Episode 11 The Instant Gardener


Episode 11

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Beautiful gardens are one of Britain's most glorious sights.

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But if your green space is more mess than majestic,

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making it over can be a daunting prospect,

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especially if you're short on time and money.

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Well, the Instant Gardner is here.

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Ta-da!

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Danny Clarke is an expert at transforming gardens.

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These are really bringing a smile to my face.

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Each time, our gardening guru will be showing you

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how to create gorgeous garden makeovers.

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Doesn't that look great?

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Each transformation will be packed with brilliant ideas

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to help you get to grips with your own outdoor space.

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Just continually deadhead

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and you will keep getting that plant to flower.

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He'll be turning to garden junk...

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Oh, look at that!

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..into garden jewels.

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It's going to be used as a planter

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and I think this is going to look absolutely terrific.

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And showing you how to spend a small budget wisely...

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-That's why Danny makes me bring a list!

-OK.

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..be it on shrubs or salvage.

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Would you like that in your garden?

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And because Danny is the Instant Gardner,

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everything you see will happen in a single day.

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Oh, thank you so much.

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-Oh, wow.

-That's unbelievable!

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Today, we're in Lochwinnoch, in the Scottish county of Renfrewshire,

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lying on the banks of Castle Semple Loch and the River Calder,

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Lochwinnoch is a historic village, typical of the area.

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It's packed with interesting old architecture,

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blessed with beautiful countryside

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and has more than its fair share of glorious gardens.

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But not everybody shares the same taste

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in traditional British gardens.

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I'm off to explore a corner of this village

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that wants something a little different,

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but they need a little bit of help from the Instant Gardener.

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-Hello!

-Hello.

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-You must be Wilma.

-Yes, I'm Wilma.

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-Lovely to meet you.

-Hello, Helen.

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-You must be Tom.

-Yes, hello.

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Nice to meet you. Right, let's have a look at this garden then.

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-Right, off you go.

-Thank you.

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Tom and Wilma have lived here in Lochwinnoch for 20 years.

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Wilma retired in 2012,

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although Tom still works part-time as a tour guide.

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Like many couples at this life-changing stage,

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they decided to take a once in a lifetime dream holiday,

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in their case, to China.

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This never-to-be-repeated trip introduced them to the ancient

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Gardens of Suzhou and both were knocked out

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by the calmness and serenity of

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these Chinese gardening masterpieces.

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When the couple returned to Scotland, they set about

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introducing a little bit of China into their own back garden.

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But Tom has failed to make much of a start and Wilma is beginning

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to think her tranquil Chinese sanctuary

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will remain a distant dream.

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A few days ago, Danny dropped by to see if he could work out how to turn

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their dream into a reality,

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but what will he make of Tom and Wilma's

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long, triangular-shaped garden?

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I've come to this plot for a sneak peak,

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but I've got a feeling this isn't the part of the garden

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that I'm going to be working on.

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I wonder where it's leading me to. I like the cherry.

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Well, I can see what part of the garden I'm going to tackle

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because this bit's untouched.

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That's bit behind me is absolutely fine,

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there's nothing wrong with it at all.

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And looking at it, it needs quite a bit of work.

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But I'll tell you what, it does have its pluses

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and one of the major plus are these walls.

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I think they're gorgeous.

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And look, they've got things growing out of them.

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I can see some hart's-tongue ferns, so it's like a living wall.

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This has got such a lovely, quirky shape to it.

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The garden narrows to this point.

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This appears to be a natural doorway.

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So, what we've got here is really another room.

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So, there's this part of the garden, there's this part of the garden

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leading to the arch,

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and then there's a bit right down to the house.

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That's really interesting.

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As for recycling, Erm...

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I can see bits of wood, there's a fence panel there,

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there's some trellising, there's some decking boards round here.

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I mean, if I throw this back and have a look,

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I can see decking boards and pots

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and there's this tree here.

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It looks like an apple tree and it's just about to come into leaf.

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This land is very untidy.

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I get the impression that this was definitely a dumping ground

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for the stuff that came out of the garden down there.

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So, there's bits of twigs,

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there's old plastic chairs, there's lawn mowers.

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I mean, I don't know what we're going to do with this.

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I mean, this is a bit of an issue,

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bearing in mind we've only got a day to do this garden.

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Lovely space, lovely outlook.

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It's got a lot going for it,

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but I think if we're going to make a difference here,

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we've really got our work cut out.

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A few days later, Danny's back and ready with a plan,

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but before he gets cracking,

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it's time for him to meet Tom and Wilma

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to find out more about their dream of a Chinese-style garden.

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-Hello!

-How are you?

-I'm good.

-This is Tom and Wilma.

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Hello, Tom. Hello, Wilma.

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This is their fabulous garden. It's a real little TARDIS, isn't it?

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-Yes.

-You would never expect this much garden...

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-Yeah, that's true.

-..when you rock up at the front door.

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-How long have you lived here?

-We've lived here just over 20 years

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and we've tried to bring the garden on since then,

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but lack of time hasn't helped.

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So, since I've retired, I've done quite a bit more in the garden.

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What would you like to see from the garden?

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What would you like to change?

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Well, the end of the garden becomes a place where you leave everything

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and it gets pushed further and further back.

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What I wanted to do was to finish the garden to the end,

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so there's a purpose in walking up the garden to see what's at the end.

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-OK.

-So you want a reason to be able to come into the garden?

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You want a focal point?

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Yes. I want to say to people,

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"I've got a blah at the end of the garden."

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Everybody loves a "blah", whatever that may be!

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Whatever Danny chooses that to be.

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Although I say that with slight trepidation

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because that you are keen on a certain style of garden, aren't you?

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Yes, we're keen on a Chinese garden.

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When I retired, we went to China on a tour and saw lots of gardens,

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particularly the humble administrator's garden.

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From that, we decided we'd like a bit of China

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down at the bottom of the garden that we could go back there

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and think about our time in China.

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-Just walk 100 feet and you've got into China.

-Yeah.

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Right. What was it that you saw in China

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that really sort of captured your imagination?

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What do you want to recreate back here?

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Well, things like...

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There was lots of water,

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the whole tranquillity of the garden,

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plants like bamboo,

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and I think Tom's got some particular things that he likes.

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One thing I was thinking of was water in some means,

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maybe with a pump and moving water.

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But I've loved a moongate, which is a Chinese feature which it takes you

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through into another world.

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What do you reckon then, Danny?

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How easy is it to get a taste of China in a British garden?

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Well, that's the thing.

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Because the Chinese have inspired us in so many ways, for example,

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did you know that roses are from China?

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Well, no, I thought it was something to do with

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Lancastrians and the men of York!

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And that's what many of us think.

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That they are part of a quintessential

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English country garden.

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-Mmm.

-Peonies.

-Yeah.

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Clematis, they're all Chinese.

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-Which we already have tried.

-We have, we have.

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Right, well, we will get out of your hair.

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-OK.

-Tom's going to stay here and give you a hand.

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There's one thing you need to take with you.

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OK, a shopping list.

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-All right.

-If you can get me some clump-forming bamboo,

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-that would be great.

-Clump-forming bamboo. We can do that.

-OK.

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-OK.

-OK, we'll see you later.

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-Cheers.

-See you soon.

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While Wilma and I head off on a journey of inspiration,

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Danny has just one day to turn this small triangular patch

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at the end of the garden into an enticing Oriental hideaway.

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So what's the plan, Dan?

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I'm really excited about today

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because we're going to do a Chinese-style garden.

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We're going to start here with the moongate.

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This is going to be our entrance.

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And what we're going to have here is three different levels.

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So, we're going to have a lower level here,

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we're going to have a level there and a level at the top.

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And that's where the focal point's going to be.

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And this area's going to be gravelled.

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So, we're going to have gravel here

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and we're going to have gravel on the top tier.

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At the apex of the garden, in that corner over there,

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at the top tip is going to be a Buddha.

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That's going to be there and that is going to be the focal point.

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You know what?

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I know Tom wants water, but we can't do water in this garden -

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we just haven't got the time -

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so I'm going to do something symbolic.

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We're going to use blue plants

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and the blue plants are going to be just here.

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So this is going to be our river and we're going to have a bridge

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leading over it, which will take us to that Buddha over there.

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Now, a Chinese-inspired garden needs Chinese plants,

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so what I'm going to do is use some acers here,

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an acer here and an acer there,

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and it's going to frame that Buddha

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that we're going to put on a plinth at the back.

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If we've got time,

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we're going to tidy this up and my intention is to turf this area

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and reinstate these beds down to the moongate.

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I think it's going to look absolutely wonderful.

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Where this arrow-shaped area opens out,

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there's a sharp corner and Danny's earmarked it

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for a very important function.

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So, this area, which is typical of a lot of gardens,

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is being used as a storage area.

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So, what are we're going to do...

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We're going to continue to use it as a storage area,

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but we're going to tidy it up.

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And what we're going to do, we're going to put some fence panels here.

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OK? So, that will be completely contained

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and we're going to attach some bamboo screening to it

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and that will be keeping in theme

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with this Chinese-inspired garden.

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So, Danny's going to overhaul this undefined sloping space

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by splitting it into three distinct rising levels

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using wooden sleepers to give them definition.

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The first level will become a welcoming path

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leading through a spectacular moongate.

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Past the moongate, there will be a footbridge,

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crossing the river of blue grasses, leading to the final raised level

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where a Buddha statue will have pride of place.

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He's also going to tidy up the makeshift storage area

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and he'll complete the Chinese theme with some dramatic acers.

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It's a lot to do in a few hours,

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but Danny will be helped by handyman AJ

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and helpers Amy-Rose, Luke and Tom.

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Right, so, what we need to do really is to level this area off, OK?

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So, we're going to start from that apex over there

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-and work down the garden.

-Right.

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Right. So, we're going to work in that direction.

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As part of the clear-out, Danny's got his eye on the old apple tree.

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One of the things I would like to do is to take this tree out.

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It's an apple tree and it's really got no aesthetic value.

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But it's a big decision, so he needs to check with Tom first.

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Tom, how important is this tree to you?

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Well, I've thought about it several times,

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but there is one thing in a Chinese garden

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which is called a welcoming tree.

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It's a tree that goes up to about here

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and then comes across with its leaves,

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and that's supposed to be like a welcoming arm.

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OK. So, what it's doing... It's doing this...

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-Yes.

-It's about to, sort of, embrace you.

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Envelop you. Envelop you, embrace you.

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So, if we can work on that,

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maybe take one or two of the decaying limbs off.

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-Yes.

-And perhaps give it a bit of shape.

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I'll do the hard work, I'll do all of the sawing.

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-Oh, I've get a saw.

-And we can decide between us which limbs

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-we're going to remove to form that shape.

-All right.

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-Let's see what we can do.

-All right.

-Brilliant.

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So, with a new role in the garden, the tree is staying.

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While Danny and Tom go in search of the right tools

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to cut it back,

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I'm taking Wilma in search of an Asian-inspired garden

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a tad closer to home.

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I know you're very keen to recreate something that reminds you of your

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trip to China, so I'm going to take you to

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a Celtic and Asian-inspired garden

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that is not that far from your house.

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Probably ten or 15 minutes from your house, pretty much on your doorstep.

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Something that I hope you're going to enjoy anyway.

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Yes. I'm sure I will.

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The Hidden Gardens in nearby Glasgow

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were opened in 2003 on the site of an old tram works.

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This once derelict brownfield site

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has been transformed into a beautiful

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Celtic and Asian-inspired garden.

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I think this peaceful space will be right up Wilma's street.

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So, here we are in the Hidden Gardens.

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Yes.

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This is a bit here, these are all wishing trees,

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-so you can write a note.

-Oh, lovely.

-A wish or a prayer.

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-It's a nice idea, isn't it?

-Yes. Absolutely gorgeous. Yeah.

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There's some more.

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How do you feel?

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What are your first impressions?

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I think it's amazing that there is such an open and quiet space

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in the middle of a huge city.

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It's a very calm, serene space, isn't it?

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-Yes.

-Even though there are small children running around.

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-Yes.

-We're relatively near to heavy industry.

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They've achieved something quite special, haven't they?

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Yes, it's amazing.

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Well, I brought you here to get an idea of what kind of Asian plants

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might grow in a garden, right here in sunny Scotland.

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So, let's have a bit of an explore. A little bit of a look around.

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Is there anything here, Wilma, that reminds you of your trip to China?

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Well, white walls, that's quite common.

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The slate, the broken slate.

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And I notice we've got bamboo over there.

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A lot of this garden is split up into sections,

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much like your garden.

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It is like our garden. That's what we want to do with the garden -

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is to make it like different rooms.

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And what about this idea of having a moongate?

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That seemed like something that Tom was quite keen on.

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Yes, Tom's very keen on that

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because it gives a vista that you can look through.

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So, the moongate could offer you a frame to look at something.

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That's right, yes. It could do.

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OK, well, you never know what we might go back to.

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-You never know.

-Yes, you never know.

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While Wilma and I head deeper into the Hidden Gardens,

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back in her own garden,

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AJ is getting on with fitting the sleeper walls designed to retain the

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three new levels Danny has planned.

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Look at that! Spot-on, just by the eye.

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Level...straight away.

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Meanwhile, Danny and Tom are pruning the apple tree to try to give it

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a similar shape and effect as the famous welcoming tree

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the couple saw in China.

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I think we should take some of these crossing branches out,

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like this one here, for example.

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-Yes.

-So, there's some dieback there.

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-Right.

-So, I think it might be a good idea to take these two out.

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But our ultimate goal is to try and create a tree

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that's kind of trying to do that.

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-That's right.

-Or something close to that.

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Goggles at the ready, goggles on!

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-Go!

-Go.

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Crossed branches can rub together

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and create an entry point for disease.

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Removing crossing branches eliminates moisture build-up,

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which can cause rot, and allows air and sunlight to permeate

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through the tree and aid in the ripening of fruit.

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So what do you think then, Tom?

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I think, from my imagination, I think we've got the welcoming tree.

0:16:240:16:28

Yeah. I think that looks great.

0:16:280:16:31

AJ's been busy too.

0:16:310:16:32

The first sleeper retaining wall is now complete.

0:16:320:16:35

Danny, it's all done here. You can back-fill this.

0:16:350:16:39

And Danny's got a great idea for levelling off the top level.

0:16:390:16:42

What we're doing here is recycling the rubble that's coming out

0:16:420:16:45

of the garden, so we need to build this area up.

0:16:450:16:48

Reusing old stones and bricks is a great and free way

0:16:480:16:51

of levelling out the ground.

0:16:510:16:52

While Danny gets on with that,

0:16:520:16:55

AJ is a building another Oriental element for the garden -

0:16:550:16:58

the footbridge to go over Danny's river of blue grasses.

0:16:580:17:01

I've got a piece of timber here at the moment,

0:17:010:17:03

which I'm just going to measure and mark the centre,

0:17:030:17:06

and then slowly mark down sort of every two centimetres or so down,

0:17:060:17:10

going lower every time,

0:17:100:17:12

just to get a curve on it,

0:17:120:17:14

which then I'll cut out and I'll start then getting the sort of

0:17:140:17:18

dome shape of how the bridge is going to go.

0:17:180:17:20

And these are some sort of like pre-used bits of timber

0:17:220:17:25

that I found in Tom's garden.

0:17:250:17:27

So, it's just a matter of marking them up

0:17:290:17:31

and screwing them either side.

0:17:310:17:33

There we go. It's the framework for the bridge.

0:17:360:17:41

So, now I just get some little stumpy legs,

0:17:430:17:46

I'll cut the wood to go in these four corners here.

0:17:460:17:49

And then I'll cut decking boards, just sort of an inch or so

0:17:510:17:55

wider than this, and then start putting them on here across.

0:17:550:18:01

Right, that's them all screwed down and you can lift it now and take it

0:18:010:18:06

into the garden to go over Danny's river of plants.

0:18:060:18:11

I think there are going to be quite a few more bridges to cross

0:18:140:18:17

before this garden gets finished.

0:18:170:18:19

Meanwhile, down the road,

0:18:190:18:20

Wilma and I want to find out more about Glasgow's Hidden Gardens,

0:18:200:18:24

so we're meeting head gardener Jean Gavin.

0:18:240:18:27

-Here she is, having a rare moment of reflection.

-Yes.

0:18:270:18:29

Jean, this is Wilma.

0:18:290:18:30

-Hi.

-Hi, nice to meet you, Wilma.

-Hi there.

0:18:300:18:33

Jean, talk us through this fantastic Hidden Garden.

0:18:330:18:36

It's glorious.

0:18:360:18:38

You've come on a lovely day, too. The weather's beautiful.

0:18:380:18:41

We see the garden as being almost like a green lung,

0:18:410:18:44

almost being a little bit of sanctuary,

0:18:440:18:45

a wee paradise in the middle of Glasgow

0:18:450:18:48

for people to come and enjoy and relax in the space.

0:18:480:18:51

So, it's a combination of just the way that the design of

0:18:510:18:54

the garden's been laid out

0:18:540:18:55

but it's also about the people that visit and also the staff and the

0:18:550:18:59

people that helped to make the garden so special.

0:18:590:19:01

How does the design reflect the local community?

0:19:010:19:03

Because is quite a diverse part of Glasgow, isn't it?

0:19:030:19:06

It is. It is. We are very fortunate that the local community...

0:19:060:19:09

We've got a real diverse cultural mix of people.

0:19:090:19:13

We have people who are from the Muslim faith, we have Hindu faith,

0:19:130:19:16

we've got the Gurdwara temple just on our doorstep, too,

0:19:160:19:20

so we're very, very fortunate.

0:19:200:19:22

We've tried to actually engage with the local community

0:19:220:19:25

to get an idea of what they want to see in the garden.

0:19:250:19:28

So, what were people asking to see?

0:19:280:19:29

People were asking to see plants that reminded them of home.

0:19:290:19:32

For example, the Chinese community wanted to see Phyllostachys,

0:19:320:19:36

which is your bamboo.

0:19:360:19:37

The Scottish community wanted to see Sorbus aucuparia,

0:19:370:19:41

which is a rowan tree,

0:19:410:19:42

which wards off evil spirits, allegedly. So, it's a real mixture.

0:19:420:19:47

One thing that you have got sitting pride of place

0:19:470:19:50

is that spectacular ginkgo. Let's go and have a look at that.

0:19:500:19:53

Talk us through that tree

0:19:530:19:54

because that is something really special, isn't it?

0:19:540:19:57

Yes, yes. It's a fantastic tree.

0:19:570:19:59

It's amazing to think that the ginkgo was around

0:19:590:20:02

when the dinosaurs were around.

0:20:020:20:03

It's beautiful. It's almost primeval in terms of the look of the tree.

0:20:030:20:09

This particular tree is about 30 years old,

0:20:090:20:12

but the ginkgo's been around for over 200 million years,

0:20:120:20:15

which is quite amazing.

0:20:150:20:17

It's incredible. It's native of Asia in general,

0:20:170:20:21

but you'll find them quite often planted next to temples.

0:20:210:20:25

-Oh, right.

-They're quite a sacred tree

0:20:250:20:27

and they are seen as almost like a good-luck tree as well.

0:20:270:20:29

Well, thank you very much, Jean.

0:20:290:20:31

-Thanks for your time.

-You're welcome. You're welcome.

0:20:310:20:34

If you'd like your garden to be a place for quiet meditation

0:20:340:20:37

then here are a few tips that might inspire your design.

0:20:370:20:41

Create pathways that take you on a contemplative journey.

0:20:420:20:46

Many plants have symbolic meanings in different cultures,

0:20:480:20:50

so including some in your garden

0:20:500:20:53

can bring layered meaning to your space.

0:20:530:20:55

For example, in Chinese mythology, bamboo is a symbol of integrity,

0:20:570:21:02

virtue and modesty, whereas the peony is a symbol of opulence,

0:21:020:21:06

beauty and honour.

0:21:060:21:08

But it's not just an Eastern concept.

0:21:080:21:10

In Western culture, the rose, for example, holds many meanings

0:21:100:21:13

depending on its colour,

0:21:130:21:15

such as red for passion and yellow for joy.

0:21:150:21:18

Quiet, secluded seating areas with a focal point, such as a pot,

0:21:180:21:22

a tree or a distant view, will provide a haven for quiet thought,

0:21:220:21:27

rest and relaxation.

0:21:270:21:28

There's no time to rest back in the garden though,

0:21:300:21:33

with half the day already gone,

0:21:330:21:34

and the garden's still not fully cleared.

0:21:340:21:37

Thankfully, Danny thinks he can re-use the latest bit

0:21:370:21:40

of unwanted material Tom is sorting out.

0:21:400:21:42

Hiya, Tom. How are you getting on? Having a little bit of a sort out

0:21:420:21:45

of these lovely, old Victorian rope edges.

0:21:450:21:48

Well, they were all round the garden at one time

0:21:480:21:50

and, in trying to bring the garden up to date, you take them out.

0:21:500:21:54

Yeah.

0:21:540:21:56

Yeah, I think these are absolutely wonderful.

0:21:560:21:58

I really love them. These can go along the river bank.

0:21:580:22:01

Well, if you put them into the earth, like that,

0:22:020:22:05

they shouldn't go to right and left there, like that,

0:22:050:22:08

because you've got soil under there.

0:22:080:22:09

-Yeah.

-And you try and line them up, like that, in theory,

0:22:090:22:12

they should look like a rope edge.

0:22:120:22:14

-Yeah.

-The coils of a rope.

0:22:140:22:16

Well, we'll see what we can get.

0:22:160:22:17

See what you can get. I'll let you sort through.

0:22:170:22:20

While Tom gets on with that job,

0:22:200:22:23

AJ is making good progress on his second sleeper wall,

0:22:230:22:26

which will lead to the first level of the raised garden.

0:22:260:22:29

Just screw those together, get the L-shape there.

0:22:310:22:33

I've got to put another sleeper on top,

0:22:330:22:36

so now we're having a sleeper wall on this side, but this one is

0:22:360:22:40

just going to be the step up into the rest of the garden.

0:22:400:22:43

So, this should be good.

0:22:430:22:47

I need to get a post into the back here, just to get some stability,

0:22:470:22:50

but that won't take too long.

0:22:500:22:52

I just wanted to get the angle because then Danny can then start

0:22:520:22:55

raking this and building up the backfill here, on this level.

0:22:550:23:00

So, one level, two level, three.

0:23:000:23:04

With the second tier of the garden taking shape,

0:23:050:23:07

Danny gets on with protecting the top level.

0:23:070:23:11

I'm going to lay this weed suppressant membrane down.

0:23:110:23:14

Now, what's great about this is that it's got little tiny perforations

0:23:140:23:18

like a teabag. And what it does, it allows the moisture to pass through,

0:23:180:23:22

so there's no chance of this area becoming waterlogged.

0:23:220:23:25

So, I'm just going to lay it down

0:23:250:23:27

and then put the gravel over the top.

0:23:270:23:30

Nothing wrong with sort of rolling ends in,

0:23:300:23:35

like this.

0:23:350:23:36

And just roll it out. It's very simple to put down.

0:23:380:23:41

With this, it doesn't matter if you overlap.

0:23:410:23:44

So, overlapping with this membrane is absolutely fine.

0:23:450:23:48

It's a bit like laying a carpet.

0:23:480:23:50

There we are.

0:23:550:23:56

With the weed block down, it's time to get the aggregate in -

0:23:590:24:02

a very common element in Chinese gardens.

0:24:020:24:05

Used here, it will instantly brighten up this

0:24:050:24:08

dark and previously neglected space.

0:24:080:24:10

What I like about putting this gravel down,

0:24:120:24:14

it's really defining the shape at the top of this garden.

0:24:140:24:18

With the bridge ready to go into position,

0:24:200:24:22

the garden is starting to take shape.

0:24:220:24:24

AJ, do you know what, mate?

0:24:250:24:27

I think you've surpassed yourself yet again.

0:24:270:24:29

This looks brilliant. It's a great take on the Chinese bridge.

0:24:290:24:33

I think it looks wonderful. I really like it.

0:24:330:24:36

There's a very important feature

0:24:370:24:39

waiting to become the focal point

0:24:390:24:41

Wilma and Tom have long since planned on including.

0:24:410:24:44

Danny, this is something I've been keeping

0:24:440:24:47

for when I built my garden...

0:24:470:24:48

-It's the...

-..and I didn't have your help.

0:24:480:24:51

A Buddha as a focal point right up at the top,

0:24:510:24:53

which you've made absolutely beautiful with that gravel.

0:24:530:24:56

Well, that area there is now made for it, isn't it?

0:24:560:24:59

I think so.

0:24:590:25:00

Bit further back? Is that what you were thinking?

0:25:050:25:07

Well, why don't you both go down there and shout to me?

0:25:070:25:10

-I think...

-Stand next to each other, get the same perspective.

0:25:100:25:13

No, I think we've got to use the arch as a centre point.

0:25:130:25:16

Square to the wood.

0:25:160:25:18

-But over to the left.

-Over to our left. Your right.

0:25:180:25:20

By about three inches.

0:25:200:25:22

Yeah, about there. What about there?

0:25:220:25:25

That looks good to me.

0:25:250:25:26

How about that?

0:25:290:25:30

I think that's perfect.

0:25:310:25:32

'With the Buddha statue in pride of place,

0:25:390:25:41

'this ambitious garden is slowly taking shape

0:25:410:25:44

'and I want to find out from Wilma

0:25:440:25:46

'why she and Tom are so passionate about creating a little bit of

0:25:460:25:49

'China in rural Scotland.'

0:25:490:25:51

Tell me about China then,

0:25:510:25:53

this trip that seems to have had a massive impact on both of you.

0:25:530:25:57

When I retired,

0:25:570:25:58

it was a present really for his 70th birthday

0:25:580:26:02

and a sort of retirement present for me. And we did a tour of China,

0:26:020:26:06

and were just absolutely fascinated by the whole thing.

0:26:060:26:10

We went everywhere.

0:26:100:26:11

What was it about China that you loved so much?

0:26:110:26:14

Just the whole culture, the people, the history -

0:26:140:26:18

all of those sort of things in China.

0:26:180:26:21

How are you enjoying retirement?

0:26:210:26:23

I'm enjoying it. It's quite different from what I used to do.

0:26:230:26:27

Going from a very structured job,

0:26:270:26:30

because I was lecturing, to something where, you know,

0:26:300:26:35

my time was my own, it was quite strange.

0:26:350:26:38

So, I think I started to get more into the garden then

0:26:380:26:42

to stop me watching television all the time.

0:26:420:26:45

What about Tom? Because he seems quite keen on a Chinese garden.

0:26:450:26:49

Yes, China had a very great impression...

0:26:490:26:52

Left a very great impression on him.

0:26:520:26:54

-Do you think you'd ever go back?

-I'd love to go back,

0:26:540:26:57

but it's expensive

0:26:570:27:00

and this was another reason for having a bit of China

0:27:000:27:04

in our garden.

0:27:040:27:05

Tom's 72. Once upon a time, I bet you thought 72 was old.

0:27:050:27:09

-Oh, yes, I did.

-He doesn't seem old, he doesn't look old.

0:27:090:27:12

No, he doesn't look old.

0:27:120:27:14

He doesn't...act old.

0:27:140:27:17

And I think, you know, the fact that he is still does his tour guiding.

0:27:180:27:23

He loves meeting people...

0:27:230:27:26

and I think he's just got a zest for life that...

0:27:260:27:30

Or I think we both have a zest for life

0:27:300:27:33

and we just want to keep on going.

0:27:330:27:35

Well, we are never going to help Danny create that corner of China

0:27:350:27:40

if we don't go and get this bamboo.

0:27:400:27:42

Let's head to the garden centre.

0:27:420:27:43

As we head off in hope of a bamboo bonanza,

0:27:450:27:48

Danny is busy laying the recycled edging for his river of plants.

0:27:480:27:52

What I'm doing here is putting in this lovely Victorian rope edging,

0:27:530:27:57

so I'm just trying to line it up for now,

0:27:570:27:59

just to see how it's going to look.

0:27:590:28:02

So, I think that's going to look really great.

0:28:030:28:05

So, I'm just going to set them up in a row to keep the gravel contained

0:28:050:28:09

on that side. We don't want the gravel to migrate into this river.

0:28:090:28:14

We don't want it amongst the plants, so that's the reason it's here.

0:28:140:28:18

Make sure you use a rubber mallet and not a normal hammer

0:28:230:28:26

cos, if you do that, you end up breaking these things.

0:28:260:28:29

I think that looks pretty good.

0:28:350:28:37

Me, too. At the other end of the garden,

0:28:370:28:39

AJ and Tom have started to assemble the striking moongate.

0:28:390:28:43

This signature circular feature

0:28:430:28:45

isn't something you can just pick up at a DIY store,

0:28:450:28:47

so Danny has had a more standard rectangular rose arch

0:28:470:28:51

cleverly adapted by having the sides bent into curves.

0:28:510:28:54

Unfortunately, AJ is being driven round the bend trying to fit it.

0:28:540:28:59

If we only had one circle...

0:28:590:29:00

..it wouldn't matter.

0:29:010:29:03

But we've got two that have been professionally bent

0:29:030:29:07

as best they can, but they're not quite going to be

0:29:070:29:11

exactly the same circumference,

0:29:110:29:13

both circles, so we've just got to try and get these crossbeams in

0:29:130:29:16

to try and level them up enough, so they do look, from a distance,

0:29:160:29:20

perfectly round to each other.

0:29:200:29:23

Finally, after a lot of tweaking,

0:29:230:29:25

the moongate is ready for positioning.

0:29:250:29:28

I mean, that's quite solid.

0:29:280:29:30

-What do you think?

-It looks all right to me.

-Circular-wise.

0:29:300:29:33

You know what, AJ, I think that's a lovely entrance

0:29:330:29:36

into this part of the garden.

0:29:360:29:38

I think it looks absolutely smashing.

0:29:380:29:40

With the overall layout taking shape,

0:29:400:29:42

Danny takes a moment to enjoy some of the established plants

0:29:420:29:45

in the top part of the garden,

0:29:450:29:47

including a few horticultural Chinese imports.

0:29:470:29:50

While the gravel's being put down, I thought I'd have a little wander

0:29:500:29:54

around the garden, just to see what's here.

0:29:540:29:57

And do you know? It's amazing what originates from China.

0:29:570:30:01

Now, for example, that Lonicera nitida over there.

0:30:010:30:04

Now, it might be hard to believe, but that's Chinese.

0:30:040:30:08

And there's a peony over there - that comes from China.

0:30:090:30:12

Covering that wall, there's a honeysuckle.

0:30:150:30:18

Now, you see these plants all over the place in British gardens

0:30:180:30:21

and it's surprising, isn't it, what does come from China?

0:30:210:30:25

I've just spotted something and it's the absolute star of the show.

0:30:280:30:33

Azalea luteums.

0:30:330:30:35

It's absolutely wonderful.

0:30:350:30:36

And look at this yellow flower,

0:30:360:30:38

it's just zinging out against the green background on the wall.

0:30:380:30:43

And the other thing, it's got such lovely, heady scent,

0:30:430:30:47

it's absolutely beautiful.

0:30:470:30:49

And, you know, these are quintessential Chinese plants.

0:30:490:30:52

And you know what? It's given me an idea

0:30:520:30:54

because we haven't got any azaleas to go in the top end of the garden,

0:30:540:30:58

and I'm going to give Helen a call and see if she can bring some back.

0:30:580:31:02

Wilma and I have just arrived at the garden centre,

0:31:040:31:07

on the hunt for the bamboo on Danny's list,

0:31:070:31:09

but just as we step inside...

0:31:090:31:11

-Hello!

-Hello, Helen.

0:31:130:31:15

Can I add something to the shopping list?

0:31:150:31:17

-Yep.

-Could I add some azaleas, please?

0:31:170:31:21

Azaleas, yeah.

0:31:210:31:22

Azaleas and clump-forming bamboo?

0:31:220:31:24

That's it.

0:31:240:31:26

-See you when you get back.

-Have fun, bye!

-Bye!

0:31:260:31:30

Azaleas, clump-forming bamboo...

0:31:300:31:32

I feel like we've come to the right place, cos this is huge.

0:31:320:31:34

Right, Wilma, not only is there an abundance of plants in this nursery,

0:31:360:31:41

there is an abundance of plants that would suit an Oriental garden.

0:31:410:31:45

-Like the acer.

-Do you like these?

0:31:450:31:47

Yes, I love those.

0:31:470:31:48

I love the colours on an acer - they're brilliant.

0:31:480:31:51

Yes, absolutely.

0:31:510:31:52

And they look great against grey slate.

0:31:520:31:54

Yes, they do, yes.

0:31:540:31:55

So, we've got the acers,

0:31:550:31:57

we've got loads of conifers that are trained in specific ways.

0:31:570:32:00

Magnolias over there,

0:32:000:32:02

-but I think all of these would lend themselves to your garden.

-Yeah.

0:32:020:32:05

It would be so easy to get carried away in a place

0:32:050:32:09

as fabulous as this, so in order to stick to Danny's list,

0:32:090:32:12

we're going to need a bit of help from director Louise McWhinnie.

0:32:120:32:15

Here she is! The lady with...a sea of bamboos.

0:32:150:32:19

There are so many bamboos.

0:32:190:32:20

Louise, Wilma and I are looking for clump-forming bamboo.

0:32:200:32:24

-Mm-hm.

-What other kinds of bamboo are there?

0:32:240:32:26

What's this one?

0:32:260:32:27

It's Phyllostachys aurea,

0:32:270:32:29

which is a slow-running bamboo.

0:32:290:32:32

So, by slow-running, how likely is it to spread?

0:32:320:32:36

After a lot of years, you would get runners off of it.

0:32:360:32:40

Well, Danny's obviously thinking of the future

0:32:400:32:43

because he specifically said clump-forming.

0:32:430:32:45

What have you got by way of a clump-forming bamboo?

0:32:450:32:47

This one here is Pseudosasa, which is a clump-forming bamboo.

0:32:470:32:53

This one at the back's a Fargesia,

0:32:530:32:56

which is another clump-forming bamboo.

0:32:560:32:58

And do these grow quite well in this climate?

0:32:580:33:01

They do, aye, if it's not too severe a winter.

0:33:010:33:04

But they'll tolerate up to minus-ten, most bamboos.

0:33:040:33:07

-Really?

-Mm-hm.

-That's amazing.

-Good news.

-Yes.

0:33:070:33:12

It feels ironic asking that question on the hottest day of the year.

0:33:120:33:15

-I know.

-But it's not always like this, is it?

0:33:150:33:17

-No.

-No.

-OK, so what would you need to do

0:33:170:33:19

to look after one of these?

0:33:190:33:20

-Very little.

-Cutting it back?

0:33:200:33:23

They get a bit of dead leaf at the bottom you can clean up,

0:33:230:33:27

but they're really pretty easy.

0:33:270:33:30

-OK.

-That sounds good.

-So, you have so many bamboo here.

0:33:300:33:35

Can you help us pick which would be the best ones

0:33:350:33:37

to take with us to the garden?

0:33:370:33:38

-Yes.

-OK. Oh, she knows where she is going.

0:33:380:33:41

-Why are you heading this way, Louise?

-It's nice, bright, lush...

0:33:410:33:44

-colour.

-Bright, light foliage.

0:33:440:33:48

-Nice and lush.

-OK. Well, that looks pretty healthy, doesn't it?

0:33:480:33:52

-Mm-hm.

-OK. We'll take a couple of your finest club-forming bamboos.

0:33:520:33:58

So, that basically means they'll stay put, won't they?

0:33:580:34:02

I'll grab that one.

0:34:020:34:03

We're also in the market for some azaleas.

0:34:030:34:06

-Mm-hm.

-Could you lead us to your finest azaleas?

0:34:060:34:08

-Yes, I can.

-Oh, I feel like I've picked a big one up here.

0:34:080:34:12

While we hunt out more suitable plants, back in the garden,

0:34:130:34:16

Danny's been busy arranging a few of his own.

0:34:160:34:19

He's even got some in the ground.

0:34:190:34:20

What we've got here's a river and, obviously, it's got to be blue,

0:34:200:34:24

so we're using blue plants.

0:34:240:34:26

So we're using some lovely plants here.

0:34:260:34:30

Look, we've got this lovely Festuca intense blue...

0:34:300:34:32

..which is great. And the same for these hostas.

0:34:340:34:37

They are absolutely fantastic.

0:34:370:34:40

Now, this is a shady corner and the shadier the spot,

0:34:400:34:43

the more intense the blue will be in these plants.

0:34:430:34:46

And what's great, look, we just had a gust of wind blow up just now

0:34:460:34:49

and just look at the movement. They look great.

0:34:490:34:53

So, that's keeping in theme with the river.

0:34:530:34:55

So, what we're talking about is something that's symbolic.

0:34:550:34:58

So, we've got a river running under this bridge

0:34:580:35:01

and these plants fit the picture absolutely perfectly.

0:35:010:35:04

To give the planting height and year-round interest,

0:35:080:35:10

Danny has chosen, guess what?

0:35:100:35:12

Some acers.

0:35:120:35:14

He must have caught our psychic vibes.

0:35:140:35:17

No Chinese garden should be without acers.

0:35:170:35:20

These are definitely quintessential Chinese.

0:35:200:35:23

They are absolutely fantastic and they will thrive here.

0:35:230:35:26

And the reason they're going to thrive here

0:35:270:35:30

is because of these walls.

0:35:300:35:31

They're going to keep these nice and sheltered, and because of the trees.

0:35:310:35:35

They can suffer from windburn, they can suffer from sunburn,

0:35:350:35:39

but these walls and these trees will give these beauties

0:35:390:35:42

the best possible chance.

0:35:420:35:45

Acers are very popular Asian trees with British gardeners

0:35:480:35:51

due to spectacular autumnal colours and beautiful foliage.

0:35:510:35:55

They're also perfectly suited to a small garden like this and can

0:35:550:35:59

even be kept in large containers.

0:35:590:36:02

Acers prefer slightly acidic, sandy soil,

0:36:020:36:05

but would also do well in most other soil types

0:36:050:36:07

as long as they are not kept too wet.

0:36:070:36:10

The most graceful shapes develop by letting the tree

0:36:100:36:13

grow fairly naturally, but will benefit from light pruning

0:36:130:36:17

from time to time.

0:36:170:36:18

Acers come in an a range of shapes, sizes and colours,

0:36:180:36:22

from deep red to pale green.

0:36:220:36:24

To find out more about these stunning trees,

0:36:240:36:26

and how to care for them,

0:36:260:36:27

speak to your local garden centre or nursery.

0:36:270:36:30

And remember the storage area Danny planned to tuck away

0:36:320:36:35

behind the kink in the walls?

0:36:350:36:36

AJ has been getting on with erecting its bamboo screening,

0:36:360:36:39

a cheap and very quick way to transform

0:36:390:36:42

boring or unsightly fences.

0:36:420:36:44

And speaking of bamboo, back at the garden centre,

0:36:500:36:53

Wilma and I have already chosen ours,

0:36:530:36:55

but we still have another item to tick off Danny's list.

0:36:550:36:58

What do we need to know about azaleas, Louise?

0:36:580:37:01

They like nice, acidic soil.

0:37:010:37:04

Very easy to keep and very hardy.

0:37:040:37:07

I'm surprised they are quite hardy because they look quite delicate,

0:37:070:37:10

-don't they?

-Yeah, they do, yeah.

0:37:100:37:12

This sounds stupid, but how do you know if you've got acidic soil?

0:37:120:37:16

Well, either buy a soil-testing kit,

0:37:160:37:18

or, if you've got other acid-loving plants in your garden -

0:37:180:37:23

-rhododendrons, heathers...

-We've got heathers and things in the gardens.

0:37:230:37:27

-Are they growing well?

-Yes.

0:37:270:37:28

Yeah. But if you've got is rhodies, azaleas, pieris,

0:37:280:37:31

and they're all growing well, you must have quite an acidic soil.

0:37:310:37:34

How long does it last?

0:37:340:37:36

-About six weeks, if the weather's fair.

-Right.

0:37:360:37:40

And in the winter, just go back to green?

0:37:400:37:41

Just evergreen, yeah.

0:37:410:37:43

Are these a welcome addition to your garden?

0:37:430:37:46

Yes, I think. Very colourful addition. Yeah.

0:37:460:37:49

OK. So, what, in terms of colour, do you like?

0:37:490:37:54

I quite like the pink ones.

0:37:540:37:55

-Oh, yeah.

-And I do like the orange ones.

-Yeah.

0:37:550:37:59

Erm, I think I'll go for the orange ones.

0:37:590:38:02

-OK.

-I prefer this one, I think.

0:38:020:38:05

-OK.

-Are these OK?

-Yes, these are lovely.

-Right.

-Thank you.

0:38:050:38:08

We really have two plants that look completely different there,

0:38:080:38:11

-don't we?

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

0:38:110:38:13

-But all...Chinese.

-Yes!

0:38:130:38:18

-There's so much here that you could put in a Chinese garden.

-Yeah.

0:38:180:38:21

'Mission accomplished.'

0:38:210:38:22

It's time for me to head back to the garden,

0:38:220:38:24

leaving Wilma to wait until it's finished.

0:38:240:38:26

I'm keen to see what the team have achieved while I've been away.

0:38:260:38:29

Here I am. How are you, Tom?

0:38:290:38:31

-I'm surviving.

-Yes, good.

0:38:310:38:32

That's when I know I should be feeling the pressure even more.

0:38:320:38:36

-Azalea.

-That looks gorgeous, beautiful.

0:38:360:38:38

-And is that your clump?

-Yeah, we've got three of those and two of those.

0:38:380:38:41

-Black bamboo.

-Yeah.

-Brilliant. I love it.

-Is that OK?

0:38:410:38:44

-Yeah, yeah, great.

-I love the Buddha. I love the acer.

0:38:440:38:47

I love the bridge.

0:38:470:38:49

-The bridge is great, isn't it?

-AJ's work.

0:38:490:38:51

AJ's work. He's surpassed himself, as usual.

0:38:510:38:53

Right, what do you want me to do?

0:38:530:38:55

We've still got to lay that lawn over there

0:38:550:38:57

and we still need to put those beds in place,

0:38:570:38:59

and this has still got to be gravelled.

0:38:590:39:01

You've still got to do what? You've still got to put a lawn in?

0:39:010:39:04

-Still got to put a lawn in, yes.

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

0:39:040:39:06

-Well, come on then!

-You're not so relaxed now, are you?

0:39:060:39:10

You're not so laid-back now!

0:39:100:39:12

Now, we all need to kick things into a higher gear

0:39:120:39:14

and get this garden finished.

0:39:140:39:16

Come on, time for turfing. Everyone, move out the way.

0:39:260:39:28

We're going to work from this end and work backwards.

0:39:280:39:32

Human chain. We need more people in the human chain.

0:39:320:39:34

Just one turf at a time, please.

0:39:340:39:36

One turf at a time. One turf at a time!

0:39:360:39:39

Two turf, three.

0:39:390:39:41

Turf me. Turf you.

0:39:410:39:42

I don't want to be the one to break it to Danny,

0:39:430:39:46

but this is the last roll of turf

0:39:460:39:47

and we are not at the end of the garden.

0:39:470:39:50

-How many slabs are there?

-How many slabs?

0:39:500:39:52

-Slabs?

-About six?

0:39:520:39:54

All right, we'll lay the slabs down here for now.

0:39:540:39:57

Crisis averted.

0:39:570:39:59

And, as a perfect finishing touch,

0:39:590:40:01

Tom has provided a Chinese terracotta warrior

0:40:010:40:04

to stand guard at the entrance to the new garden.

0:40:040:40:07

-Are you calm now?

-Breathe.

0:40:070:40:09

You got a bit scared for a moment there.

0:40:090:40:11

I was scaring myself for a moment.

0:40:110:40:12

Before we started today,

0:40:140:40:16

this dark and dingy plot was used as a secret dumping ground.

0:40:160:40:19

Filled with old rubbish, it sloped aimlessly up into the corner,

0:40:190:40:23

lacking definition and clear purpose.

0:40:230:40:25

But now, this elegant Chinese-inspired garden

0:40:270:40:30

is the perfect place for restful thought and relaxation

0:40:300:40:34

that takes you on a journey to another world.

0:40:340:40:37

At its entrance, freshly laid lawn is flanked with Asian shrubs

0:40:370:40:41

and Azalea, and leads through a symbolic moongate.

0:40:410:40:44

Once on the other side,

0:40:450:40:47

tiered platforms gleaming with fresh gravel create varying

0:40:470:40:51

levels of interest, the first of which offers the rejuvenated,

0:40:510:40:54

welcoming apple tree and a footbridge over a symbolic river

0:40:540:40:58

of shade-loving hostas and blue festucas,

0:40:580:41:01

which, in time, will flood

0:41:010:41:03

the recycled rope-tile banks with colour.

0:41:030:41:05

The useful storage space has been kept,

0:41:060:41:09

but masked with a bamboo fence,

0:41:090:41:11

creating the backdrop for a new seating area,

0:41:110:41:13

and clump-forming bamboo and stunning acers spotted throughout

0:41:130:41:17

add a real touch of the Orient.

0:41:170:41:20

And all of this was done in just one day on a tiny budget.

0:41:200:41:24

Good job, Danny, or as the Chinese would say, "Zuo de hao."

0:41:240:41:27

It's time to see what Wilma makes of this stunning transformation.

0:41:270:41:30

So...

0:41:330:41:34

Now, you can look up...

0:41:360:41:39

-It's amazing.

-..and head on into your new garden.

0:41:390:41:42

This is unbelievable.

0:41:430:41:45

What a difference. And the Buddha.

0:41:450:41:47

Oh, this is beautiful.

0:41:490:41:50

-What do you think?

-The azaleas... It's absolutely beautiful.

0:41:500:41:53

Talk us through what you've done, Danny.

0:41:530:41:55

So, what we've done here is you've got the sea of blue there,

0:41:550:41:58

-so that's your river. That's your river.

-That's lovely.

0:41:580:42:01

-That's the bridge going over the river.

-Uh-huh.

0:42:010:42:03

These are your stepping stones to your Buddha

0:42:030:42:06

-in the apex of the triangle over there.

-That's beautiful.

-OK?

0:42:060:42:10

-It's absolutely amazing.

-So, this is your journey through the garden

0:42:100:42:14

-to your place of contemplation.

-Thank you very much.

0:42:140:42:17

-Acers.

-Acers. Oh, yeah.

0:42:170:42:19

-This is fantastic.

-And that's...

-That's our little...

0:42:190:42:22

-That's your stream...

-Oh, right.

-..and your bridge over it.

0:42:220:42:25

And what happens to these plants when it gets dark?

0:42:250:42:27

-When there's deep shade, they get bluer.

-Oh!

0:42:270:42:30

So, they get bluer in deep shade.

0:42:300:42:31

-That's amazing.

-So you've got blue water.

-So, the deeper the shade,

0:42:310:42:34

the bluer they become.

0:42:340:42:35

-Right, so this is your moongate.

-Oh, that's the moongate.

-OK?

0:42:350:42:39

And that man is the guard on the left-hand side.

0:42:390:42:43

-We'll have to give him a name.

-Have to give him a name, yeah.

0:42:430:42:46

What I love about this is

0:42:460:42:48

it would be so easy to ignore that little point

0:42:480:42:50

at the end of the garden because it sort of leads to nothing,

0:42:500:42:53

but, now, it leads to everything.

0:42:530:42:55

-Yes.

-That's right.

-The thing is, now, you've got a bit of a welcome.

0:42:550:42:58

-Yes.

-Because you've got the tree there and what we've done,

0:42:580:43:01

we've shaped it so it welcomes you.

0:43:010:43:04

-Like the welcome tree.

-So, it's going to give you an embrace.

0:43:040:43:06

Yeah, that's great.

0:43:060:43:08

How different does it look?

0:43:080:43:10

Just... It's unbelievable. It's just... I can't believe it.

0:43:120:43:15

It's absolutely wonderful.

0:43:150:43:17

-Thank you.

-Tom, we know you were keen

0:43:170:43:19

to recreate a little patch of China.

0:43:190:43:21

-Of course it is.

-How happy are you that you finally got there?

0:43:210:43:24

Very, very. It's slightly different when you've seen it grow

0:43:240:43:27

with Danny's, not help... Genius. In using that word, inspiration.

0:43:270:43:34

It's not a Chinese garden, it's a garden inspired by China.

0:43:340:43:38

But, Wilma, it was you that originally went to China

0:43:380:43:41

and raved on about your experience

0:43:410:43:42

and everything you loved about it.

0:43:420:43:44

-Yes. Yeah.

-How proud are you of this garden?

0:43:440:43:47

Oh, this is...just unbelievable.

0:43:470:43:50

I think it's wonderful.

0:43:510:43:53

Congratulations, Danny.

0:43:530:43:55

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

-Happy all round?

0:43:550:43:57

-Yes.

-Good.

-Thank you, Danny. Thank you very much.

0:43:570:44:00

Go and have an explore.

0:44:000:44:02

This morning, this space was a bit of a rubbish dump.

0:44:080:44:11

Now, it's a Chinese garden inspired by the trip of a lifetime.

0:44:110:44:14

It is unique, it's special and it was all done in a day.

0:44:140:44:17

Join us next time for another Instant Garden.

0:44:180:44:21

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