0:00:02 > 0:00:04Beautiful gardens are one of Britain's most glorious sights.
0:00:04 > 0:00:06But if your green space is more mess than majestic,
0:00:06 > 0:00:09making it over can be a daunting prospect,
0:00:09 > 0:00:13especially if you're short on time and money.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16Well, the Instant Gardner is here.
0:00:16 > 0:00:17Ta-da!
0:00:17 > 0:00:22Danny Clarke is an expert at transforming gardens.
0:00:22 > 0:00:25These are really bringing a smile to my face.
0:00:25 > 0:00:27Each time, our gardening guru will be showing you
0:00:27 > 0:00:30how to create gorgeous garden makeovers.
0:00:30 > 0:00:32Doesn't that look great?
0:00:32 > 0:00:35Each transformation will be packed with brilliant ideas
0:00:35 > 0:00:38to help you get to grips with your own outdoor space.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41Just continually deadhead
0:00:41 > 0:00:44and you will keep getting that plant to flower.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46He'll be turning to garden junk...
0:00:46 > 0:00:48Oh, look at that!
0:00:48 > 0:00:49..into garden jewels.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51It's going to be used as a planter
0:00:51 > 0:00:56and I think this is going to look absolutely terrific.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59And showing you how to spend a small budget wisely...
0:00:59 > 0:01:02- That's why Danny makes me bring a list!- OK.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05..be it on shrubs or salvage.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07Would you like that in your garden?
0:01:07 > 0:01:10And because Danny is the Instant Gardner,
0:01:10 > 0:01:13everything you see will happen in a single day.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16Oh, thank you so much.
0:01:16 > 0:01:18- Oh, wow.- That's unbelievable!
0:01:26 > 0:01:30Today, we're in Lochwinnoch, in the Scottish county of Renfrewshire,
0:01:30 > 0:01:34lying on the banks of Castle Semple Loch and the River Calder,
0:01:34 > 0:01:37Lochwinnoch is a historic village, typical of the area.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40It's packed with interesting old architecture,
0:01:40 > 0:01:43blessed with beautiful countryside
0:01:43 > 0:01:46and has more than its fair share of glorious gardens.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49But not everybody shares the same taste
0:01:49 > 0:01:51in traditional British gardens.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53I'm off to explore a corner of this village
0:01:53 > 0:01:55that wants something a little different,
0:01:55 > 0:01:58but they need a little bit of help from the Instant Gardener.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15- Hello!- Hello.
0:02:15 > 0:02:16- You must be Wilma.- Yes, I'm Wilma.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18- Lovely to meet you.- Hello, Helen.
0:02:18 > 0:02:20- You must be Tom.- Yes, hello.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23Nice to meet you. Right, let's have a look at this garden then.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25- Right, off you go.- Thank you.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31Tom and Wilma have lived here in Lochwinnoch for 20 years.
0:02:31 > 0:02:33Wilma retired in 2012,
0:02:33 > 0:02:37although Tom still works part-time as a tour guide.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39Like many couples at this life-changing stage,
0:02:39 > 0:02:43they decided to take a once in a lifetime dream holiday,
0:02:43 > 0:02:45in their case, to China.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48This never-to-be-repeated trip introduced them to the ancient
0:02:48 > 0:02:51Gardens of Suzhou and both were knocked out
0:02:51 > 0:02:53by the calmness and serenity of
0:02:53 > 0:02:55these Chinese gardening masterpieces.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58When the couple returned to Scotland, they set about
0:02:58 > 0:03:02introducing a little bit of China into their own back garden.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05But Tom has failed to make much of a start and Wilma is beginning
0:03:05 > 0:03:08to think her tranquil Chinese sanctuary
0:03:08 > 0:03:09will remain a distant dream.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15A few days ago, Danny dropped by to see if he could work out how to turn
0:03:15 > 0:03:18their dream into a reality,
0:03:18 > 0:03:20but what will he make of Tom and Wilma's
0:03:20 > 0:03:21long, triangular-shaped garden?
0:03:25 > 0:03:28I've come to this plot for a sneak peak,
0:03:28 > 0:03:30but I've got a feeling this isn't the part of the garden
0:03:30 > 0:03:32that I'm going to be working on.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36I wonder where it's leading me to. I like the cherry.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43Well, I can see what part of the garden I'm going to tackle
0:03:43 > 0:03:45because this bit's untouched.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47That's bit behind me is absolutely fine,
0:03:47 > 0:03:50there's nothing wrong with it at all.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53And looking at it, it needs quite a bit of work.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57But I'll tell you what, it does have its pluses
0:03:57 > 0:03:59and one of the major plus are these walls.
0:04:01 > 0:04:02I think they're gorgeous.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04And look, they've got things growing out of them.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08I can see some hart's-tongue ferns, so it's like a living wall.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11This has got such a lovely, quirky shape to it.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14The garden narrows to this point.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17This appears to be a natural doorway.
0:04:18 > 0:04:22So, what we've got here is really another room.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25So, there's this part of the garden, there's this part of the garden
0:04:25 > 0:04:26leading to the arch,
0:04:26 > 0:04:29and then there's a bit right down to the house.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31That's really interesting.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34As for recycling, Erm...
0:04:34 > 0:04:37I can see bits of wood, there's a fence panel there,
0:04:37 > 0:04:40there's some trellising, there's some decking boards round here.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43I mean, if I throw this back and have a look,
0:04:43 > 0:04:48I can see decking boards and pots
0:04:48 > 0:04:50and there's this tree here.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54It looks like an apple tree and it's just about to come into leaf.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57This land is very untidy.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01I get the impression that this was definitely a dumping ground
0:05:01 > 0:05:03for the stuff that came out of the garden down there.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06So, there's bits of twigs,
0:05:06 > 0:05:09there's old plastic chairs, there's lawn mowers.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12I mean, I don't know what we're going to do with this.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14I mean, this is a bit of an issue,
0:05:14 > 0:05:18bearing in mind we've only got a day to do this garden.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21Lovely space, lovely outlook.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23It's got a lot going for it,
0:05:23 > 0:05:26but I think if we're going to make a difference here,
0:05:26 > 0:05:28we've really got our work cut out.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35A few days later, Danny's back and ready with a plan,
0:05:35 > 0:05:37but before he gets cracking,
0:05:37 > 0:05:39it's time for him to meet Tom and Wilma
0:05:39 > 0:05:42to find out more about their dream of a Chinese-style garden.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45- Hello!- How are you? - I'm good.- This is Tom and Wilma.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47Hello, Tom. Hello, Wilma.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52This is their fabulous garden. It's a real little TARDIS, isn't it?
0:05:52 > 0:05:54- Yes.- You would never expect this much garden...
0:05:54 > 0:05:57- Yeah, that's true.- ..when you rock up at the front door.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00- How long have you lived here? - We've lived here just over 20 years
0:06:00 > 0:06:03and we've tried to bring the garden on since then,
0:06:03 > 0:06:06but lack of time hasn't helped.
0:06:06 > 0:06:11So, since I've retired, I've done quite a bit more in the garden.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13What would you like to see from the garden?
0:06:13 > 0:06:14What would you like to change?
0:06:14 > 0:06:19Well, the end of the garden becomes a place where you leave everything
0:06:19 > 0:06:21and it gets pushed further and further back.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24What I wanted to do was to finish the garden to the end,
0:06:24 > 0:06:28so there's a purpose in walking up the garden to see what's at the end.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32- OK.- So you want a reason to be able to come into the garden?
0:06:32 > 0:06:33You want a focal point?
0:06:33 > 0:06:35Yes. I want to say to people,
0:06:35 > 0:06:38"I've got a blah at the end of the garden."
0:06:38 > 0:06:40Everybody loves a "blah", whatever that may be!
0:06:40 > 0:06:42Whatever Danny chooses that to be.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44Although I say that with slight trepidation
0:06:44 > 0:06:48because that you are keen on a certain style of garden, aren't you?
0:06:48 > 0:06:50Yes, we're keen on a Chinese garden.
0:06:50 > 0:06:55When I retired, we went to China on a tour and saw lots of gardens,
0:06:55 > 0:06:59particularly the humble administrator's garden.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01From that, we decided we'd like a bit of China
0:07:01 > 0:07:05down at the bottom of the garden that we could go back there
0:07:05 > 0:07:07and think about our time in China.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10- Just walk 100 feet and you've got into China.- Yeah.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12Right. What was it that you saw in China
0:07:12 > 0:07:15that really sort of captured your imagination?
0:07:15 > 0:07:17What do you want to recreate back here?
0:07:17 > 0:07:18Well, things like...
0:07:18 > 0:07:20There was lots of water,
0:07:20 > 0:07:23the whole tranquillity of the garden,
0:07:23 > 0:07:25plants like bamboo,
0:07:25 > 0:07:28and I think Tom's got some particular things that he likes.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31One thing I was thinking of was water in some means,
0:07:31 > 0:07:33maybe with a pump and moving water.
0:07:33 > 0:07:39But I've loved a moongate, which is a Chinese feature which it takes you
0:07:39 > 0:07:41through into another world.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43What do you reckon then, Danny?
0:07:43 > 0:07:45How easy is it to get a taste of China in a British garden?
0:07:45 > 0:07:47Well, that's the thing.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51Because the Chinese have inspired us in so many ways, for example,
0:07:51 > 0:07:54did you know that roses are from China?
0:07:54 > 0:07:56Well, no, I thought it was something to do with
0:07:56 > 0:07:58Lancastrians and the men of York!
0:07:58 > 0:08:00And that's what many of us think.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03That they are part of a quintessential
0:08:03 > 0:08:04English country garden.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07- Mmm.- Peonies.- Yeah.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09Clematis, they're all Chinese.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12- Which we already have tried. - We have, we have.
0:08:12 > 0:08:13Right, well, we will get out of your hair.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16- OK.- Tom's going to stay here and give you a hand.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18There's one thing you need to take with you.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20OK, a shopping list.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24- All right.- If you can get me some clump-forming bamboo,
0:08:24 > 0:08:26- that would be great.- Clump-forming bamboo. We can do that.- OK.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28- OK.- OK, we'll see you later.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31- Cheers.- See you soon.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34While Wilma and I head off on a journey of inspiration,
0:08:34 > 0:08:37Danny has just one day to turn this small triangular patch
0:08:37 > 0:08:42at the end of the garden into an enticing Oriental hideaway.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44So what's the plan, Dan?
0:08:44 > 0:08:46I'm really excited about today
0:08:46 > 0:08:49because we're going to do a Chinese-style garden.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52We're going to start here with the moongate.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54This is going to be our entrance.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58And what we're going to have here is three different levels.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00So, we're going to have a lower level here,
0:09:00 > 0:09:03we're going to have a level there and a level at the top.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06And that's where the focal point's going to be.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08And this area's going to be gravelled.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10So, we're going to have gravel here
0:09:10 > 0:09:13and we're going to have gravel on the top tier.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16At the apex of the garden, in that corner over there,
0:09:16 > 0:09:20at the top tip is going to be a Buddha.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23That's going to be there and that is going to be the focal point.
0:09:23 > 0:09:24You know what?
0:09:24 > 0:09:28I know Tom wants water, but we can't do water in this garden -
0:09:28 > 0:09:29we just haven't got the time -
0:09:29 > 0:09:32so I'm going to do something symbolic.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34We're going to use blue plants
0:09:34 > 0:09:36and the blue plants are going to be just here.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40So this is going to be our river and we're going to have a bridge
0:09:40 > 0:09:43leading over it, which will take us to that Buddha over there.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49Now, a Chinese-inspired garden needs Chinese plants,
0:09:49 > 0:09:52so what I'm going to do is use some acers here,
0:09:52 > 0:09:54an acer here and an acer there,
0:09:54 > 0:09:56and it's going to frame that Buddha
0:09:56 > 0:09:58that we're going to put on a plinth at the back.
0:09:58 > 0:09:59If we've got time,
0:09:59 > 0:10:04we're going to tidy this up and my intention is to turf this area
0:10:04 > 0:10:08and reinstate these beds down to the moongate.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11I think it's going to look absolutely wonderful.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14Where this arrow-shaped area opens out,
0:10:14 > 0:10:16there's a sharp corner and Danny's earmarked it
0:10:16 > 0:10:18for a very important function.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22So, this area, which is typical of a lot of gardens,
0:10:22 > 0:10:24is being used as a storage area.
0:10:24 > 0:10:25So, what are we're going to do...
0:10:25 > 0:10:27We're going to continue to use it as a storage area,
0:10:27 > 0:10:29but we're going to tidy it up.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32And what we're going to do, we're going to put some fence panels here.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34OK? So, that will be completely contained
0:10:34 > 0:10:37and we're going to attach some bamboo screening to it
0:10:37 > 0:10:40and that will be keeping in theme
0:10:40 > 0:10:42with this Chinese-inspired garden.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46So, Danny's going to overhaul this undefined sloping space
0:10:46 > 0:10:49by splitting it into three distinct rising levels
0:10:49 > 0:10:51using wooden sleepers to give them definition.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54The first level will become a welcoming path
0:10:54 > 0:10:57leading through a spectacular moongate.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00Past the moongate, there will be a footbridge,
0:11:00 > 0:11:04crossing the river of blue grasses, leading to the final raised level
0:11:04 > 0:11:07where a Buddha statue will have pride of place.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10He's also going to tidy up the makeshift storage area
0:11:10 > 0:11:14and he'll complete the Chinese theme with some dramatic acers.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18It's a lot to do in a few hours,
0:11:18 > 0:11:20but Danny will be helped by handyman AJ
0:11:20 > 0:11:23and helpers Amy-Rose, Luke and Tom.
0:11:24 > 0:11:29Right, so, what we need to do really is to level this area off, OK?
0:11:29 > 0:11:32So, we're going to start from that apex over there
0:11:32 > 0:11:34- and work down the garden.- Right.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36Right. So, we're going to work in that direction.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42As part of the clear-out, Danny's got his eye on the old apple tree.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45One of the things I would like to do is to take this tree out.
0:11:45 > 0:11:50It's an apple tree and it's really got no aesthetic value.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54But it's a big decision, so he needs to check with Tom first.
0:11:54 > 0:11:58Tom, how important is this tree to you?
0:11:58 > 0:12:01Well, I've thought about it several times,
0:12:01 > 0:12:03but there is one thing in a Chinese garden
0:12:03 > 0:12:06which is called a welcoming tree.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08It's a tree that goes up to about here
0:12:08 > 0:12:10and then comes across with its leaves,
0:12:10 > 0:12:14and that's supposed to be like a welcoming arm.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16OK. So, what it's doing... It's doing this...
0:12:16 > 0:12:19- Yes.- It's about to, sort of, embrace you.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21Envelop you. Envelop you, embrace you.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23So, if we can work on that,
0:12:23 > 0:12:28maybe take one or two of the decaying limbs off.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31- Yes.- And perhaps give it a bit of shape.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33I'll do the hard work, I'll do all of the sawing.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36- Oh, I've get a saw.- And we can decide between us which limbs
0:12:36 > 0:12:38- we're going to remove to form that shape.- All right.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41- Let's see what we can do. - All right.- Brilliant.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45So, with a new role in the garden, the tree is staying.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47While Danny and Tom go in search of the right tools
0:12:47 > 0:12:49to cut it back,
0:12:49 > 0:12:51I'm taking Wilma in search of an Asian-inspired garden
0:12:51 > 0:12:54a tad closer to home.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57I know you're very keen to recreate something that reminds you of your
0:12:57 > 0:13:00trip to China, so I'm going to take you to
0:13:00 > 0:13:03a Celtic and Asian-inspired garden
0:13:03 > 0:13:06that is not that far from your house.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10Probably ten or 15 minutes from your house, pretty much on your doorstep.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12Something that I hope you're going to enjoy anyway.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16Yes. I'm sure I will.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18The Hidden Gardens in nearby Glasgow
0:13:18 > 0:13:23were opened in 2003 on the site of an old tram works.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25This once derelict brownfield site
0:13:25 > 0:13:28has been transformed into a beautiful
0:13:28 > 0:13:30Celtic and Asian-inspired garden.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33I think this peaceful space will be right up Wilma's street.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38So, here we are in the Hidden Gardens.
0:13:38 > 0:13:39Yes.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41This is a bit here, these are all wishing trees,
0:13:41 > 0:13:44- so you can write a note. - Oh, lovely.- A wish or a prayer.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48- It's a nice idea, isn't it? - Yes. Absolutely gorgeous. Yeah.
0:13:48 > 0:13:49There's some more.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54How do you feel?
0:13:54 > 0:13:55What are your first impressions?
0:13:55 > 0:14:01I think it's amazing that there is such an open and quiet space
0:14:01 > 0:14:03in the middle of a huge city.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08It's a very calm, serene space, isn't it?
0:14:08 > 0:14:10- Yes.- Even though there are small children running around.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14- Yes.- We're relatively near to heavy industry.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16They've achieved something quite special, haven't they?
0:14:16 > 0:14:18Yes, it's amazing.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21Well, I brought you here to get an idea of what kind of Asian plants
0:14:21 > 0:14:25might grow in a garden, right here in sunny Scotland.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28So, let's have a bit of an explore. A little bit of a look around.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37Is there anything here, Wilma, that reminds you of your trip to China?
0:14:37 > 0:14:41Well, white walls, that's quite common.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44The slate, the broken slate.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49And I notice we've got bamboo over there.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52A lot of this garden is split up into sections,
0:14:52 > 0:14:53much like your garden.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56It is like our garden. That's what we want to do with the garden -
0:14:56 > 0:14:57is to make it like different rooms.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00And what about this idea of having a moongate?
0:15:00 > 0:15:02That seemed like something that Tom was quite keen on.
0:15:02 > 0:15:03Yes, Tom's very keen on that
0:15:03 > 0:15:06because it gives a vista that you can look through.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10So, the moongate could offer you a frame to look at something.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12That's right, yes. It could do.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15OK, well, you never know what we might go back to.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17- You never know.- Yes, you never know.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22While Wilma and I head deeper into the Hidden Gardens,
0:15:22 > 0:15:23back in her own garden,
0:15:23 > 0:15:27AJ is getting on with fitting the sleeper walls designed to retain the
0:15:27 > 0:15:29three new levels Danny has planned.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34Look at that! Spot-on, just by the eye.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36Level...straight away.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40Meanwhile, Danny and Tom are pruning the apple tree to try to give it
0:15:40 > 0:15:43a similar shape and effect as the famous welcoming tree
0:15:43 > 0:15:45the couple saw in China.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48I think we should take some of these crossing branches out,
0:15:48 > 0:15:49like this one here, for example.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51- Yes.- So, there's some dieback there.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55- Right.- So, I think it might be a good idea to take these two out.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58But our ultimate goal is to try and create a tree
0:15:58 > 0:16:00that's kind of trying to do that.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02- That's right. - Or something close to that.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04Goggles at the ready, goggles on!
0:16:04 > 0:16:05- Go!- Go.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10Crossed branches can rub together
0:16:10 > 0:16:12and create an entry point for disease.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15Removing crossing branches eliminates moisture build-up,
0:16:15 > 0:16:19which can cause rot, and allows air and sunlight to permeate
0:16:19 > 0:16:21through the tree and aid in the ripening of fruit.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24So what do you think then, Tom?
0:16:24 > 0:16:28I think, from my imagination, I think we've got the welcoming tree.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31Yeah. I think that looks great.
0:16:31 > 0:16:32AJ's been busy too.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35The first sleeper retaining wall is now complete.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39Danny, it's all done here. You can back-fill this.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42And Danny's got a great idea for levelling off the top level.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45What we're doing here is recycling the rubble that's coming out
0:16:45 > 0:16:48of the garden, so we need to build this area up.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51Reusing old stones and bricks is a great and free way
0:16:51 > 0:16:52of levelling out the ground.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55While Danny gets on with that,
0:16:55 > 0:16:58AJ is a building another Oriental element for the garden -
0:16:58 > 0:17:01the footbridge to go over Danny's river of blue grasses.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03I've got a piece of timber here at the moment,
0:17:03 > 0:17:06which I'm just going to measure and mark the centre,
0:17:06 > 0:17:10and then slowly mark down sort of every two centimetres or so down,
0:17:10 > 0:17:12going lower every time,
0:17:12 > 0:17:14just to get a curve on it,
0:17:14 > 0:17:18which then I'll cut out and I'll start then getting the sort of
0:17:18 > 0:17:20dome shape of how the bridge is going to go.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25And these are some sort of like pre-used bits of timber
0:17:25 > 0:17:27that I found in Tom's garden.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31So, it's just a matter of marking them up
0:17:31 > 0:17:33and screwing them either side.
0:17:36 > 0:17:41There we go. It's the framework for the bridge.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46So, now I just get some little stumpy legs,
0:17:46 > 0:17:49I'll cut the wood to go in these four corners here.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55And then I'll cut decking boards, just sort of an inch or so
0:17:55 > 0:18:01wider than this, and then start putting them on here across.
0:18:01 > 0:18:06Right, that's them all screwed down and you can lift it now and take it
0:18:06 > 0:18:11into the garden to go over Danny's river of plants.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17I think there are going to be quite a few more bridges to cross
0:18:17 > 0:18:19before this garden gets finished.
0:18:19 > 0:18:20Meanwhile, down the road,
0:18:20 > 0:18:24Wilma and I want to find out more about Glasgow's Hidden Gardens,
0:18:24 > 0:18:27so we're meeting head gardener Jean Gavin.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29- Here she is, having a rare moment of reflection.- Yes.
0:18:29 > 0:18:30Jean, this is Wilma.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33- Hi.- Hi, nice to meet you, Wilma.- Hi there.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36Jean, talk us through this fantastic Hidden Garden.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38It's glorious.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41You've come on a lovely day, too. The weather's beautiful.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44We see the garden as being almost like a green lung,
0:18:44 > 0:18:45almost being a little bit of sanctuary,
0:18:45 > 0:18:48a wee paradise in the middle of Glasgow
0:18:48 > 0:18:51for people to come and enjoy and relax in the space.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54So, it's a combination of just the way that the design of
0:18:54 > 0:18:55the garden's been laid out
0:18:55 > 0:18:59but it's also about the people that visit and also the staff and the
0:18:59 > 0:19:01people that helped to make the garden so special.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03How does the design reflect the local community?
0:19:03 > 0:19:06Because is quite a diverse part of Glasgow, isn't it?
0:19:06 > 0:19:09It is. It is. We are very fortunate that the local community...
0:19:09 > 0:19:13We've got a real diverse cultural mix of people.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16We have people who are from the Muslim faith, we have Hindu faith,
0:19:16 > 0:19:20we've got the Gurdwara temple just on our doorstep, too,
0:19:20 > 0:19:22so we're very, very fortunate.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25We've tried to actually engage with the local community
0:19:25 > 0:19:28to get an idea of what they want to see in the garden.
0:19:28 > 0:19:29So, what were people asking to see?
0:19:29 > 0:19:32People were asking to see plants that reminded them of home.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36For example, the Chinese community wanted to see Phyllostachys,
0:19:36 > 0:19:37which is your bamboo.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41The Scottish community wanted to see Sorbus aucuparia,
0:19:41 > 0:19:42which is a rowan tree,
0:19:42 > 0:19:47which wards off evil spirits, allegedly. So, it's a real mixture.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50One thing that you have got sitting pride of place
0:19:50 > 0:19:53is that spectacular ginkgo. Let's go and have a look at that.
0:19:53 > 0:19:54Talk us through that tree
0:19:54 > 0:19:57because that is something really special, isn't it?
0:19:57 > 0:19:59Yes, yes. It's a fantastic tree.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02It's amazing to think that the ginkgo was around
0:20:02 > 0:20:03when the dinosaurs were around.
0:20:03 > 0:20:09It's beautiful. It's almost primeval in terms of the look of the tree.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12This particular tree is about 30 years old,
0:20:12 > 0:20:15but the ginkgo's been around for over 200 million years,
0:20:15 > 0:20:17which is quite amazing.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21It's incredible. It's native of Asia in general,
0:20:21 > 0:20:25but you'll find them quite often planted next to temples.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27- Oh, right. - They're quite a sacred tree
0:20:27 > 0:20:29and they are seen as almost like a good-luck tree as well.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31Well, thank you very much, Jean.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34- Thanks for your time. - You're welcome. You're welcome.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37If you'd like your garden to be a place for quiet meditation
0:20:37 > 0:20:41then here are a few tips that might inspire your design.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46Create pathways that take you on a contemplative journey.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50Many plants have symbolic meanings in different cultures,
0:20:50 > 0:20:53so including some in your garden
0:20:53 > 0:20:55can bring layered meaning to your space.
0:20:57 > 0:21:02For example, in Chinese mythology, bamboo is a symbol of integrity,
0:21:02 > 0:21:06virtue and modesty, whereas the peony is a symbol of opulence,
0:21:06 > 0:21:08beauty and honour.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10But it's not just an Eastern concept.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13In Western culture, the rose, for example, holds many meanings
0:21:13 > 0:21:15depending on its colour,
0:21:15 > 0:21:18such as red for passion and yellow for joy.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22Quiet, secluded seating areas with a focal point, such as a pot,
0:21:22 > 0:21:27a tree or a distant view, will provide a haven for quiet thought,
0:21:27 > 0:21:28rest and relaxation.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33There's no time to rest back in the garden though,
0:21:33 > 0:21:34with half the day already gone,
0:21:34 > 0:21:37and the garden's still not fully cleared.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40Thankfully, Danny thinks he can re-use the latest bit
0:21:40 > 0:21:42of unwanted material Tom is sorting out.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45Hiya, Tom. How are you getting on? Having a little bit of a sort out
0:21:45 > 0:21:48of these lovely, old Victorian rope edges.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50Well, they were all round the garden at one time
0:21:50 > 0:21:54and, in trying to bring the garden up to date, you take them out.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56Yeah.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58Yeah, I think these are absolutely wonderful.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01I really love them. These can go along the river bank.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05Well, if you put them into the earth, like that,
0:22:05 > 0:22:08they shouldn't go to right and left there, like that,
0:22:08 > 0:22:09because you've got soil under there.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- Yeah.- And you try and line them up, like that, in theory,
0:22:12 > 0:22:14they should look like a rope edge.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16- Yeah.- The coils of a rope.
0:22:16 > 0:22:17Well, we'll see what we can get.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20See what you can get. I'll let you sort through.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23While Tom gets on with that job,
0:22:23 > 0:22:26AJ is making good progress on his second sleeper wall,
0:22:26 > 0:22:29which will lead to the first level of the raised garden.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33Just screw those together, get the L-shape there.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36I've got to put another sleeper on top,
0:22:36 > 0:22:40so now we're having a sleeper wall on this side, but this one is
0:22:40 > 0:22:43just going to be the step up into the rest of the garden.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47So, this should be good.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50I need to get a post into the back here, just to get some stability,
0:22:50 > 0:22:52but that won't take too long.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55I just wanted to get the angle because then Danny can then start
0:22:55 > 0:23:00raking this and building up the backfill here, on this level.
0:23:00 > 0:23:04So, one level, two level, three.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07With the second tier of the garden taking shape,
0:23:07 > 0:23:11Danny gets on with protecting the top level.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14I'm going to lay this weed suppressant membrane down.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18Now, what's great about this is that it's got little tiny perforations
0:23:18 > 0:23:22like a teabag. And what it does, it allows the moisture to pass through,
0:23:22 > 0:23:25so there's no chance of this area becoming waterlogged.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27So, I'm just going to lay it down
0:23:27 > 0:23:30and then put the gravel over the top.
0:23:30 > 0:23:35Nothing wrong with sort of rolling ends in,
0:23:35 > 0:23:36like this.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41And just roll it out. It's very simple to put down.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44With this, it doesn't matter if you overlap.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48So, overlapping with this membrane is absolutely fine.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50It's a bit like laying a carpet.
0:23:55 > 0:23:56There we are.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02With the weed block down, it's time to get the aggregate in -
0:24:02 > 0:24:05a very common element in Chinese gardens.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08Used here, it will instantly brighten up this
0:24:08 > 0:24:10dark and previously neglected space.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14What I like about putting this gravel down,
0:24:14 > 0:24:18it's really defining the shape at the top of this garden.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22With the bridge ready to go into position,
0:24:22 > 0:24:24the garden is starting to take shape.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27AJ, do you know what, mate?
0:24:27 > 0:24:29I think you've surpassed yourself yet again.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33This looks brilliant. It's a great take on the Chinese bridge.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36I think it looks wonderful. I really like it.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39There's a very important feature
0:24:39 > 0:24:41waiting to become the focal point
0:24:41 > 0:24:44Wilma and Tom have long since planned on including.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47Danny, this is something I've been keeping
0:24:47 > 0:24:48for when I built my garden...
0:24:48 > 0:24:51- It's the... - ..and I didn't have your help.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53A Buddha as a focal point right up at the top,
0:24:53 > 0:24:56which you've made absolutely beautiful with that gravel.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59Well, that area there is now made for it, isn't it?
0:24:59 > 0:25:00I think so.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07Bit further back? Is that what you were thinking?
0:25:07 > 0:25:10Well, why don't you both go down there and shout to me?
0:25:10 > 0:25:13- I think...- Stand next to each other, get the same perspective.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16No, I think we've got to use the arch as a centre point.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18Square to the wood.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20- But over to the left. - Over to our left. Your right.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22By about three inches.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25Yeah, about there. What about there?
0:25:25 > 0:25:26That looks good to me.
0:25:29 > 0:25:30How about that?
0:25:31 > 0:25:32I think that's perfect.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41'With the Buddha statue in pride of place,
0:25:41 > 0:25:44'this ambitious garden is slowly taking shape
0:25:44 > 0:25:46'and I want to find out from Wilma
0:25:46 > 0:25:49'why she and Tom are so passionate about creating a little bit of
0:25:49 > 0:25:51'China in rural Scotland.'
0:25:51 > 0:25:53Tell me about China then,
0:25:53 > 0:25:57this trip that seems to have had a massive impact on both of you.
0:25:57 > 0:25:58When I retired,
0:25:58 > 0:26:02it was a present really for his 70th birthday
0:26:02 > 0:26:06and a sort of retirement present for me. And we did a tour of China,
0:26:06 > 0:26:10and were just absolutely fascinated by the whole thing.
0:26:10 > 0:26:11We went everywhere.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14What was it about China that you loved so much?
0:26:14 > 0:26:18Just the whole culture, the people, the history -
0:26:18 > 0:26:21all of those sort of things in China.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23How are you enjoying retirement?
0:26:23 > 0:26:27I'm enjoying it. It's quite different from what I used to do.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30Going from a very structured job,
0:26:30 > 0:26:35because I was lecturing, to something where, you know,
0:26:35 > 0:26:38my time was my own, it was quite strange.
0:26:38 > 0:26:42So, I think I started to get more into the garden then
0:26:42 > 0:26:45to stop me watching television all the time.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49What about Tom? Because he seems quite keen on a Chinese garden.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52Yes, China had a very great impression...
0:26:52 > 0:26:54Left a very great impression on him.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57- Do you think you'd ever go back? - I'd love to go back,
0:26:57 > 0:27:00but it's expensive
0:27:00 > 0:27:04and this was another reason for having a bit of China
0:27:04 > 0:27:05in our garden.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09Tom's 72. Once upon a time, I bet you thought 72 was old.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12- Oh, yes, I did.- He doesn't seem old, he doesn't look old.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14No, he doesn't look old.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17He doesn't...act old.
0:27:18 > 0:27:23And I think, you know, the fact that he is still does his tour guiding.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26He loves meeting people...
0:27:26 > 0:27:30and I think he's just got a zest for life that...
0:27:30 > 0:27:33Or I think we both have a zest for life
0:27:33 > 0:27:35and we just want to keep on going.
0:27:35 > 0:27:40Well, we are never going to help Danny create that corner of China
0:27:40 > 0:27:42if we don't go and get this bamboo.
0:27:42 > 0:27:43Let's head to the garden centre.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48As we head off in hope of a bamboo bonanza,
0:27:48 > 0:27:52Danny is busy laying the recycled edging for his river of plants.
0:27:53 > 0:27:57What I'm doing here is putting in this lovely Victorian rope edging,
0:27:57 > 0:27:59so I'm just trying to line it up for now,
0:27:59 > 0:28:02just to see how it's going to look.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05So, I think that's going to look really great.
0:28:05 > 0:28:09So, I'm just going to set them up in a row to keep the gravel contained
0:28:09 > 0:28:14on that side. We don't want the gravel to migrate into this river.
0:28:14 > 0:28:18We don't want it amongst the plants, so that's the reason it's here.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26Make sure you use a rubber mallet and not a normal hammer
0:28:26 > 0:28:29cos, if you do that, you end up breaking these things.
0:28:35 > 0:28:37I think that looks pretty good.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39Me, too. At the other end of the garden,
0:28:39 > 0:28:43AJ and Tom have started to assemble the striking moongate.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45This signature circular feature
0:28:45 > 0:28:47isn't something you can just pick up at a DIY store,
0:28:47 > 0:28:51so Danny has had a more standard rectangular rose arch
0:28:51 > 0:28:54cleverly adapted by having the sides bent into curves.
0:28:54 > 0:28:59Unfortunately, AJ is being driven round the bend trying to fit it.
0:28:59 > 0:29:00If we only had one circle...
0:29:01 > 0:29:03..it wouldn't matter.
0:29:03 > 0:29:07But we've got two that have been professionally bent
0:29:07 > 0:29:11as best they can, but they're not quite going to be
0:29:11 > 0:29:13exactly the same circumference,
0:29:13 > 0:29:16both circles, so we've just got to try and get these crossbeams in
0:29:16 > 0:29:20to try and level them up enough, so they do look, from a distance,
0:29:20 > 0:29:23perfectly round to each other.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25Finally, after a lot of tweaking,
0:29:25 > 0:29:28the moongate is ready for positioning.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30I mean, that's quite solid.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33- What do you think?- It looks all right to me.- Circular-wise.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36You know what, AJ, I think that's a lovely entrance
0:29:36 > 0:29:38into this part of the garden.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40I think it looks absolutely smashing.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42With the overall layout taking shape,
0:29:42 > 0:29:45Danny takes a moment to enjoy some of the established plants
0:29:45 > 0:29:47in the top part of the garden,
0:29:47 > 0:29:50including a few horticultural Chinese imports.
0:29:50 > 0:29:54While the gravel's being put down, I thought I'd have a little wander
0:29:54 > 0:29:57around the garden, just to see what's here.
0:29:57 > 0:30:01And do you know? It's amazing what originates from China.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04Now, for example, that Lonicera nitida over there.
0:30:04 > 0:30:08Now, it might be hard to believe, but that's Chinese.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12And there's a peony over there - that comes from China.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18Covering that wall, there's a honeysuckle.
0:30:18 > 0:30:21Now, you see these plants all over the place in British gardens
0:30:21 > 0:30:25and it's surprising, isn't it, what does come from China?
0:30:28 > 0:30:33I've just spotted something and it's the absolute star of the show.
0:30:33 > 0:30:35Azalea luteums.
0:30:35 > 0:30:36It's absolutely wonderful.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38And look at this yellow flower,
0:30:38 > 0:30:43it's just zinging out against the green background on the wall.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47And the other thing, it's got such lovely, heady scent,
0:30:47 > 0:30:49it's absolutely beautiful.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52And, you know, these are quintessential Chinese plants.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54And you know what? It's given me an idea
0:30:54 > 0:30:58because we haven't got any azaleas to go in the top end of the garden,
0:30:58 > 0:31:02and I'm going to give Helen a call and see if she can bring some back.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07Wilma and I have just arrived at the garden centre,
0:31:07 > 0:31:09on the hunt for the bamboo on Danny's list,
0:31:09 > 0:31:11but just as we step inside...
0:31:13 > 0:31:15- Hello!- Hello, Helen.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17Can I add something to the shopping list?
0:31:17 > 0:31:21- Yep.- Could I add some azaleas, please?
0:31:21 > 0:31:22Azaleas, yeah.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24Azaleas and clump-forming bamboo?
0:31:24 > 0:31:26That's it.
0:31:26 > 0:31:30- See you when you get back. - Have fun, bye!- Bye!
0:31:30 > 0:31:32Azaleas, clump-forming bamboo...
0:31:32 > 0:31:34I feel like we've come to the right place, cos this is huge.
0:31:36 > 0:31:41Right, Wilma, not only is there an abundance of plants in this nursery,
0:31:41 > 0:31:45there is an abundance of plants that would suit an Oriental garden.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47- Like the acer.- Do you like these?
0:31:47 > 0:31:48Yes, I love those.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51I love the colours on an acer - they're brilliant.
0:31:51 > 0:31:52Yes, absolutely.
0:31:52 > 0:31:54And they look great against grey slate.
0:31:54 > 0:31:55Yes, they do, yes.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57So, we've got the acers,
0:31:57 > 0:32:00we've got loads of conifers that are trained in specific ways.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02Magnolias over there,
0:32:02 > 0:32:05- but I think all of these would lend themselves to your garden.- Yeah.
0:32:05 > 0:32:09It would be so easy to get carried away in a place
0:32:09 > 0:32:12as fabulous as this, so in order to stick to Danny's list,
0:32:12 > 0:32:15we're going to need a bit of help from director Louise McWhinnie.
0:32:15 > 0:32:19Here she is! The lady with...a sea of bamboos.
0:32:19 > 0:32:20There are so many bamboos.
0:32:20 > 0:32:24Louise, Wilma and I are looking for clump-forming bamboo.
0:32:24 > 0:32:26- Mm-hm.- What other kinds of bamboo are there?
0:32:26 > 0:32:27What's this one?
0:32:27 > 0:32:29It's Phyllostachys aurea,
0:32:29 > 0:32:32which is a slow-running bamboo.
0:32:32 > 0:32:36So, by slow-running, how likely is it to spread?
0:32:36 > 0:32:40After a lot of years, you would get runners off of it.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43Well, Danny's obviously thinking of the future
0:32:43 > 0:32:45because he specifically said clump-forming.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47What have you got by way of a clump-forming bamboo?
0:32:47 > 0:32:53This one here is Pseudosasa, which is a clump-forming bamboo.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56This one at the back's a Fargesia,
0:32:56 > 0:32:58which is another clump-forming bamboo.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01And do these grow quite well in this climate?
0:33:01 > 0:33:04They do, aye, if it's not too severe a winter.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07But they'll tolerate up to minus-ten, most bamboos.
0:33:07 > 0:33:12- Really?- Mm-hm.- That's amazing. - Good news.- Yes.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15It feels ironic asking that question on the hottest day of the year.
0:33:15 > 0:33:17- I know.- But it's not always like this, is it?
0:33:17 > 0:33:19- No.- No.- OK, so what would you need to do
0:33:19 > 0:33:20to look after one of these?
0:33:20 > 0:33:23- Very little.- Cutting it back?
0:33:23 > 0:33:27They get a bit of dead leaf at the bottom you can clean up,
0:33:27 > 0:33:30but they're really pretty easy.
0:33:30 > 0:33:35- OK.- That sounds good. - So, you have so many bamboo here.
0:33:35 > 0:33:37Can you help us pick which would be the best ones
0:33:37 > 0:33:38to take with us to the garden?
0:33:38 > 0:33:41- Yes.- OK. Oh, she knows where she is going.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44- Why are you heading this way, Louise?- It's nice, bright, lush...
0:33:44 > 0:33:48- colour.- Bright, light foliage.
0:33:48 > 0:33:52- Nice and lush.- OK. Well, that looks pretty healthy, doesn't it?
0:33:52 > 0:33:58- Mm-hm.- OK. We'll take a couple of your finest club-forming bamboos.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02So, that basically means they'll stay put, won't they?
0:34:02 > 0:34:03I'll grab that one.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06We're also in the market for some azaleas.
0:34:06 > 0:34:08- Mm-hm.- Could you lead us to your finest azaleas?
0:34:08 > 0:34:12- Yes, I can.- Oh, I feel like I've picked a big one up here.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16While we hunt out more suitable plants, back in the garden,
0:34:16 > 0:34:19Danny's been busy arranging a few of his own.
0:34:19 > 0:34:20He's even got some in the ground.
0:34:20 > 0:34:24What we've got here's a river and, obviously, it's got to be blue,
0:34:24 > 0:34:26so we're using blue plants.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30So we're using some lovely plants here.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32Look, we've got this lovely Festuca intense blue...
0:34:34 > 0:34:37..which is great. And the same for these hostas.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40They are absolutely fantastic.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43Now, this is a shady corner and the shadier the spot,
0:34:43 > 0:34:46the more intense the blue will be in these plants.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49And what's great, look, we just had a gust of wind blow up just now
0:34:49 > 0:34:53and just look at the movement. They look great.
0:34:53 > 0:34:55So, that's keeping in theme with the river.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58So, what we're talking about is something that's symbolic.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01So, we've got a river running under this bridge
0:35:01 > 0:35:04and these plants fit the picture absolutely perfectly.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10To give the planting height and year-round interest,
0:35:10 > 0:35:12Danny has chosen, guess what?
0:35:12 > 0:35:14Some acers.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17He must have caught our psychic vibes.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20No Chinese garden should be without acers.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23These are definitely quintessential Chinese.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26They are absolutely fantastic and they will thrive here.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30And the reason they're going to thrive here
0:35:30 > 0:35:31is because of these walls.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35They're going to keep these nice and sheltered, and because of the trees.
0:35:35 > 0:35:39They can suffer from windburn, they can suffer from sunburn,
0:35:39 > 0:35:42but these walls and these trees will give these beauties
0:35:42 > 0:35:45the best possible chance.
0:35:48 > 0:35:51Acers are very popular Asian trees with British gardeners
0:35:51 > 0:35:55due to spectacular autumnal colours and beautiful foliage.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59They're also perfectly suited to a small garden like this and can
0:35:59 > 0:36:02even be kept in large containers.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05Acers prefer slightly acidic, sandy soil,
0:36:05 > 0:36:07but would also do well in most other soil types
0:36:07 > 0:36:10as long as they are not kept too wet.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13The most graceful shapes develop by letting the tree
0:36:13 > 0:36:17grow fairly naturally, but will benefit from light pruning
0:36:17 > 0:36:18from time to time.
0:36:18 > 0:36:22Acers come in an a range of shapes, sizes and colours,
0:36:22 > 0:36:24from deep red to pale green.
0:36:24 > 0:36:26To find out more about these stunning trees,
0:36:26 > 0:36:27and how to care for them,
0:36:27 > 0:36:30speak to your local garden centre or nursery.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35And remember the storage area Danny planned to tuck away
0:36:35 > 0:36:36behind the kink in the walls?
0:36:36 > 0:36:39AJ has been getting on with erecting its bamboo screening,
0:36:39 > 0:36:42a cheap and very quick way to transform
0:36:42 > 0:36:44boring or unsightly fences.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53And speaking of bamboo, back at the garden centre,
0:36:53 > 0:36:55Wilma and I have already chosen ours,
0:36:55 > 0:36:58but we still have another item to tick off Danny's list.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01What do we need to know about azaleas, Louise?
0:37:01 > 0:37:04They like nice, acidic soil.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07Very easy to keep and very hardy.
0:37:07 > 0:37:10I'm surprised they are quite hardy because they look quite delicate,
0:37:10 > 0:37:12- don't they?- Yeah, they do, yeah.
0:37:12 > 0:37:16This sounds stupid, but how do you know if you've got acidic soil?
0:37:16 > 0:37:18Well, either buy a soil-testing kit,
0:37:18 > 0:37:23or, if you've got other acid-loving plants in your garden -
0:37:23 > 0:37:27- rhododendrons, heathers...- We've got heathers and things in the gardens.
0:37:27 > 0:37:28- Are they growing well?- Yes.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31Yeah. But if you've got is rhodies, azaleas, pieris,
0:37:31 > 0:37:34and they're all growing well, you must have quite an acidic soil.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36How long does it last?
0:37:36 > 0:37:40- About six weeks, if the weather's fair.- Right.
0:37:40 > 0:37:41And in the winter, just go back to green?
0:37:41 > 0:37:43Just evergreen, yeah.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46Are these a welcome addition to your garden?
0:37:46 > 0:37:49Yes, I think. Very colourful addition. Yeah.
0:37:49 > 0:37:54OK. So, what, in terms of colour, do you like?
0:37:54 > 0:37:55I quite like the pink ones.
0:37:55 > 0:37:59- Oh, yeah.- And I do like the orange ones.- Yeah.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02Erm, I think I'll go for the orange ones.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05- OK.- I prefer this one, I think.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08- OK.- Are these OK?- Yes, these are lovely.- Right.- Thank you.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11We really have two plants that look completely different there,
0:38:11 > 0:38:13- don't we?- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:38:13 > 0:38:18- But all...Chinese.- Yes!
0:38:18 > 0:38:21- There's so much here that you could put in a Chinese garden.- Yeah.
0:38:21 > 0:38:22'Mission accomplished.'
0:38:22 > 0:38:24It's time for me to head back to the garden,
0:38:24 > 0:38:26leaving Wilma to wait until it's finished.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29I'm keen to see what the team have achieved while I've been away.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31Here I am. How are you, Tom?
0:38:31 > 0:38:32- I'm surviving.- Yes, good.
0:38:32 > 0:38:36That's when I know I should be feeling the pressure even more.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38- Azalea.- That looks gorgeous, beautiful.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41- And is that your clump?- Yeah, we've got three of those and two of those.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44- Black bamboo.- Yeah.- Brilliant. I love it.- Is that OK?
0:38:44 > 0:38:47- Yeah, yeah, great.- I love the Buddha. I love the acer.
0:38:47 > 0:38:49I love the bridge.
0:38:49 > 0:38:51- The bridge is great, isn't it? - AJ's work.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53AJ's work. He's surpassed himself, as usual.
0:38:53 > 0:38:55Right, what do you want me to do?
0:38:55 > 0:38:57We've still got to lay that lawn over there
0:38:57 > 0:38:59and we still need to put those beds in place,
0:38:59 > 0:39:01and this has still got to be gravelled.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04You've still got to do what? You've still got to put a lawn in?
0:39:04 > 0:39:06- Still got to put a lawn in, yes.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:39:06 > 0:39:10- Well, come on then! - You're not so relaxed now, are you?
0:39:10 > 0:39:12You're not so laid-back now!
0:39:12 > 0:39:14Now, we all need to kick things into a higher gear
0:39:14 > 0:39:16and get this garden finished.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28Come on, time for turfing. Everyone, move out the way.
0:39:28 > 0:39:32We're going to work from this end and work backwards.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34Human chain. We need more people in the human chain.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36Just one turf at a time, please.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39One turf at a time. One turf at a time!
0:39:39 > 0:39:41Two turf, three.
0:39:41 > 0:39:42Turf me. Turf you.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46I don't want to be the one to break it to Danny,
0:39:46 > 0:39:47but this is the last roll of turf
0:39:47 > 0:39:50and we are not at the end of the garden.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52- How many slabs are there? - How many slabs?
0:39:52 > 0:39:54- Slabs?- About six?
0:39:54 > 0:39:57All right, we'll lay the slabs down here for now.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59Crisis averted.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01And, as a perfect finishing touch,
0:40:01 > 0:40:04Tom has provided a Chinese terracotta warrior
0:40:04 > 0:40:07to stand guard at the entrance to the new garden.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09- Are you calm now?- Breathe.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11You got a bit scared for a moment there.
0:40:11 > 0:40:12I was scaring myself for a moment.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16Before we started today,
0:40:16 > 0:40:19this dark and dingy plot was used as a secret dumping ground.
0:40:19 > 0:40:23Filled with old rubbish, it sloped aimlessly up into the corner,
0:40:23 > 0:40:25lacking definition and clear purpose.
0:40:27 > 0:40:30But now, this elegant Chinese-inspired garden
0:40:30 > 0:40:34is the perfect place for restful thought and relaxation
0:40:34 > 0:40:37that takes you on a journey to another world.
0:40:37 > 0:40:41At its entrance, freshly laid lawn is flanked with Asian shrubs
0:40:41 > 0:40:44and Azalea, and leads through a symbolic moongate.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47Once on the other side,
0:40:47 > 0:40:51tiered platforms gleaming with fresh gravel create varying
0:40:51 > 0:40:54levels of interest, the first of which offers the rejuvenated,
0:40:54 > 0:40:58welcoming apple tree and a footbridge over a symbolic river
0:40:58 > 0:41:01of shade-loving hostas and blue festucas,
0:41:01 > 0:41:03which, in time, will flood
0:41:03 > 0:41:05the recycled rope-tile banks with colour.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09The useful storage space has been kept,
0:41:09 > 0:41:11but masked with a bamboo fence,
0:41:11 > 0:41:13creating the backdrop for a new seating area,
0:41:13 > 0:41:17and clump-forming bamboo and stunning acers spotted throughout
0:41:17 > 0:41:20add a real touch of the Orient.
0:41:20 > 0:41:24And all of this was done in just one day on a tiny budget.
0:41:24 > 0:41:27Good job, Danny, or as the Chinese would say, "Zuo de hao."
0:41:27 > 0:41:30It's time to see what Wilma makes of this stunning transformation.
0:41:33 > 0:41:34So...
0:41:36 > 0:41:39Now, you can look up...
0:41:39 > 0:41:42- It's amazing.- ..and head on into your new garden.
0:41:43 > 0:41:45This is unbelievable.
0:41:45 > 0:41:47What a difference. And the Buddha.
0:41:49 > 0:41:50Oh, this is beautiful.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53- What do you think?- The azaleas... It's absolutely beautiful.
0:41:53 > 0:41:55Talk us through what you've done, Danny.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58So, what we've done here is you've got the sea of blue there,
0:41:58 > 0:42:01- so that's your river. That's your river.- That's lovely.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03- That's the bridge going over the river.- Uh-huh.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06These are your stepping stones to your Buddha
0:42:06 > 0:42:10- in the apex of the triangle over there.- That's beautiful.- OK?
0:42:10 > 0:42:14- It's absolutely amazing.- So, this is your journey through the garden
0:42:14 > 0:42:17- to your place of contemplation. - Thank you very much.
0:42:17 > 0:42:19- Acers.- Acers. Oh, yeah.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22- This is fantastic.- And that's... - That's our little...
0:42:22 > 0:42:25- That's your stream...- Oh, right. - ..and your bridge over it.
0:42:25 > 0:42:27And what happens to these plants when it gets dark?
0:42:27 > 0:42:30- When there's deep shade, they get bluer.- Oh!
0:42:30 > 0:42:31So, they get bluer in deep shade.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34- That's amazing.- So you've got blue water.- So, the deeper the shade,
0:42:34 > 0:42:35the bluer they become.
0:42:35 > 0:42:39- Right, so this is your moongate. - Oh, that's the moongate.- OK?
0:42:39 > 0:42:43And that man is the guard on the left-hand side.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46- We'll have to give him a name. - Have to give him a name, yeah.
0:42:46 > 0:42:48What I love about this is
0:42:48 > 0:42:50it would be so easy to ignore that little point
0:42:50 > 0:42:53at the end of the garden because it sort of leads to nothing,
0:42:53 > 0:42:55but, now, it leads to everything.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58- Yes.- That's right.- The thing is, now, you've got a bit of a welcome.
0:42:58 > 0:43:01- Yes.- Because you've got the tree there and what we've done,
0:43:01 > 0:43:04we've shaped it so it welcomes you.
0:43:04 > 0:43:06- Like the welcome tree.- So, it's going to give you an embrace.
0:43:06 > 0:43:08Yeah, that's great.
0:43:08 > 0:43:10How different does it look?
0:43:12 > 0:43:15Just... It's unbelievable. It's just... I can't believe it.
0:43:15 > 0:43:17It's absolutely wonderful.
0:43:17 > 0:43:19- Thank you.- Tom, we know you were keen
0:43:19 > 0:43:21to recreate a little patch of China.
0:43:21 > 0:43:24- Of course it is.- How happy are you that you finally got there?
0:43:24 > 0:43:27Very, very. It's slightly different when you've seen it grow
0:43:27 > 0:43:34with Danny's, not help... Genius. In using that word, inspiration.
0:43:34 > 0:43:38It's not a Chinese garden, it's a garden inspired by China.
0:43:38 > 0:43:41But, Wilma, it was you that originally went to China
0:43:41 > 0:43:42and raved on about your experience
0:43:42 > 0:43:44and everything you loved about it.
0:43:44 > 0:43:47- Yes. Yeah. - How proud are you of this garden?
0:43:47 > 0:43:50Oh, this is...just unbelievable.
0:43:51 > 0:43:53I think it's wonderful.
0:43:53 > 0:43:55Congratulations, Danny.
0:43:55 > 0:43:57- Thank you.- Thank you. - Happy all round?
0:43:57 > 0:44:00- Yes.- Good.- Thank you, Danny. Thank you very much.
0:44:00 > 0:44:02Go and have an explore.
0:44:08 > 0:44:11This morning, this space was a bit of a rubbish dump.
0:44:11 > 0:44:14Now, it's a Chinese garden inspired by the trip of a lifetime.
0:44:14 > 0:44:17It is unique, it's special and it was all done in a day.
0:44:18 > 0:44:21Join us next time for another Instant Garden.