0:00:02 > 0:00:04Beautiful gardens are one of Britain's most glorious sights,
0:00:04 > 0:00:06but if your green space is more mess than majestic,
0:00:06 > 0:00:09making it over can be a daunting prospect,
0:00:09 > 0:00:13especially if you're short on time and money.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16Well, the Instant Gardener is here.
0:00:16 > 0:00:17Ta-da!
0:00:17 > 0:00:22Danny Clarke is an expert at transforming gardens.
0:00:22 > 0:00:24These 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 > 0:00:31how to create gorgeous garden makeovers.
0:00:31 > 0:00:32Doesn't that look great?
0:00:32 > 0:00:35Each transformation will be packed with brilliant ideas
0:00:35 > 0:00:39to help you get to grips with your own outdoor space.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41Just continually deadhead
0:00:41 > 0:00:45and you will keep getting that plant to flower.
0:00:45 > 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.
0:00:56 > 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 > 0:01:04'..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 > 0:01:13everything you see will happen in a single day.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16Oh, thank you so much.
0:01:16 > 0:01:18- Oh, wow!- That's unbelievable!
0:01:25 > 0:01:28Today we are a stone's throw from the south coast,
0:01:28 > 0:01:30just outside Fareham in Hampshire.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33With nearly 2,000 hours of sunshine a year,
0:01:33 > 0:01:37this part of the UK boasts some of the best weather in Britain,
0:01:37 > 0:01:40perfect for making the most of its green spaces.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43We are here to meet a couple who just haven't had the time
0:01:43 > 0:01:45to make the most of that little patch of green
0:01:45 > 0:01:50and they are in need of some instant attention.
0:01:52 > 0:01:54Hello! You must be Hayley.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56- Yes.- Dave.
0:01:56 > 0:01:57- Hi.- Nice to meet you. - Nice to meet you.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00Let's have a look at this garden, then.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02Hayley and Dave moved here four years ago,
0:02:02 > 0:02:06shortly after experiencing a huge change in their lives.
0:02:06 > 0:02:08Dave, a former captain in the Army,
0:02:08 > 0:02:11was injured while serving in Afghanistan
0:02:11 > 0:02:14and became a double amputee, losing both his lower legs.
0:02:14 > 0:02:19Far from daunted, Dave began a PhD in biomedical engineering
0:02:19 > 0:02:21and is now a successful para-athlete,
0:02:21 > 0:02:25with his sights set on the Paralympics in Rio.
0:02:25 > 0:02:26Alongside all of that,
0:02:26 > 0:02:28they have also been renovating their home
0:02:28 > 0:02:30for one-year-old daughter Emily,
0:02:30 > 0:02:33so they've had no time to create the relaxing outdoor space
0:02:33 > 0:02:34they desperately need.
0:02:39 > 0:02:40That's where our Danny comes in.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43He's keen to have a sneak peek at their back garden,
0:02:43 > 0:02:44so, a few days earlier,
0:02:44 > 0:02:48he drove to Fareham to see what he'll be up against.
0:02:48 > 0:02:50I'm here today to get
0:02:50 > 0:02:52a sneak preview of David and Hayley's garden,
0:02:52 > 0:02:56just to get the old grey matter going.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59Right, the first thing I notice here is this beautiful camellia
0:02:59 > 0:03:01on the side, absolutely gorgeous.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04Now, this looks like a very nice space.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07It's secluded, which is very good.
0:03:07 > 0:03:11The basics for the garden are here, so a typical patio.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15It's quite slippery. There's definitely a build-up of algae here.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18It's very weedy, so I'd say this patio definitely needs
0:03:18 > 0:03:19a good tidy up.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24Now, there's quite a bit of lawn here, but it's very shapeless
0:03:24 > 0:03:27and, you know, it's raining today, and it's very sort of boggy.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30You know, my heels are, like, digging into the lawn here.
0:03:30 > 0:03:35And the garden runs away downwards, towards this side fence.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38There's a pine in the middle over there.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40It gives a bit of height to the garden
0:03:40 > 0:03:42and is a very nice feature.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44At the back, I can see a shed and a greenhouse.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50Now, this garden, it does have its merits,
0:03:50 > 0:03:53but also, you know, it's pretty boring, it's pretty standard.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57We just need to take it to the gym, we just need to get it fit.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01Build its muscles up again, and it's going to look absolutely fab.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07Danny will definitely be flexing his own muscles
0:04:07 > 0:04:09to get the garden into shape
0:04:09 > 0:04:12and today he's come back to Fareham to get some input
0:04:12 > 0:04:14from Hayley and Dave about exactly what they need.
0:04:16 > 0:04:17Danny, Hayley.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19- Dave, Hayley.- Hi.- Hello, Hayley.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21- Hi.- Hi, Dave, how's it going? - Yeah, it's going good.- Good.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23How long have you been in this house?
0:04:23 > 0:04:25Four years this summer, yeah.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28- Yeah, four years.- And how much work have you done on it?
0:04:28 > 0:04:30We have mostly worked on the inside, haven't we?
0:04:30 > 0:04:32- Yes, done more or less everything inside.- Yeah.
0:04:32 > 0:04:36- Added an upstairs, ramps outside, lots of painting.- Lots of painting.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39Did you have to make a lot of changes to make it accessible?
0:04:39 > 0:04:42Erm, not too many structural changes, cos when we came in,
0:04:42 > 0:04:45it still had the wide corridors and wide doorways, but we had to put
0:04:45 > 0:04:48a bathroom in, which I could access from a wheelchair,
0:04:48 > 0:04:50and we put a ramp at the front, which we could come in.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53We had to put low sill doors in and a low sill door at the back here
0:04:53 > 0:04:56- and a ramp to get into the garden. - How much have you done out here?
0:04:56 > 0:04:58- Mowed the grass.- Yeah. - LAUGHTER
0:04:58 > 0:04:59De-weeded the patio a couple of times,
0:04:59 > 0:05:01but, as you can see, they're back.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04We've had to cut a couple of trees down.
0:05:04 > 0:05:05Erm, yeah, that's about it.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08It's still kind of out of bounds to us at the minute, the garden.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11Weeding it, seems like permanently de-weeding it.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13Yes, it's a fight. An ongoing fight.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17- How much time do you have because you have a little girl?- We do.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20- You're training for Rio. - Yep.- And studying.- Yeah..
0:05:20 > 0:05:22How much spare time do you have?
0:05:22 > 0:05:25- Erm, we have about half a day a week.- Yeah.
0:05:25 > 0:05:30Which we've got at the minute, where I'm not training, not studying,
0:05:30 > 0:05:32but that tends to then get taken up with, you know,
0:05:32 > 0:05:35just seeing the girls and spending some time with them.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38So it's just kind of being maintained really
0:05:38 > 0:05:39in the state that it's in.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42For the nation's Olympic hopes, please don't start trying.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45Just sit down when you get in and relax.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47What would you like from your garden?
0:05:47 > 0:05:51I think we just want somewhere where we can be and enjoy as a family.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53It is a nice space
0:05:53 > 0:05:55and the whole reason we bought this particular house
0:05:55 > 0:05:57was because of how private it was.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01I guess it was a opportunity where I could just feel like
0:06:01 > 0:06:03there wasn't anyone looking at me.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06And I do walk around with shorts outside in the real world
0:06:06 > 0:06:09and people do see and do look because it's interesting,
0:06:09 > 0:06:10and I'm OK with that,
0:06:10 > 0:06:12but when I come home, I just want to have my privacy.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15So we've kind of got this private space, but we want to expand that
0:06:15 > 0:06:16to the outside, I guess.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19So, have an area that I can actually access with Emily
0:06:19 > 0:06:22and we can just go and play and sit out in the sunshine
0:06:22 > 0:06:24- and enjoy what this country offers.- Yeah.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27- I think that's what we looking for. - Relaxing kind of family space.- Yeah.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29But at the minute I can't really get anywhere that easily.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32- It's probably the problem, isn't it? - Yeah.- So your privacy's important?
0:06:32 > 0:06:35- Yeah.- That's why you've got the tall hedges around.- Yeah.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37- Fairly tall.- You've maintained them quite well.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41- So don't cut those down. - I won't, I promise.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43That's one thing I won't be doing today.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45- Well, I'm going to leave Dave here with you to help out.- OK.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47We'll get out of their hair.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49- You got a list for me? - I've got a list for you.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51This is just so he keeps me on track.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54"Lots of pots that are round, not square."
0:06:54 > 0:06:56Not square. Definitely round.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58- OK.- That's all I need to say.
0:06:58 > 0:06:59OK. DANNY LAUGHS
0:06:59 > 0:07:01Have a lovely day, don't work too hard.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03He's an athlete, he's got training.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05As long as he doesn't work me too hard.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07You can work as hard as you like. Come on.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09- See you.- See you, bye.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16'So, while I head off with Hayley to get some potty ideas and some pots,
0:07:16 > 0:07:19'Danny is the man with a plan, right, Danny?'
0:07:19 > 0:07:22This garden's quite drab, but I want to show how,
0:07:22 > 0:07:27with the power of planting, you can lift a drab garden
0:07:27 > 0:07:28and make it look exciting.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32One of the first jobs is to tidy up the patio over there.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35It needs a good jet wash and it needs de-weeding.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38If you look at the patio from this angle,
0:07:38 > 0:07:41it's a pretty ordinary shape, but I want to give it some definition
0:07:41 > 0:07:43and the way I'm going to do that
0:07:43 > 0:07:47is to build in a bed and I'm going to make it piano-shaped
0:07:47 > 0:07:50and it's going to curve round, sweep round into the step
0:07:50 > 0:07:54and then we're going to continue that round to the shed.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58So, this path isn't really performing much of a function.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01It's just some ply that's been laid down.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04It's skinny, you know, you can't really walk along it
0:08:04 > 0:08:08and we need to make this safe for Dave and Hayley.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11He wants to be able to use his greenhouse and his shed,
0:08:11 > 0:08:14so we'll make this path very accessible for him.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18For me, a narrow path is an absolute no-no.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20So, when it comes to the style of planting,
0:08:20 > 0:08:23I want to kind of continue that curved theme going through,
0:08:23 > 0:08:25so we're going to have ribbons of planting.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28I'm going to use grasses. I think it will look really funky,
0:08:28 > 0:08:31so lots of grasses, prairie planting,
0:08:31 > 0:08:34a few trees to have some accent in the garden
0:08:34 > 0:08:37and I think it's going to work great.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40So Danny's plan is to revive this tired old garden
0:08:40 > 0:08:42by making a curvaceous flowerbed
0:08:42 > 0:08:45that sweeps round to meet a stylishly shaped path.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47Once finished, the garden will have swathes
0:08:47 > 0:08:50of exciting prairie planting.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53Dave, obviously, his privacy is very important,
0:08:53 > 0:08:54so we're going to continue that.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57But he also wants a nice, relaxing oasis.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02He wants to relax but we can't, so we better get cracking.
0:09:05 > 0:09:06You're not wrong there.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08That's a lot to do in one day,
0:09:08 > 0:09:10but you're not on your own.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12As ever, you can call on handyman AJ
0:09:12 > 0:09:15and regular helpers, Luke and Amyrose,
0:09:15 > 0:09:18as well as Dave and Hayley's sister, Lauren.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21Now, the job that I'd like you to do, Lauren, if it's OK,
0:09:21 > 0:09:23could you jet wash the patio?
0:09:23 > 0:09:25- Yeah.- But I will de-weed it first, OK?- OK.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27Dave, can you do the mowing?
0:09:27 > 0:09:29- All over it.- Brilliant.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32But the first thing we need to do is to clear the patio,
0:09:32 > 0:09:34- so shall we get going?- OK. Let's go.- Brilliant.- Good.
0:09:34 > 0:09:35Let's do it.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39The first obstacle is that huge trampoline.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41Dave, this is a bit of a monstrosity.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43- It is awful.- I'm not a great fan...
0:09:43 > 0:09:46If it accidentally breaks in transit,
0:09:46 > 0:09:48- then that would be awesome. - LAUGHTER
0:09:48 > 0:09:50- We've got your permission to move it, then?- Definitely.- All right.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55With Dave happy to give that trampoline the bounce,
0:09:55 > 0:09:58the team get on with dismantling the frame bit by bit.
0:10:00 > 0:10:01Hold it!
0:10:04 > 0:10:07Unfortunately, it's still too big to go through the side gate...
0:10:07 > 0:10:09It don't fit.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12..even with all the feet removed,
0:10:12 > 0:10:16so Danny moves it to the bottom of the garden to deal with later.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21Now all the junk has been ditched,
0:10:21 > 0:10:24Dave's had a thought about how he can work more efficiently.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27Danny, I've just got to go and change my legs over quick so...
0:10:27 > 0:10:30- OK.- I've got to go and put my short little legs on,
0:10:30 > 0:10:33which are the ones I use for lifting and moving stuff around
0:10:33 > 0:10:35so I get them on before I start mowing the lawn.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37- No problem.- And I'll accidentally get rid of that trampoline
0:10:37 > 0:10:40- for you as well.- Excellent, maybe you can run it over.
0:10:40 > 0:10:41Yeah, maybe!
0:10:41 > 0:10:44Why is it important for you to change to your shorter legs?
0:10:44 > 0:10:46These full-size legs that I've got on at the minute
0:10:46 > 0:10:48have got a knee joint in it which is just essentially
0:10:48 > 0:10:50like a hydraulic hinge -
0:10:50 > 0:10:52I don't actually have any control over it,
0:10:52 > 0:10:55so bending and lifting things can be quite difficult,
0:10:55 > 0:10:57so at least on the short legs, there's nothing to bend,
0:10:57 > 0:11:00they are a lot more stable, plus there's a bit of a cost element,
0:11:00 > 0:11:02so these legs, these prosthetic legs,
0:11:02 > 0:11:05are quite hi-tech and are quite expensive, whereas the little legs,
0:11:05 > 0:11:07it doesn't matter that much if they get a bit knocked about.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09Yeah, all right, then, I'll let you get on.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11- Happy days.- We've got a lot to do.
0:11:11 > 0:11:12- See you in a minute.- Cheers.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16Wearing his shorter, more practical legs,
0:11:16 > 0:11:20Dave can now cut the trampoline down to size so it can finally be removed
0:11:20 > 0:11:21from the back garden.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27And with the lawn cleared, Dave can mow it,
0:11:27 > 0:11:29using a ride-on mower that's been adapted
0:11:29 > 0:11:31to operate with hand controls.
0:11:32 > 0:11:33Meanwhile, with the patio swept,
0:11:33 > 0:11:36Danny is tackling those weeds with a strimmer.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43With the team beginning to make inroads into the job,
0:11:43 > 0:11:47I'm taking Hayley to visit somewhere I think will fire her imagination.
0:11:49 > 0:11:54Hambrooks Garden Centre has 16 different show gardens on display.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56I'm hoping to show Hayley how her garden
0:11:56 > 0:11:58can become an extension of the house,
0:11:58 > 0:12:01bringing touches of indoor luxury to the outside.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05OK, so, Hayley, this place has lots of outdoor rooms,
0:12:05 > 0:12:06lots of different ideas.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09- Yes.- What do you think of this one, for instance?
0:12:09 > 0:12:12This looks lovely. You've got a nice seating area.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14It would be lovely for entertaining in the evenings.
0:12:14 > 0:12:18- Oh, yes.- If we got to that stage rather than having an early bedtime.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21But when you stay up past 9pm, that would be perfect?
0:12:21 > 0:12:23Yes, exactly, a couple of years' time!
0:12:25 > 0:12:29Now, this garden has a very distinct seaside theme, doesn't it?
0:12:29 > 0:12:32Yes, appropriate for us, being near the coast.
0:12:32 > 0:12:33- I like these.- Yeah.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35I quite like this as well.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37Do you like random, quirky bits like that?
0:12:37 > 0:12:40Yes, a bit of an interactive garden.
0:12:40 > 0:12:41A water feature.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45- Yep.- Some good plants for Emily to rub her hands over.
0:12:45 > 0:12:46Yeah, touchy-feely ones.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48They have packed a lot into this space.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52- They have.- They have kind of created three separate areas, haven't they?
0:12:52 > 0:12:53A dining area, water feature,
0:12:53 > 0:12:56and this nice little dedicated play area.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58- Yes.- I love these upright sleepers.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02Yep, nice fenced-in area for a little play area for Emily.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05Spoken like a true mum. Safe, enclosed area.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07She can run around here all she wants.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12Oh, I love this star shape, I think that's really different.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15It makes what could be a normal bed really interesting, doesn't it?
0:13:15 > 0:13:18A bit more exciting, and I really like the white picket fence as well,
0:13:18 > 0:13:21- it's very cutesy.- Is this kind of your style, do you think?
0:13:21 > 0:13:22The cottagey...
0:13:22 > 0:13:25Yes, I really like it, I think it looks really pretty
0:13:25 > 0:13:26- and its homely, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29While Hayley explores some new garden ideas,
0:13:29 > 0:13:32there are changes taking place in her own garden.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36Danny is starting on the new curved bed he's planning to put either side
0:13:36 > 0:13:39of the steps. Creating new planting areas this way costs nothing,
0:13:39 > 0:13:41and yet brings instant transformation.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44Now, you may have to wish me luck here,
0:13:44 > 0:13:46because it may take a couple of goes.
0:13:46 > 0:13:51Using spray paint, Danny marks out the curves, judging with his eye.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57With his new beds marked out,
0:13:57 > 0:14:00Danny now needs to remove the unwanted turf.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03So what I'm going to do, I'm using this half-moon edger, Dave,
0:14:03 > 0:14:05and I want to go down as straight as possible.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- Yep.- Follow the line around. So I can leave out with you?
0:14:08 > 0:14:11- Yeah, all right.- There you go, mate. - Beautiful.- Cheers.
0:14:11 > 0:14:12But Dave's an old hand at this.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16The last time I cut turf
0:14:16 > 0:14:18was building bomb shelters on an exercise.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23Lauren, however, is less of an old hand at pressure washing,
0:14:23 > 0:14:24so AJ offers her a masterclass.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30Lauren, come over here. This is your task.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35Right then, you need to be about four inches away from there.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37Keep it always going away from you,
0:14:37 > 0:14:39otherwise your trainers are going to get wet.
0:14:39 > 0:14:40But the whole idea of it
0:14:40 > 0:14:43is obviously to get this sort of green mildew off
0:14:43 > 0:14:45because when it is wet, it is very slippy.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47- Perfect.- Watch the power.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51Feel the power of it. That's it. Oh, professional.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53- Brilliant. I'll leave you to it. - See you.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58Power washers are a quick and easy way
0:14:58 > 0:15:00to completely revive a dirty patio.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04The high-pressure jet forces dust and grime from even the smallest
0:15:04 > 0:15:07of crevasses to make the slabs look as good as new.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09Looks really good, doesn't it? How's it going?
0:15:09 > 0:15:10Yeah, it looks so much better.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12I can't believe a bit of water...
0:15:18 > 0:15:19Back at the show gardens,
0:15:19 > 0:15:22Hayley and I are appreciating the benefits
0:15:22 > 0:15:24of the outdoor room approach to garden design.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27To learn more, we're meeting head designer Mike Hodges.
0:15:29 > 0:15:30Hayley, this is Mike.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33- Hi, Mike. Nice to meet you. - Nice to meet you.
0:15:33 > 0:15:34Our garden rooms expert.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37What do you mean by a garden room?
0:15:37 > 0:15:38Well, mostly nowadays,
0:15:38 > 0:15:41most gardens are very small and people want to treat
0:15:41 > 0:15:44an outdoor space just like they do inside.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46I feel like you've got very distinct styles
0:15:46 > 0:15:47in all of these different gardens.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50What's the trick to making the most of a small garden?
0:15:50 > 0:15:53Try and get the longest point of the garden, so try and pick a corner,
0:15:53 > 0:15:55the sunniest corner to look back at the house,
0:15:55 > 0:15:57that gives you a long view.
0:15:57 > 0:15:58Try and put trellis in the foreground
0:15:58 > 0:16:01or plants in the foreground, which again just makes the garden
0:16:01 > 0:16:02look a lot deeper.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05It's funny, cos you tend to look at your house and you think
0:16:05 > 0:16:08of a style and you pick decoration and furniture to match that,
0:16:08 > 0:16:10but you don't necessarily do that for your garden, do you?
0:16:10 > 0:16:14- I don't.- No, ours definitely doesn't match the house at the moment,
0:16:14 > 0:16:16- that's for sure.- What would you say your style is?
0:16:16 > 0:16:18I think I try to go for more of a country theme,
0:16:18 > 0:16:22but I've definitely got a few child accessories around the house now
0:16:22 > 0:16:23as well to add in.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26Can you have a stylish garden if you have a small child?
0:16:26 > 0:16:27You certainly can, yes.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30We do a lot of gardens with built-in storage like a big corner unit,
0:16:30 > 0:16:33- made in decking.- Let's go and have a look at that one, shall we?
0:16:33 > 0:16:36- Yes, for sure.- Because that one might be quite useful for you.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41My word, Mike, this is nicer than most rooms in my house.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44The kitchen is certainly nicer than my kitchen.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46- It's amazing, isn't it? - Yes, it's beautiful.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48So, how difficult is it to create a garden
0:16:48 > 0:16:51- for a family with different needs?- Well, it's very good,
0:16:51 > 0:16:53even in a small space we have a built-in seat
0:16:53 > 0:16:56that the kids' toys can be put away when you're entertaining.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59We have a water-safe fountain there for children.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03We have a dining area and even a kitchen area for entertaining.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05But if you put a kitchen outside,
0:17:05 > 0:17:07isn't that going to ruin in the wind and rain?
0:17:07 > 0:17:11No, the worktop's granite and there's granite on the floor as well
0:17:11 > 0:17:12so it's perfectly OK.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14All the sides are made out of decking boards
0:17:14 > 0:17:16and it's all treated with an outdoor wood paint.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18How easy is it to look after and maintain?
0:17:18 > 0:17:20This garden is very low-maintenance,
0:17:20 > 0:17:22with a granite floor, with all the borders planted
0:17:22 > 0:17:25- with evergreen plants and herbs.- No grass to cut.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27Yes, no grass to cut, ideal.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30- Mike, thank you so much for your advice.- No problem.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32- Thank you.- Thank you. - Let's sit here all afternoon,
0:17:32 > 0:17:33- it's brilliant, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:17:35 > 0:17:40When it comes to designing a garden, you need a mix of science and art.
0:17:40 > 0:17:41Walls, raised beds,
0:17:41 > 0:17:45pergolas and other hard landscaping features provide a permanent,
0:17:45 > 0:17:47year-round structure.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51Get those right and you can move your plants around to suit.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54You don't want the whole garden to be visible from any or every spot.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56Use bends in the paths,
0:17:56 > 0:17:58large specimen plants and even mirrors
0:17:58 > 0:18:01to block or trick the eye as you look around the garden.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05And while no garden is complete without plants,
0:18:05 > 0:18:09it's the other touches that give a garden that individual touch,
0:18:09 > 0:18:13so keep an eye out for interesting ways to accessorise your garden.
0:18:15 > 0:18:16Back at Hayley's own garden,
0:18:16 > 0:18:19four hours have already been eaten up,
0:18:19 > 0:18:23but it hardly looks any different, despite all the hard work.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27Danny's plan is that the new flower bed will curve around the patio
0:18:27 > 0:18:28and link it up with a new path
0:18:28 > 0:18:31leading to the shed and the glasshouse.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34It's a job for AJ and sounds straightforward,
0:18:34 > 0:18:37but it's not going to be easy when the path is in front of a patio
0:18:37 > 0:18:39that's being jet washed.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41We're having problems.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44It's just the water seeping through the patio,
0:18:44 > 0:18:47finding its way down to its lowest point.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51AJ's got a solution up his sleeve.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54He's spotted a way of recycling a pile of old bricks and breeze blocks
0:18:54 > 0:18:57he's seen outside the front of Dave and Hayley's house.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01There's, like, half a house being broken down.
0:19:01 > 0:19:06There is a fair bit of quite small bits of rubble
0:19:06 > 0:19:09which I'm going to have to put down here as hard-core first,
0:19:09 > 0:19:11just to give it a bit of strength,
0:19:11 > 0:19:15then we can then start cementing and putting the slabs down.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18But before he can do any of that,
0:19:18 > 0:19:22AJ needs to put in some edging to retain the hard-core.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24As you can see, we've got this metal edging -
0:19:24 > 0:19:26put the spikes in and that will contain
0:19:26 > 0:19:28whatever you are going to put inside for the path.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32Although he's got the framework in place,
0:19:32 > 0:19:34AJ is worried about using cement
0:19:34 > 0:19:37when the path area is soaking wet.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41- Danny, this is the problem we've got here now.- A bit of a flood.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44- Yep.- How about if we were to start jet washing down the bottom?
0:19:44 > 0:19:47We leave this bit alone for now and we can come back to this later?
0:19:47 > 0:19:50To stop jet washing up here will stop adding water to this.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52- Yeah.- I'll just get this out here
0:19:52 > 0:19:55and then I'll have to just sit and wait.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59Waiting for the flooding to drain away does, however,
0:19:59 > 0:20:02give AJ time to get on with another important job,
0:20:02 > 0:20:04salvaging plenty of that unwanted rubble
0:20:04 > 0:20:07at the front of Dave and Hayley's house.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09It'll be ideal as a firm base for the new path.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12Best of all, it won't cost a thing.
0:20:12 > 0:20:13Hopefully Dave will be happy.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17I'm doing him a favour, using some of this in his garden.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23Just going to rake it over, just try and...
0:20:23 > 0:20:25It's going to help soak up this water as well.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29It's going to make it a lot easier once I've compacted it down
0:20:29 > 0:20:31to start laying the slabs on top.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34And to compact it down, AJ is going old school,
0:20:34 > 0:20:38with something he's borrowed - a whole concrete breeze block.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40As we haven't got a wacker plate...
0:20:42 > 0:20:44..give this a bit of a whack down...
0:20:45 > 0:20:47..just to try and compact it.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50Compacting this hard-core down
0:20:50 > 0:20:54will make it all nice and tight so it won't move.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56It's made it also a little bit flatter,
0:20:56 > 0:20:58so it's going to be easier to lay the slabs.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02Put that back, he'll never know we've used it, will he?
0:21:07 > 0:21:11Don't worry, AJ, I think Dave is far too busy working on the new border.
0:21:11 > 0:21:12How are you getting on, Dave?
0:21:13 > 0:21:15Yeah. Yeah,
0:21:15 > 0:21:19so I've cut all around the edges and now I'm just digging the turf away
0:21:19 > 0:21:21from the line and then we can strip the rest of it.
0:21:21 > 0:21:22You're not working hard enough.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25- Yeah, I don't think so.- You're not breathing heavily enough.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27- I know.- Are you going to put your back into it?
0:21:27 > 0:21:28I thought you had to get away.
0:21:28 > 0:21:33Well, I have to train, but I think I've got time for five more minutes.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35So, what are you training for, Dave?
0:21:35 > 0:21:39Well, I'm hoping to get selected for Paralympics this summer,
0:21:39 > 0:21:42so I sprint in the 100 and 200 metres,
0:21:42 > 0:21:46although training is hard and there's no places given away,
0:21:46 > 0:21:49so I feel like I'm right on the edge at the minute.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51- OK.- So, yes, working hard for this summer
0:21:51 > 0:21:53- and trying to get across to Brazil.- Right.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55I'm just out of breath just thinking about it.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59And what does your training entail?
0:21:59 > 0:22:02The training for me in a normal week is five days' worth of training.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05I do my track session in the morning and come back,
0:22:05 > 0:22:06have some food and get my gym session done.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08- Yeah.- So just lots and lots of hard work.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11And you can't really miss a training session, can you?
0:22:11 > 0:22:12No, certainly not at this stage,
0:22:12 > 0:22:14every session counts, it's important.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16I better not keep you, then.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18I don't want you to be late so maybe you should just go and I'll catch up
0:22:18 > 0:22:21- with you later.- All right, cheers, Danny.- Cheers, bye.- Bye.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27As Dave leaves for his daily training,
0:22:27 > 0:22:29I'm keen to find out more from Hayley
0:22:29 > 0:22:31about his drive and determination.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35The injuries Dave received while on active service in Afghanistan
0:22:35 > 0:22:38led to the amputation of his right leg above the knee
0:22:38 > 0:22:40and his left leg through the knee.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43I want to find out what impact these traumatic events have had
0:22:43 > 0:22:45on their lives.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51So, Dave lost his legs in 2011,
0:22:51 > 0:22:54and at that point you weren't married and you didn't have Emily.
0:22:54 > 0:22:55Take me back to that time.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58I mean, that must have been a heck of a phone call for you to get.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00I got a visit from Dave's parents so...
0:23:02 > 0:23:05..with the welfare officer and they came round to tell me the news.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08Yeah, so we then sort of got on with the rest of the year,
0:23:08 > 0:23:10he got on with getting better.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13He was walking eight weeks after he got injured
0:23:13 > 0:23:16and I carried on with my teacher training
0:23:16 > 0:23:18and then, yes, he got more and more into sport,
0:23:18 > 0:23:20he did some swims that summer
0:23:20 > 0:23:22and then, ten months to the day after losing his legs,
0:23:22 > 0:23:26he was then on his running blades and moving quickly again,
0:23:26 > 0:23:28- which he likes doing. - So he's a sprinter.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31- Yes.- He's had good success at the World Championships
0:23:31 > 0:23:33and he's got an eye on Rio. How is that going?
0:23:33 > 0:23:35He thinks training is going really well at the moment,
0:23:35 > 0:23:37so it's all really positive.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39That wasn't what he was expecting to do, was it?
0:23:39 > 0:23:43He was quite a dedicated military career man.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46Yes, he'd always had his eyes on being in the army,
0:23:46 > 0:23:48and so a slight change of plan now -
0:23:48 > 0:23:51he's out of the army and he's got a PhD going on,
0:23:51 > 0:23:54so that's going to be sort of a future career,
0:23:54 > 0:23:57looking at biomechanics of amputees
0:23:57 > 0:23:59and sort of making life better for him
0:23:59 > 0:24:02and other people in a similar situation.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04I can't believe how busy he is, because...
0:24:04 > 0:24:07- Yes.- Because one of those things is a full-time job,
0:24:07 > 0:24:10and then you add to that Emily as well.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13I mean, he must be meeting himself coming backwards.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15Yes, I think he likes pushing himself.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18He's very driven, very determined.
0:24:18 > 0:24:19He finds it difficult to say no to things
0:24:19 > 0:24:22and he's got some awesome things on the go at the moment.
0:24:22 > 0:24:23He enjoys doing it all,
0:24:23 > 0:24:25he likes doing the things that make him happy
0:24:25 > 0:24:28and running makes him happy. He's always liked running,
0:24:28 > 0:24:30even before he got injured,
0:24:30 > 0:24:34but now he can run 200 metres faster than most able-bodied people can.
0:24:34 > 0:24:35How proud are you of him?
0:24:35 > 0:24:37He's achieving a lot,
0:24:37 > 0:24:40he's going after a lot in terms of the studies and the Olympics.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42Oh, so proud, I kind of...
0:24:42 > 0:24:45I want to make sure I kind of capture it all for Emily
0:24:45 > 0:24:48so that she is aware of it when she's older as well,
0:24:48 > 0:24:51cos he's doing so many things it's just unbelievable.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53I don't know how he gets by on so little sleep.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56He's getting up at 4am to go to London to do his PhD
0:24:56 > 0:24:58and making sure that he can come back in time
0:24:58 > 0:25:00to see Emily before she goes to bed
0:25:00 > 0:25:04and things like that, so he's stretching himself to the limit.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06What about you? You're supporting everyone!
0:25:06 > 0:25:08Yes, but, I mean, that's...
0:25:08 > 0:25:10That's kind of...
0:25:10 > 0:25:12That's cool, that's me at the moment.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14Well, you seem to have a smile on your face nonstop.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17Yeah. There's lots to be proud of, isn't there?
0:25:17 > 0:25:18I'm in awe.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21- What a man.- He's all right.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23You're going to stick with him for a bit longer?
0:25:23 > 0:25:25Yeah. He'll do, he'll do for now.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29With Dave still away at training,
0:25:29 > 0:25:32Danny and the team are also being put through their paces.
0:25:32 > 0:25:36There are only three hours left to knock this garden into shape,
0:25:36 > 0:25:39but the turf is still being lifted to make the new flowerbeds.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42At least AJ is making good progress with the path.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50- Hello, AJ.- Hello, mate. - How's it going?
0:25:50 > 0:25:52It's looking good, it's looking good.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54I'm just putting them down.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56Just working it out first.
0:25:56 > 0:25:57So are you happy with the gaps?
0:25:57 > 0:25:59I like it, AJ, I think it looks great.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01AJ, you're a genius.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03We've done it again. But we haven't finished.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05We haven't finished.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07And while Lauren takes on a new job of turning over
0:26:07 > 0:26:09the heavy clay soil in the new bed,
0:26:09 > 0:26:12Danny has spotted another planting opportunity.
0:26:13 > 0:26:14I like this pine tree.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16I think it's great.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18It's hiding that very unattractive shed,
0:26:18 > 0:26:20so it actually performs a good function
0:26:20 > 0:26:23but also it's giving a bit of height to the garden.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27Now, the thing that I've noticed is that there is a bed under here,
0:26:27 > 0:26:30an old bed that's overgrown.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32There's a couple of primulas in there
0:26:32 > 0:26:34and what I'd like to do is reinstate this bed
0:26:34 > 0:26:38so what I need to do is to lift the crown of this tree.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41The crown means all the branches and leaves from the bottom
0:26:41 > 0:26:44to the top of a tree, so in order to raise the crown,
0:26:44 > 0:26:47Danny needs to cut off all of the lower branches.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51Expose this trunk here and that will give me room
0:26:51 > 0:26:54to do some lovely planting in this bed.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58I've got nice sharp loppers and all I need to do now
0:26:58 > 0:27:00is chop away until my heart's content.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04Raising the crown not only improves the look of a tree,
0:27:04 > 0:27:08it also allows more light and air to get through
0:27:08 > 0:27:11- to anything planted beneath it. - The soil here is lovely.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14Just look at this, it's all nice and crumbly.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17This has been caused by leaf mould
0:27:17 > 0:27:19from the leaves dropping from this pine.
0:27:19 > 0:27:23So it's been nourishing the environment that it's growing in.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26I've just discovered a wild primrose here.
0:27:26 > 0:27:27This has probably self-seeded.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30I'm just going to be careful and do some microsurgery around it.
0:27:30 > 0:27:35Just pull the grass gently, so we want to expose that.
0:27:35 > 0:27:37There we go.
0:27:38 > 0:27:40To be fair,
0:27:40 > 0:27:43we could do with some of this over the rest of the garden.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49Don't worry, Danny, the garden looks like it's really starting
0:27:49 > 0:27:50to come together.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56Meanwhile, Hayley and I are back on the road,
0:27:56 > 0:27:59ready to make our own contribution to the garden.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02Danny's asked us to find round pots
0:28:02 > 0:28:05to suit the curvy overall design he's after.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07I guess we'd better have a look a-ROUND then.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11Because Hayley liked some of the quirky items
0:28:11 > 0:28:12she saw in the show gardens,
0:28:12 > 0:28:15we've come to an antiques and salvage yard.
0:28:15 > 0:28:19Old second-hand items can be fun to search for and offer your garden
0:28:19 > 0:28:22unique touches that can't be found on the high street
0:28:22 > 0:28:25or in conventional garden centres.
0:28:25 > 0:28:26Plenty for us to look at in here.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28Lots of bits and bobs.
0:28:28 > 0:28:30- Shall we have an explore?- Yeah.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33- You go that way, I'll go that way. - For sure.
0:28:33 > 0:28:35- See you in a bit. - See you in a minute.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38Architectural salvage yards are a treasure trove of goods
0:28:38 > 0:28:42to reclaim and re-purpose, right up the Instant Gardener's street.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44And this one is on Hayley's doorstep,
0:28:44 > 0:28:47chock-full of everything you can think of,
0:28:47 > 0:28:48the wonderful and the wacky.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50What do you think, then, Hayley?
0:28:50 > 0:28:52Is there anything that has caught your eye
0:28:52 > 0:28:55- or taken your fancy?- There's lots of amazing bits and pieces,
0:28:55 > 0:28:58but nothing that really fits the brief we were given.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01If we were building a house, I think you could have a field day
0:29:01 > 0:29:03in this busy little reclaim yard,
0:29:03 > 0:29:05because there are loads of quirky things.
0:29:05 > 0:29:06I mean, this, for instance,
0:29:06 > 0:29:08if you were going to bury this in your garden,
0:29:08 > 0:29:11- you could put little rockery plants in it, that would be cool.- Mm-hm.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14However we don't have a forklift truck that we can take home.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17- I do know a man who might be able to help us out.- Right.
0:29:20 > 0:29:21Tom!
0:29:21 > 0:29:23'And that man is the site owner, Tom Baker.'
0:29:23 > 0:29:27We are in search of some round pots that would be suitable for a garden.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30- Yep.- Lead the way.- OK.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33You have got so much stuff here, where do you get it all?
0:29:33 > 0:29:34Local demolition jobs.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36We buy the materials and sell it on again.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40I would imagine there is quite a big market for this sort of stuff.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43Everybody loves something random and vintage like that,
0:29:43 > 0:29:44for instance, the "Infants" sign.
0:29:44 > 0:29:46Yeah, there is a home for everything.
0:29:46 > 0:29:48Do you get a lot of people coming in here
0:29:48 > 0:29:50just for unusual things to add to their home?
0:29:51 > 0:29:55It's mainly extensions and grade two listed buildings,
0:29:55 > 0:29:59conservation work we get involved in, so it's big jobs, small jobs.
0:29:59 > 0:30:00We do all sorts, really.
0:30:00 > 0:30:02You weren't wrong, you've got a lot of round pots.
0:30:02 > 0:30:04- There you go. - So these are all chimney pots?
0:30:04 > 0:30:06Yeah, a lot of them don't go back as chimney pots,
0:30:06 > 0:30:10they all go for flowerpots and garden features nowadays.
0:30:10 > 0:30:11Hayley, have a ratch among those.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14- Yeah, I will do.- We OK to just go in and have a look around?
0:30:14 > 0:30:16- No problem, knock yourself out. - Thank you.- All right, then.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19We've got a stack of chimneys to look through,
0:30:19 > 0:30:21but will any of them light Hayley's fire?
0:30:25 > 0:30:27Meanwhile, back at the garden,
0:30:27 > 0:30:28I'd like to light a bonfire under Danny
0:30:28 > 0:30:32because he's only got two hours left to finish this transformation.
0:30:32 > 0:30:37Luckily, Paralympic hopeful Dave is back to help out.
0:30:37 > 0:30:38Hi, Danny, all right?
0:30:38 > 0:30:40Yeah. How was the training?
0:30:40 > 0:30:41- Yeah, it's good.- Went well?
0:30:41 > 0:30:43- Yeah.- I hope you're not too worn out.
0:30:43 > 0:30:44- I'll be all right.- Are you sure?
0:30:44 > 0:30:46- Yeah, yeah.- OK, that's good. - I need a job!
0:30:46 > 0:30:48I just want to show you what AJ is working on,
0:30:48 > 0:30:50just to make sure you're happy with it.
0:30:50 > 0:30:52Yeah, yeah. Look at this.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54- Wow.- What do you reckon to it, do you like it?
0:30:54 > 0:30:56Yeah, it's incredible.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59- Did you start this yesterday or something?- Ha-ha!
0:30:59 > 0:31:00It's moved on quite quickly.
0:31:00 > 0:31:02It's been pretty rapid.
0:31:02 > 0:31:04- Will that suit you, do you think? - Oh, yes, without a doubt.
0:31:04 > 0:31:09What we're going to do is lay the path and you see the gaps there?
0:31:09 > 0:31:11They're going to be filled with decorative stone.
0:31:11 > 0:31:15- Wow.- And then we're going to plant some aromatic plants into that.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18- OK.- So when you walk on it, it's going to release this lovely aroma,
0:31:18 > 0:31:20this lovely smell. How cool is that?
0:31:20 > 0:31:22So they're plants I can jump up and down on?
0:31:22 > 0:31:23Yes, you can jump up and down on them.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26You can abuse them and they'll be absolutely fine.
0:31:26 > 0:31:27- They'll survive.- Brilliant.
0:31:27 > 0:31:29I think we better get moving,
0:31:29 > 0:31:32because I would imagine Hayley isn't too far away
0:31:32 > 0:31:34and we want to get this done before she gets back.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37- Yeah.- So I'm going to show you what we'll do next.- Yep.
0:31:37 > 0:31:39Right, so this is the next job.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42So we're going to edge this in this aluminium lawn edging.
0:31:42 > 0:31:46- Yes.- You can use it for a multitude of things, like edging a path,
0:31:46 > 0:31:50you can even have a mini raised bed with it and what's good about this,
0:31:50 > 0:31:53it's bendy. What I'd do is just lay them out roughly.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56- Yeah.- Just get an idea of distances,
0:31:56 > 0:31:58and what it does, it keeps the shape of the lawn.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00- You see these grooves?- Yep.
0:32:00 > 0:32:04- They interlock into grooves on the other one.- OK, brilliant.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06There we go.
0:32:06 > 0:32:08And what you do is you do it
0:32:08 > 0:32:11low enough into the ground so your lawnmower,
0:32:11 > 0:32:14when you're near the edge, your lawnmower goes over the top.
0:32:14 > 0:32:16- OK.- So it doesn't catch on the blades.- Gotcha.
0:32:16 > 0:32:20Now, I'm hoping that that
0:32:20 > 0:32:22will fit in fairly snugly,
0:32:22 > 0:32:24so that's where it's going to go,
0:32:24 > 0:32:26but I need to dig a trench to fit this in.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29- Yep.- So that could be a job for you to do, perhaps.
0:32:29 > 0:32:31- Yeah, I'll do that.- Do you want to do a little trench?- Yep.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35I normally use the back of the spade to be honest, get a straight line,
0:32:35 > 0:32:37just go down like that. About three inches.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40- Gotcha.- And just follow that line round.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42- Happy days.- OK.- Yeah, brilliant.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49With the trench dug and the edging hammered into position,
0:32:49 > 0:32:51the beds are now ready for planting.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57- Lovely.- That's going to do it, isn't it?- That's lovely.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59Do you think Hayley will like it?
0:32:59 > 0:33:00Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah,
0:33:00 > 0:33:03hopefully she won't even notice the trampoline.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05Hopefully she'll notice the trampoline has gone
0:33:05 > 0:33:06long after we have gone.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09Yeah, yeah, then I'll just have to deal with it on my own.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12- You have to deal with it, yeah, that's fine with me.- All right.
0:33:12 > 0:33:13Deal.
0:33:15 > 0:33:17Having cemented the slabs into place,
0:33:17 > 0:33:21AJ now needs to make sure they are rock solid.
0:33:21 > 0:33:23The cement hasn't quite gone completely
0:33:23 > 0:33:24under the whole of the slab,
0:33:24 > 0:33:26like some of the corners.
0:33:26 > 0:33:30The best way for me to do this is to put a wedge in underneath,
0:33:30 > 0:33:35so, otherwise, when you step on it, it will rock.
0:33:35 > 0:33:36There we go.
0:33:40 > 0:33:44At last it's planting time and Danny has opted for prairie planting,
0:33:44 > 0:33:48using tall, elegant grasses and willowy perennials to give a soft
0:33:48 > 0:33:51and natural look. But they also need a bit of structure
0:33:51 > 0:33:54and he's chosen just the thing.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57So these beauties can grow up to 30 feet,
0:33:57 > 0:34:01and the beauty about these is that they will keep their shape,
0:34:01 > 0:34:05but it's best to plant them in a sheltered position for two reasons.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07They can be prone to being blown over
0:34:07 > 0:34:10and they could be scorched by the wind.
0:34:10 > 0:34:12Right, so I'm going to put these in position
0:34:12 > 0:34:15and I'm using these as my accent plants.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18These are going to lead your eye through the garden.
0:34:19 > 0:34:23And for his under planting, Danny is going for grasses.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26I love grasses.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30Now, the theme of this garden is all about prairie planting.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33Now, this is Stipa gigantea absolutely beautiful.
0:34:33 > 0:34:34Now, this will grow quite tall.
0:34:34 > 0:34:38It is deciduous, it means it will go brown in the winter but, you know,
0:34:38 > 0:34:41I wouldn't cut it back, I'd leave it brown,
0:34:41 > 0:34:45and as the new growth comes through in the spring,
0:34:45 > 0:34:50then I would cut it back and you'll have nice, fresh, blades of grass.
0:34:50 > 0:34:52Well, you've sold it to me, Danny.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54You just need to get them planted now.
0:34:56 > 0:34:58Meanwhile Hayley and I are still at the salvage yard
0:34:58 > 0:35:01on the hunt for some round-shaped pots.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03I kind of like these, but...
0:35:05 > 0:35:07Yeah.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10They are not round, technically, are they?
0:35:10 > 0:35:13No, they're sort of trying to be at the top, aren't they?
0:35:13 > 0:35:15But not quite succeeding.
0:35:15 > 0:35:20What about that? Um, it's different, do you like it?
0:35:20 > 0:35:22Again, be honest.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24- Put it that way.- Yeah, you could put it upside down, I guess.
0:35:24 > 0:35:26She's not convinced. She's not convinced.
0:35:26 > 0:35:28- It might be a bit wobbly. - OK, veto that.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32Yes or no? It's your garden.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34I prefer the other two that were over there.
0:35:34 > 0:35:36I think they look nicer.
0:35:36 > 0:35:37Sounds good to me.
0:35:37 > 0:35:39Hayley has her eye on some old chimney pots
0:35:39 > 0:35:43that she thinks we could re-purpose as planters.
0:35:43 > 0:35:45Is this the kind of thing you envisaged in your garden?
0:35:45 > 0:35:47Yeah, I think it works.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49I think this would work and actually some of the slabs
0:35:49 > 0:35:51that we've got with the patio,
0:35:51 > 0:35:53with the ramp that got put in out the back,
0:35:53 > 0:35:55that they are a sort of mix of terracotta
0:35:55 > 0:36:00with actually a kind of whiter kind of slab when it's cleaned, so...
0:36:00 > 0:36:02- So these might...? - Some of these would work.
0:36:02 > 0:36:06- They're the right kind of colouring. - OK, well, what about...
0:36:08 > 0:36:10I guess the thing we have to be careful with -
0:36:10 > 0:36:11you have a one-year-old.
0:36:11 > 0:36:15Yes, so something that's sturdy.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18She's not Superwoman, but she could knock that over.
0:36:18 > 0:36:21- That's a nice shape. - That would be quite cool
0:36:21 > 0:36:23with things spilling out of it.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26Yeah, could have some strawberry plants.
0:36:26 > 0:36:28Yeah, strawberry plants trailing out of there.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31Eventually, with Hayley deciding on a pair
0:36:31 > 0:36:33of curvy cream-coloured chimney pots,
0:36:33 > 0:36:37we head back to the house so she can look after one-year-old Emily
0:36:37 > 0:36:40while I help Danny get the makeover finished.
0:36:40 > 0:36:44Now, my idea of planting is to fill the bed out as much as possible.
0:36:44 > 0:36:48I do not like to see any earth, because the way I see it,
0:36:48 > 0:36:51the more plants you have, the less weeds you have.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53This is called a verbena.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56Just look at that. Look at that flower.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59Now, this kind of glows in the evening sun.
0:36:59 > 0:37:03It's got a translucent effect, so as the sun's going down,
0:37:03 > 0:37:05these actually sing out at you.
0:37:05 > 0:37:06And you know what great about these?
0:37:06 > 0:37:09If you look very closely, most stems are round,
0:37:09 > 0:37:12but this has got a lovely square stem.
0:37:12 > 0:37:16Now, all you need to do is, later on in the year,
0:37:16 > 0:37:19just cut these down and they will come back later on.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21These do actually self-seed,
0:37:21 > 0:37:26so in time they will run beautifully through this bed.
0:37:26 > 0:37:28Danny, there's only an hour to go!
0:37:28 > 0:37:30You're the one that needs to run through that bed,
0:37:30 > 0:37:32preferably with a spade.
0:37:32 > 0:37:35At least AJ is ready to add the final touches to his path.
0:37:36 > 0:37:41Right, then, I've just finished spotting the slabs with the cement.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44So now that's all done, now I've just got to put decorative stones
0:37:44 > 0:37:47all around it. These don't help with the structure at all,
0:37:47 > 0:37:49they're just decorative,
0:37:49 > 0:37:52so you can choose any colour you like to go with the slab
0:37:52 > 0:37:54that you bought and mix-and-match, you know,
0:37:54 > 0:37:58the world is your oyster, it's your garden - have it how you want it.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06- Danny!- Oh, look at these!
0:38:06 > 0:38:08Oh, I love it.
0:38:08 > 0:38:09- Is that what you wanted?- Well...
0:38:09 > 0:38:12I left it up to you, but this is absolutely wonderful.
0:38:12 > 0:38:13- It's round.- Yes.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16I saw some square ones that I liked. Hayley didn't like them.
0:38:16 > 0:38:18- I'm glad.- I've got another one.
0:38:18 > 0:38:19And you know what I like about this as well?
0:38:19 > 0:38:21That you've got two different heights,
0:38:21 > 0:38:22two different sizes going on.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25- So whose idea was that? - Gold star for me, eh?
0:38:25 > 0:38:27- Gold star for me. - I know, I'm impressed.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30- Where are they going to go? - I'm not really sure at the moment,
0:38:30 > 0:38:34but do you suggest? Maybe to frame the path, maybe to one side?
0:38:34 > 0:38:37It's a bit obvious to put one on either side.
0:38:37 > 0:38:38- Together. - So let's put them together.
0:38:38 > 0:38:40- That's it, watch your back.- Here?
0:38:40 > 0:38:42Yeah, just put it there.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46I might just be inclined to stagger it a bit, what do you think?
0:38:46 > 0:38:47Yeah, I like them.
0:38:47 > 0:38:49- Yeah?- Perfecto.
0:38:51 > 0:38:52Before we deal with the chimney pots,
0:38:52 > 0:38:55I've got some aromatic plants for the path.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58OK, so, I have six lemon thymes,
0:38:58 > 0:39:01which smell amazing and do you know what?
0:39:01 > 0:39:04When Dave or Emily or Hayley step or brush past these,
0:39:04 > 0:39:07they are going to give off a wonderful fragrance.
0:39:07 > 0:39:09I'm sure Danny's got a grand plan, but you know what?
0:39:09 > 0:39:11He's too busy, so I'll make my own plan.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18These Mediterranean herbs grow well in poor soils,
0:39:18 > 0:39:21so they'll survive quite happily planted in this gravel,
0:39:21 > 0:39:23provided they get plenty of sun.
0:39:24 > 0:39:26Danny has just the thing for the chimney pots.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28Lavender.
0:39:28 > 0:39:32It's very important you don't have lavender sitting in water.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35You don't want your lavender being waterlogged,
0:39:35 > 0:39:39otherwise the roots will rot away and it will die.
0:39:39 > 0:39:44So what I'm going to do to assist in that - I'm going to add some grit
0:39:44 > 0:39:48to this compost and that will aid in its drainage.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51And, do you know what? I'm going to mix it in with my hands
0:39:51 > 0:39:54because I love the feel of compost.
0:39:56 > 0:39:57And then...
0:39:59 > 0:40:01And the thing is, I've committed myself,
0:40:01 > 0:40:04cos those pots have got no bottoms,
0:40:04 > 0:40:07so now they're in position and the compost is going in,
0:40:07 > 0:40:08they can't be moved.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14Now, there's two different types of lavenders here -
0:40:14 > 0:40:18there's the English Lavender and there's a French lavender.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21Now, you don't want to be planting this lavender up north,
0:40:21 > 0:40:23because it's not that hardy.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26The English variety will survive anywhere in this country.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31And planting lavender is very therapeutic.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34I tell you what, this corner of the garden smells amazing.
0:40:35 > 0:40:39So is it better in your view to grow lavender in a pot like we're doing,
0:40:39 > 0:40:41because it is quite choosy about the soil?
0:40:41 > 0:40:45In this case, because we've got clay,
0:40:45 > 0:40:48- and it won't flourish in heavy clay...- OK.
0:40:48 > 0:40:50..it's best to put it in pots.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56It's now a frantic dash to finish the planting.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00Got to get it all done, quick, quick, quick!
0:41:00 > 0:41:02Primulas in there.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07And there are also some last-minute repairs to the patio.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09How are you doing, Danny?
0:41:09 > 0:41:10How long left now?
0:41:10 > 0:41:13- Ten minutes.- And just when we think we're nearly there...
0:41:13 > 0:41:16You know that ou haven't swept properly there?
0:41:16 > 0:41:17if I just lift this, will you...
0:41:20 > 0:41:21Did you...?
0:41:21 > 0:41:23SHE LAUGHS
0:41:23 > 0:41:26- Did you do that on purpose?- No. I thought I was going to lift it...
0:41:26 > 0:41:29- Did you do that...? - It wasn't me, it wasn't me!
0:41:30 > 0:41:32Do you think it will be all right if I just do that?
0:41:35 > 0:41:36With the day nearly done,
0:41:36 > 0:41:39there's just time for a few finishing touches,
0:41:39 > 0:41:43designed to encourage Dave to make a bit of time to take things easy.
0:41:43 > 0:41:45Thank you, guys.
0:41:45 > 0:41:46Excellente.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52When Danny arrived this morning,
0:41:52 > 0:41:55this was an overgrown and underused family garden
0:41:55 > 0:41:57that completely lacked character.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02But in the last few hours, it's been transformed
0:42:02 > 0:42:05into an alluring and tranquil space,
0:42:05 > 0:42:08filled with swaying grasses and enticing smells
0:42:08 > 0:42:10of thyme and lavender.
0:42:11 > 0:42:15The dirty, cluttered and weedy patio has been cleared and cleaned
0:42:15 > 0:42:19so it's now a relaxing area for Hayley, Dave and baby Emily.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23The dull and dreary lawn has been enhanced
0:42:23 > 0:42:25by creating curvaceous new flower beds
0:42:25 > 0:42:28filled with ribbons of giant feather grasses
0:42:28 > 0:42:30and striking Italian trees.
0:42:31 > 0:42:33The narrow path leading to the shed
0:42:33 > 0:42:37and greenhouse has been widened into a striking hourglass shape
0:42:37 > 0:42:40to make it safe and practical for Dave and Emily,
0:42:40 > 0:42:42and the pine tree alongside the path
0:42:42 > 0:42:45has been revived by raising its crown
0:42:45 > 0:42:48to provide a delightful bed, full of primulas.
0:42:49 > 0:42:51All in all it's a magnificent transformation
0:42:51 > 0:42:55that fulfils Danny's plan to turn it into a relaxing oasis
0:42:55 > 0:42:57for the whole family.
0:42:57 > 0:42:59But now it's time for the grand unveiling.
0:42:59 > 0:43:03What will Hayley think when she sees it for the first time,
0:43:03 > 0:43:04and will she miss that huge trampoline?
0:43:08 > 0:43:13Wow. Look, Emily! Look at your new garden!
0:43:13 > 0:43:16Hi! Look, there's a bed!
0:43:16 > 0:43:19A few changes, ladies.
0:43:19 > 0:43:21The Christmas tree is still standing?
0:43:21 > 0:43:23- Dadda...- That's your dadda.
0:43:23 > 0:43:24Thank you so much.
0:43:24 > 0:43:26This looks amazing.
0:43:26 > 0:43:28So a few changes down the left-hand side.
0:43:28 > 0:43:30It just looks stunning.
0:43:30 > 0:43:33Is it going to take a lot of work for them to look after?
0:43:33 > 0:43:35No, very, very easy, very simple but in time...
0:43:35 > 0:43:36- Is that what you want to hear? - I like that.
0:43:36 > 0:43:38..in time that bed will fill out.
0:43:38 > 0:43:40Hayley, what do you think of the path and the tree?
0:43:40 > 0:43:43- Yeah, this looks really good. - You can walk across it.
0:43:43 > 0:43:46- Shall we go for a walk? - She's desperate to go, yeah!
0:43:46 > 0:43:50Ready? Good girl.
0:43:50 > 0:43:53Wow. Good girl.
0:43:55 > 0:43:56Look at this.
0:44:02 > 0:44:03This is a family garden.
0:44:03 > 0:44:06The team have revived and boosted it
0:44:06 > 0:44:08and they've given this family a space
0:44:08 > 0:44:10in which they can relax and spend time together.
0:44:11 > 0:44:14Gold medal for Danny and the team, I think.
0:44:14 > 0:44:15And it was gold too for Dave,
0:44:15 > 0:44:20who ran the best T42 200 metres time in the world this year
0:44:20 > 0:44:22at the Invictus Games.
0:44:22 > 0:44:26Join us again soon for another incredible outdoor transformation,
0:44:26 > 0:44:28done in a single day by the Instant Gardener.