0:00:02 > 0:00:04Beautiful gardens are one of Britain's most glorious sights.
0:00:04 > 0:00:06But if your green space is more mess than majestic,
0:00:06 > 0:00:09making it over can be a daunting prospect,
0:00:09 > 0:00:13especially if you're short on time and money.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16'Well, the instant gardener is here.'
0:00:16 > 0:00:18Da-dah!
0:00:18 > 0:00:21'Danny Clarke is an expert at transforming gardens.'
0:00:21 > 0:00:24And these are really bringing a smile to my face.
0:00:24 > 0:00:27'Each time, our gardening guru will be showing you
0:00:27 > 0:00:30'how to create gorgeous garden makeovers.'
0:00:30 > 0:00:32Doesn't that look great?
0:00:32 > 0:00:36'Each transformation will be packed with brilliant ideas to help you
0:00:36 > 0:00:39'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 > 0:00:46'He'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 > 0:00:52It's going to be used as a planter
0:00:52 > 0:00:56and I think this is going to look absolutely terrific.
0:00:56 > 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 > 0:01:17- Oh, my...!- Oh, wow!
0:01:17 > 0:01:19That's unbelievable.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30Today, we're in Cumbria, my home county
0:01:30 > 0:01:35and home to some of England's most Outstanding Areas of Natural Beauty.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38Its gorgeous rural landscapes are also some of
0:01:38 > 0:01:40the most sparsely populated in the country.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46Yes, Cumbria has beautiful scenery but not everybody gets to enjoy it.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49We're here to meet a couple whose rural retreat
0:01:49 > 0:01:51has been anything but restful
0:01:51 > 0:01:54and whose dreams of a perfect garden have had to be put on hold.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01- Good morning.- Hi, there.- Hello. - Nice to see you.- Hiya.
0:02:01 > 0:02:03- Hello.- Look at this!- Lovely.
0:02:03 > 0:02:05I mean, you are living the dream.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08- We are trying to, certainly, yes. - It is gorgeous.
0:02:11 > 0:02:13Lecturer Richard and historical steward Andy
0:02:13 > 0:02:16have been together for 22 years,
0:02:16 > 0:02:19finally marrying last summer.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21They moved to Cumbria so that Andy could retire
0:02:21 > 0:02:24and green-fingered Richard could fulfil his long-held hunger
0:02:24 > 0:02:27to create a wildlife haven.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30To do this, the couple had long saved for a large piece of land.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35But just as they were settling into their new place,
0:02:35 > 0:02:37near disaster struck.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40Andy suffered a life-threatening brain aneurysm.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42No sooner was he back on his feet,
0:02:42 > 0:02:45then Richard was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48Thankfully, both are now in recovery
0:02:48 > 0:02:51but with their health seriously compromised,
0:02:51 > 0:02:53their dream of turning this large plot of land
0:02:53 > 0:02:57into a wildlife haven has turned into a bit of a nightmare.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01The workload they once relished is now a bit overwhelming
0:03:01 > 0:03:04and they have no means of meeting the challenge.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07But no need to despair, I know just the man for the job.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12Danny's only got one day to help Richard and Andy,
0:03:12 > 0:03:14so he's going to focus on a particular feature
0:03:14 > 0:03:16of their wildlife project -
0:03:16 > 0:03:20an abandoned pond that's choked with plants and dead leaves.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23A week ago, he headed up for a first look.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28Now, I know the pond is down this way somewhere.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30Ah, here we are.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33This is what I've come to see. You know what?
0:03:33 > 0:03:36I love ponds and I think every garden should have a pond,
0:03:36 > 0:03:40if possible. But maybe we could give some sort of marker to this area
0:03:40 > 0:03:42and give you a reason to explore the garden,
0:03:42 > 0:03:44to bring you down into it.
0:03:44 > 0:03:46The pond needs a good old tidy up.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49There's leaves in there, it's looking tatty around the edges
0:03:49 > 0:03:53and it needs a bit of definition, it needs a lift.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56I'm thinking waders here.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58I mean, we're going to have to get in there
0:03:58 > 0:04:00and clear that pond out.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03I think this is going to be quite a challenging thing to do.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06I hope it's not too deep because I can't swim,
0:04:06 > 0:04:09so I'd better bring my armbands along with me.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12It's just thick-full of debris,
0:04:12 > 0:04:15so I think we've really got our work cut out.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17You know one of the things that I've noticed around here,
0:04:17 > 0:04:20it'll be a nice place to relax, wouldn't it?
0:04:20 > 0:04:23A nice place to visit and come and spend some time,
0:04:23 > 0:04:26so seating is one of the things I think that we must address.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31Now, what's interesting here is that I know that the couple
0:04:31 > 0:04:34who live here have got foraging rights,
0:04:34 > 0:04:36so maybe we can explore that woodland over there
0:04:36 > 0:04:39and bring back some goodies.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42Now, there is an absolute stunning feature here
0:04:42 > 0:04:43and it's this water pump.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45I think this is great.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47And, erm, you know what?
0:04:47 > 0:04:50I've got a feeling we might be able to do something with this.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53And, you know, there's lots of plants,
0:04:53 > 0:04:56although I think too many and they need thinning out but,
0:04:56 > 0:05:00you know, it's got the main bones of something really interesting.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03'That's what I like to hear.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06'And a week later, Danny's packed his waders and is back with me
0:05:06 > 0:05:07'to meet the couple.'
0:05:07 > 0:05:10- Danny.- Hello, Helen. - Hanging by the pond.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14- This is Andy and Richard. - Hello, Richard.- Hiya, hi.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17- Hello, Andy.- This is Andy. - Hello, Danny. Good to see you.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20So, this is a huge garden, how are you finding it?
0:05:20 > 0:05:22It was all fine for a couple of years.
0:05:22 > 0:05:23Now it's more of a challenge.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26- Because you had a brain aneurysm? - Yes.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28- Requiring some quite big surgery, I imagine?- Yeah.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30I've got two platinum coils in my head
0:05:30 > 0:05:34that keep my brain together and that's kept me going,
0:05:34 > 0:05:37and apparently I'm fully fit and OK now.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39But that's for Richard to tell you.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42- Yeah.- He seems pretty sparky from where we're standing.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44- He is, yeah, he's much better now. - What about you?
0:05:44 > 0:05:46- How are things for you at the minute?- Good.
0:05:46 > 0:05:47I'm on the way back now.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50The cancer's gone and I'm just in remission, so it's really good.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53But being in remission must mean that kind of affects how fit and
0:05:53 > 0:05:55strong you are, and able to take on a garden like this.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57Very much so. I mean, when we moved here,
0:05:57 > 0:06:00I was fully fit and able. I was able to, you know,
0:06:00 > 0:06:02to look after the place very well.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05Now, my strength is quite depleted and
0:06:05 > 0:06:07I may not ever get back to full fitness again,
0:06:07 > 0:06:10- which is why we need help. - But it would be nice to see
0:06:10 > 0:06:12this garden really reach its potential, wouldn't it?
0:06:12 > 0:06:13Absolutely, that's why, yeah.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16Let's turn our attention to this pond, then.
0:06:16 > 0:06:17What do you make of it, Danny?
0:06:17 > 0:06:19I think it's great but it is neglected.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22- It needs some work.- Definitely. - As you can see,
0:06:22 > 0:06:25it's massively overgrown, so really it's just up to us
0:06:25 > 0:06:28- to get in there and sort it out. - Yes. That'll be good.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31What would you like to see from the pond?
0:06:31 > 0:06:34Really it's always been designated as a wildlife pond
0:06:34 > 0:06:38and the bottom part of our land is covered by SSSI.
0:06:38 > 0:06:42- So SSSI is Site of Special... BOTH:- Scientific Interest.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45Yes. There are rare dragonfly species down there,
0:06:45 > 0:06:49one called the white-faced darter, so we've always wanted to encourage
0:06:49 > 0:06:52the wildlife to sort of come up the garden so that we can see it.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55- Yeah.- So this pond would be a really good addition to do that.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58I know you are semiretired, but you've got one more day of work
0:06:58 > 0:07:00ahead of you today, Andy. We're going to leave you
0:07:00 > 0:07:02in Danny's capable hands to help out with the pond.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04Richard and I will get out of your hair.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06We'll go and do some shopping for you though.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09We will, of course, help. Anything you need in particular?
0:07:09 > 0:07:12- Whatever's in the book.- OK. - The usual.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14The usual? A floating garden?
0:07:14 > 0:07:16Floating garden?
0:07:16 > 0:07:19- That's an interesting puzzle. - I think I know a place.- Yeah? OK.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21All right. Well, we'll let you guys crack on.
0:07:21 > 0:07:22- See you.- See you later.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- Thanks, bye.- See you later. - HELEN SIGHS
0:07:25 > 0:07:28'While Richard and I make ourselves scarce,
0:07:28 > 0:07:31'Danny has a plan in mind to transform this poorly pond.'
0:07:33 > 0:07:36We're going to make this into a lovely wildlife pond.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38It needs rejuvenating.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42We're going to clear it of all the debris that's floating around.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46In the pond, we're going to put a little array of aquatic plants,
0:07:46 > 0:07:49so there's going to be lilies going in here, for example,
0:07:49 > 0:07:51and we're going to add some bog plants
0:07:51 > 0:07:54just around the perimeter over there.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56This pond needs definition
0:07:56 > 0:07:59and it also needs a sense of place in this garden.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04I'm going to put some architecture at this end of the pond
0:08:04 > 0:08:08in the form of large posts which we're going to paint a funky colour.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11It's going to look absolutely wonderful.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14I'm going to have a path swinging around here,
0:08:14 > 0:08:17following the contours of the pond
0:08:17 > 0:08:20and on either side we're going to have lovely plants.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24And this path is going to swing in to about here,
0:08:24 > 0:08:27and we're going to have a bench for Andy and Richard to sit
0:08:27 > 0:08:30and just watch the wildlife.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34Now, this is very interesting, it looks like the remnants of a fence
0:08:34 > 0:08:36and I've got an idea for these.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40I'm going to use them as stepping stones amongst the gravel.
0:08:40 > 0:08:45And over here, we're going to build a lovely jetty
0:08:45 > 0:08:47which is going to go across the water
0:08:47 > 0:08:50and what that's going to do is take you into the pond,
0:08:50 > 0:08:52take you over the pond
0:08:52 > 0:08:57and this is another area where Andy and Richard can come and relax.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00So Danny plans to restore this pond to good health
0:09:00 > 0:09:01with a thorough clear-out
0:09:01 > 0:09:04and the addition of oxygenating aquatic plants.
0:09:04 > 0:09:09A bold sculpture of large posts will provide a striking focal point,
0:09:09 > 0:09:14with a gravel path and a new plant bed adding further definition.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16This will lead to two viewing points,
0:09:16 > 0:09:19a small bench and a large timber jetty.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25But with just one day to create this eye-catching wildlife haven,
0:09:25 > 0:09:28there won't be any time to sit and admire the view just yet.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32Fortunately, Danny has AJ on hand to take care of the carpentry,
0:09:32 > 0:09:36along with sidekicks Luke and Amyrose.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39And reluctant gardener Andy has roped in friends
0:09:39 > 0:09:42Dave and Sarah to help tackle that pond.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47Someone needs to get in that pond
0:09:47 > 0:09:49- cos we need to clear all that debris out.- OK.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51We should have a vote on that, shouldn't we?
0:09:51 > 0:09:53- I vote for Danny.- Yeah, do you...? - SARAH:- I vote for Danny.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56- That's a full house, Danny. - You haven't voted yet.
0:09:56 > 0:09:57Oh, yes, I have.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59THEY LAUGH
0:09:59 > 0:10:01- I can't swim.- So it's me, then? Nor can I!
0:10:01 > 0:10:04- Nor can I.- We'll keep an eye, I promise.- You'll keep an eye?
0:10:04 > 0:10:07- We'll send up a flare.- OK. Thank you very much.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09Any idea how deep that pond is?
0:10:09 > 0:10:11I can tell you it's variable.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15It's from a couple of feet to something over four feet,
0:10:15 > 0:10:18but I couldn't tell you because I've not been in.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21Could it be over 5'9"?
0:10:21 > 0:10:23It, it could be.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25But I don't know, but you'll find out.
0:10:28 > 0:10:29Poor Danny is a bit outnumbered,
0:10:29 > 0:10:32but at least he's not getting wet just yet.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36- Because I'm going to be going in there...- Yeah.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38- ..I want to see where I'm going. - Yeah.
0:10:38 > 0:10:40- Because I don't know how deep that is.- All right.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42So what we're going to do,
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- we're going to gradually go from the edge of the bank.- Yeah.
0:10:45 > 0:10:50Clearing out your pond costs nothing, but can make an instant improvement
0:10:50 > 0:10:54to both its appearance and its healthiness as a wildlife resource.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56But remember, it's important to pile up the debris
0:10:56 > 0:11:01in a safe place nearby. This will allow any wildlife, like frogs,
0:11:01 > 0:11:03a chance to get back to the water.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05Although in its current stagnant state,
0:11:05 > 0:11:07that's not an inviting prospect.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09It smells absolutely rancid.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12DANNY LAUGHS
0:11:15 > 0:11:18And the stubborn pond has already claimed a victim.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22Danny. We have one broken rake.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25Oh, is it your muscles that's caused this
0:11:25 > 0:11:26or is it because it's thick?
0:11:26 > 0:11:28I think that's because it's thick, not my muscles.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32- That shows that we've got our work cut out, doesn't it?- Yeah.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36Up at the house, AJ's got quite a job on his hands as well,
0:11:36 > 0:11:37building that jetty.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39But at least he's nice and dry.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44If you imagine the pond is sort of like a rectangle shape, like this...
0:11:45 > 0:11:48..triangle across the one corner there
0:11:48 > 0:11:50is where the jetty's going to go.
0:11:50 > 0:11:55So I'm using the thicker wood here, mainly for the strength,
0:11:55 > 0:12:00so it can then be just anchored down either side of the pond,
0:12:00 > 0:12:02so then there doesn't have to be anything in the middle
0:12:02 > 0:12:05of this timber that will go into the pond,
0:12:05 > 0:12:08potentially puncturing the pond liner.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10Right, then, that's the last piece cut.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13Now it's just a matter of screwing it together.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17Meanwhile, Danny's avoiding getting into the pond
0:12:17 > 0:12:19just a little bit longer.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22He's helping Dave cut back the overhanging trees so that
0:12:22 > 0:12:26in the future, fewer old leaves will find their way into the water.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29I know that I'm going to take out those two lower branches there,
0:12:29 > 0:12:32I can see them, the one nearest to us, the one just behind it.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35- Yeah.- And I think that will more or less be it for this tree
0:12:35 > 0:12:38and then we just repeat the process for the other one.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46And then just let that drop.
0:12:46 > 0:12:51Make sure you do little, short, sharp strokes like this...
0:12:51 > 0:12:55because if this slips out like this and you go back,
0:12:55 > 0:12:57you could blend the blade and break it.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05- I think I need my energy for other things.- I think you do.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08- So can I leave this with...- Leave it with me.- ..you for the time being?
0:13:08 > 0:13:11- Leave it with me, Danny.- OK.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15Well, you'd better be quick, AJ's going great guns with that jetty.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19Now the framework's done,
0:13:19 > 0:13:23we're going to use scaff planks as the actual deck.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25So I'm going to start off with the long one in the middle,
0:13:25 > 0:13:28directly straight down, get that in place,
0:13:28 > 0:13:31screw it into the joist, and on this end,
0:13:31 > 0:13:34we're going to have them sort of offset a little bit
0:13:34 > 0:13:36to make it look more like a boardwalk.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38You could buy decking boards for this jetty,
0:13:38 > 0:13:42but recycling second-hand scaffolding boards saves cash
0:13:42 > 0:13:46and gives a nice chunky, rustic look.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48We can just test the strength of it.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50I think this'll be...
0:13:51 > 0:13:52..be quite good.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57Hope Danny's pleased with this.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00I think Danny's got other things on his mind at the moment.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05I'm not looking forward to going in this pond, I must admit.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09I can't swim for a start, so I hope it's not too deep.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11Anyway, here we go.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14While Danny prepares to get his feet wet
0:14:14 > 0:14:18and Andy gets his hands dirty, I'm taking his other half Richard
0:14:18 > 0:14:20off for a spot of garden inspiration.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24Who does the gardening, is it you or Andy?
0:14:24 > 0:14:25We share it, really.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28I can do things like weeding and things like that,
0:14:28 > 0:14:30and Andy tends to help me with the heavy stuff.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33So we have a good partnership, really, we share it.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36I guess you need to be a team to tackle a garden of that size
0:14:36 > 0:14:39- because it is massive, isn't it? - Yeah, yeah, we are a good team.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42I think that's why we've been together for such a long time.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46We are heading to a place that I think you're going to like.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48I think it has the kind of atmosphere
0:14:48 > 0:14:50that you guys are going for.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53It certainly has the wildlife you're going for, so fingers crossed
0:14:53 > 0:14:55we can get some inspiration and pinch some ideas.
0:14:55 > 0:14:56That sounds good.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01Kingstown Wildlife Pond is a green oasis and a haven
0:15:01 > 0:15:03for wildlife on the edge of Carlisle.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06In fact, you can just about hear the hum of the A7
0:15:06 > 0:15:08among the bird calls and buzzing insects.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14So, Richard, this is what is referred to as a green corridor
0:15:14 > 0:15:15for the wildlife.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18It links two different parts of the nature reserve, so it means
0:15:18 > 0:15:22that wildlife can make it from one area to another quite safely.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24But what, for me, is bizarre about this place,
0:15:24 > 0:15:28it's right next door to a very busy industrial estate.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31- Did you know this was here? - I had no idea it was here at all.
0:15:31 > 0:15:32But it's incredible, isn't it?
0:15:32 > 0:15:35It is lovely, a very peaceful place to come and visit.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39But also very practical for wildlife because plenty of places -
0:15:39 > 0:15:43- fallen logs, fallen twigs - for them to seek them shelter.- Yeah.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46And a nice cycle track and walking path for people like us.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48Yes, it's brilliant.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52'There's a particular reason I've brought Richard here
0:15:52 > 0:15:54'to this peaceful spot.'
0:15:54 > 0:15:56Here we have...
0:15:56 > 0:15:59a wildlife pond, right on the edge of the city.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02- What do you think of this? - It's an amazing place.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05The first thing I noticed is that it has actually got some water in it,
0:16:05 > 0:16:08which... Our pond has got a little bit of water,
0:16:08 > 0:16:10but I think the plants have just overtaken it so much,
0:16:10 > 0:16:12it'd be nice to have some open water in our pond
0:16:12 > 0:16:15because that's what we need. In the winter, there's a little bit
0:16:15 > 0:16:19but in the summer, it just tends to be solid iris, really.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21So that's why it needs to be cleared.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24This is the vision that we actually had for the wildlife pond,
0:16:24 > 0:16:27with clear water in the centre,
0:16:27 > 0:16:29good vegetation around the edge for the wildlife
0:16:29 > 0:16:32and somewhere to sit and watch and get really close to the wildlife,
0:16:32 > 0:16:36so if we can get anywhere near this, it would be great.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38No pressure, Danny.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41Back in the garden, it looks like this pond has a long way to go
0:16:41 > 0:16:44before it reaches full fitness.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46Danny's got to get in it first.
0:16:46 > 0:16:51And Sarah's making sure he's well secured before he does that.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54So, Sarah, where did you learn to tie a knot like that?
0:16:54 > 0:16:56I used to work at Outward Bound on the Lake District,
0:16:56 > 0:16:58it's what brought me up from London in the first place, really.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01- Right.- So I used to be a bit of a climbing instructor.- Oh, did you?
0:17:01 > 0:17:04- Yeah.- Excellent. That is really reassuring now.- Good.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06- I'm feeling a lot more confident... - You'll be all right.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08- ..about getting in that pond. - Yeah, you'll be all right.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11Well, I never thought I would see Danny on a tight leash,
0:17:11 > 0:17:15but it's a good reminder not to tackle any pond job alone.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17With no idea how deep the water is,
0:17:17 > 0:17:21Danny's certainly in need of a helping hand.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23So Luke's holding on to me here.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26Right, OK.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31That is deep.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33I don't think I should be doing this.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35Look, that's still going.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39I think that might be the bottom.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41So although I would like to wade in to the middle of the pond,
0:17:41 > 0:17:45it's not going to be possible, just from a safety point of view.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48If I go in there, who knows?
0:17:48 > 0:17:51I might just keep sinking and sinking and sinking.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53So I'm going to work from here.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00Even though the middle of the pond is a no-go zone,
0:18:00 > 0:18:02with our Danny, every problem brings a solution.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07While I'm doing this, I've just come up with an idea.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10It's an idea that's going to save us a little bit of time as well,
0:18:10 > 0:18:13so it's quite a plus, really.
0:18:13 > 0:18:17And I'm thinking maybe treat this as an island
0:18:17 > 0:18:20and make this into a wildlife haven.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24I think we'll put some logs on here and, you know,
0:18:24 > 0:18:30that'll attract the birds and the bees and the insects, etc.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34I think we can make this into, like, a little floating hotel.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37A bug hotel - great idea, Danny!
0:18:37 > 0:18:40You never know, it might even attract those dragonflies.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43And Danny's good work isn't going unnoticed.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45You've got a smile on your face, Andy.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47Well, I'm enjoying watching a man work.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49- You're doing a great job, so thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52- I'm enjoying it.- Thanks for the support, Andy.- Indeed.
0:18:52 > 0:18:53I shall watch from afar.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00AJ's arrived with his jetty frame,
0:19:00 > 0:19:03or maybe he just wants to enjoy the view as well.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07I see there's some rare wildlife in the pond there.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09Are you referring to me?
0:19:09 > 0:19:12Yeah. Yeah, very rare. Very unique.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16But do you know what? This rare wildlife needs to be preserved.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18- It does.- So could you help get me out, please?
0:19:18 > 0:19:20Do I have to?
0:19:22 > 0:19:23Anyone got a knife?
0:19:24 > 0:19:27Behave yourself, AJ!
0:19:27 > 0:19:29So Danny's taking a break from the water
0:19:29 > 0:19:32and marking out where he wants the new gravel path to go.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41- AJ.- Mm.- This is looking really good, mate.- Thank you.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43Got to raise it this side, get it level.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46- Yeah, it's nice and solid-looking. - Go on, try it.- I tell you what,
0:19:46 > 0:19:48- I'll try it when you're finished, how's that?- All right.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51- I'll catch up with you later. - Yeah, see you in a bit.- Cheers.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53- One.- SARAH:- To you.- There we go.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55Up by the house, Andy and Sarah have discovered
0:19:55 > 0:20:00Danny's rather funky colour choice for his larch posts.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02I think Richard is going to find this quite interesting...
0:20:02 > 0:20:04- Definitely.- ..as a colour. - I agree with you...
0:20:04 > 0:20:06- But we shall see. - ..on that entirely.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08Now, I take Danny's point about being a focal point
0:20:08 > 0:20:12- and I take his point that we'll be able to see it...- Definitely.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14..and we'll certainly be able to see it.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18And, er, but I shall leave judgment to that to Richard, that's fine.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20- That's what I'm going to do. We shall see.- Yeah.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22We shall indeed.
0:20:23 > 0:20:24Ooh-ooh.
0:20:24 > 0:20:25Way... Way-way-way!
0:20:25 > 0:20:27But Danny's still got more heavy lifting to do
0:20:27 > 0:20:29before the creative bit can start.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31Right, let's clear some of this out.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36'If Danny ever makes it through the debris, I'm hoping there'll
0:20:36 > 0:20:41'eventually be a lovely pond for the boys to enjoy and maintain.'
0:20:41 > 0:20:43So, Richard, this is a pond and a half, isn't it?
0:20:43 > 0:20:44It certainly is, yeah.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46'Over at Kingstown Wildlife Pond,
0:20:46 > 0:20:49'I'm keen for Richard to get some tips on how to do just that
0:20:49 > 0:20:52'with Green Spaces manager Phil Gray.'
0:20:52 > 0:20:55- Phil. Sorry to interrupt. - No, don't worry.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58- Nice fishing net.- Thank you! - Tell us about this pond.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00How do you get to a point like this?
0:21:00 > 0:21:03We manage it to keep it as a pond.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06We've got to maintain plenty of sunlight getting onto
0:21:06 > 0:21:08the water surface, plenty of open water
0:21:08 > 0:21:11and marginal vegetation,
0:21:11 > 0:21:15vegetation around the edges of the pond that is a habitat
0:21:15 > 0:21:17in itself for small creatures that live there.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21So how do you stop the vegetation from getting too much in the pond?
0:21:21 > 0:21:24A way to keep it under control is to physically get in there
0:21:24 > 0:21:28in the wintertime and remove it by hand, in a small garden pond.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31We've got to physically remove some of the vegetation
0:21:31 > 0:21:34that would otherwise gradually fill up the pond
0:21:34 > 0:21:36and eventually turn it back into a woodland.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39- That's all ponds really want to be - woodlands.- Yeah, OK.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42- So you have to stay on top of that constantly.- Yeah, exactly,
0:21:42 > 0:21:46and that's part of the art of pond maintenance,
0:21:46 > 0:21:47on a pond of this size.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50Garden ponds are, generally speaking, easier to manage
0:21:50 > 0:21:52- because they're smaller. - In terms of the vegetation,
0:21:52 > 0:21:55what are the key plants, or best plants at bringing wildlife
0:21:55 > 0:21:56to a pond like this?
0:21:56 > 0:22:00Well, you need stuff in the water itself, so water plants
0:22:00 > 0:22:04that then oxygenate the water from the bottom of the pond,
0:22:04 > 0:22:07as it were, and what we call emergent plants,
0:22:07 > 0:22:09plants that grow with their roots in the water
0:22:09 > 0:22:13and then emerge out of it, like these yellow flag irises here.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15We've got bulrush here, the tall ones,
0:22:15 > 0:22:19that people will recognise from ponds, which are great.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22We've just seen some small birds taking the seeds from the seed heads
0:22:22 > 0:22:26of those, so they perform all sorts of functions in ecological terms.
0:22:26 > 0:22:32But they are very invasive, so you have those in a small pond,
0:22:32 > 0:22:36- every year, you'll have to take out enough...- OK.- ..to keep open water
0:22:36 > 0:22:38because they're very quick at colonising.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40OK, that's a good tip.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43If you get the management right and you get the plants right,
0:22:43 > 0:22:45what can you hope to attract to a pond like this?
0:22:45 > 0:22:48Well, the main things in a pond like this, I guess, Helen,
0:22:48 > 0:22:52are the small creatures, things like frogs and toads and newts
0:22:52 > 0:22:54and all sorts of insects.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56Pond beetles, there's dragonflies
0:22:56 > 0:22:59and it's fabulous in the summer to see a dragonfly nymph,
0:22:59 > 0:23:02as you can see them coming out of the water
0:23:02 > 0:23:05and climbing up a stem of a plant like this,
0:23:05 > 0:23:08and then hatching out into the adult dragonfly.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12It's just magical and that's the beauty of ponds.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14I mean, they're great for wildlife
0:23:14 > 0:23:15but they're great for people as well. Yeah.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18- I suspect that's music to your ears, Richard.- It is because
0:23:18 > 0:23:20that's what we want to actually achieve,
0:23:20 > 0:23:23to bring some dragonflies into the pond, that's what we're aiming for.
0:23:23 > 0:23:24Excellent, yeah.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27There are lots of ways to encourage wildlife into your garden,
0:23:27 > 0:23:29pond or no pond.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33Leave a bit of your lawn untrimmed, this will encourage butterflies,
0:23:33 > 0:23:37as they like to lay their eggs in tall grass.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39A well-stocked bird feeder is a sure-fire way
0:23:39 > 0:23:43to bring colourful guests to visit as well.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46And if you have a fence, make a hole in it to allow hedgehogs
0:23:46 > 0:23:50and frogs into your garden, but make sure it's no bigger than a CD case
0:23:50 > 0:23:52if you'd rather keep foxes out.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56Back at Richard and Andy's plot,
0:23:56 > 0:23:58we're halfway through the day already.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00Although the jetty is taking shape,
0:24:00 > 0:24:04the rest of Danny's ambitious design is emerging more slowly
0:24:04 > 0:24:08as he continues to plough through that pongy pond muck.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10You're doing a grand job.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12I mean, you are doing, all seriousness,
0:24:12 > 0:24:14it's a dirty job but somebody's got to do it.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16Yeah. And it wasn't going to be you, was it?
0:24:16 > 0:24:19Once I get this in the ground a bit, I'll come in and help you.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22- Yeah, but I'll be finished by then. - That's what I'm hoping.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29At least the end is almost in sight, Danny.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32So that's the island complete.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36I've got water going round this little bit of land here.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38Yeah, really pleased, it's really taking shape.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41Just get this last clump out for the time being
0:24:41 > 0:24:45and I'm going to take a little rest because I think I deserve it.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47I think you do.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49The last bit is always the heaviest, isn't it?
0:24:49 > 0:24:51DANNY GROANS
0:24:51 > 0:24:54Time for a spot of delegation, I think.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56Andy, what would be great would be some more edging here.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58- We're a bit low on it.- Mm-hm.
0:24:58 > 0:24:59Do you think you can get some for me?
0:24:59 > 0:25:02- I think I know just the place where to go, yeah.- OK, brilliant.
0:25:02 > 0:25:03Yeah, yeah. How much do you want?
0:25:03 > 0:25:08Well, I need enough to kind of go into this edge here.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11- OK. That'll keep me busy.- Yep. Keep you busy for a while, OK.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13- Right, off I go. - See you later.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15- OK, I'm going to go.- Cheers, bye.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18Richard and Andy have foraging rights on this neighbouring land,
0:25:18 > 0:25:21meaning they can take away old wood.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24Always check with the landowner before removing anything
0:25:24 > 0:25:27from woodland spots like this.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31Danny's thoughts have turned to his eye-catching timber sculpture.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33That's going to go in the ground here
0:25:33 > 0:25:35and I'm using larch posts,
0:25:35 > 0:25:40so I'm just going to signpost where I want the holes to be.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42I'm just doing them a bit off-centre...
0:25:43 > 0:25:46..so it doesn't look too contrived.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49I kind of want it to look like someone's thrown the posts up
0:25:49 > 0:25:52in the air and we've put them in the ground
0:25:52 > 0:25:54exactly where they land.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57'Let's hope Richard and Andy agree with that element of chaos.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02'Certainly their new life in Cumbria hasn't gone to plan
0:26:02 > 0:26:05'and I want to find out more from Richard about the challenges
0:26:05 > 0:26:08'they've faced since moving in.'
0:26:08 > 0:26:10You're five years into your Cumbrian dream,
0:26:10 > 0:26:13a few unexpected surprises when you got here
0:26:13 > 0:26:17- because you were both in good health when you moved up to Cumbria.- Yeah.
0:26:17 > 0:26:18Then Andy got ill.
0:26:18 > 0:26:22Yes, that was a really scary six months while that was all happening.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25- For both of you. - For both of us, yeah.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28- And then following that...- Yes.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30- ..you got diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.- Yep.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33I was ill and the doctors were finding it really difficult
0:26:33 > 0:26:35to pinpoint what was wrong.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38Eventually they sent me for a scan and found it.
0:26:38 > 0:26:42I had to go into hospital and have a really massive operation.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45I was lucky that they picked it up when they did.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48- So you are in remission... - Yes.- ..now. Great news.- Yes.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51Physically, you are a very different man now, aren't you?
0:26:51 > 0:26:54I'm not as strong as I used to be.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56Yeah, I've lost over 5st in weight through ill health,
0:26:56 > 0:26:58not a recommended diet.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00But having been through what you've been through,
0:27:00 > 0:27:03how did that affect you both?
0:27:03 > 0:27:06We sort of, we came up here to live the dream really
0:27:06 > 0:27:10and we felt that our dreams had been put on hold and
0:27:10 > 0:27:14it left us very uncertain about the future and about, you know,
0:27:14 > 0:27:17whether our health was going to stand up to it, really.
0:27:17 > 0:27:22So, yeah, it was a difficult time but we're through that now.
0:27:22 > 0:27:24How important is gardening to you?
0:27:24 > 0:27:26It's been one of the things that's got me through the illness,
0:27:26 > 0:27:28to be honest. When I was in hospital,
0:27:28 > 0:27:31Andy used to bring me my garden magazine every week
0:27:31 > 0:27:34and it just helped me get through knowing that
0:27:34 > 0:27:37when I got out of hospital, I could do that and I could plan that
0:27:37 > 0:27:40and that we could carry on with our dream.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44We might have to change the dream and adapt it to suit.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47And when I got out of hospital,
0:27:47 > 0:27:49going into the garden with everything,
0:27:49 > 0:27:51it was a massive part of my recovery.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54And having been through what you've both been through,
0:27:54 > 0:27:58how nice would it be to have somewhere to sit and reflect,
0:27:58 > 0:28:02- recuperate, look forward? - Sitting by a pond would be lovely,
0:28:02 > 0:28:04because we both like watching wildlife
0:28:04 > 0:28:08and it would just be a great place to chill out really.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11Well, hopefully we can kick-start that and get that back on track.
0:28:11 > 0:28:12We're never going to get it finished though
0:28:12 > 0:28:15- if we don't go and get what's on Danny's shopping list.- No.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18- So to the garden centre, I think, Richard.- OK. Thank you.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20A floating garden...
0:28:21 > 0:28:24'Yes, time is ticking on and back at the garden,
0:28:24 > 0:28:28'there are only a few hours left to get this pond shipshape.
0:28:28 > 0:28:30'It's all happening.'
0:28:30 > 0:28:32This is what I like to see, men at work.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34It's a hive of activity.
0:28:34 > 0:28:40Dave's over there, sawing up the logs for the edging for the path.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43Luke's just started up the hole borer machine.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49And Phil's doing the edging for the flower bed, so the flower bed
0:28:49 > 0:28:53is going to sweep round here and follow the contour of the path.
0:28:54 > 0:28:58And AJ, AJ's obviously ahead of time because, look,
0:28:58 > 0:28:59he's just relaxing there.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02So he seems pretty pleased with himself
0:29:02 > 0:29:04and pretty pleased with progress.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07But I've got to do my least favourite bit,
0:29:07 > 0:29:11I've got to get in that freezing cold pond.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14Aw, Danny, hopefully this is the last time.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17I actually think you're starting to like those waders.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27Hello, Dave. I'm just going to make a bug hotel here.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30So if you could pass me those pieces of birch.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35- That's great. Mind you don't fall in.- No.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37And I shall stack them neatly.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44Stacking bits of wood anywhere in your garden is a simple and free way
0:29:44 > 0:29:47to attract insects, which in turn will attract birds
0:29:47 > 0:29:49and other wildlife.
0:29:49 > 0:29:51Well, I'm happy with that
0:29:51 > 0:29:53and I hope the bugs and the insects are too.
0:29:56 > 0:30:00AJ is getting his hands dirty trying to fix his jetty framework in place.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03I'm trying to dig down deep enough
0:30:03 > 0:30:07to get a nice pole post in there still,
0:30:07 > 0:30:10but, of course, cos I'm going lower than the water level there,
0:30:10 > 0:30:13the water's coming in, but that's not a problem,
0:30:13 > 0:30:16that will help with setting the cement.
0:30:16 > 0:30:20And the larch posts have been cemented in. No going back now.
0:30:21 > 0:30:22I think that looks brilliant.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24Do you know what?
0:30:24 > 0:30:26This might be in the Tate Modern next year.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30Whisper it...
0:30:30 > 0:30:32but this is starting to come together.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35Now all it needs is moisture-loving plants.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41This pond has given me the opportunity
0:30:41 > 0:30:44to plant an array of gorgeous plants.
0:30:44 > 0:30:46Like this hosta, for example,
0:30:46 > 0:30:49that's got this bluish tinge to its leaf.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51These hostas will thrive here
0:30:51 > 0:30:54because they like the damp conditions.
0:30:54 > 0:30:59Zantedeschia, an absolutely gorgeous plant and I love them.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01They've got this exotic look
0:31:01 > 0:31:04and I'm going to bring a touch of the tropics
0:31:04 > 0:31:08to this part of the country, and they are surprisingly hardy
0:31:08 > 0:31:12so you can grow them virtually anywhere in this country.
0:31:12 > 0:31:14They're absolutely wonderful.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19While those plants go in, how about that funky paint?
0:31:19 > 0:31:22Definitely more shocking pink than red, I'd say.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24Well, I certainly think it's different.
0:31:24 > 0:31:29I'll be very interested to see the contrast when we step away from it.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31So, yeah, it's certainly going to be a focal point
0:31:31 > 0:31:34and we'll certainly be able to see it from the house.
0:31:34 > 0:31:38'Richard certainly has a surprise in store when he gets home.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41'But we need to get a wriggle on with our end of the deal,
0:31:41 > 0:31:45'fulfilling Danny's unusual shopping request for a floating garden.'
0:31:45 > 0:31:47So have you ever heard of a floating garden?
0:31:47 > 0:31:50Never heard of a floating garden. I've got some ideas though.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52Good.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55At least one of us does! RICHARD CHUCKLES
0:31:55 > 0:31:58'I'm not afraid to admit I'm a bit out of my depth with this one.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01'Hopefully Carolynn at the local garden centre can help.'
0:32:03 > 0:32:06- Carolynn.- Oh, hello. How are you? - This is Richard.- Hello.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09- How are you doing?- Hiya. - We are after a floating garden.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12- Do you know what a floating garden is?- No.- Right.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14A floating garden is a container that actually
0:32:14 > 0:32:17floats on your pond with moisture-loving plants in it.
0:32:17 > 0:32:21Get different colours of plants, different types, just floats around.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23- Sounds good.- Yeah?- Yeah. - Something different.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26- How do we make one of those? - Right, I'll show you what you need.
0:32:26 > 0:32:27- OK.- Yeah.
0:32:27 > 0:32:29First off, we need a suitable container.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32- These are specially designed.- OK.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35This is made out of polystyrene so this is going to float.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38And this is like a weed-retaining fabric, so it lets the water in.
0:32:38 > 0:32:39And what do we put in there?
0:32:39 > 0:32:42Right, first off, in there you would have to put potting grit...
0:32:42 > 0:32:44- Right.- ..because that's going to add to drainage.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47I think it's amazing, I've never seen one of these before.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49I think that's going to be really good on the pond, actually.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51- It's a fun idea, isn't it? - It's a really fun idea.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54- Next, you're going to need soil. This is aquatic soil.- Right.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57Which is slightly different to what your normal compost would be.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59So why do you need aquatic soil?
0:32:59 > 0:33:02It's free of harmful chemicals and fertilisers
0:33:02 > 0:33:05- that sort of make algae bloom in your pond.- OK.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07So we've got some grit, we've got some soil,
0:33:07 > 0:33:10- we've got a base, all we need now are plants.- Just plants, yeah.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12- OK?- Yeah.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14While we look for treasures to fill our little floaters,
0:33:14 > 0:33:18the garden team are hard at work filling that new bed.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21There are only two hours to go now, but after a lot of banging,
0:33:21 > 0:33:25AJ's rather lovely-looking jetty is finally complete.
0:33:28 > 0:33:29Voila!
0:33:29 > 0:33:34One pontoon deck over the water done.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37But, of course, his work isn't done yet - oh, no.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41He's putting together Richard and Andy's second viewing point,
0:33:41 > 0:33:44a wooden bench made from some useful leftovers.
0:33:44 > 0:33:48I'm going to use these four pieces of wood here for the legs
0:33:48 > 0:33:50and the scaff board in the middle there.
0:33:50 > 0:33:54What we'll do is get the bracing bars
0:33:54 > 0:33:58that go between these legs in here and in here.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06I'm just marking these, so then I'll cut into these legs.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09So this piece of wood here will be inserted slightly,
0:34:09 > 0:34:12so some of the weight, the pressure coming down
0:34:12 > 0:34:15when we're sitting on it is actually taken by the actual whole leg.
0:34:18 > 0:34:20You could just screw in a couple of screws,
0:34:20 > 0:34:23but they'll get really sort of weak.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25Wood on wood is the best strength going.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30And there we go.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32So then I've just got to do the other three legs
0:34:32 > 0:34:35and then we can start screwing it together.
0:34:35 > 0:34:36The materials cost nothing
0:34:36 > 0:34:39and this will be brilliantly in keeping with the rustic setting.
0:34:39 > 0:34:43Only half an hour to make, but this bench is built to last.
0:34:45 > 0:34:47There it is, you've got the legs, the cross beams
0:34:47 > 0:34:49and then this bit here in the middle,
0:34:49 > 0:34:51which is obviously joining the legs together,
0:34:51 > 0:34:56is also going to support the actual seat so it doesn't, like, bow.
0:34:56 > 0:34:58While AJ gets busy with his bench,
0:34:58 > 0:35:01Danny is making use of that newly-revealed open water
0:35:01 > 0:35:04by popping in some pond-loving plants.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07Every pond has got to have a waterlily,
0:35:07 > 0:35:08without a shadow of a doubt.
0:35:08 > 0:35:12And these plants, they provide shelter and shade
0:35:12 > 0:35:15for all the creatures that will inhabit this pond.
0:35:15 > 0:35:17It's going to sink.
0:35:17 > 0:35:19But it won't go down too deep
0:35:19 > 0:35:22and eventually, the leaves will find their way to the surface.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25To make sure they'll have room to breathe in this pond,
0:35:25 > 0:35:28Danny's got some oxygenating plants.
0:35:28 > 0:35:32These help keep the water fresh and keep algae at bay.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35So what I'm going to do is just place this over the water
0:35:35 > 0:35:38and just let it sink...
0:35:38 > 0:35:40gently in and then that will find its own way.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45Meanwhile, Richard and I are busy with pond plants too.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48We're at the garden centre where Carolynn is helping us
0:35:48 > 0:35:51pick out the final ingredients for our floating garden.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54Right, this is our plant section.
0:35:54 > 0:35:55What would you recommend?
0:35:55 > 0:35:58Right, you'll have to put moisture-loving plants in.
0:35:58 > 0:35:59Iris is a good one.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02You're going to get those lovely flowers on.
0:36:02 > 0:36:04It's a rhizomatous plant, this one.
0:36:04 > 0:36:06So that means it's going to send out rhizomes
0:36:06 > 0:36:08which you'll be able to chop up and make more of them.
0:36:08 > 0:36:10- More plants.- Yeah.- Great.
0:36:10 > 0:36:12- With a nice purple flower.- Yeah.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14- And your pond is quite green, isn't it?- It's very green.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17So to actually have some flower would be excellent.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20- Well, I've got the perfect thing for you.- OK.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23You need Lobelia cardinalis.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26- Right, this is going to grow to about a metre.- Right.- All right?
0:36:26 > 0:36:28And it's going to be stunning red flowers.
0:36:28 > 0:36:29- That sounds lovely. - Absolutely stunning.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32It's going to give you a bit of a wow factor, isn't it?
0:36:32 > 0:36:34- It will do.- OK, so shall we get a couple of those?
0:36:34 > 0:36:37- Oh, definitely, yeah.- Brilliant. - I know you said your pond's green,
0:36:37 > 0:36:39but I have an absolutely stunning plant here.
0:36:39 > 0:36:43This is called a Juncus and it's a twisted grass.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45- What do you think of that? - That's incredible.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48- Look at the twists!- Yeah. - That is so cool, isn't it?
0:36:48 > 0:36:52- Isn't that lovely?- That is really lovely.- Yeah, and it's so unusual.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55- Yeah.- Imagine that just floating about on the top of your pond.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58OK, well, let's pop one of those in because that's something different.
0:36:58 > 0:37:00- Carolynn, thank you so much for your help.- No problem at all.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03- Lovely to meet you.- Thank you very much.- Yeah, no problem.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06- That's great, thank you.- Thanks. - Bye-bye.- Cheers.- Bye now.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09'But our work isn't quite done yet it seems.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12'Danny's come up with an idea to set off those funky poles.'
0:37:14 > 0:37:15Hello?
0:37:15 > 0:37:18'Hello, Helen. It's Danny here.'
0:37:18 > 0:37:22I've just realised we're short on some contorted hazel.
0:37:22 > 0:37:24Contorted hazel, OK.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27- Could you get four for me? - Yep, I... Don't worry.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29- That's great.- 'Something I can do. All right.'
0:37:29 > 0:37:31All right, Helen, thank you very much.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33- Crack on.- See you later, bye.
0:37:33 > 0:37:34- Bye.- Bye.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37'We don't know why we're getting them,
0:37:37 > 0:37:39'but like a pair of deadly homing pigeons,
0:37:39 > 0:37:43'it doesn't take long for us to track down our targets.'
0:37:43 > 0:37:47- OK, contorted hazel.- OK.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50- How do you feel about these? - I think these are amazing.
0:37:50 > 0:37:54I've always wanted one actually, but never bought one, so...
0:37:54 > 0:37:58- Well, you're going to get four today.- ..to get four is a bonus.
0:37:58 > 0:38:00However you react at the end of the day,
0:38:00 > 0:38:03I'm going to take it as a good day because that's a good smile.
0:38:03 > 0:38:05- This is a good smile, yeah.- OK. - I love these.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08- Well, let's get them back and get them in the garden.- OK.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10Oh, I'm pleased you're happy.
0:38:10 > 0:38:12If you hate the rest of the garden, at least you like my bit.
0:38:12 > 0:38:13Yeah, it'll be good.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16'Only joking, Danny!
0:38:16 > 0:38:19'I have complete faith in you, of course.'
0:38:19 > 0:38:22This looks amazing!
0:38:22 > 0:38:24'But there's only an hour left now, so on my return,
0:38:24 > 0:38:27'I've left Richard hidden away in the house and come to lend a hand.'
0:38:27 > 0:38:30- I'll come and meet you halfway. - This looks amazing!
0:38:30 > 0:38:32Oh, you bought these. These are lovely, aren't they?
0:38:32 > 0:38:34- Is this what you wanted?- Yeah, they are exactly what I wanted.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37I don't really want to do any more, I just want to sit here
0:38:37 > 0:38:39- and take it all in. - Why don't you just sit here,
0:38:39 > 0:38:42- take it all in...- Because it's not finished!- ..while we carry on
0:38:42 > 0:38:44- with the work?- It's not finished. - I was giving you a get out there.
0:38:44 > 0:38:46You know me, I like to bish-bash-bosh, get it done.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48You like to get it done.
0:38:51 > 0:38:52'Everyone's mucking in now
0:38:52 > 0:38:55'and there are plants going in left, right and centre.'
0:38:58 > 0:39:00I love these lilies.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02I mean, they look really exotic, don't they?
0:39:02 > 0:39:04They're absolutely beautiful.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06I don't want to judge a book by its cover, but this looks
0:39:06 > 0:39:10- a bit too exotic...- Yeah. - ..to survive this Cumbrian climate.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12Yeah, they look exotic, they are hardy.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15I mean, they do die down in the winter.
0:39:15 > 0:39:16Let's move it up there.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18'With the lilies in their new home,
0:39:18 > 0:39:21'we can launch our other exotic additions.'
0:39:21 > 0:39:24- You're dying to do this bit, aren't you?- Yeah, I know.- So am I!
0:39:24 > 0:39:27- They're great. Shall we go, then? - Right.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29- This feels quite heavy.- Yeah.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32So there we go, just put it in gently and let's see what happens.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34- Let's hope it doesn't sink.- Race!
0:39:34 > 0:39:36- OK.- In fact, there you go.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39- Oh, that looks brill. - Oh, look at that.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41- Superb.- I love those.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44What's great about these is that you're going to have
0:39:44 > 0:39:46an ever-changing picture, aren't you?
0:39:46 > 0:39:48Because they're going to be floating around this pond, so
0:39:48 > 0:39:53they're not going to be in the same position all the time, which is cool.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55'And Danny is soon adding my other treats,
0:39:55 > 0:39:59'those contorted hazel to set off his pink posts.'
0:39:59 > 0:40:02They're going to give a bit of contrast with the form.
0:40:02 > 0:40:06Cos you've got these linear lines with the posts at the back,
0:40:06 > 0:40:09but these hazels, look,
0:40:09 > 0:40:12they're all twisted so it just gives a bit of contrast
0:40:12 > 0:40:14and also, just look at this lovely sort of yellowy,
0:40:14 > 0:40:16limey green flower.
0:40:16 > 0:40:20That will make a great contrast to what's going on behind.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23Just look at that, I think that looks absolutely beautiful.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26'It's taken a Herculean effort by the whole team
0:40:26 > 0:40:30'to get this pond in shape for Andy and Richard in just one day.'
0:40:30 > 0:40:33I'm getting the impression that Richard is not the kind to kind of
0:40:33 > 0:40:36dwell on what's gone on. I mean, he was as ill as it gets, wasn't he?
0:40:36 > 0:40:38- Yeah, he was.- Pretty much.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41He didn't know how much of the year he was going to see ahead,
0:40:41 > 0:40:44and he has done and he's on the mend, thank goodness.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47When he sits there and he looks around and he sees,
0:40:47 > 0:40:49- he will think to himself, "I may not have had this moment."- Yeah.
0:40:49 > 0:40:54- And he'll think that a lot over the next months and years ahead.- Yeah.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57'And here comes the final piece of the jigsaw.'
0:40:57 > 0:40:59Someone order a bench?
0:40:59 > 0:41:02AJ, I think that looks brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.
0:41:02 > 0:41:03- Come on, then. - I've got a great home for it.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05- Shall we get it down quickly?- Yeah.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08- Oh, look at that.- Whoa!
0:41:08 > 0:41:10- Solid.- Absolutely solid.
0:41:10 > 0:41:14- Just need to light the fire.- Yeah.
0:41:14 > 0:41:16Well, I think they deserve a sit down.
0:41:16 > 0:41:21Before today, this pond was clogged up, stagnant and unused,
0:41:21 > 0:41:23failing to attract many of the wonderful birds
0:41:23 > 0:41:26and insects of this corner of Cumbria.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30But after just one day, it's been transformed into a tranquil
0:41:30 > 0:41:33and inviting wildlife haven.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36Danny's breathed new life into the pond with a thorough clean-up
0:41:36 > 0:41:40and the addition of oxygenating plants.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43There's a welcoming bug hotel in the newly-formed island
0:41:43 > 0:41:47and a floating garden to provide ever-changing interest.
0:41:49 > 0:41:53The whole area has been given definition by the new gravel path,
0:41:53 > 0:41:56interspersed with old sleeper steps, which is lined
0:41:56 > 0:42:01with an array of plants that'll thrive in this soggy spot.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03Danny's striking timber and hazel sculpture
0:42:03 > 0:42:07is a welcoming beacon of colour in this corner of the garden.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09And AJ's recycled timber jetty
0:42:09 > 0:42:12provides the perfect spot for Richard and Andy
0:42:12 > 0:42:17to enjoy what will hopefully become home to an array of local wildlife.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20But what will discerning gardening Richard make of it all?
0:42:22 > 0:42:23I'm a little bit nervous.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25Do you think he's going to like it?
0:42:25 > 0:42:27- I think he'll love it. - Let's hope so.
0:42:29 > 0:42:33You may now look up and walk towards...
0:42:33 > 0:42:35What?
0:42:37 > 0:42:39That's unbelievable.
0:42:41 > 0:42:43Oh, my...!
0:42:43 > 0:42:44They've worked hard.
0:42:46 > 0:42:50That is phenomenal, honestly, that is amazing.
0:42:50 > 0:42:52- Thank you so much.- It's all right, my pleasure.
0:42:52 > 0:42:56Yeah, I'm feeling a bit cut up now so... No.
0:42:56 > 0:42:59I feel like you're a bit emotional, is that fair?
0:42:59 > 0:43:01Yeah, overwhelmed actually.
0:43:01 > 0:43:05Yeah, you've done just an amazing job.
0:43:05 > 0:43:06It's so brilliant. Thank you.
0:43:06 > 0:43:09- That's your viewing platform... - That's amazing, incredible.
0:43:09 > 0:43:12..to look, you know, over the pond and back at the house.
0:43:12 > 0:43:15- And those pink sticks over there. - Yeah.
0:43:15 > 0:43:17That's our little bit of architecture
0:43:17 > 0:43:21- to sort of draw your eye to this part of the garden.- It's lovely.
0:43:21 > 0:43:24How different is this part of the garden now, then?
0:43:24 > 0:43:25Well, it's completely different.
0:43:25 > 0:43:28You wouldn't think it was the same pond actually.
0:43:28 > 0:43:30It was unusable before, wasn't it?
0:43:30 > 0:43:33- And now it's a space that can be used and enjoyed.- Yeah.
0:43:33 > 0:43:36- And developed over time.- Exactly. So what we've done, really,
0:43:36 > 0:43:39we've given you a kick-start. When you design a garden for somebody,
0:43:39 > 0:43:41you're not really sure how they're going to react,
0:43:41 > 0:43:45so it's really a relief that you've come back and you like it.
0:43:45 > 0:43:48- Oh, I absolutely love it. - Yeah.- It's fabulous.
0:43:48 > 0:43:51- I genuinely can't get over it. - Are you happy, Andy?
0:43:51 > 0:43:53Yes, I'm very happy
0:43:53 > 0:43:56because it's making him happy, and I like it as well. That's a bonus!
0:43:56 > 0:43:58And let's be honest, you've been a bit worried about it.
0:43:58 > 0:44:02Well, yeah. Yeah, because there's so much we wanted to do,
0:44:02 > 0:44:05haven't been able to do it and thanks to some inspiration
0:44:05 > 0:44:08and some hard work and a bit of courage going in there...
0:44:08 > 0:44:09DANNY LAUGHS
0:44:09 > 0:44:12It's lovely and I think it just lifts the spirits.
0:44:12 > 0:44:15- It really does.- I feel like after everything you two
0:44:15 > 0:44:18have been through, hopefully this is a good way to bookend one chapter
0:44:18 > 0:44:21- and start an exciting new one. - Absolutely, yeah.
0:44:21 > 0:44:23It's brilliant.
0:44:23 > 0:44:26'Congratulations, Danny, on a job very well done.
0:44:26 > 0:44:30'Join us next time for another instant garden.'