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 > 0:00:12Especially if you're short on time and money.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16Well, the Instant Gardener is here.
0:00:16 > 0:00:18# Ta-da! #
0:00:18 > 0:00:20Danny Clarke is an expert at transforming gardens.
0:00:22 > 0:00:24These are really bringing a smile to my face.
0:00:24 > 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 > 0:00:39to 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 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 > 0:00:55and I think this is going to look absolutely terrific.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59'And 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 > 0:01:10'And because Danny is the INSTANT Gardener,
0:01:10 > 0:01:14'everything you see will happen in a single day.'
0:01:14 > 0:01:15Oh, thank you so much.
0:01:15 > 0:01:17Oh, wow!
0:01:17 > 0:01:18That's unbelievable.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28Today, we're in Hailsham in East Sussex.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31Nestled between the ancient woodlands of the Weald Forest Ridge
0:01:31 > 0:01:33and the chalk hills of the South Downs,
0:01:33 > 0:01:35Hailsham's position and warm climate
0:01:35 > 0:01:39make for excellent growing conditions and glorious gardens.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43But we found one that's letting the side down.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45Not all gardens have room for hundreds of plants
0:01:45 > 0:01:47and a well-kept lawn.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50We're here to meet a couple whose outside space is minimal,
0:01:50 > 0:01:52but whose hopes for the future are big.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00- Hello.- Hello.- Hello, I'm Helen. You must be Jess.- Yes, Jess.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03- Dave?- I'm Dave, yeah. Nice to meet you.- Good to see you.
0:02:03 > 0:02:05- Hi.- Right, let's have a look at this garden, then.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07- Cool, come on through. - Yeah, come in.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11Hard-working Jess and Dave King have been married for nearly five years
0:02:11 > 0:02:13and recently bought their first home.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15But with Jess's full-time studies
0:02:15 > 0:02:17and Dave's community work with offenders,
0:02:17 > 0:02:21time and money to spend on the garden has been hard to come by.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24They're doting godparents to two young children
0:02:24 > 0:02:26and would love to have a family of their own.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28But so far, that's proved difficult,
0:02:28 > 0:02:32as Dave was injured while serving in the British Army.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36Nevertheless, Jess and Dave want an enchanting, child-friendly space
0:02:36 > 0:02:38for their godchildren's frequent visits,
0:02:38 > 0:02:41and for the children they hope to have in the future.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44So they've called on the Instant Gardener to work his magic.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48Danny's already been to Hailsham,
0:02:48 > 0:02:51a few days before starting the transformation,
0:02:51 > 0:02:54for a sneak preview of Jess and Dave's bijou back yard.
0:02:56 > 0:02:57I've come here for a sneaky peek.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00First impressions are very important.
0:03:00 > 0:03:01So, I'm going to take a look.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08Wow. Now, my first impression of this garden is that it's very small.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11I have to say, it's probably one of the tiniest gardens I've seen.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15What I'm going to try and do is make it look larger than it actually is.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18So I'll use some little design tricks to do that.
0:03:18 > 0:03:23And coming down here to the end, I can see a little alley.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26A lot of people would probably see this as wasted space.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29For me, this space is not a total write-off.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33So, let's make something interesting and let's make it usable.
0:03:33 > 0:03:34Do you know what?
0:03:34 > 0:03:37Overall, a lot of people are daunted with an area this size.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39But there is a lot you can do.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42You can cram a lot into a small garden,
0:03:42 > 0:03:44just by playing little tricks.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47A few days later, Danny returns with a plan in mind.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50But first it's time for him to meet the garden's owners.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54- Danny.- Hello, Helen. - Good to see you.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57- Good to see you, too.- This is Jess. This is Dave.- Hello.- Hello, Jess.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00- Nice to meet you.- Hiya.- Hello, Dave. Good to meet you.- Right.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03It's not going to take us long to explore your garden.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05But I think this is a brilliant space. Little sun trap.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08- Do you spend a lot of time out here? - Um, we'd like to, but...
0:04:08 > 0:04:10- We try to.- ..at the moment, we don't really feel
0:04:10 > 0:04:13it's anything nice to spend time in, at the moment.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15Have you done much out here?
0:04:15 > 0:04:16- Yeah, can't you tell? - THEY LAUGH
0:04:16 > 0:04:19- Um, no. No, we haven't. - When we moved in,
0:04:19 > 0:04:23we was just concentrating on doing bits of work for the house.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25But we're trying to have children,
0:04:25 > 0:04:28so saving up for IVF and stuff like that.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31So we're trying to pick our budget and see what we can do.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34In the meantime, you don't want to be spending money on the garden,
0:04:34 > 0:04:36- but you'd like to use the space? - Yes, absolutely.- Yes.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39How would you like to use the space? What do you want to do out here?
0:04:39 > 0:04:41It's somewhere that... We want it to be an extra room.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44We want to be able to be out here, spend some time out here.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48But the other thing that we would like it to be is child-friendly,
0:04:48 > 0:04:50and at the moment, it's a little bit dangerous.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52Because not only do we want to have kids in the future,
0:04:52 > 0:04:54we would also like to foster in the future.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58- But we do have two godchildren, as well.- Yeah, they are our world.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00They spend a lot of time with us. So that's Holly and Aidan.
0:05:00 > 0:05:01And how old are they?
0:05:01 > 0:05:04Holly is two-and-a-half and Aidan is six months.
0:05:04 > 0:05:05And because Holly...
0:05:05 > 0:05:08When she comes over here, she loves the outdoor space.
0:05:08 > 0:05:09So she'll come out with her wellies on
0:05:09 > 0:05:11and likes bouncing a ball in all weathers.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13And likes sweeping the leaves for us and...
0:05:13 > 0:05:15But it makes our hearts go like this,
0:05:15 > 0:05:16cos we're constantly watching her,
0:05:16 > 0:05:18that she doesn't fall down the step or anything.
0:05:18 > 0:05:19What kind of style?
0:05:19 > 0:05:23What is your sort of ideal look for a garden?
0:05:23 > 0:05:25I'd like to say we're... we're quite modern,
0:05:25 > 0:05:28but at the same time, we love reminders of your childhood.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30Or things that make you go, "Aww."
0:05:30 > 0:05:31And stuff like that.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34So, within the house, we've kind of gone with that theme.
0:05:34 > 0:05:35But with a modern twist.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37- Modern fairytales?- Yes.- Yeah.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40Danny, have you ever been tasked with making a garden
0:05:40 > 0:05:42that makes you go, "Mmm"? THEY LAUGH
0:05:42 > 0:05:44It's very, very tiny.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48But I'm very much aware that you guys want a garden that's for you
0:05:48 > 0:05:49as well as for kids.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51Anything is going to be better than what's here.
0:05:51 > 0:05:52- That's what we've said.- Yeah.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54You know, even just doing the smallest thing.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56Because it is what it is at the moment.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58- OK.- It's going to make a massive difference.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00I think with a bit of clever trickery,
0:06:00 > 0:06:03I think we can make full use of your space.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05I believe in you, Danny. You're going to be fine.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08- I'm glad you do.- So much so that I'm going to leave Dave with you.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10We're going to get out of your hair.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13We're going to go off on a RESEARCH shopping trip.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15And you know what's coming now, Helen.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17The trusty notebook.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19- This is our list, so we don't go off piste.- Oh, OK.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22"A tree or a plant, at least six foot tall."
0:06:22 > 0:06:24- We can do that.- Yeah. - You can do that?- OK.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26- Have a lovely day.- Happy hunting.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29- See you in a bit.- All the best. - Bye.- Bye.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32While I whisk Jess away for a spot of research,
0:06:32 > 0:06:36Danny has just one day to transform this dark and pokey plot
0:06:36 > 0:06:38into a fun-filled wonderland.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40So, what's the plan, Dan?
0:06:40 > 0:06:43Now, Jess and Dave want a fantasy garden.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45We're in a woodland glade here,
0:06:45 > 0:06:47and there's going to be a lot of shade,
0:06:47 > 0:06:50so I want to put shade-loving plants into this space.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54My mantra is, "Your garden's all about your plants."
0:06:54 > 0:06:56So, just because you've got a paved area,
0:06:56 > 0:07:00there's no reason why you can't introduce plants into your space.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02One of the things I thought of doing
0:07:02 > 0:07:04was to create little planting pockets.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08If we do that, we can put some plants in there.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10This fence is all over the place,
0:07:10 > 0:07:12so it needs repairing.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14These posts are a bit wobbly.
0:07:14 > 0:07:15So we're going to straighten the fence.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17We're going to make that good.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20And we're going to put a mural on the new one.
0:07:21 > 0:07:26So down here... I mean, all I can see is a very narrow alleyway.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28So we're going to deck all of this
0:07:28 > 0:07:33and we're going to bring it up to the level of this patio here.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35You know what this says to me?
0:07:35 > 0:07:37It's saying to me, "Skittles."
0:07:37 > 0:07:40So I was thinking of putting a bowling alley down here,
0:07:40 > 0:07:41for the kids to play on.
0:07:42 > 0:07:43The other thing I'd like to do
0:07:43 > 0:07:46is perhaps put a mirror against this fence.
0:07:46 > 0:07:47Because it's very shady,
0:07:47 > 0:07:51we've got this big conifer here, that's blotting out loads of light.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53So I want to make it a bit more light and airy.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56And, that way, we're going to elongate this space.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01So Danny plans to transform Jess and Dave's boring back yard
0:08:01 > 0:08:04into a magical and fun-packed space.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06He's going to dig out pockets in the crazy paving.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09And fill them with shade-loving plants.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12He's going to add a mural to brighten up a new fence
0:08:12 > 0:08:14and he'll add decking down the side of the house
0:08:14 > 0:08:16where the children can play skittles.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20It might be a tiny plot, but it's a big ask.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23Fortunately, he's got Dave on hand to help.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27And, of course, he can also call on trusty handyman AJ...
0:08:27 > 0:08:31and his helpers, Luke and Amyrose.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34- Hi, Dave. AJ. - Nice to meet you.- You too. Good.
0:08:34 > 0:08:35- Strong?- Yeah.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37Good lad. Good lad.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39Dave, one of the most important things with any garden
0:08:39 > 0:08:40are the boundaries.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42If your boundaries aren't very good,
0:08:42 > 0:08:45then your eye goes towards them immediately.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47And you're not looking at the beauty of the garden.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50- So the first thing we're going to do is to sort this fence out.- Right.
0:08:50 > 0:08:51We're going to replace it.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55- Shall we crack on?- Let's go.- Yeah, let's get going.- Let's get started.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58As the old fence panels are rotten and need to be replaced,
0:08:58 > 0:09:02we've asked permission to use Dave's neighbours' garden for access.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04And while they come down easily enough,
0:09:04 > 0:09:06Danny's spotted a hidden danger.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10There's something that I've become very aware of.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13- It's that there's nails just sticking up here...- Right, yeah.
0:09:13 > 0:09:14..out of the wood.
0:09:14 > 0:09:15So he has a tip to stay safe.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19It's always an idea, when you're taking anything down,
0:09:19 > 0:09:21is just try and put everything in one pile straight away.
0:09:21 > 0:09:22You're not treading on it.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25The last thing you want is to be treading on a nail.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27As the old posts are still in good condition,
0:09:27 > 0:09:30the team can recycle them elsewhere in the garden.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33But, before they fit new ones, there's a job to be done.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36What we need to do is get these old posts out.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38- These rotten posts out.- OK.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40- Out- of the ground. The fact is,
0:09:40 > 0:09:43- there's usually a big lump of concrete at the bottom of it.- Yeah.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46As we don't have much time, and they're in the right place,
0:09:46 > 0:09:49if we chisel that out, we can then put the posts in,
0:09:49 > 0:09:52- get them straight and then backfill it with some concrete.- OK.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54And if we can get the holes prepared now,
0:09:54 > 0:09:56that's a good job for you to do.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59- I'll crack on with that.- Thank you very much.- Great, thank you.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01While Dave is chiselling away,
0:10:01 > 0:10:03Danny is keen to prepare for planting
0:10:03 > 0:10:06by working out where he's going to break through the old paving
0:10:06 > 0:10:09to create new planting holes, or pockets.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14The idea is to put a pocket in the middle of each fence.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16So I'm going to mark one here.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18So, for now, I'll just do a little dot.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21There's going to be a fence panel going here.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23So I'm going to make a marker here.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26And I'm trying to visualise how the garden's going to look
0:10:26 > 0:10:28when it's been planted up.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32Now, what I'm going to do is make use of this little bit of bed here.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34Marking out before actually making the holes
0:10:34 > 0:10:37will give you a good idea how things will look
0:10:37 > 0:10:39before you commit yourself.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41I had a choice to make here -
0:10:41 > 0:10:43either a planting pocket or a pot.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45Now, I've chosen planting pockets.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47Space is at a premium in this garden.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49Pots do take up quite a bit of room.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51And the other thing to bear in mind
0:10:51 > 0:10:53is that pots are high in maintenance -
0:10:53 > 0:10:56you have to water the plants, you have to feed the plants.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59Most patios have a gradient running away from the house.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01So, the great thing is when it rains,
0:11:01 > 0:11:06the water is going to run down and spill into the planting pockets.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10And Danny has plans for a star plant at the end of the garden.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12Now, what's going in here is a big tree -
0:11:12 > 0:11:15it's going to be at least six foot tall - that I've asked Helen to get.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19So I need to mark out this hole large enough to take the roots.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24While Danny and the boys are bashing away in the back yard,
0:11:24 > 0:11:28I'm taking Jess to view an inspirational garden for some ideas.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30We're on our way to a garden I think you're going to love.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32It's perfect for children and young people,
0:11:32 > 0:11:35got all kinds of features for children with different abilities.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37So there's a lot going on there.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41I really hope this is going to get to your imagination running wild
0:11:41 > 0:11:44about what you might be able to do in your garden.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46Sounds brilliant.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48I've chosen a garden that perfectly illustrates
0:11:48 > 0:11:52how a space can be transformed into a child's paradise
0:11:52 > 0:11:54by a bit of creative design.
0:11:54 > 0:11:58This magical woodland walk is in the grounds of Chestnut Tree House,
0:11:58 > 0:12:00a children's hospice in Sussex,
0:12:00 > 0:12:04and it was designed especially for the young people who use it.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07So, Jess, what do you think of this?
0:12:07 > 0:12:09Wow, this archway is amazing.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11- It's magical, isn't it?- Yes.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13A few magical touches.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15- A little door there. - Oh, that is so cute.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18- For fairies, or goblins, or... - Absolutely.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20And I love the signpost. That is fantastic.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- I feel like I want to wander off into a little journey.- Yes.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25The winding paths kind of take your eyes that way.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28Yeah, yeah. It just feels like you're not in the real world.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31It makes you want to explore and have an adventure.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36- There's quite a lot to see, but it's not busy, is it?- No.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38It's kind of taking your eye here, there and everywhere.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42It's natural. It's like you're in a story, but it's really natural.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45What do you think of the bug hotels, the kind of piles of pallets?
0:12:45 > 0:12:47They're natural materials,
0:12:47 > 0:12:49all to encourage bugs, beasties, creepy crawlies.
0:12:49 > 0:12:50Yeah, I think that's brilliant.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53I think my goddaughter particularly, she'd love that.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55She'd love looking for all the creatures.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58So, the whole idea of fairytales and childlike inspiration,
0:12:58 > 0:13:01that's not necessarily for younger people...
0:13:01 > 0:13:03- No, not necessarily. - That's for you guys.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05Yeah, I think so. I think that we are like that.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08I think that's why we relate to children especially
0:13:08 > 0:13:11because we have that kind of romanticised idea.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14It's nothing to do with the pressures of adult life.
0:13:14 > 0:13:19Jess, this is undeniably fun for children.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21- Is it chalkboard paint?- Yes! - Oh, excellent.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24Children will have a great time with one of these.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26What about you and Dave?
0:13:26 > 0:13:27Are you creative?
0:13:27 > 0:13:29I'm not artistic, no. Dave is.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32Dave does a lot of murals and a lot of artwork.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35Even your colouring in is artistic.
0:13:35 > 0:13:36JESS LAUGHS
0:13:36 > 0:13:40'While Jess and I release our inner children for inspiration,
0:13:40 > 0:13:42'back at the house, it's all about perspiration.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47'With two hours of the day already gone,
0:13:47 > 0:13:49'the old posts are proving a nightmare
0:13:49 > 0:13:51'to dig out from the concrete.'
0:13:51 > 0:13:53So, the thing is with this, we've got a post in the ground.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57It's stuck fast in there because it's surrounded by concrete.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59Now, AJ's been really working patiently at this.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01And look at that. He's got it out.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04AJ, put it there, mate.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06And that's the thing with gardening.
0:14:06 > 0:14:07You just have to be patient.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- It is.- And in the end, it will reward you.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12- As you've just seen. - Sorry, I couldn't hear you.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14I had my ears... What did you say?
0:14:14 > 0:14:16- LAUGHING:- Do you want me to repeat that?- Yeah.
0:14:16 > 0:14:17THEY LAUGH
0:14:17 > 0:14:20The setbacks with digging out the post holes
0:14:20 > 0:14:22have already put Danny behind schedule.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25And he's got an even bigger job ahead.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29Now the next task is to get this concrete up for the planting hole.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31- OK.- Now, the thing is, I need to go...
0:14:31 > 0:14:34If I can just get a plant from over here.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36I need to go deep enough
0:14:36 > 0:14:39- to put this in the soil.- OK.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41Well, deeper, if possible,
0:14:41 > 0:14:42cos the deeper we go, the better.
0:14:42 > 0:14:47So I reckon, if we went down, say, six inches,
0:14:47 > 0:14:51which is the depth of this pot, plus another four to six inches,
0:14:51 > 0:14:55I think that will give this plant a great start in life.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59To break through all that crazy paving in a hurry,
0:14:59 > 0:15:03the team has decided to use heavy-duty power tools.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06Jackhammers are designed to break through concrete,
0:15:06 > 0:15:08but they're not really a tool for the amateur,
0:15:08 > 0:15:10so you can also try the slow and safe method
0:15:10 > 0:15:12of a trusty hammer and chisel.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16Let's hope this baby can save some time for Danny and the team
0:15:16 > 0:15:17but it's a tough job,
0:15:17 > 0:15:21and Danny welcomed a break to chat with ex-serviceman Dave.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23- Getting there. - You're being very patient.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25You're quite handy with tools, aren't you?
0:15:25 > 0:15:27- You're very practical. - My main thing is doing art.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31Just started doing it as a hobby, enjoy doing it in my spare time.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33So you didn't know that you were that creative?
0:15:33 > 0:15:34You just started doing it?
0:15:34 > 0:15:37Well, because I'm dyslexic and when I was at school, back then,
0:15:37 > 0:15:40it wasn't recognised as much, so I was put down...
0:15:40 > 0:15:43- Rather than now - I think they help kids.- They're encouraged.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45I used to be put down as a troublemaker in class,
0:15:45 > 0:15:48cos I didn't understand what they was doing.
0:15:48 > 0:15:49Do you know what, Dave?
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- I think everyone's got creativity. - Definitely, yeah.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54And you're very lucky, cos you found that vehicle.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57I'm really excited about all of this, so a bit nervous.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59I don't know what it'll look like after. I haven't got your vision.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01YOU'RE nervous?
0:16:01 > 0:16:03Imagine how I feel!
0:16:03 > 0:16:05- I trust you. - OK, well, keep up the good work.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07- OK. Cheers.- Cheers.
0:16:07 > 0:16:08Don't go all wobbly on us now, Danny -
0:16:08 > 0:16:10there's far too much work to do!
0:16:10 > 0:16:12At least AJ is making a start
0:16:12 > 0:16:16on the potentially ankle-breaking side area of the garden,
0:16:16 > 0:16:19to make it safer and more attractive to use.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21I bet you've been wondering what's going on here.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23- Er, yeah, a little bit.- Any ideas?
0:16:23 > 0:16:26- I'm guessing it's some sort of decking.- Some sort of decking?
0:16:26 > 0:16:28That is going to be a bowling alley. All right?
0:16:28 > 0:16:30- For the kids.- I don't know about the kids - I'll be on it!
0:16:30 > 0:16:32- Oh, you'll be on it? - THEY LAUGH
0:16:32 > 0:16:34You know, it also doubles up as another area as well.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36Yeah, yeah, definitely.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39Decking will also raise the height of this neglected side area
0:16:39 > 0:16:42to the same level as the rest of the garden,
0:16:42 > 0:16:44to prevent tripping over the old step.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46But what's the best way to lay decking?
0:16:46 > 0:16:50Start by building a sturdy subframe.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52We've got this treated timber.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54This is 3x2 we're using at the moment.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58Ideally, we should really use maybe 4x2 for the strength-wise,
0:16:58 > 0:17:01but we've got a big lump of concrete here,
0:17:01 > 0:17:05and we just don't have the time to dig it all out.
0:17:05 > 0:17:06Ingeniously, AJ has been able
0:17:06 > 0:17:09to increase the strength of this subframe
0:17:09 > 0:17:13with chocks of wood he's recycled from those old fence posts.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15These chocks are obviously chunks of wood
0:17:15 > 0:17:19that I've cut from the fence posts and they're just screwed in.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22Now, the more chocks you put in, the more strength.
0:17:22 > 0:17:23Just measure them just underneath,
0:17:23 > 0:17:26where the decking is going to go, and that's it.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28But why does it need to be so high, AJ?
0:17:30 > 0:17:33With a decking area, always have it slightly off the ground,
0:17:33 > 0:17:34because if you've got water
0:17:34 > 0:17:37that obviously runs through from the rain,
0:17:37 > 0:17:41you don't want these cross beams or the framework in general,
0:17:41 > 0:17:44on the ground, sitting in pools of water.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46Otherwise it will rot a lot quicker.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49It soaks it up straight through and it comes through the decking boards,
0:17:49 > 0:17:53and the whole lot doesn't have the lifespan that it should have.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56And, of course, it must fit securely.
0:17:56 > 0:18:02I'm going to have to make a little bit of a framework round...
0:18:02 > 0:18:04- HE SIGHS - ..my bugbear, a drain,
0:18:04 > 0:18:07because we need to be able to have access to that
0:18:07 > 0:18:10and then all along the way here, complete to the end,
0:18:10 > 0:18:12and once that's all down and secure,
0:18:12 > 0:18:14we've got some nice solid beams here on this side,
0:18:14 > 0:18:17which can actually make the whole frame solid
0:18:17 > 0:18:19and it's not going to move.
0:18:19 > 0:18:20On this side, it will be stilted
0:18:20 > 0:18:23on those little chocks I talked about earlier,
0:18:23 > 0:18:26and then, just start putting the decking boards down.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31We'll be back later for some tips on laying those decking boards.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35In the meantime, Jess and I are still at Chestnut Tree House,
0:18:35 > 0:18:38to meet the director of children's services, Linda Perry.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41- Linda!- Hello.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43- Good to see you.- Hi.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45We love this garden.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48Well, the whole concept of the garden started with the children,
0:18:48 > 0:18:52and we just said to them, "If we had an extra piece of ground,
0:18:52 > 0:18:53"what would you like?"
0:18:53 > 0:18:56And we had a mood board set up, and they all cut out pictures
0:18:56 > 0:18:58of what they'd like to see in the garden,
0:18:58 > 0:19:01and one of the overriding things was that a lot of the children,
0:19:01 > 0:19:04they are in wheelchairs or have mobility difficulties,
0:19:04 > 0:19:08and can't actually walk along the countryside like you and I can.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10So that was the start of the garden,
0:19:10 > 0:19:13and so it was around looking at what they can see from where they are,
0:19:13 > 0:19:15rather than from where we are.
0:19:15 > 0:19:16- So different vantage points?- Yes.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20Something that Jess picked up on is it's quite magical.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22- You said it feels like stepping into a book.- Yes.
0:19:22 > 0:19:26Was the idea to create a space that children could escape,
0:19:26 > 0:19:29kind of disappear into their own little heads and worlds?
0:19:29 > 0:19:31Yes, we had lots of pictures
0:19:31 > 0:19:33of things like Wind In The Willows, Hogwarts,
0:19:33 > 0:19:36and I think you might have seen some of the little magical doors...
0:19:36 > 0:19:40- Yes.- ..behind, and the children love hiding little toys and things
0:19:40 > 0:19:42- in there for the next person who comes along.- Aww.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44So there were lots of different concepts like that.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47How much fun do the children have in this garden?
0:19:47 > 0:19:49Oh, they absolutely love it.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51What I think is really good, because of the lovely surface we've got,
0:19:51 > 0:19:53- they can use it all year round. - Yeah.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56And the children, even when they're really sick,
0:19:56 > 0:19:59really like to come out when it's cold or it's snowy,
0:19:59 > 0:20:01or raining and obviously,
0:20:01 > 0:20:03we've got shelter for them if it suddenly pours down with rain,
0:20:03 > 0:20:05but that's all part of the fun.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07They love it if it all goes wrong and they get soaking wet.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10My goddaughter, she loves doing the muddy puddle thing -
0:20:10 > 0:20:11you know, jumping in the puddles,
0:20:11 > 0:20:13- and she doesn't care that it gets you dirty.- Yeah.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16- It's more fun if it gets you dirty. - Yes, exactly!
0:20:18 > 0:20:20We may not all need our gardens
0:20:20 > 0:20:23to be wheelchair accessible and child-friendly,
0:20:23 > 0:20:27but this fantastical woodland walk is bursting with magical ideas
0:20:27 > 0:20:30that would work well in any garden.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33Arches and portals invite curiosity and draw you in,
0:20:33 > 0:20:35and you can map a journey through a garden,
0:20:35 > 0:20:37even if it's not very big.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41Create drama by making use of vertical spaces,
0:20:41 > 0:20:45with tall structures or plants reaching towards the sky.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48And if you're planning a garden to keep the kids busy,
0:20:48 > 0:20:50try interactive features such as chalkboards,
0:20:50 > 0:20:52musical instruments,
0:20:52 > 0:20:55and dens that will keep them entertained year-round.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02Back at Jess's garden, and with just four hours to go,
0:21:02 > 0:21:04it still looks like a building site.
0:21:04 > 0:21:08It's taking ages to get through the concrete base underneath the paving
0:21:08 > 0:21:12to make those planting pockets, even using the jackhammer.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15When he's done, there will be two pockets by the fence
0:21:15 > 0:21:17and a larger area by the back door.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20In the meantime, while the team has a quick tea break,
0:21:20 > 0:21:25Danny wants to get started on the planting by reusing this old trough.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29This concrete planter has been in my way all day and I just thought,
0:21:29 > 0:21:31"You know, I've got to find a use for it."
0:21:31 > 0:21:33Well, why not put the pulmonaria in there?
0:21:33 > 0:21:37These are fantastic plans for a woodland garden.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41And, you know, the other name for these is lungwort.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44And you know the reason for that is that if you look at the leaves here,
0:21:44 > 0:21:46they look like a diseased lung.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50And in olden times, they used this plant, would you believe it,
0:21:50 > 0:21:53as a cure for lung disease.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57Thank God we've got penicillin now, that's all I can say.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59They kind of look fluorescent-looking.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02Now, this part has got lots of leaves, you'll notice that.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05Now, the reason for that is because, if it ever gets damaged,
0:22:05 > 0:22:07if any of the leaves gets damaged,
0:22:07 > 0:22:10there's plenty more for this plant to recover.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13And all I'm going to do, I'm not going to put any rubble in here.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16I mean, a lot of people like to put rubble in the base of their planters
0:22:16 > 0:22:18for drainage but I'm not going to do that,
0:22:18 > 0:22:21because this planter is heavy enough
0:22:21 > 0:22:24and we've got to move it from this position into the garden.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26And this pulmonaria will be perfectly happy
0:22:26 > 0:22:28without any drainage in it.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31What I'll do is fill this up as much as I can...
0:22:33 > 0:22:35..position it...
0:22:37 > 0:22:38There we go.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42Put them in in a row,
0:22:42 > 0:22:45and then, all I'm going to do, take handfuls...
0:22:46 > 0:22:49..and just top the soil up around it. Look at that.
0:22:51 > 0:22:52Doesn't that look great?
0:22:52 > 0:22:54They need very little care.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58They'll just romp away, get on with it, they will self seed,
0:22:58 > 0:23:02and before much longer, you'll have pulmonaria everywhere.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05Another great bonus with this plant
0:23:05 > 0:23:08is that the bees absolutely adore it.
0:23:08 > 0:23:09With regular watering,
0:23:09 > 0:23:13those pulmonaria will thrive in Dave and Jess' shady back garden
0:23:13 > 0:23:16but Danny's found something not quite as healthy
0:23:16 > 0:23:18at the sunny front of the house.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21- Dave?- Yes. - I'd just like to show you something.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23It's called a spotted laurel.
0:23:23 > 0:23:24- Or an aucuba.- Right, OK.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26Japanese spotted laurel.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29Now, I would say it's in the wrong place,
0:23:29 > 0:23:30because it should be in the shade,
0:23:30 > 0:23:33and it's at the front of the house, where you've got lots of sunshine.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36- Working its way onto the road! - Well, I don't know about that.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38- But you can see it's looking a bit poorly.- Yeah.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41- So would you mind if I put it round the back?- No, of course not.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44Yeah? One of the things with plants like this - shade-loving plants -
0:23:44 > 0:23:47the way to spot them is by their leaves.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49One is the fact that the leaves are so large,
0:23:49 > 0:23:52- so they want to catch every bit of sunlight that's available.- OK.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55- See, this has got glossy, shiny leaves?- Yeah, yeah.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57It's a way of surviving.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00Cos what it's doing, it's taking every ounce of sunlight it can find,
0:24:00 > 0:24:03and it's bouncing it off its shiny leaf onto another shiny leaf.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07- Oh, right, OK.- If we just make it happy, put it in the right place,
0:24:07 > 0:24:09it will bounce back.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11- Do that.- Do you want me to get...?
0:24:11 > 0:24:12Yes, please. Thanks.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16And Danny's got another idea to brighten up this shady garden
0:24:16 > 0:24:19which will make use of Dave's artistic skills.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22Danny's got him a large white sheet of acrylic
0:24:22 > 0:24:25to create a mural to bring a bit of drama into the garden.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28- The acrylic is to be screwed to the fence.- OK.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31- All right? So we're going to put it fairly central.- Yeah.
0:24:31 > 0:24:37- And really, it's... The theme is for an enchanted magical space.- OK.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42'While Dave is painting a mural to delight his godchildren,
0:24:42 > 0:24:44'I'm taking some time with Jess
0:24:44 > 0:24:47'to reflect on why a child-friendly garden
0:24:47 > 0:24:49'is so important to her and Dave.'
0:24:50 > 0:24:55Jess, you and Dave are very excited about having a garden
0:24:55 > 0:24:56that's good for children.
0:24:56 > 0:25:00You'd love to have a family - so far, that's not happened.
0:25:00 > 0:25:01What is the situation for you guys?
0:25:01 > 0:25:04Well, unfortunately, we can't have children of our own naturally.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06I think it's particularly hard for Dave,
0:25:06 > 0:25:10because he was injured when he was in the British Army
0:25:10 > 0:25:13and that's part of the reason why we can't have children naturally.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16So what about his military career? Where was he?
0:25:16 > 0:25:20He was based in Ireland a couple of times for active duty,
0:25:20 > 0:25:24Northern Ireland, and then he was also in Bosnia as well,
0:25:24 > 0:25:26and when he was in Bosnia,
0:25:26 > 0:25:29he was actually captured and tortured while he was there.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32He has suffered quite badly with post-traumatic stress
0:25:32 > 0:25:34and, you know, he's been quite poorly in the past,
0:25:34 > 0:25:36because of the stuff that happened to him there.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38In the last few years, um...
0:25:38 > 0:25:41he has overcome a lot of those issues.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45He's now not on any medication and he's sleeping much better, um...
0:25:45 > 0:25:47and he's just wonderful.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50- Hopefully, you'll have your own children one day.- Yeah.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53In the meantime, what do you think a new garden,
0:25:53 > 0:25:55a new outdoor space, would bring to your lives?
0:25:55 > 0:25:58I think for us, it's just an extension of the house,
0:25:58 > 0:26:02somewhere that we can, you know, sit after a hard day. And our work...
0:26:02 > 0:26:05Our work and my study can be quite intense,
0:26:05 > 0:26:08so I think it's just quite nice to have somewhere outside
0:26:08 > 0:26:10that you can have that relaxing space.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13But things are anything but relaxed in the garden.
0:26:13 > 0:26:15There's less than three hours to go,
0:26:15 > 0:26:18and the team have only just finished preparing holes
0:26:18 > 0:26:20for the new fence poles.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22Meanwhile, in next door's garden,
0:26:22 > 0:26:25Dave is making much better progress on his mural.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28Despite the fact that Danny didn't give him any prior warning,
0:26:28 > 0:26:31and he has a tight deadline to work to,
0:26:31 > 0:26:33he's come up with his own
0:26:33 > 0:26:36mysterious enchanted forest design from scratch.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38I quite like the idea as time goes on,
0:26:38 > 0:26:41if it starts to fade or whatever, because it's white board,
0:26:41 > 0:26:43and as Holly and Aidan get older,
0:26:43 > 0:26:46they can start adding into it and going over it,
0:26:46 > 0:26:47so it would be their board, basically.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50They can just have a bit of fun with it.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53Normally, he would work on a painting over several weeks,
0:26:53 > 0:26:56but Danny wants it completed in less than two hours.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58No pressure then, Dave!
0:26:58 > 0:27:02Once the detail comes in and I put some leaves in and a few birds,
0:27:02 > 0:27:05the actual details won't take long.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08I love your confidence, Dave - that's what we want to hear.
0:27:08 > 0:27:12and it's good to see those new posts finally being concreted in
0:27:12 > 0:27:16nearly eight hours after the old ones were removed.
0:27:16 > 0:27:17Elsewhere, Danny's got a tip
0:27:17 > 0:27:21on how to revive the spotted laurel he found in the front garden.
0:27:21 > 0:27:25One of the things that it does need is fresh compost. It needs food.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28If you think about plants, what do they need?
0:27:28 > 0:27:31Two things. They need either feeding or they need watering.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34But, as you can see, it's been growing in a pot
0:27:34 > 0:27:38and the roots have been going round in circles.
0:27:38 > 0:27:40I know it looks like I'm being brutal,
0:27:40 > 0:27:45but rest assured that this plant will definitely benefit
0:27:45 > 0:27:47from my little bit of tough love.
0:27:49 > 0:27:53Get as much of this barren compost out,
0:27:53 > 0:27:57cos I want to make room for the new, nutritious stuff.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59Free those roots.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01Don't be frightened that you pull handfuls away.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04This plant will be absolutely fine.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07I think I may have done just enough here with this,
0:28:07 > 0:28:11so I'll just put a few handfuls in the bottom.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13Just check the level by putting that back in.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18I'm quite happy with the height of that.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23And then just grab more handfuls of compost and pack the sides out.
0:28:23 > 0:28:27Get some luscious, nutritious food in there for the plant.
0:28:27 > 0:28:28There we go.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32Bang! All done.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35Bang, indeed! With the old plant successfully revived,
0:28:35 > 0:28:37I'm now heading off to a local nursery
0:28:37 > 0:28:40to find the special new one that Danny's after.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42As always, he's given me a list to follow
0:28:42 > 0:28:45and, today, there's just one thing on it...
0:28:48 > 0:28:52If you've got something that you particularly need for your garden,
0:28:52 > 0:28:54it's worth finding a specialist nursery.
0:28:54 > 0:28:56They'll have the expertise to help you
0:28:56 > 0:28:59and provide a wider selection for you to choose from,
0:28:59 > 0:29:03which is why I've brought Jess here to Architectural Plants,
0:29:03 > 0:29:07to look for a larger-than-life addition to her magical garden.
0:29:07 > 0:29:11Right, Jess. Cast your eye around this nursery.
0:29:11 > 0:29:12Some very special plants here.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14What do you think of these kinds of trees?
0:29:14 > 0:29:16I think they're beautiful. I think they're lovely,
0:29:16 > 0:29:18but I can't see how they'll fit in our garden.
0:29:18 > 0:29:20I think you'd be surprised.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23Now, this is a nursery that specialises in big plants,
0:29:23 > 0:29:24impressive specimens.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27Something like this in your garden would draw the eye up
0:29:27 > 0:29:31- and I think you could have something like this.- OK.
0:29:31 > 0:29:32To find out more,
0:29:32 > 0:29:36we've enlisted the help of resident horticulturalist Guy Watts.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40Guy, we are looking for something impressive for a small garden.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43- Can you have a big tree in a small garden?- You can, yeah.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46It's all about finding the right tree for the right site, really.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49So the key thing to do is look for trees or plants
0:29:49 > 0:29:51with quite big leaves and glossy leaves,
0:29:51 > 0:29:54and they'll be much more tolerant to low light levels.
0:29:54 > 0:29:55But if you have a small garden
0:29:55 > 0:29:58- and then you get a big tree with big leaves...- Yeah.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00..isn't it going to feel a bit claustrophobic?
0:30:00 > 0:30:02That depends about the design.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05If you take off the lower limbs of the tree - so, lift...
0:30:05 > 0:30:08lifting up the tree - you'll create a kind of canopy,
0:30:08 > 0:30:11which means that you can grow some amazing plants underneath it.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13- They'll need to be shade tolerant, as well.- Mm-hm.
0:30:13 > 0:30:15But you can create a nice sort of jungley, tropical feel
0:30:15 > 0:30:17and make your garden feel bigger.
0:30:17 > 0:30:19What about this? This looks cool.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22Yeah, so, this is a Phillyrea latifolia.
0:30:22 > 0:30:23That's the name of the plant.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25But it's actually been clipped, cloud pruned.
0:30:25 > 0:30:26It's a bit like a bonsai tree.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29You could put something like this in the garden.
0:30:29 > 0:30:30But again, high maintenance,
0:30:30 > 0:30:32and if you're not a horticulturalist or have a gardener,
0:30:32 > 0:30:36- I'd recommend you steer clear of it. - Quite expensive, as well, that one.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38They are. Because they are essentially a tree
0:30:38 > 0:30:40that has grown over time and been heavily maintained,
0:30:40 > 0:30:42they are more expensive, yeah.
0:30:42 > 0:30:46'While Jess and I lose ourselves among these jolly green giants,
0:30:46 > 0:30:49'back in Hailsham, with just two hours remaining,
0:30:49 > 0:30:51'Danny's got more planting plans.'
0:30:51 > 0:30:53This is a very shady garden.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56And the reason it's shady is because it's surrounded by trees.
0:30:56 > 0:31:00And I would say it's really dappled shade, it's not heavy shade,
0:31:00 > 0:31:04so these plants will thrive in this particular space.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07And what we've got here is a fern
0:31:07 > 0:31:11and some hellebores, and they're absolutely gorgeous.
0:31:11 > 0:31:12When choosing plants for shade,
0:31:12 > 0:31:14it is important to choose the right plants,
0:31:14 > 0:31:18cos some plants will not thrive in heavy shade
0:31:18 > 0:31:20but would rather thrive in a dappled shade.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23So, you know, all you need to do is read the label,
0:31:23 > 0:31:26or even do an internet search just to double-check,
0:31:26 > 0:31:28or even ask at the garden centre.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31So, what I've done, I've put hellebore, then a fern,
0:31:31 > 0:31:33hellebore, fern and so on.
0:31:33 > 0:31:34And the reason I'm doing this
0:31:34 > 0:31:37is cos I want to make this garden cohesive.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40I want to give a bit of flow, I want to create a bit of harmony.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43Because I've prepared the soil - it's all in the preparation -
0:31:43 > 0:31:45planting is very, very simple.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49So these will go in the ground in a jiff.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57Just keep them coming.
0:31:57 > 0:31:59Tease the plants out of the pots.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02Just drag the soil round.
0:32:03 > 0:32:07Just play around with it like this, give it a nice little tilth.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10And, in no time, this will be complete.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16Always a good idea just to hold the plant like this,
0:32:16 > 0:32:18so you don't damage the leaves.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21Just have them slightly proud of the ground.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25It just allows the new shoots to come through, OK?
0:32:25 > 0:32:26And don't compact the soil.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28You can see me patting it around here.
0:32:28 > 0:32:29Don't compact it too much.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32Cos, when it rains, we want the rain to sort of go to the roots.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35We don't want the rain to lie on top.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37Talking of rain, it's beginning to shower.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39That's all they need(!)
0:32:39 > 0:32:42But, despite having just a couple of hours to work on it,
0:32:42 > 0:32:45Dave has nearly finished painting his mural.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47Although he's still not quite sure
0:32:47 > 0:32:49how it all fits into Danny's grand plan.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51I'm keeping positive. I've got to know Danny,
0:32:51 > 0:32:54and this may come back to haunt me, but I do trust him.
0:32:54 > 0:32:55HE LAUGHS
0:32:55 > 0:32:58Like, I do know that he's going to be doing...
0:32:58 > 0:33:01Whatever is in his head's going to be amazing, so...
0:33:01 > 0:33:03That might come back to bite me.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06'It's going to really brighten up that shady back garden, Dave.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10'Back at the nursery, Jess and I are still looking
0:33:10 > 0:33:13'for the one big tree Danny's asked for.'
0:33:13 > 0:33:14OK, well, what would you recommend?
0:33:14 > 0:33:17First one we'll look at is Eriobotrya japonica,
0:33:17 > 0:33:18which has a fruit on it,
0:33:18 > 0:33:21but it's actually a very large leaf, glossy leaf.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24This is a... What we call a half standard.
0:33:24 > 0:33:28So, you remember I mentioned about clipping off the lower limbs?
0:33:28 > 0:33:29That gives you some cover below.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32And then you've got your shady growth at the top.
0:33:32 > 0:33:34If you have got a small garden and you want something big,
0:33:34 > 0:33:37is that what you would recommend, keeping the bottom quite bare?
0:33:37 > 0:33:39Yeah, I mean this...
0:33:39 > 0:33:41Cos I think the idea of what are trying to do for you
0:33:41 > 0:33:43is to have that kind of feature plant,
0:33:43 > 0:33:46the specimen plant above but, below it, be able to underplant it.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49And the problem is, if we went for something very bushy,
0:33:49 > 0:33:51it'd take up quite a lot and make your garden feel quite...
0:33:51 > 0:33:54- even smaller than it is.- Yeah. - Most of our stuff doesn't flower,
0:33:54 > 0:33:57but I am going to show you Magnolia grandiflora, which would.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59THIS is a gorgeous tree.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02This is a Magnolia denudata.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05But it's deciduous, so that means the leaves drop through the winter,
0:34:05 > 0:34:08whereas the magnolia I'm going to show you is shade-loving.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10You can see here, the flowers have come to the end.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14They've been out sort of February, March time. Beautiful white flowers.
0:34:14 > 0:34:15- Mm.- Then the leaf will come on -
0:34:15 > 0:34:18- you can see new buds coming on here, as well.- It looks beautiful.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21It is beautiful. I don't think it's quite right for your site.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23- First, you're not going to get the height.- Yeah.
0:34:23 > 0:34:24And you won't get that shade-loving side
0:34:24 > 0:34:26we get with the Magnolia grandiflora.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30- OK. Cool.- OK. - Shall we go and have a look?- Thanks.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32So, this is what you would recommend, is it?
0:34:32 > 0:34:35Yeah, this is it, Magnolia grandiflora. So, you men...
0:34:35 > 0:34:38- Again, we talked about big, glossy leaves.- Yeah, it's beautiful.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41You can see these here, the water coming off them.
0:34:41 > 0:34:43And you can see how some of the lower limbs have been cut off.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46So, as it grows in your site, we would recommend that you do that.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48And does this stay green all year?
0:34:48 > 0:34:49Yeah, this is evergreen.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51- Unlike the other magnolia, it doesn't drop its leaves.- Oh, OK.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53And it's also really nice,
0:34:53 > 0:34:55you can start to see the flower buds coming on,
0:34:55 > 0:34:57but they'll come later in the year, so, unlike other magnolias
0:34:57 > 0:34:59that are coming out in sort of February, March,
0:34:59 > 0:35:01these will be later in the year,
0:35:01 > 0:35:03- so you'll get these massive white flowers...- Wow.
0:35:03 > 0:35:06..or cream flowers and they have an amazing smell, as well, so...
0:35:06 > 0:35:07Oh, that sounds perfect.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09It does look quite big. Is it going to get bigger?
0:35:09 > 0:35:12Yeah, yeah, it will, yeah. So these can get up to 20 foot.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15But you can always manage magnolia.
0:35:15 > 0:35:16- They don't mind being cut back.- OK.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19The most important thing to remember is plant high.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23So, we always recommend you plant about an inch over ground level.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26And also, when you're cutting back,
0:35:26 > 0:35:28try and avoid when really frosty times.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31Well, Danny said get a tree that's at least six foot.
0:35:31 > 0:35:33- That is at least six foot. - Yes.- OK, cool.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36- How tall are you?- Six foot, yeah. - OK, brilliant, thank you very much.
0:35:36 > 0:35:38We'll take that if you can deliver it.
0:35:38 > 0:35:40Yeah, brilliant. Yeah, we can do delivery.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42And I'll also tag it now just to make sure no-one buys it.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45- Thank you very much, Guy. - Perfect.- OK.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47'Jess and I have sealed our deal,
0:35:47 > 0:35:49'but with only an hour-and-a-half left,
0:35:49 > 0:35:50'Danny is still a long way off
0:35:50 > 0:35:54'completing his shoebox-sized creation.'
0:35:54 > 0:35:55- Danny?- Oh, yes, yes?
0:35:55 > 0:35:57Just got a text from Jess.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00She said that they're about ten minutes away with the plant.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03If you could sort of take care of that side of things.
0:36:03 > 0:36:04- Yeah. OK.- That would be wonderful.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07And we can just crack on and try and get this job finished.
0:36:07 > 0:36:09And speaking of jobs that need finishing,
0:36:09 > 0:36:12let's see how AJ and Luke are progressing with the decking.
0:36:12 > 0:36:16Right, we're getting to the last stages of this decking.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19Where... Sort of get it down, screwed down.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23Obviously, got to profile round a few of the bits like drainage there.
0:36:23 > 0:36:27And to make sure water runs away through it, AJ has another top tip.
0:36:27 > 0:36:33Luke is using a 5mm-thick screw to get the spaces going.
0:36:33 > 0:36:37But normally, I would cut a bit of wood or even have a 5mm space.
0:36:37 > 0:36:41You can use the tiles... You know, crisscross tile spacers.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43Stick them on there and you put a few down there,
0:36:43 > 0:36:46and you just butt it up, carry on screwing.
0:36:46 > 0:36:48But as we're short of time and running out,
0:36:48 > 0:36:50I've just said, "Get one of the screws,
0:36:50 > 0:36:52"slip it in the side between it,
0:36:52 > 0:36:55"hold it down, use another screw, screw in."
0:36:55 > 0:36:58It's now the final push to get the garden finished.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01Thankfully, those fence panels are going up at last.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03Shall we put this one in first?
0:37:03 > 0:37:04Well, it is nearly dark, it's raining,
0:37:04 > 0:37:08so fingers crossed the job is nearly done.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10All right, now you need to come my way now.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15Danny, Dave!
0:37:15 > 0:37:18You supposed to be making a garden, not breaking a garden.
0:37:18 > 0:37:20I know, I know, but, Helen, you can't make an omelette
0:37:20 > 0:37:22without breaking a few eggs.
0:37:22 > 0:37:24- It's not finished, is it?- No.
0:37:24 > 0:37:25- Did you bring me the tree?- Yes.
0:37:25 > 0:37:27Cos we need to get that in the ground right now.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30I don't think that's your only issue but, yes, I've got your tree.
0:37:30 > 0:37:31- # Ta-da! # - Lovely.
0:37:31 > 0:37:32Oh, this is absolutely gorgeous.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34It's going to flower later in the year.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37- I thought you'd be impressed. - That would be wonderful.
0:37:37 > 0:37:39- You know what, it will give the garden some height.- Yeah.
0:37:39 > 0:37:40I've got a lovely home for it.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43It's going to fill that space perfectly.
0:37:45 > 0:37:47We're talking about plants for shade.
0:37:47 > 0:37:48Look at the size of these leaves.
0:37:48 > 0:37:52Nice and big - so it can gather any light that's available - and glossy,
0:37:52 > 0:37:57which means it's going to bounce the light off all these leaves.
0:37:58 > 0:37:59And this is late flowering.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02A lot of magnolias only flower in the spring,
0:38:02 > 0:38:03but this one is late flowering.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06And it's got such a wonderful scent.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09It's going to look magnificent in that garden over there.
0:38:09 > 0:38:13All right, one, two, three. Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16But that's a big tree to plant, and time is against us.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20All set, ready?
0:38:22 > 0:38:23Look at that. Perfect.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26In my expert opinion, I would put bluebells underneath it.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29- All right, OK. All right. - DANNY LAUGHS
0:38:29 > 0:38:33I thought that tree was too big when we were in the nursery,
0:38:33 > 0:38:37but I think that looks good.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39'With the magnificent magnolia in place,
0:38:39 > 0:38:42'I can underplant it with shade-loving bluebells.'
0:38:42 > 0:38:43I aim to please.
0:38:44 > 0:38:47'Essentially, bluebells are bulbs.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50'Each year, they'll naturally increase in number, and each spring,
0:38:50 > 0:38:54'a host of bluebells will pop up beneath this magical tree.'
0:38:55 > 0:38:58I'm still unsure whether we're going to get this done.
0:38:58 > 0:38:59The light is fading very quickly.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01So while they're doing the painting,
0:39:01 > 0:39:04I'm going to get the plants in the planting pockets.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08That's it. So if we can get it central over that hole,
0:39:08 > 0:39:09cos that's where the plants are going to go.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11Dave, that is impressive.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13'With the rain getting heavier and the light fading,
0:39:13 > 0:39:16'there are still key jobs to complete.'
0:39:16 > 0:39:17Let's get all the plants in.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19'Behind Danny's back, though,
0:39:19 > 0:39:22'I'm doing my bit to get the garden finished.'
0:39:22 > 0:39:26Danny thinks that we should cut a slab to fill in that gap.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28- Yeah.- I think it will be quicker and easier
0:39:28 > 0:39:30if we just put some compost in, put a few extra plants in.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33- I agree with you. I reckon we should just do it.- Right, pull rank?
0:39:33 > 0:39:34- Shall we do it, yeah?- Yeah.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40If we do it, he won't even know... He's back, he's back, he's back.
0:39:40 > 0:39:41Oh, look, you brought plants...
0:39:41 > 0:39:43- Brilliant. Cheers, Danny. - There you go.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45Distract him, Dave, distract him. DAVE CHUCKLES
0:39:45 > 0:39:47- What do you think of the picture? Nice, innit?- It's great.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50- Yeah, you've done a really good job. - Go, go!- Well done.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52DAVE LAUGHS
0:39:52 > 0:39:54Do we just tip it out? I've seen him do this.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56'It might not exactly be to plan,
0:39:56 > 0:39:58'but our decisive action could help
0:39:58 > 0:40:00'get this garden done before nightfall.'
0:40:03 > 0:40:05I think we've still got a bit to do.
0:40:05 > 0:40:09Little bit of tidying up to do and I think we're slowly getting there.
0:40:09 > 0:40:10'Yeah, SLOWLY is the word.
0:40:10 > 0:40:11'Move it, Danny!'
0:40:11 > 0:40:13I feel like something's missing.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15You just stand there. Yeah.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18'And something to delight' children of all ages.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20- Playtime!- Playtime?
0:40:20 > 0:40:24I know it's all about the plans but kind of the skittles, too, right?
0:40:24 > 0:40:26- I'm downing tools, so I'm playing with that.- OK. There you go.
0:40:26 > 0:40:30- Football, skittles.- Yeah, lovely. They're for round the side.- Yep.
0:40:30 > 0:40:34It's now a matter of fixing the last fence panel into position
0:40:34 > 0:40:36and getting the garden nice and tidy.
0:40:36 > 0:40:37Then, with light fading fast,
0:40:37 > 0:40:39it'll be time for the big moment
0:40:39 > 0:40:43when Jess and Dave step out into their new outdoor wonderland.
0:40:50 > 0:40:52It's time for the moment of truth,
0:40:52 > 0:40:55even though darkness has now fallen in the garden.
0:40:55 > 0:40:59So what will Jess, Dave and their godchildren, Holly and Aidan,
0:40:59 > 0:41:01think of all this hard work?
0:41:02 > 0:41:04Hello, Holly.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06What's all these people?
0:41:06 > 0:41:08- Hello!- Hi!
0:41:11 > 0:41:12- Look!- What do you think, Jess?
0:41:12 > 0:41:14Oh, wow!
0:41:14 > 0:41:16It's amazing.
0:41:16 > 0:41:17SHE GASPS
0:41:17 > 0:41:19- Did Dave do that?- He did, yeah.
0:41:19 > 0:41:21Some plants behind you that are going to...
0:41:21 > 0:41:24- Oh, that's lovely. - Look at all these, Holly, look.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28When Danny arrived at the start of the day,
0:41:28 > 0:41:33Jess and Dave's truly tiny back garden was a dull, uninviting space
0:41:33 > 0:41:36with a rotten fence at the back that was falling down,
0:41:36 > 0:41:41a neglected, uneven storage area at the side of the house,
0:41:41 > 0:41:44and the only plants you could see were the ones next door.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49But, in just a few hours,
0:41:49 > 0:41:52Danny has transformed it into a magical children's playground.
0:41:54 > 0:41:58He's replaced the rickety old fence with a new, solid, upright one
0:41:58 > 0:42:01and brightened it up with Dave's impressive mural.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06Down the side return, he's laid decking for a bowling alley,
0:42:06 > 0:42:08where their young godchildren can play.
0:42:09 > 0:42:13And he's cut out planting pockets in the crazy paving.
0:42:14 > 0:42:18There's now a striking summer flowering magnolia tree
0:42:18 > 0:42:21and a range of shade-loving plants by the back door.
0:42:23 > 0:42:28He's recycled an old trough as a container for these pulmonaria
0:42:28 > 0:42:31and revitalised a pot-bound Japanese laurel.
0:42:31 > 0:42:36And he's made it all look bigger with a mirror on the side fence.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39From pokey, dark yard to magical children's play space
0:42:39 > 0:42:41in just one day.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44Lots of things that Danny hopes your godchildren will love,
0:42:44 > 0:42:46- lovely Holly and Aidan. - Yeah.- We think they'll enjoy it.
0:42:46 > 0:42:50- But also, hopefully, this is a space for you guys.- Yes.
0:42:50 > 0:42:52A tree that's going to flower for you in the summer.
0:42:52 > 0:42:54- Beautiful tree.- Dining space.
0:42:54 > 0:42:58Your husband has been grafting all day to create this lovely garden,
0:42:58 > 0:43:00alongside Danny. What do you think?
0:43:00 > 0:43:02Oh, it's lovely. It looks so lovely.
0:43:02 > 0:43:04It looks so different.
0:43:04 > 0:43:06Yeah, I love the little plants.
0:43:06 > 0:43:08I think it looks bigger.
0:43:08 > 0:43:10Putting the plants in, the big plant over there,
0:43:10 > 0:43:12- it takes your eye off the boundaries a bit.- Yeah.
0:43:12 > 0:43:15And you probably noticed at the end over there, there's a mirror.
0:43:15 > 0:43:17That has the effect of making the garden look bigger.
0:43:17 > 0:43:19Yeah, brilliant. That's excellent.
0:43:19 > 0:43:21Have you seen the end? What's under the mirror?
0:43:21 > 0:43:23Yeah, there's decking down there,
0:43:23 > 0:43:25so there's no horrible step any more.
0:43:25 > 0:43:27- It's not just decking.- No.
0:43:27 > 0:43:29- No?- I think I might have to put you down for this bit, Holly.
0:43:29 > 0:43:30- Not just decking.- Oh.
0:43:30 > 0:43:32Holly, go and have a look round the corner.
0:43:32 > 0:43:35- Ooh.- What's round here?
0:43:35 > 0:43:37There's a little bowling alley.
0:43:37 > 0:43:39So you can throw a ball at the things and knock them down.
0:43:39 > 0:43:41Yay!
0:43:41 > 0:43:42DAVE LAUGHS
0:43:43 > 0:43:46- This is quite a small garden.- Yeah.
0:43:46 > 0:43:48Does that mean it was less work?
0:43:48 > 0:43:52No. I would say we've done as much work in a garden this size
0:43:52 > 0:43:54as we've done in a larger garden.
0:43:54 > 0:43:57Holly, our toughest critic.
0:43:57 > 0:43:59Is it a thumbs up or a thumbs down?
0:43:59 > 0:44:02- Do you like it? - Holly, I hope you enjoy this garden.
0:44:02 > 0:44:03I love that you two keep thinking about
0:44:03 > 0:44:05how everyone else will enjoy it.
0:44:05 > 0:44:07But fingers crossed you'll get lots of pleasure out of it
0:44:07 > 0:44:09- for years to come.- Thank you.
0:44:09 > 0:44:10- Danny, well done.- Thank you, Helen.
0:44:10 > 0:44:12A little bit of creative thinking
0:44:12 > 0:44:15has turned this small, relatively unused back yard
0:44:15 > 0:44:18into a skittles alley, a socialising space,
0:44:18 > 0:44:19a magical wonderland.
0:44:19 > 0:44:21- Have a well-earned rest. - Thank you very much.
0:44:21 > 0:44:22I think it's fair to say
0:44:22 > 0:44:25this has been another successful instant garden.