0:00:02 > 0:00:04Beautiful gardens are one of Britain's most glorious sights.
0:00:04 > 0:00:07But if your green space is more mess than majestic,
0:00:07 > 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 > 0:00:18Da-da!
0:00:18 > 0:00:21Danny Clarke is an expert at transforming gardens.
0:00:21 > 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 > 0:00:34Each transformation will be packed
0:00:34 > 0:00:37with brilliant ideas to help you get to grips
0:00:37 > 0:00:39with 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 > 0:00:50..into garden jewels...
0:00:50 > 0:00:52It's going to be used as a planter,
0:00:52 > 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 > 0:01:01That's why Danny makes me bring a list!
0:01:01 > 0:01:03OK.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05..be it on shrubs or salvage.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07Would you like that in your garden?
0:01:07 > 0:01:10And because Danny is the Instant Gardener,
0:01:10 > 0:01:14everything you see will happen in a single day.
0:01:14 > 0:01:15Oh, my...
0:01:15 > 0:01:17Oh, wow.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19That's unbelievable.
0:01:26 > 0:01:30Today, we're in the market town of Abingdon in the Thames Valley.
0:01:30 > 0:01:32Once a thriving medieval trading post,
0:01:32 > 0:01:36its population has grown rapidly in the last few decades,
0:01:36 > 0:01:39with modern houses springing up like daisies,
0:01:39 > 0:01:42along with their matching cookie-cutter gardens.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45Not every family meets the nuclear stereotype,
0:01:45 > 0:01:48and not every suburban garden meets everyone's needs.
0:01:48 > 0:01:50I'm here to meet a dedicated mum
0:01:50 > 0:01:53who's raising a daughter in difficult circumstances,
0:01:53 > 0:01:56and whose garden has gone on the back burner.
0:02:01 > 0:02:03- Hello!- Hello.
0:02:03 > 0:02:04- You must be Tania? - Yes, nice to meet you.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07- I'm Helen.- Come on in.- Thank you.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11Tania Beale is the sole parent to her adopted daughter Amana,
0:02:11 > 0:02:14who has spina bifida.
0:02:14 > 0:02:16As well as being her mum,
0:02:16 > 0:02:19Tania is Amana's full-time carer.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22For Tania, caring for children with disabilities is a calling.
0:02:22 > 0:02:27So far, she's fostered more than ten children, including Imogen in 2002.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31But in 2013, life became much harder
0:02:31 > 0:02:34when Imogen fell seriously ill,
0:02:34 > 0:02:37passing away just two years later.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39During those difficult years,
0:02:39 > 0:02:40the garden fell into neglect
0:02:40 > 0:02:43as Tania put all her time into her daughters' care.
0:02:43 > 0:02:48Now it needs some TLC to make it an accessible,
0:02:48 > 0:02:50relaxing haven once more.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52Step forward the Instant Gardener.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55A few days ago, Danny paid the garden a visit
0:02:55 > 0:02:59to find out just what he's up against.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02I've come here today to have a look at Tania's garden.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04It's really important to look at the lay of the land
0:03:04 > 0:03:06before we do anything.
0:03:09 > 0:03:10This is very interesting.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15There's some decking here, which really has seen better days.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18I mean, look at that. Completely rotten.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20In its present condition,
0:03:20 > 0:03:23this garden is not accessible for Tania and her daughter.
0:03:23 > 0:03:24Just look at this.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28So, it's important that we make this wheelchair friendly.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34The other thing I think that needs doing is this lawn.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36The lawn is full of moss.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40So, I would imagine there's a bit of a shade issue here.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45And there's a lovely tree. I mean, it will need tidying up,
0:03:45 > 0:03:49but I think this could make quite a good focal point in the garden.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53I've looked at this wall. This wall is boring, very plain.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57It's kind of screaming out for something to give it a big lift,
0:03:57 > 0:03:59but maybe I'll have a light-bulb moment.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03Light-bulb moments normally come at about 2am, unfortunately.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05It would be nice to get them during the day for a change.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08I would keep the layout as it is,
0:04:08 > 0:04:11because I think it's quite well laid out.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13It's a great job for the Instant Gardener.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16I'm pretty sure we can make a big difference in a day.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22A couple of days later,
0:04:22 > 0:04:25Danny's back with a plan taking shape in his mind.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28And we're both keen to find out more about the space
0:04:28 > 0:04:30from this garden's owner.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34- Hello, Danny. - Hello, Helen.- Good to see you.
0:04:34 > 0:04:35- How are you?- I'm good. This is Tania.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38- Hello.- Danny, Tania. Tania, Danny. - Good to see you.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40Tania, what a lovely little garden.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43A little rough around the edges, if you don't mind me saying.
0:04:43 > 0:04:44Just a little bit, yes.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48Over the years, this has been a very well-used and well-loved garden.
0:04:48 > 0:04:49How many children have used this?
0:04:49 > 0:04:53Well, I've fostered 12 or 13. So, they've all had access to the garden
0:04:53 > 0:04:55and they've all really enjoyed it, when it was better.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58So, what has been going on with this garden?
0:04:58 > 0:05:00My daughter Imogen was very ill
0:05:00 > 0:05:02for two years and sadly
0:05:02 > 0:05:04died just before Christmas.
0:05:04 > 0:05:05Obviously, she was too ill.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07I couldn't get out, I couldn't do anything.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10So, it's just grown up...and overgrown. It got away from us.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12You've had more important things to be getting on with?
0:05:12 > 0:05:14Yeah, I think so.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17We're obviously very sorry for your loss, in terms of Imogen,
0:05:17 > 0:05:19but your other daughter, Amana,
0:05:19 > 0:05:20is a character.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22A sparky young woman.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24She is, yes. And she loves being out in the garden.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28You can see, at the moment, she can't get into the garden safely.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31She is a wheelchair-user and it's just not safe for her at all.
0:05:31 > 0:05:36OK. So, this lady needs a garden that is practical, functional,
0:05:36 > 0:05:37but what about you, Tania?
0:05:37 > 0:05:39What would you like to get out of the garden?
0:05:39 > 0:05:42For me, what I loved about this garden was, it's my sanctuary.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45It's the place where, first thing in the morning,
0:05:45 > 0:05:48when I've finally finished all the medications
0:05:48 > 0:05:51that I need to give, when I've got that time before the nurses are due,
0:05:51 > 0:05:55I can just sat out here with a cup of tea, and you can hear the birds.
0:05:55 > 0:05:56So peaceful. It's quiet.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58Yeah, I can just breathe.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00It's a lovely garden.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03- And you can see it was once loved. - Yep.- We just need to renovate it.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06We just need to take it to the gym and get it fit.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- That would be great.- And that's what we'll try and do for you.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11Now, is there anything here you'd like to keep?
0:06:11 > 0:06:14Yes. I'd like to keep the rose that's over there.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16It was given to me in memory of Imogen
0:06:16 > 0:06:20by the nurses who used to care for her. So that's quite precious.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23It doesn't have to stay there if you think there's a better place for it.
0:06:23 > 0:06:24- OK.- But I'd really like to keep that.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27And also the fountain, that was Imogen's fountain.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30- OK, so you'd like to keep that? - I would.- OK, that's fine.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32For Amana's sake, she loves growing vegetables.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35She'd be quite cross, I think, if that went.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38Unless there was something else in its place that she could also reach.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41Because, obviously, gardening from a wheelchair,
0:06:41 > 0:06:44she can't reach anything on the floor. It's got to be up high.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47Tania, you're a busy woman. Let's not make you work on the garden.
0:06:47 > 0:06:48- You need a day away from it.- Right.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51- Let's go and have a look at some other gardens.- OK.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53And before you go, we've got the famous book.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57There's some mint in there that I'd like you to get for me.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59- OK.- And some strawberries. - Amana will be happy with that.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03- Perfect, great.- OK.- Thank you very much.- See you soon.- Yeah, goodbye.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06While I whisk Tania away to look for inspiration,
0:07:06 > 0:07:09Danny has only one day to turn this tumbledown garden
0:07:09 > 0:07:11back into a happy haven.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14Now, the first thing we really want to do with this garden
0:07:14 > 0:07:17is sort out that horrible decking here.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19It's a complete deathtrap.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21And then reshape the lawn.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23It's not very interesting,
0:07:23 > 0:07:25so we're going to try and rejuvenate it.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28This tree needs a bit of work doing to it.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31So, we're going to prune it. We're going to give it some shape.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33This seating has seen better days.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36So, what we going to do, we're going to put a lovely arbour here.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40And this is going to be a great way for Tania to relax
0:07:40 > 0:07:43and enjoy her garden. We're going to sort out this hedge.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47Tidy it up, and put some interesting plants in here.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50And give the whole space some cohesion.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54Now, I know that this rose is very dear to Tania's heart.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57It's in memory of her daughter she lost.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00It's not very happy here. So, we're going to move this,
0:08:00 > 0:08:03and move it into a place where it can flourish.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07What we've got here is a pretty rough piece of wall.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10So, we're hiding this by using a living wall.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14Gardening doesn't have to be horizontal. It can also be vertical.
0:08:14 > 0:08:19This is a really easy way to make gardening accessible for Amana.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22A great way to make your garden more vibrant
0:08:22 > 0:08:24is to introduce some colour into the walls.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27So, we're going to paint that a lovely terracotta colour.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30That will give the whole space a lift.
0:08:31 > 0:08:32This was once a beautiful garden.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35But all we need to do
0:08:35 > 0:08:37is make it accessible for Tania and her daughter,
0:08:37 > 0:08:40and make it beautiful once again.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44So, Danny's plan is to renovate the rotten decking
0:08:44 > 0:08:46and add a comfortable arbour for Tania.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48He's going to reshape the old lawn
0:08:48 > 0:08:51and create a new border full of plants.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53To brighten up this faded gem,
0:08:53 > 0:08:56he'll add a lick of paint and create a living wall
0:08:56 > 0:08:58of edible plants for Amana.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00That does sound like a lot to do in a day,
0:09:00 > 0:09:03so you'd better get a wriggle on, Danny.
0:09:04 > 0:09:05But help is on the way.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08Handyman AJ and the team have arrived.
0:09:09 > 0:09:14As have Tania's friends, Sandie and Don, eager to lend a hand.
0:09:14 > 0:09:15- Hello, Sandie.- Hi.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18- Hello, Don.- Hi.- How are you?
0:09:18 > 0:09:21So, I'm going to do some delegation here because that's my job,
0:09:21 > 0:09:26- to delegate.- Yeah.- So, how about if you guys paint the wall?
0:09:26 > 0:09:29AJ, do the decking? Here.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32- You don't mind doing that, do you, AJ?- No. Thank you for that.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34Have you got a steady hand? Cutting in?
0:09:34 > 0:09:36- Oh, yes.- Let's have a look.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40Shall we rethink that one, then?
0:09:40 > 0:09:43Maybe you shouldn't do the wall!
0:09:43 > 0:09:46I'll take care of the garden, the cutting back and everything else.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49- Right, shall we get cracking? - Let's get going.- Brilliant.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53And they're off. AJ just can't wait to rip up that dangerous decking.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55It's seen better days.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58And straightaway, Sandie and Don are getting stuck in
0:09:58 > 0:10:00with the paintwork.
0:10:00 > 0:10:01Great technique, guys.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04I can see you know what you're doing.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09As you can see, it's rotten to death, really, the wood.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13And the biggest problem, I think, is here, as you can see,
0:10:13 > 0:10:16there's just soil. Soil holds water.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19The water has been sitting against this timber.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22Even though it's treated, it shortens the life.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26So, we're going to do something to prepare the new joist timbers
0:10:26 > 0:10:29to stop that happening, fingers crossed.
0:10:38 > 0:10:40Absolutely shot.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42Yes, that really has had it.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46Good luck, AJ. You've got your work cut out, all right.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49To be honest, this looks safer as it is now.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51Much safer!
0:10:51 > 0:10:53Leaving Don to handle the paintwork,
0:10:53 > 0:10:56Sandie is conquering the overgrown hedge.
0:10:56 > 0:11:01Meanwhile, Danny's first job will be to tackle that straggly apple tree.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03The plan is to reshape the tree.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05Take any crossing branches out,
0:11:05 > 0:11:08because we don't want crossing branches rubbing together
0:11:08 > 0:11:10because if they do that,
0:11:10 > 0:11:13they're going to take the bark off and allow disease in.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17Also, we want to allow more light in and that will stimulate growth.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19There's a dead branch here.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21And you can see it's dying, or decaying,
0:11:21 > 0:11:25because I think if I was to pull that, it will just snap off.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29And the reason I know it's dying is because of the discolouration.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31It's a different colour to the rest of the branch.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34So, I'm going to cut that
0:11:34 > 0:11:36just to here, to this fork here.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41So, what I'm going to do is cut underneath first.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44All right? So, if I cut into...
0:11:45 > 0:11:49..that bit there. Keep the weight on this branch,
0:11:49 > 0:11:52because I don't want it falling and tearing.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55If this bark tears, there's every chance some disease
0:11:55 > 0:11:58can get into it. Keep cutting...
0:12:01 > 0:12:04There we are. A nice clean cut.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11That's some pretty brutal-looking pruning there, Danny,
0:12:11 > 0:12:16but it won't harm the tree, and it's all for the good of the garden.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21Now, I'm not just letting light and air into the tree.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24I'm also letting light and air into the garden.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28And everything that's in the garden is going to benefit from that.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31This makeover is a sizeable challenge.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33But while Danny puts his grand plans into action,
0:12:33 > 0:12:38I'm thinking a bit smaller, and putting Tania's nose to the test.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41I know you said that Amana loves growing things.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43- She does.- So, we are en route to a garden
0:12:43 > 0:12:46that I think she in particular would love.
0:12:46 > 0:12:51We're going to explore an especially fragrant spot -
0:12:51 > 0:12:53the extraordinary National Collection of Mint,
0:12:53 > 0:12:56housed in this suburban garden.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59And I'm hoping it will appeal to Amana and to Tania.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01Right, Tania. Step this way.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05- Uh-huh.- And have a look at this fabulous garden.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09- It's beautiful.- It's pretty big. There's quite a lot going on.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12You can see it's well-loved, it's incredibly well cared for.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15- And it's just very, very restful. - You hit the nail on the head, Tania.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19This is clearly a well-loved and very well-cared-for garden.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21But just cast your eyes that way.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24We can see there, pots and pots of mint.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28More mint than I have ever seen together, ever, I think.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30Yeah, that's quite an impressive collection.
0:13:30 > 0:13:35This massive mint is one of 620 different national collections
0:13:35 > 0:13:39across the UK, each devoted to a particular plant,
0:13:39 > 0:13:44a living archive aimed at conserving species for the future.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47They don't have to be housed in grand glasshouses, either.
0:13:47 > 0:13:53Many collections are curated by enthusiasts in their own back-yards.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55How do you feel about growing herbs?
0:13:55 > 0:13:57I love herbs. Amana really enjoys cooking.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59I enjoy cooking and ...
0:13:59 > 0:14:02Yeah, it's really good to be able to walk out into the garden
0:14:02 > 0:14:04and pick things up and put them straight in the pot.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06- Yeah, we like that a lot. - And I imagine, for Amana,
0:14:06 > 0:14:08it would be quite a sensory experience.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10Smell, touch, taste, all of that.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14It's great. Anything that she can eat, she is quite a fan of.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16- A girl after my own heart.- Yeah.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18We can see there, quite a few types of mint.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20Have you ever tried growing mint?
0:14:20 > 0:14:22I've tried. Not had a huge amount of success.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26I gather it is quite difficult to fail at mint, but I have!
0:14:26 > 0:14:30I think that we can rectify your lack of success so far with mint.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32- Good, I hope so.- Step this way.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34- Right.- And let's have a look.
0:14:34 > 0:14:35It's early days in the season.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38I mean, these guys are just springing to life.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40Cucumber mint.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44- That smells amazing.- Oh, it does. That's beautiful, isn't it?
0:14:44 > 0:14:47- It's so fresh, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50I didn't actually realise there were this many types of mint.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54- There's hundreds of them. - Spencer Town. Candy Freeze.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57Eau de Cologne. Said that with the wrong accent, didn't I?
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- What, Eau de Cologne? - Eau de Cologne.
0:15:00 > 0:15:01Chocolate mint!
0:15:01 > 0:15:04- Yes.- I am going to go out on a limb here.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07I'm guessing Amana is a chocolate fan?
0:15:07 > 0:15:09She is a chocolate fan, yep.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15- Mint-choc-chip.- Yeah, After Eights. - You can smell the chocolate.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17- After Eights, yes!- Oh, we like that. - Oh, yes.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22Well, if that is easy to grow, would you be keen on that?
0:15:22 > 0:15:24Definitely, that would be nice.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26Yes, I could live with that very happily.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29- That's an incredible smell, isn't it?- It's gorgeous.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31That's really transported me...
0:15:31 > 0:15:34to a happy, happy place.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38Back at Tania's garden, happiness is also blooming.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41It's out with the old and in with the new,
0:15:41 > 0:15:42as rotten decking is chucked
0:15:42 > 0:15:46and the first section of wall painting is complete.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48But AJ's joy is short lived.
0:15:48 > 0:15:52He's hit a stumbling block he just can't shift.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56Looking at the expression on your face,
0:15:56 > 0:16:00- you've just found an issue here, haven't you?- Yeah.- What's the issue?
0:16:00 > 0:16:02A whole lump of concrete.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04Are you blind?
0:16:04 > 0:16:05- True, yeah.- Priceless.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07Hang on, let me take my glasses off.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11This is a beast of a jackhammer, and it's struggling to get through.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14This is one of the reasons why the joists are so rotten, as well.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16- Water does not seep through concrete.- OK.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19So, you got this big slab of concrete here
0:16:19 > 0:16:22and the only way this area of water's going to drain away
0:16:22 > 0:16:24- is through the joists. - Yeah, and that's why they're rotten.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27This was just an accident waiting to happen.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30Sure. So, how are we going to remedy this?
0:16:30 > 0:16:32I'm going to have to keep going at it with this jackhammer
0:16:32 > 0:16:34- to get this concrete out.- OK.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36Can you mop my brow?
0:16:38 > 0:16:39Thanks.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42While AJ's still demolishing the old deck,
0:16:42 > 0:16:44Don and Sandie can't paint the next section of wall.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47So, it's on to the next job.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49Revamping the tired old lawn.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52Now, what can make a big difference to a garden
0:16:52 > 0:16:54- is just reshaping the lawn.- OK.- OK?
0:16:54 > 0:16:56So, I thought a nice, gentle curve
0:16:56 > 0:16:59- would really do the trick in this garden.- Right.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02- And it would also give it a bit of a contemporary feel, as well.- Yeah.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08It's a good idea to mark out a lawn before shaping it.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11So, I think it needs to come further back...
0:17:11 > 0:17:13If you haven't got a handy spray paint,
0:17:13 > 0:17:16a length of garden hose will do.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19- ..to there. Does that make sense? - Yeah, that does now. Yeah.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24- Good.- What do you think?- Yeah, good. - Brilliant.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27So, now what we need to do is get our half-moon edger.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29With the task in hand,
0:17:29 > 0:17:33Danny's finding out a bit more about Tania through her friends.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35How do you know Tania?
0:17:35 > 0:17:38We know Tania through the Helen and Douglas House Hospice,
0:17:38 > 0:17:40which we are volunteers for.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44It's a hospice for life-limited children, and she's a service-user.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46So, her children go to the hospice.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50Part of the work of the hospice is to go out into the homes,
0:17:50 > 0:17:52as well as just looking after the children,
0:17:52 > 0:17:53to look after families, as well.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55Part of our work is to go to families
0:17:55 > 0:17:58- and help with things like gardening. - She's a pretty amazing person,
0:17:58 > 0:18:00- isn't she?- She's amazing.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03Just think of the work involved in looking after
0:18:03 > 0:18:05life-limited children,
0:18:05 > 0:18:09and then the disadvantage, as well, of looking out on the garden
0:18:09 > 0:18:12and it's overgrown and you can't get out there to do anything.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14- Yeah.- So every little helps.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16For her and the children to be able to look out on a garden
0:18:16 > 0:18:19that's sort of tidy, when we were doing it,
0:18:19 > 0:18:21and wonderful after you've done it.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24It's great. Tania will love a quiet corner where she can have a respite
0:18:24 > 0:18:27and just sit and enjoy the weather and the birds.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31- Just see her face when she gets back, it'll be great.- I can't wait.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34While her friends are hard at work in the garden,
0:18:34 > 0:18:38Tania and I are experiencing a sensory overload
0:18:38 > 0:18:40at the National Collection of Mint,
0:18:40 > 0:18:44housed in a lovely but a relatively normal suburban back garden
0:18:44 > 0:18:47by the collection's owner, Jeffrey Moore.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49Jeffrey, sorry to interrupt.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51- Hello.- Hello.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55We cannot get over how much mint is in this garden.
0:18:55 > 0:18:56- It's incredible.- It's amazing.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00- How many types of mints are there? - Well, I've got about 200.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02But, obviously, there is a lot more
0:19:02 > 0:19:05which are being discovered all the while.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07Because it's a national collection,
0:19:07 > 0:19:11the idea is, you have to have one as a main pot,
0:19:11 > 0:19:13and two as a backup.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16So, if any of them die,
0:19:16 > 0:19:18you can then replace them with what you've got.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21This takes a lot of love, a lot of dedication.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23What do you love about mint?
0:19:23 > 0:19:27The smell. And there's so much variation in the leaves,
0:19:27 > 0:19:31the colouring of them and the texture of them,
0:19:31 > 0:19:33it's all fascinating.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35How easy is it to grow?
0:19:35 > 0:19:36It's very easy to grow.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39You can take it from root cuttings,
0:19:39 > 0:19:41pull it out from the bottom.
0:19:41 > 0:19:46You can either put it into water or put it into compost.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48- And that'll grow.- Just like that,
0:19:48 > 0:19:50you can put it straight into the compost?
0:19:50 > 0:19:52- Yeah.- Do you need to keep them in a pot?
0:19:52 > 0:19:57Well, the idea, you can see what the root system is like that there.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00If you get a big pot, it's the same.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04So, if you put it into your garden, they become very invasive.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07So, they'll be everywhere.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11I am flabbergasted at the range of mints.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15This one here, this garden mint, I instantly recognise.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17A lot of people will know what that is.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21Yes, put it in drinks, lamb mint, and also with your potatoes.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25Is there much variety in all... I mean, I can see
0:20:25 > 0:20:28there's an obvious variety in the Corsican Mint
0:20:28 > 0:20:30- to this one, the different leaves. - Yeah.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33But, beyond that, do they give a different taste, a different flower?
0:20:33 > 0:20:36Oh, yes. The flowers are wonderful.
0:20:36 > 0:20:42The best flowering one we have is grapefruit, which grows quite big.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45Some people have it for flower-arranging.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48I naively thought mint was mint until I came here.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51- Of course, yes. - How wrong a girl can be?- Yes.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55Growing your own herbs for cooking is much cheaper and tastier
0:20:55 > 0:20:58than buying them from the supermarket,
0:20:58 > 0:21:00but put them on the kitchen windowsill
0:21:00 > 0:21:02or close to your back door.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06That way, you'll have the freshest herbs nearby, whatever the weather.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09Because mint can run riot and take over your garden,
0:21:09 > 0:21:12grow it in large pots.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16You can even plant the pots into the soil to contain those rampant roots.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20When picking leaves, take them from the top, not the bottom.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23You'll get the freshest, most flavoursome herbs
0:21:23 > 0:21:26and stop the plant from growing tall and leggy.
0:21:27 > 0:21:31Back in Abingdon, the only things in mint condition so far
0:21:31 > 0:21:33are the tree and the lawn-shaping.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38AJ still hasn't finished repairing the decking,
0:21:38 > 0:21:40and there's no sign yet of the new arbour
0:21:40 > 0:21:43or the wall-mounted vertical garden.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45But Danny IS ready to move that ailing rose,
0:21:45 > 0:21:48using a recycled pot from the garden.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52Tania's rose isn't ideally positioned here.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54There is water steadily dripping on it.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58Not a good idea for any plant, let alone a rose.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02So, just to prove how soggy this is,
0:22:02 > 0:22:05I'm not even going to bother digging this out.
0:22:05 > 0:22:06I'm confident.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09Look. I can pull it out,
0:22:09 > 0:22:11and I've got the whole root system there.
0:22:11 > 0:22:16We've got a bit of dieback here, where the frost has got into it.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19Where it's been cut, there's a wound and the cold's got into it.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22And that's why you've got that discolouration.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24So, what I'm going to do is tidy it up a bit.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27Now, it's quite important to do it at an angle.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31The reason I'm doing it at an angle is,
0:22:31 > 0:22:33if any raindrops fall, they slide off.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36The reason we don't want water lying on there
0:22:36 > 0:22:38is because we don't want it to rot.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41Right, so, what I'm going to do now is fill...
0:22:42 > 0:22:44..the pot with compost.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50Any multipurpose compost is fine for the rose.
0:22:50 > 0:22:51This pot's nice and large.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55It's big enough for the root to find its own way.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57But, like anything in pots,
0:22:57 > 0:23:03it's always important to change the compost every so often.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05Don't just plant your pot up
0:23:05 > 0:23:07and expect your plant to flourish for years and years.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09It still needs TLC.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13The reason being is that this is food.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20Backfill with the compost...
0:23:20 > 0:23:22Firm it in gently.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27And I know this rose is very dear to Tania,
0:23:27 > 0:23:29so I'm being very careful with it
0:23:29 > 0:23:33because I really would like this to flourish and survive.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37There we are, one beautifully replanted rose.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41Do you know what? I think it's going to be really happy in this pot.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45The rose might be happy,
0:23:45 > 0:23:47but what never fails to put a smile on Danny's face
0:23:47 > 0:23:50is a bit of good, old-fashioned demolition.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56- Sandie? Don? - Yep?- I'm condemning this planter.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00Because nothing, really, is going to grow in there.
0:24:00 > 0:24:04It goes down two or three inches and there's solid concrete.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06And the rose wasn't happy in there.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08Aesthetically, it doesn't look very good.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11- So, I think it should come out. What do you reckon?- Good idea.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13- Shall we get rid of it?- Good idea.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16- To be honest with you, look... - It's falling apart anyway.
0:24:17 > 0:24:19Good shout, Danny.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22It'll also mean one less ground-level obstruction for Amana.
0:24:22 > 0:24:26But Amana's greatest need is to access all parts of the garden,
0:24:26 > 0:24:28such as her raised bed.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31Over to AJ, who's already made a sturdy sub-frame
0:24:31 > 0:24:35for the decking renovation. Now he needs to make it waterproof.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39I've got a bit of plastic sheeting here,
0:24:39 > 0:24:43which I'm just going to staple to the side of this decking frame,
0:24:43 > 0:24:47so it then keeps the sodden soil away from the wood.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49I can't go all the way round the wood
0:24:49 > 0:24:51because that would make it sweat
0:24:51 > 0:24:53and we'd have the same problem then
0:24:53 > 0:24:56with it getting damp and getting rotten.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59Finally, Sandie and Don can carry on painting.
0:24:59 > 0:25:04A cheap and easy way of making an instant change in any garden.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07Now AJ's ready to give his frame some legs.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11I'm just putting in the post now
0:25:11 > 0:25:15to raise up the framework so it doesn't sit on any soil
0:25:15 > 0:25:19or puddles of water once the rain comes in.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23Very simple. Dig a hole, get the post in, screw it to the joist.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25The more, the merrier.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27And speaking of rain coming in,
0:25:27 > 0:25:30it's not just the decking that needs protecting from the elements.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33The heavens have opened,
0:25:33 > 0:25:36and power tools, paint and downpours don't mix.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40Good job Danny brought his trusty tent.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42While the garden's a hive of activity,
0:25:42 > 0:25:45Tania and I are taking a rest from the world of mint.
0:25:47 > 0:25:51So, Tania, you have been fostering for a lot of years now.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55- Yep.- What made you want to do that? - I always knew I was going to foster.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58I always thought I'd marry, have children of my own
0:25:58 > 0:26:00and then maybe we'd do a bit of fostering afterwards.
0:26:00 > 0:26:04But that wasn't the plan, so I had to settle for just the children.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06And you've mainly looked after
0:26:06 > 0:26:08children with physical and mental disabilities?
0:26:08 > 0:26:10Yes, they've all been physically disabled
0:26:10 > 0:26:12or had learning disabilities, or a combination of both.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15And most of them have had complex medical needs, as well.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18Imogen came to live with you when she was just a few months old.
0:26:18 > 0:26:19Yes, five month old.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22So, in terms of her disabilities, she had cerebral palsy.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25She did. She was always very physically disabled.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28And we had about ten years of really happy times.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30Then when she was 11, she got sicker
0:26:30 > 0:26:32and she died just before Christmas.
0:26:32 > 0:26:36- A difficult time for any family... - Yeah.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39..but you're also looking after your other daughter, Amana.
0:26:39 > 0:26:40Yes, she has spina bifida.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42She came to live with me
0:26:42 > 0:26:43when she was nearly two.
0:26:43 > 0:26:44It's tiring and exhausting,
0:26:44 > 0:26:46but it is also the easiest thing
0:26:46 > 0:26:49I've ever done, because it's loving my children.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51Obviously, you have your hands full looking after Amana.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53The garden's kind of being left.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55Every time I went out to sit in the garden,
0:26:55 > 0:26:58Imogen's oxygen monitor would bleep to say her sats were low,
0:26:58 > 0:27:01or she'd be shouting to say she needed suction.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04So, we couldn't get out into the garden at all, really.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06What would you like from a garden?
0:27:06 > 0:27:07How could it help you?
0:27:07 > 0:27:11I'd very much hope that I can foster other children in the future and,
0:27:11 > 0:27:13again, I think every child needs a garden.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15You need to be able to get outside.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18The last few months have obviously been unimaginably difficult for you.
0:27:18 > 0:27:22Going forward, you want to celebrate Imogen in that garden, don't you?
0:27:22 > 0:27:23Yes, we do.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26There are things in the garden that Imogen, when she was better,
0:27:26 > 0:27:28really, really loved.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30We want to hang onto those.
0:27:30 > 0:27:34But, yeah, to be able to keep things, for Amana and I
0:27:34 > 0:27:37to have a new start, as well, I think would be great.
0:27:37 > 0:27:41I am genuinely confident that we can create a garden that gives you
0:27:41 > 0:27:44the practical space, with a place to celebrate Imogen.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46I would like that very much.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48Right, let's go and get some bits and bobs for it.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50As we head off to do some shopping,
0:27:50 > 0:27:53Danny's task is still far from complete
0:27:53 > 0:27:56with less than three hours to go.
0:27:56 > 0:27:58Come on, AJ. Time to get that decking finished.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03The best bit of this, putting the decking boards down.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06Cut them to size, all the same length, so it looks pretty.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08As I start screwing them down,
0:28:08 > 0:28:11I'm leaving sort of a 5mm gap.
0:28:11 > 0:28:15One, for the expansion or the contraction of the wood
0:28:15 > 0:28:18when it's hot, or cold and wet,
0:28:18 > 0:28:20and also, when the rain does go on here,
0:28:20 > 0:28:23even though it has got the runs in it for rain to go off,
0:28:23 > 0:28:27you want the rain to drip down the sides and dissipate underneath.
0:28:27 > 0:28:29If they're really close together,
0:28:29 > 0:28:31water's got nowhere to go and once again,
0:28:31 > 0:28:34we'd have the same problem of water sitting on it,
0:28:34 > 0:28:37it soaks it up and eventually rots a lot quicker.
0:28:37 > 0:28:41The rain's still chucking down, but a bit of damp won't stop our team,
0:28:41 > 0:28:45especially when it comes to those all-important plants.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47As a garden designer,
0:28:47 > 0:28:49it's very important you plant the right plants
0:28:49 > 0:28:51in the right conditions.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54I know the soil in this garden is ericaceous,
0:28:54 > 0:28:57which means it's acidic soil, and the way I know that
0:28:57 > 0:29:00is that there's a skimmia over there that's very healthy.
0:29:00 > 0:29:04It's a plan that likes acidic soil, an acid-loving plant,
0:29:04 > 0:29:07so I know that any plants that we introduce into this garden
0:29:07 > 0:29:13have to like acidic conditions, otherwise they won't thrive.
0:29:13 > 0:29:16Danny's chosen an array of acid-loving shrubs and flowers
0:29:16 > 0:29:18to suit the garden's conditions.
0:29:18 > 0:29:23I always think the best idea is to put the larger plants
0:29:23 > 0:29:26in the ground first - the camellia and the ribes -
0:29:26 > 0:29:29and we'll position those and then
0:29:29 > 0:29:31we can plant the others kind of around it,
0:29:31 > 0:29:33the lower ones around it for now.
0:29:33 > 0:29:37Now this camellia, I mean, absolutely gorgeous when it flowers.
0:29:37 > 0:29:39You can see there's a flower there.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42- Look how beautiful that is. - It is, yeah.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44If you want this to flower in the spring,
0:29:44 > 0:29:46it's very important that it doesn't dry out,
0:29:46 > 0:29:50so make sure it's nice and wet in September, nice and moist,
0:29:50 > 0:29:52and you'll be sure of it flowering.
0:29:52 > 0:29:56I think, really, it's time to sort of place them out.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59- Place them where you want them? - Place them where we want them.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02We'll have a look back, a step back, and then see if we are happy,
0:30:02 > 0:30:05- and then we'll just put them in the ground.- Right.
0:30:05 > 0:30:09That's Danny's golden rule - placing first and planting after.
0:30:09 > 0:30:13It saves potentially expensive mistakes.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17Right, we've got this convolvulus here,
0:30:17 > 0:30:19but they're not going to choke out the other plants, OK?
0:30:19 > 0:30:22- So you can plant these with confidence.- Good, OK.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24And they do look nice,
0:30:24 > 0:30:27especially in the evening sun, with their shimmering leaves.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30They look absolutely gorgeous.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32INDISTINCT
0:30:32 > 0:30:35You see already how it's taking shape.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37I mean, look at that over there.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40- Does that look good, or does that look good?- Yeah, it does.
0:30:40 > 0:30:44The planting's pretty perfect, but the paint is not.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47The wet weather has put a dampener on its drying time.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52Do you know, I'm really worried about this.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55This paint has not dried
0:30:55 > 0:30:58and I'm really worried we're not getting this garden done on time.
0:30:58 > 0:31:01AJ, how are we doing, mate?
0:31:02 > 0:31:04- Not bad.- Are you nearly finished?
0:31:04 > 0:31:07I've got one more piece to put in on the decking here.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10Still got to replace those, still got to build the arbour.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12- OK.- So, you know, 20 minutes and...
0:31:12 > 0:31:15You're quite confident you'll get this done in 20 minutes?
0:31:15 > 0:31:18- I'm never confident. - You're never confident?- No.
0:31:18 > 0:31:22The clock is ticking, and there are only two hours left till sundown.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25Danny's got a plan for a living wall of edibles
0:31:25 > 0:31:28to go on the still-wet wall.
0:31:28 > 0:31:29But that's just going to be a wall
0:31:29 > 0:31:32if I don't get the other vital ingredients soon.
0:31:32 > 0:31:36Hopefully, this wholesale herb garden will hit the spot.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40Right, Tania, Danny's list is pretty straightforward.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43Different types of mint and strawberries.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45- Yep.- So, here we are at a wholesale herb garden.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47Excellent. Good place to start.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50I think we might find what we're looking for.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53- If you have a look in there, I'll have a look over there.- OK.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56- All right.- Happy hunting. - See you in a minute.
0:31:56 > 0:32:00Herbs are available in nearly every garden centre and nursery
0:32:00 > 0:32:01and even some supermarkets,
0:32:01 > 0:32:05but there are also specialist places like this dotted around the country.
0:32:07 > 0:32:09Tania, what have you found?
0:32:09 > 0:32:11I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14I've found strawberry mint, which smells really lovely.
0:32:14 > 0:32:16It does.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19Well, I couldn't find any mint at all, so I got rosemary.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22- Lovely.- It smells good, looks good.
0:32:22 > 0:32:26- Yeah.- I feel like there is a lot we should be getting from this place,
0:32:26 > 0:32:29yet Danny's not going to be impressed if we go back with just
0:32:29 > 0:32:31- these.- No.- Shall I give him a ring?
0:32:31 > 0:32:34Not going to fill a garden. Would you like me to hold those for you?
0:32:34 > 0:32:36Do you mind? Thank you.
0:32:36 > 0:32:38That smells...great.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40PHONE RINGS
0:32:40 > 0:32:42- Hello, Helen.- Hello, Danny.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45- How are you?- I'm good, thank you.
0:32:45 > 0:32:46A bit wet, drowning.
0:32:46 > 0:32:48I've grown fins.
0:32:48 > 0:32:49Oh, good! They'll be useful.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52We are currently trying to find mint,
0:32:52 > 0:32:54but we thought we'd better ring you for some advice
0:32:54 > 0:32:56because I'd hate to bring back the wrong thing.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58You know what we need in this garden?
0:32:58 > 0:33:01We need something to put in the vertical garden,
0:33:01 > 0:33:04so we want some thrillers, some spillers and some fillers.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07So it's thrillers - I want something that stands out, OK?
0:33:07 > 0:33:11And we want a spiller - so something that sort of goes over the front,
0:33:11 > 0:33:14you know? Something that spills down.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16- And we want a filler...- Something that spreads out?
0:33:16 > 0:33:19Lots of fillers. Lots of filler-in-ers.
0:33:19 > 0:33:20A thriller, a spiller and a filler?
0:33:20 > 0:33:24- That's it.- All right, have a fun afternoon.- Bye.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27OK, well, I feel like we've got more shopping to do
0:33:27 > 0:33:29- and I feel like we've got free rein. - Awesome.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31Let's hope that Danny's finished design
0:33:31 > 0:33:33will be more thriller than filler.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36He's only got an hour left and while the team are going great guns,
0:33:36 > 0:33:41the devil's in the detail, and that means show-stopping plants.
0:33:41 > 0:33:45This skimmia, it smells absolutely divine.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48The great thing about this plant is that it's drought resistant
0:33:48 > 0:33:50and it doesn't need pruning,
0:33:50 > 0:33:53which is a great thing for a busy mum like Tania,
0:33:53 > 0:33:58and it works well in semi-shade, so this is an ideal spot for it.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02What I'm doing here is digging a nice hole for it,
0:34:02 > 0:34:04bigger than the size of the root ball.
0:34:04 > 0:34:06Just place the pot inside there,
0:34:06 > 0:34:09just to make sure that I've dug it deep enough,
0:34:09 > 0:34:12and that I'm happy with its position.
0:34:12 > 0:34:13I'm happy with that now.
0:34:13 > 0:34:17And what's great about this plant also, it's evergreen,
0:34:17 > 0:34:19so it's going to look great all year round.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22Look at those lovely, glossy, shiny leaves.
0:34:22 > 0:34:24Absolutely beautiful.
0:34:24 > 0:34:28You know, when I see a plant like this, I get really excited.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30With the minutes ticking away,
0:34:30 > 0:34:33that garden is slowly starting to look good,
0:34:33 > 0:34:36but we need to get a move on with our shopping list.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38Happily, since it's started to rain,
0:34:38 > 0:34:40we can retreat to a cosy poly-tunnel,
0:34:40 > 0:34:45where some much-needed advice is on hand from nursery owner Jane.
0:34:45 > 0:34:51Jane, Tania and I are in search of plans that thrill, spill and fill.
0:34:51 > 0:34:55- What would you recommend?- First of all, thinking about filling,
0:34:55 > 0:34:59mints are great because they spread out.
0:34:59 > 0:35:04These aren't huge, but sometimes mint can get very, very large.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07A pretty one, which smells as its name, is Eau de Cologne.
0:35:07 > 0:35:12And it's got lovely, dark foliage, which would look great
0:35:12 > 0:35:14against the brighter greens.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17- Oh, yeah, the stalks on that are great, aren't they?- Beautiful.
0:35:17 > 0:35:19And quite a perfumed smell.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21Yes, it's nice.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24I believe people put it in the bath, put bunches under the tap.
0:35:24 > 0:35:28So, the mints we've found will cover the fillers,
0:35:28 > 0:35:30but what about the thrillers?
0:35:30 > 0:35:35Thrilling's really about colour and texture and everything else.
0:35:35 > 0:35:38This is just amazing at the moment. This is a rosemary.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41This one is a beautiful one called Blue Lagoon.
0:35:41 > 0:35:45- Gorgeous.- That is really dramatic at this time of year.- Yeah.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47Smells good, looks good.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49- Thrilling?- Yeah.- Looks bright.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52As a real contrast, this is cotton lavender,
0:35:52 > 0:35:54which isn't a culinary herb.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56This is a bright-yellow version,
0:35:56 > 0:35:59which someone has bred, called Lemon Fizz.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01Oh, wow. Yeah, that'll really stand out.
0:36:01 > 0:36:05And something else, as a contrast again,
0:36:05 > 0:36:06is a curry plant.
0:36:06 > 0:36:10It has lovely little yellow button flowers on it in the summer.
0:36:10 > 0:36:12I can smell that from here, it's beautiful.
0:36:12 > 0:36:16All three together make a really bright statement, I think.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19What can you recommend in terms of herbs that spill out?
0:36:19 > 0:36:22The classic herbs that spill and creep
0:36:22 > 0:36:25are things like thymes and chamomile.
0:36:25 > 0:36:29Here's the chamomile, which I'm sure you're all familiar with.
0:36:29 > 0:36:33It just grows flat and, as it grows, it roots itself along,
0:36:33 > 0:36:35and it will be absolutely fine.
0:36:35 > 0:36:36That's Silver Posie,
0:36:36 > 0:36:41- which actually you can use just like ordinary common thyme.- OK.
0:36:41 > 0:36:45It's got the smell and taste of common thyme,
0:36:45 > 0:36:48but you've got that lovely foliage.
0:36:48 > 0:36:49- Oh, yeah.- That's lovely.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52So, these really are dual purpose, aren't they?
0:36:52 > 0:36:56They are. I mean, that one is orange, orange-scented,
0:36:56 > 0:36:59- and that will flower soon. - Wow. Perfect.
0:36:59 > 0:37:01So, we've got thrillers, spillers and fillers.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03Plenty of colour, plenty of smell.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06- Sounds good.- And plenty for you to take into the kitchen.
0:37:06 > 0:37:08All we need to do now is take them to Danny
0:37:08 > 0:37:11- so he can put them in the garden. - That's great.- Thank you, Jane.
0:37:11 > 0:37:15While we've been having a thriller, filler, spiller plant love-in,
0:37:15 > 0:37:19the team's finally started to get Tania and Amana's garden together.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21At last, the rain has stopped,
0:37:21 > 0:37:24but I suspect Danny is still going to need an extra pair of hands
0:37:24 > 0:37:27if we want to get it finished on time.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29Oh, they're good.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31Hello?
0:37:31 > 0:37:33Oh, that looks good.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36Oh, he's had you working hard.
0:37:36 > 0:37:37Herbs.
0:37:37 > 0:37:39Thank you, Helen.
0:37:39 > 0:37:41- These are the spillers. - They're the spillers?
0:37:41 > 0:37:45- So, they're going to trail down the...- Invisible wall garden!
0:37:45 > 0:37:49Exactly. We haven't got around to it and you know why?
0:37:49 > 0:37:54That paint on that wall hasn't dried yet and I don't know how we're going
0:37:54 > 0:37:58to get it done, unless we all collectively breathe on it.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01To be honest, Tania's going to be here very soon.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04Why don't we just plant the vertical wall garden horizontally
0:38:04 > 0:38:05and hang it at the last minute?
0:38:05 > 0:38:08- Good idea. - Just get AJ to stand with it.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10Yeah. We can do that and he could do the arbour.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13- How's that?- OK. I'll go get the rest of the herbs.- OK, brilliant.
0:38:15 > 0:38:19While AJ puts together this flat-pack wooden arbour
0:38:19 > 0:38:20for Tania's seating area,
0:38:20 > 0:38:23we're making sure she has something worth looking at
0:38:23 > 0:38:25when she's sat in it.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28Danny's low-cost living-wall planter
0:38:28 > 0:38:30is a vertical strip of felt pockets,
0:38:30 > 0:38:33each pocket's designed to support a single plant.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35It's a kind of wall-mounted planter.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38If you haven't got much space in your garden,
0:38:38 > 0:38:40these are brilliant for your walls.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42Also, I think these are a good idea for Amana.
0:38:42 > 0:38:44She can get up close and personal
0:38:44 > 0:38:46with these without having to get down to the ground.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48And that's why we're putting it over there.
0:38:48 > 0:38:52Some of the more expensive ones come with expensive irrigation systems,
0:38:52 > 0:38:55but this one's not going to break the bank because it's made from felt
0:38:55 > 0:38:57and all the water will just filter through.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00- It's brilliant, isn't it? - But it's cheap, so it'll leak.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02- It's cheap, so it leaks. - But in a good way, in a good way!
0:39:02 > 0:39:05- That's what you want, right? - That's what we want.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07Absolutely, that's what we want.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10We better get these in quickly.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12Running out of time.
0:39:14 > 0:39:18We're getting there, and AJ's flat-pack is flat no more.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22These are amazing.
0:39:23 > 0:39:27- Have you built that today, AJ? - Yeah, it's taken me for ever.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30Every bit of wood I've cut individually.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32With the decking, as well.
0:39:32 > 0:39:36- That's incredible.- This is where Tania's going to relax,
0:39:36 > 0:39:38and what a great view, down on to the garden.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40It's ideal, isn't it?
0:39:40 > 0:39:42So what are these plants, then?
0:39:42 > 0:39:45They're called Trachelospermum jasminoides,
0:39:45 > 0:39:47or, to you and I, Star Jasmine,
0:39:47 > 0:39:52and they're going to romp away and cover the seating area.
0:39:52 > 0:39:55They'll look absolutely lovely. You know what's great about those?
0:39:55 > 0:40:00They've got a lovely scent, so they're ideal for this position.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02One last thing to do -
0:40:02 > 0:40:04I need to drill some holes for your vertical wall thing.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07- Vertical garden.- Vertical garden. - For the vertical garden,
0:40:07 > 0:40:09cos there's a garden climbing up the wall over there.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12- OK.- So shall we go and have a look at that? All right, then.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16With only five minutes to go before Tania gets back,
0:40:16 > 0:40:19we need to get that living wall actually...onto the wall.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22We're going to have to take a chance here
0:40:22 > 0:40:24and we're going to drill holes in this wall.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26We shouldn't really be doing it,
0:40:26 > 0:40:28but we're going to hang it as carefully as we can
0:40:28 > 0:40:32and we going to be careful not to get paint on the fabric.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34That's the only choice we've got here,
0:40:34 > 0:40:36cos this garden needs to be finished.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45I think...that looks amazing.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48Cool. I think I could screw this one a little bit more.
0:40:48 > 0:40:50I think that looks brilliant.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53Great height, loads of mint, loads of smells...
0:40:53 > 0:40:56- It's a sensory overload. - Beautiful.
0:40:57 > 0:41:02At last, the garden is ready and our two diligent helpers deserve
0:41:02 > 0:41:06- a huge thank you.- Sandie, Don, thanks for your help today.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09- We couldn't have done it without you.- A great pleasure.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11It's been great having you around.
0:41:11 > 0:41:14Thank you very much. We would not have got it done without you guys.
0:41:14 > 0:41:18- That's all right. We've enjoyed it. - Glad to help.- OK.
0:41:19 > 0:41:23Tania's garden had become neglected during the difficult times
0:41:23 > 0:41:26when all her focus was rightly on her family.
0:41:26 > 0:41:30With a rotten decking, a tired old lawn,
0:41:30 > 0:41:33broken seating and plants left to fend for themselves,
0:41:33 > 0:41:37this once-loved space had become shabby and inaccessible.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42But in just one day, and with a small budget,
0:41:42 > 0:41:44Danny has transformed it
0:41:44 > 0:41:48into a bright and beautiful haven of peace and productivity,
0:41:48 > 0:41:53repairing the rickety decking with brand-new boards has made
0:41:53 > 0:41:56the garden accessible to Amana once again,
0:41:56 > 0:41:59and he's installed a low-cost living wall of edible plants
0:41:59 > 0:42:01at a height Amana can reach.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03Reshaping the lawn cost nothing,
0:42:03 > 0:42:05but has given it new definition
0:42:05 > 0:42:09and a new backdrop of glorious colour on the wall
0:42:09 > 0:42:11has made the whole garden sing.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13By sprucing up the old tree and rose
0:42:13 > 0:42:16and introducing new planting in the beds,
0:42:16 > 0:42:20Danny has revitalised the garden's greenery.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24And a floral arbour provides the perfect retreat
0:42:24 > 0:42:27for a busy mother in need of some downtime.
0:42:27 > 0:42:29Now Tania and her daughter can finally
0:42:29 > 0:42:32enjoy their garden together again.
0:42:32 > 0:42:34But what will THEY think?
0:42:34 > 0:42:35Ladies...
0:42:35 > 0:42:37- This...- Oh, my!
0:42:37 > 0:42:40..is your new garden.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43- What do you think?- Yeah.- Yeah?
0:42:43 > 0:42:46- If you look at the back there, we've got you a new seat.- Oh, gosh, yes!
0:42:46 > 0:42:47I hadn't even seen that.
0:42:47 > 0:42:49That's beautiful.
0:42:49 > 0:42:51With some lovely plants that are going to grow over it.
0:42:51 > 0:42:54- Repaired and restored the decking. - Yeah.- It's fantastic.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57- Over here on the right... - Oh! Oh, good grief!- Oh! Oh! Oh!
0:42:57 > 0:42:59I hadn't even seen that!
0:42:59 > 0:43:01Look at that, Amana. Can you reach those?
0:43:01 > 0:43:04So you've taken that whole bed? You've...
0:43:04 > 0:43:06Good grief. Yeah.
0:43:06 > 0:43:10How have you done that in a day? That is incredible.
0:43:10 > 0:43:11Look, Amana.
0:43:11 > 0:43:13What about marks out of ten?
0:43:13 > 0:43:16- 100.- 100?!- Yeah.
0:43:16 > 0:43:17- Your best score yet.- Oh, well...
0:43:17 > 0:43:21Why don't you, Amana, have a little explore and test out the new ramps?
0:43:21 > 0:43:23Yeah.
0:43:23 > 0:43:25- Is that working?- Mm-hm.
0:43:25 > 0:43:27- What's here?- Flowers.
0:43:27 > 0:43:29Flowers. That the rose bush?
0:43:29 > 0:43:33That's the rose, so it's got pride of place just there for you.
0:43:33 > 0:43:37- Lovely, perfect.- We've re-homed it and it should thrive there.
0:43:37 > 0:43:39- Beautiful.- So, Amana, you've had a couple of minutes
0:43:39 > 0:43:42to explore the garden. Has he done a good job?
0:43:42 > 0:43:45- Yes.- This morning, you couldn't use this ramp because it was broken.
0:43:45 > 0:43:47Now you can get around and explore.
0:43:47 > 0:43:49Does this mean you'll have your friends over?
0:43:49 > 0:43:52- Yep. A lot.- What do you think then, Tania?
0:43:52 > 0:43:55Is this a space that you will enjoy for yourself, as well?
0:43:55 > 0:43:57- Definitely.- She'll like over there. - I love that seat, yes.
0:43:57 > 0:43:59The seat is just beautiful.
0:43:59 > 0:44:02- Is that your space, then? - That'll be my space, yep, yep.
0:44:02 > 0:44:05It's got to be my space. There's steps, not ramps, so...
0:44:05 > 0:44:07- It's perfect. - And this is your space.
0:44:07 > 0:44:09- This is your space.- Yeah.- You've got the rest of the garden.
0:44:09 > 0:44:11- Yeah!- Yes? It's just lovely.
0:44:11 > 0:44:14- Thank you.- Well, ladies, enjoy your garden.
0:44:14 > 0:44:16- We will.- Danny, good job.
0:44:16 > 0:44:20I think you've earned yourself a well-earned break.
0:44:20 > 0:44:22Thank you.
0:44:23 > 0:44:26It was neglected, now it's loved,
0:44:26 > 0:44:29and I have no doubt that Tania and Amana are going to create
0:44:29 > 0:44:31lots more treasured family memories
0:44:31 > 0:44:34right here in this instant garden.