danny can still get planting and bulk out the beds.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33His plan? To divide and conquer.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36There are many perennials that can be divided.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39One of which is this Crocosmia down here.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42Now, to do that, it's very, very simple.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45Just dig up a piece...
0:26:49 > 0:26:50And this is what we have.
0:26:50 > 0:26:54So, you look at that. There's the mother there.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56That's the mother Crocosmia.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58And these are its babies.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00You take off these little pieces here...
0:27:02 > 0:27:04Like this. Just cut them off.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06And just throw them in the ground,
0:27:06 > 0:27:08and then turn them in the soil
0:27:08 > 0:27:10and they will come back, quite happily.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12So, when I put these corms in the ground -
0:27:12 > 0:27:14I spread them around -
0:27:14 > 0:27:16they'll start little chains of their own,
0:27:16 > 0:27:19and in time you'll repeat that process.
0:27:19 > 0:27:23I mean, that's a great way to get more for your bucks.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26And what's also good, is that by
0:27:26 > 0:27:28cutting into that plant there,
0:27:28 > 0:27:29I am reinvigorating it.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33Quite often, after a while, they will stop flowering,
0:27:33 > 0:27:35and a way to reinvigorate it
0:27:35 > 0:27:37is to dig it up and divide it.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40That'll give it a new lease of life.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42When the Crocosmia or montbretia flowers,
0:27:42 > 0:27:44it'll be an orangey red colour.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46They look absolutely fabulous.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48And they give you late summer colour.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56Despite the rain, Danny's design is emerging from the undergrowth.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59The lads have cut and shaped the lawn,
0:27:59 > 0:28:01the saplings are dropping like flies,
0:28:01 > 0:28:03and now the beds are taking shape.
0:28:03 > 0:28:07However, not everything Danny needs can be recycled from Beverley's garden.
0:28:07 > 0:28:09We need to get shopping.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12With three-quarters of Brits enjoying a spot of gardening,
0:28:12 > 0:28:16it's no wonder that we've thousands of garden centres to choose from.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18And we're headed to one of them.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20Those rhododendrons look amazing, don't they?
0:28:20 > 0:28:23They are, they're lovely. They're really pretty.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26Have you planted much in your garden?
0:28:26 > 0:28:29- I know you said you haven't done a lot out there.- Erm...
0:28:29 > 0:28:30Have you added anything to it?
0:28:30 > 0:28:33No, not overly where we are now.
0:28:33 > 0:28:35But I used to come down quite a bit with my dad
0:28:35 > 0:28:38because my dad was a very keen gardener.
0:28:38 > 0:28:39He really did love his plants
0:28:39 > 0:28:41and he knew a lot about the garden and things like that.
0:28:41 > 0:28:45So, I suppose as a child I spent a lot of time in garden centres.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48So, maybe he was the one that guided you in the past
0:28:48 > 0:28:50- in terms of what you needed. - Yeah, definitely.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53He knew all there was to know about gardens.
0:28:53 > 0:28:55He absolutely loved spending time in the garden
0:28:55 > 0:28:57doing it all up and everything.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00And what about now, if you come to a garden centre,
0:29:00 > 0:29:02do you come with a plan of attack?
0:29:02 > 0:29:05Do you think, "Right, I need this for that area, this for that area,"
0:29:05 > 0:29:07- or do you not?- Not really. No,
0:29:07 > 0:29:09because I am never quite sure what goes where.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11I'm exactly the same.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14I walk into a garden centre, and you see things you like, and go for those.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16However that's a big garden no-no.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18- That's why Danny makes me bring a list!- OK.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21- Because he likes us to know what's going to cope where.- Right.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24And make sure something goes in the right conditions.
0:29:24 > 0:29:26So, let's take our list, and get some guidance.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30Danny's shopping list specifies climbers,
0:29:30 > 0:29:32and as we saw in Kate's garden,
0:29:32 > 0:29:35one of the most spectacular climbers around is the clematis.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40- Our list, which I have promised we will stick to...- Right.
0:29:40 > 0:29:41..says climbers.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43This is a climber. It's a fig.
0:29:43 > 0:29:45- How do you feel about...?- Hmm. - No.
0:29:45 > 0:29:47No. Not my sort of thing, really.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51I like, erm, flowers, colours... That sort of thing.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54OK, so you prefer something colourful, something bright?
0:29:54 > 0:29:57- Yes. Preferably. - Something blowsy, maybe?
0:29:57 > 0:29:58Yeah, yeah...
0:29:58 > 0:30:00Something that's got that wow factor.
0:30:00 > 0:30:02- OK.- And is nice to look at.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05If we can tick those boxes and it climbs, Danny will be happy.
0:30:05 > 0:30:07- I think I know the thing.- Brilliant.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13John, tell us everything we need to know about clematis.
0:30:13 > 0:30:15Right, we've two or three options.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18We've a evergreen,
0:30:18 > 0:30:20that flowers really early in the year.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23We've got spring flowering Montanas -
0:30:23 > 0:30:24just about finished,
0:30:24 > 0:30:26but they go wild if you have got a big area to cover.
0:30:26 > 0:30:28And then, now, you can see
0:30:28 > 0:30:31the summer flowering hybrids are just starting.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34Any colour you like, they all need the same maintenance.
0:30:34 > 0:30:36They don't get huge and out of control.
0:30:36 > 0:30:40Easier to control if they are on a smaller trellis or an archway.
0:30:40 > 0:30:42What do you recommend?
0:30:42 > 0:30:44At this time of year, really,
0:30:44 > 0:30:48you want a flowering, big flowers, summer-flowering hybrid.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51- I know you are quite keen on flowers...- Yeah.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54So do you want something that is going to come out and show off
0:30:54 > 0:30:56- over the next few weeks? - Yeah, definitely.
0:30:56 > 0:30:58That one is absolutely gorgeous.
0:30:58 > 0:30:59I love the colours on that one.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02- It's beautiful. - What about this one, John?
0:31:02 > 0:31:04- Would it work in Beverley's garden? - It would, yes.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07With all of these hybrid clematis,
0:31:07 > 0:31:10you need to just take a bit of care when you're planting them.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13Plant it deeper than it is in the pot.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15First few inches need to be covered
0:31:15 > 0:31:17to stop clematis wilt getting in at the base.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19- Do that, and you should have no problems.- To stop what?
0:31:19 > 0:31:23- Clematis wilt.- Right.- It's a disease that gets in at soil level,
0:31:23 > 0:31:27so if you hide the soil level deeper
0:31:27 > 0:31:29it won't get in.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32- OK, so that's gives it a bit of protection.- Yes.
0:31:32 > 0:31:35And what else do you need to do to make this really flourish?
0:31:35 > 0:31:36Plenty of water.
0:31:36 > 0:31:41They like their heads in the sun and their feet in the shade.
0:31:41 > 0:31:43Heads in the sun, feet in the shade.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45And how much shelter do they need?
0:31:45 > 0:31:49Well, from strong winds you'd want to shelter them a bit.
0:31:49 > 0:31:50But they like the sun.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52So, this is obviously a climbing plant.
0:31:52 > 0:31:53What do they climb well on?
0:31:53 > 0:31:55Well, again, they produce tendrils
0:31:55 > 0:31:57which will wrap themselves
0:31:57 > 0:32:00around arches
0:32:00 > 0:32:01or trellis
0:32:01 > 0:32:05or some wires you've put on a wall.
0:32:05 > 0:32:06So they're easy to...
0:32:06 > 0:32:08Once they get going, they find their own way.
0:32:08 > 0:32:10Would you put that in on its own?
0:32:10 > 0:32:13You could, if you had room, put another one with it, yes.
0:32:13 > 0:32:14- OK.- Not a problem.
0:32:14 > 0:32:16Lovely. Yeah, oh...
0:32:16 > 0:32:18What colour would go?
0:32:18 > 0:32:20I like the purple one.
0:32:20 > 0:32:22- That purple one's gorgeous.- Yeah?
0:32:22 > 0:32:25Is that going to be too much? Two of them together?
0:32:25 > 0:32:26No. Give them a bit of space,
0:32:26 > 0:32:29they'll twine together... Look beautiful.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32They look really nice, yeah. I like both of those. Gorgeous.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34It's a yes from Beverley. Look at that smile.
0:32:34 > 0:32:36A much bigger smile than the figs.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39- Right, let's get those. - Brilliant.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41And we've been tasked to find another climber.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43So, John, what would you recommend?
0:32:43 > 0:32:45Around down here, and I'll show you.
0:32:47 > 0:32:51In Beverley's garden the rain has now slackened off, and Joffrey
0:32:51 > 0:32:53can put the finishing touches to his sculptures.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56This time using his delicate little angle grinder,
0:32:56 > 0:32:57with a sanding disk.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01WHIR OF POWER TOOL
0:33:01 > 0:33:02- That's brilliant.- All right?
0:33:02 > 0:33:04Absolutely brilliant. I love it.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07- That's the Green Man.- Yeah.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10- He looks a bit like me! - Yeah, it does. Similar hairstyle.
0:33:10 > 0:33:14- I based it on you!- Do you know I love him. Spirit of nature.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17- It signals birth and rebirth, doesn't it?- Does it?
0:33:17 > 0:33:20That's what it's all about, yeah. I think that's what the Green Man's about.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22- It's a pagan thing.- Yeah, it is.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24But you often see them on the top of churches.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27- Yeah.- I don't know why there's that connection.- No.
0:33:27 > 0:33:28But it looks absolutely fab.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31- How long have you been doing it for? - Er, I've been a tree surgeon
0:33:31 > 0:33:34for about 20 years now, erm...
0:33:34 > 0:33:36I think within the first couple of years
0:33:36 > 0:33:40I had go at making the odd stool or mushroom, or something like that.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43Then a few years later somebody asked me to carve a squirrel.
0:33:43 > 0:33:45I did it and it turned out quite well.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48Now I'd do it at least 50% of the time.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51- I'd love to have one in my garden. - Well, I'll have to come round and make you one.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53You certainly will. That's for sure.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56I wouldn't bother varnishing it or anything like that,
0:33:56 > 0:33:57just something that's absorbent.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00Cheating, in a way - a cheap version is to go to the supermarket
0:34:00 > 0:34:03- and get some chip fat and put that on it.- Oh, right! OK.
0:34:03 > 0:34:07- Only thing is, in summertime it might smell of chips!- Ha-ha-ha!
0:34:07 > 0:34:10The chips are down for Danny now,
0:34:10 > 0:34:14because the heavens have opened again, and his team have scurried for cover.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17Ever the optimist, though, Danny sees an opportunity.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20It's raining, but that's a really good thing,
0:34:20 > 0:34:22because one of the jobs I wanted to do
0:34:22 > 0:34:23was to level off this lawn.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26Now, if you remember, I said it was full of bumps,
0:34:26 > 0:34:28so I want to try and get those bumps down.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31Now, the fact that it's raining means it should, in theory,
0:34:31 > 0:34:34make that process of getting rid of the bumps
0:34:34 > 0:34:36slightly easier, so wish me luck.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40So, what I'm going to do is put boards down.
0:34:40 > 0:34:42So, I've got one here. Put it down.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45I'm going to use my trusty heavy hammer
0:34:45 > 0:34:48and I'm just going to...
0:34:48 > 0:34:50..knock the board. Like this.
0:34:53 > 0:34:57And just continue this process all over the garden.
0:34:59 > 0:35:03I will continue this process every so often,
0:35:03 > 0:35:05maybe every two or three months,
0:35:05 > 0:35:08and gradually you'll get this lawn level.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12Danny? Here, you go.
0:35:14 > 0:35:16- Oh, that looks brilliant. Oh, it's an owl!- Yeah.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18Oh, that's fantastic.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21I tell you what, you're a genius.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26Danny even has a plan for the less artistic offcuts from the garden.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30Here's a great idea. Now, this wood
0:35:30 > 0:35:33has been chipped by the chipper that we've been using in this garden.
0:35:33 > 0:35:35And what a great idea.
0:35:35 > 0:35:37Because we can re-use that... as a mulch.
0:35:37 > 0:35:39What do you think, Lou?
0:35:39 > 0:35:41I think it's a fantastic idea.
0:35:41 > 0:35:45We've cut down so much, that we need to put something back now.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48And I think it would be a fantastic mulch and eventually
0:35:48 > 0:35:51it'll rot down and make fantastic soil. So, what could be better?
0:35:57 > 0:36:00Mulch is a layer covering the soil to prevent weeds,
0:36:00 > 0:36:03retain moisture and sometimes even improve the soil.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05There you go. Get spreading.
0:36:08 > 0:36:09With only a couple of hours to go,
0:36:09 > 0:36:12Danny needs to install the bench onto the paving stones
0:36:12 > 0:36:14that AJ has laid as a base.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16Here comes a lovely bench.
0:36:16 > 0:36:18A lovely seating area.
0:36:20 > 0:36:22Yeah, just put it there roughly.
0:36:22 > 0:36:23That's about it, yeah.
0:36:23 > 0:36:25Just needs to go over a bit.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27Brilliant.
0:36:27 > 0:36:29What do you think they'll think of this?
0:36:29 > 0:36:31- They're going to love it, I think. - Yeah?
0:36:31 > 0:36:33Do you know what, I think they will, too!
0:36:33 > 0:36:35I mean, what a brilliant transformation from this morning.
0:36:35 > 0:36:39- Oh, yeah.- And thanks to you guys, we've really made a big difference.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42Now, the only thing we need now is some plants.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45- Yeah.- We're going to put some plants around that seating area...
0:36:45 > 0:36:48- Right.- ..and they're missing at the moment.
0:36:48 > 0:36:50Helen, where are you?
0:36:52 > 0:36:55Sorry, Danny. Beverley has got carried away.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58She's so taken with the climbers, she's hunting out some more!
0:36:58 > 0:37:00We have our clematis,
0:37:00 > 0:37:03- but what else can you recommend in the way of climbing plants?- Erm...
0:37:03 > 0:37:06Well, we've got Trachelospermums.
0:37:06 > 0:37:07Very scented.
0:37:07 > 0:37:10They'll do well up a trellis or arch.
0:37:10 > 0:37:15They hold themselves up once they've started climbing.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17- Do you like the look of these? - Yeah, they're pretty.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21I like that one, particularly. It's got pretty little flowers on.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24I do like that one.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26I knew you said you were keen on flowers -
0:37:26 > 0:37:29- what about the fact that it's scented?- Yes. That would be nice.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31To be able to, when you're sat outside,
0:37:31 > 0:37:34get that lovely smell going around.
0:37:34 > 0:37:35And what about this one?
0:37:35 > 0:37:37The jasmine?
0:37:37 > 0:37:38Erm,
0:37:38 > 0:37:39Well, there's a picture there.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42It's not dissimilar, but it has a different form.
0:37:42 > 0:37:44That's evergreen, this is not.
0:37:44 > 0:37:47How difficult are these to look after?
0:37:47 > 0:37:49They're both relatively easy.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52This is not the hardiest of things,
0:37:52 > 0:37:54but if it's in a sheltered garden,
0:37:54 > 0:37:57this far north, fine. No problems, really.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00Do they like the same conditions as a clematis.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03They do, yes. They like the sun, plenty of water,
0:38:03 > 0:38:07and the jasmine, especially, will flower a little later than
0:38:07 > 0:38:09the Trachelospermum,
0:38:09 > 0:38:11which gives you a range of flowers.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14So, the jasmine and this one that I can hardly say...
0:38:14 > 0:38:16- Trachelospermum.- Trachelospermum.
0:38:16 > 0:38:21- Call it star jasmine, it's easier. - Star jasmine!
0:38:21 > 0:38:22So the jasmine and the star jasmine
0:38:22 > 0:38:25- would both do well on an arch, for instance...- They would.
0:38:25 > 0:38:27- ..because they...- Yes, perfect.
0:38:27 > 0:38:31They'd help themselves up once they were established. No problem.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34- Well, let's get one of each, then, shall we?- Sounds lovely.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37- Brilliant. John, thank you very much for your help.- OK. You're welcome.
0:38:37 > 0:38:41- Lovely looking, lovely smelling flowers. Thank you.- Thanks. - Thank you.
0:38:44 > 0:38:47With a successful shopping trip under our belts,
0:38:47 > 0:38:49I need to get back to Beverley's garden quick-sharp
0:38:49 > 0:38:51as the sky is already starting to darken.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56Oh, my word! Danny, this is a different place!
0:38:56 > 0:38:58Hello, Helen. How are you?
0:38:58 > 0:39:00- I'm good, how are you?! - Mind yourself. Be careful, there.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03- I'm great.- Here's a clematis for you.
0:39:03 > 0:39:05Yeah. Oh, these are beautiful!
0:39:05 > 0:39:08And they'll look great climbing up this arch.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11I cannot get over this place. I've got to have a look around.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13It's like a completely different space.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17Yeah. I mean, I can't believe how we've transformed it.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19I mean, when I saw it this morning, I thought, "No way."
0:39:19 > 0:39:22I wanted to turn around and get back home again.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25But, I mean, this morning they didn't have a garden.
0:39:25 > 0:39:26- No.- Oh, and the steps!
0:39:26 > 0:39:29- Yeah. What do you think? - Oh, that is...
0:39:29 > 0:39:31100 times better.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34- Yeah.- Because I was worried about what you were going to do.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36Because I know, obviously,
0:39:36 > 0:39:40- Brenda is a bit unsteady.- Sure. - But you can't take away steps.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42- That's brilliant. - But they worked brilliantly.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45- In fact, if anything, they extend the garden, don't they?- Yeah!
0:39:45 > 0:39:48This is brilliant! Absolutely brilliant. Right.
0:39:48 > 0:39:50- Let's get these in. - Get these then, yeah.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52Then let's let Beverley have a look.
0:39:52 > 0:39:55With clematis, it's important to put them
0:39:55 > 0:39:57about two or three inches below the surface.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59- For the clematis wilt! - Exactly!
0:39:59 > 0:40:02- So, you have been listening, then? - Oh, yes!- I'm impressed.- Yep!
0:40:02 > 0:40:04- Danny, great job.- OK.
0:40:04 > 0:40:06If you put those in, I'll go and get Beverley.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09- Great. I'll see you in a second. - Amazing.
0:40:11 > 0:40:16It's just before dusk and Beverley's new garden is finally complete.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19This morning, this garden was a tangled wilderness,
0:40:19 > 0:40:23with impenetrable bushes, overgrown hedges, and weeds and saplings
0:40:23 > 0:40:24at every turn.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27This was a garden that had been thoroughly overrun.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32Now Beverley's new garden is unrecognisable
0:40:32 > 0:40:34from the mess that was here before.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36In the space of only a few hours of daylight,
0:40:36 > 0:40:38Danny has reclaimed it from nature
0:40:38 > 0:40:40and revealed a stunning new look.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47The intimidating overgrowth of shrubs and hedges
0:40:47 > 0:40:50had proved too much for Beverley to tackle.
0:40:50 > 0:40:52Now, with the help of some professional kit,
0:40:52 > 0:40:54and some seriously hard graft,
0:40:54 > 0:40:56it's a light, bright and airy space,
0:40:56 > 0:40:59while still keeping a natural feel.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04By recovering and rejuvenating
0:41:04 > 0:41:06flowering plants that had been smothered,
0:41:06 > 0:41:09Danny has brought new life to the borders
0:41:09 > 0:41:11and used the existing plants to make more.
0:41:13 > 0:41:15Dividing corms like this is a great way
0:41:15 > 0:41:17to multiply your plants for free,
0:41:17 > 0:41:19as is taking cuttings.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23And when they're in season and full bloom,
0:41:23 > 0:41:25they will fill the garden with colour.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29The lawn has been trimmed and shaped
0:41:29 > 0:41:31which, along with cutting back the shapeless hedges,
0:41:31 > 0:41:34has made a huge difference to the feel of the garden.
0:41:34 > 0:41:36The shrubbery looks 10 times bigger
0:41:36 > 0:41:39thanks to its power-assisted face-lift.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43Breaking an overgrown garden into bite-size chunks
0:41:43 > 0:41:46and concentrating on the worst areas like this,
0:41:46 > 0:41:48makes a gardening mission manageable.
0:41:50 > 0:41:54And, most important of all, the garden is now grandma-friendly.
0:41:54 > 0:41:56With a seating area cleared and decked out
0:41:56 > 0:41:58with brightly coloured blooms
0:41:58 > 0:42:01and those treacherous steps transformed with rebuilt edges
0:42:01 > 0:42:03and a new handrail,
0:42:03 > 0:42:06Brenda now has a garden to enjoy and a safe way to see it.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13So, what will the family make of the astonishing alterations
0:42:13 > 0:42:15in their new-look garden?
0:42:15 > 0:42:18- Have a look at this! - Look at that.
0:42:18 > 0:42:20This is your brand-new garden.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22- Oh, lovely!- Look at that. - Ohhh!
0:42:22 > 0:42:25- Good job, Dale.- Thanks. - You've been working hard.- Yeah.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28- Oh, it's gorgeous. - Gorgeous, isn't it?
0:42:28 > 0:42:30- Look how big it looks!- I know!
0:42:30 > 0:42:33Did you know your garden went that far back?
0:42:33 > 0:42:34No.
0:42:34 > 0:42:35THEY LAUGH
0:42:35 > 0:42:37I knew, but all the bushes...
0:42:37 > 0:42:39You couldn't see the ground.
0:42:39 > 0:42:40That's amazing.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43I never saw the floor.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46- It's brilliant. - What do you think, Beverly?
0:42:46 > 0:42:48It's great. Love it. Look at the size on it!
0:42:48 > 0:42:50- I know.- Look at this.
0:42:50 > 0:42:51It's lovely, that.
0:42:51 > 0:42:55- You'll be able to sit out and... - Yes.- It's gorgeous, isn't it?
0:42:55 > 0:42:56Oh, it's beautiful.
0:42:56 > 0:42:59You wanted somewhere for your mum, yourself and Dale
0:42:59 > 0:43:03to come out and sit. You've got that. You've got a little wooden...
0:43:03 > 0:43:06- I love the chairs!- Mmm!
0:43:06 > 0:43:08The owl thing. Kept in line with the birds.
0:43:10 > 0:43:13- It's the same garden.- I know. You've done amazing.
0:43:13 > 0:43:17- All these bushes have gone, as well, look.- Yeah.- I know.
0:43:17 > 0:43:19Do you think you'll spend some time out here now, Brenda?
0:43:19 > 0:43:21Yes, I will.
0:43:21 > 0:43:23I'll love sitting there.
0:43:23 > 0:43:26- Well, why don't you test it out? Go and have a seat.- Come on, then.
0:43:26 > 0:43:30Dale, your mum thinks that you're going to have a few barbecues out here.
0:43:30 > 0:43:31Yeah.
0:43:31 > 0:43:33Go and join them!
0:43:35 > 0:43:38Congratulations, Danny.
0:43:38 > 0:43:41Another fantastic, successful transformation.
0:43:41 > 0:43:44- This is a completely different space.- Yeah.
0:43:44 > 0:43:46You've given them somewhere they can sit out,
0:43:46 > 0:43:50somewhere they can enjoy their garden for the first time in years!
0:43:50 > 0:43:52I love the steps and everything. It's great.
0:43:52 > 0:43:54I do.
0:43:54 > 0:43:55It's lovely.
0:43:55 > 0:43:58You wanted this garden transformed for your mum
0:43:58 > 0:43:59so she had somewhere nice to sit,
0:43:59 > 0:44:01are you confident and happy you've got that?
0:44:01 > 0:44:02Yes, definitely.
0:44:02 > 0:44:05I think she'll enjoy it now. Won't you?
0:44:05 > 0:44:08I tell you what, we couldn't have done it without your son Dale and his friends.
0:44:08 > 0:44:10- They were fantastic.- Thanks, guys.
0:44:10 > 0:44:13- They made such a difference to the day.- Brilliant.
0:44:14 > 0:44:16What a difference a day has made!
0:44:16 > 0:44:20Danny and the team have created a safe and stylish instant garden -
0:44:20 > 0:44:23no longer a hazard to unsteady feet -
0:44:23 > 0:44:26which Beverley's family can finally enjoy together.