Ep 1. Cadeby & Sussex

In the first episode of Big Dreams Small Spaces season 1, titled "Cadeby & Sussex," British horticulturist Monty Don helps two couples transform their barren and overgrown gardens into beautiful and functional outdoor spaces.

The first couple, Tamara and Stuart, recently moved into a new home in the village of Cadeby and inherited a garden that has been neglected for years. The garden is an oddly-shaped, sloping space with a mix of grass, gravel, weeds, and a few trees. Tamara and Stuart dream of a garden where they can relax, entertain, and grow their own vegetables, but they have no idea where to start.

Monty first assesses the site and explains the importance of understanding the soil and the microclimate of the garden before making any plans. He also encourages them to think about what kind of garden they want to create, whether it's a contemporary space, a cottage garden, or a wildlife garden. Tamara and Stuart show Monty their Pinterest boards and magazines for inspiration, which include elements such as raised beds, a pergola, a barbecue area, and lots of flowering plants.

Monty then helps them draw a rough plan of the garden, taking into account the existing features, the sun and shade patterns, and the views. He also advises them on how to tackle the weeds and the soil, suggesting that they use organic methods such as mulching and green manure. To save costs, Monty suggests that they reuse some of the materials they already have, such as the patio slabs and the gravel.

Over the course of several months, Tamara and Stuart work hard to transform their garden with Monty's guidance. They build raised beds out of old railway sleepers, lay a new lawn, plant a range of perennials and shrubs, and create a cosy seating area under a pergola. Monty visits them regularly to check their progress and offer more tips, such as how to prune a buddleia and how to attract bees and butterflies.

The second couple, Richard and Claire, live in the historic town of Lewes in Sussex and have a much smaller garden, but with its own challenges. Their garden is a tiny courtyard surrounded by high walls, with no direct sunlight and no soil. Richard and Claire are passionate about cooking and want to create a herb and vegetable garden that can supply them with fresh produce all year round.

Monty first helps them address the issue of drainage by installing a French drain and a water feature that can also act as a focal point. He then shows them how to build raised beds out of scaffolding boards that can hold compost and soil without rotting. He advises them on which herbs and vegetables are suitable for their shady and cool environment, such as mint, parsley, chives, kale and spinach. He also suggests using containers and wall-mounted planters to make the most of the limited space.

Richard and Claire face a few setbacks, such as slugs and snails eating their seedlings and a leak in the water feature, but they persevere with Monty's encouragement. They create a herb wall, a mini-kitchen garden, and even an espaliered apple tree. Monty visits them again to see the final results and taste some of their home-grown produce, while sharing his own tips for cooking with herbs and vegetables.

Overall, the first episode of Big Dreams Small Spaces season 1 exemplifies the show's mission to inspire and empower amateur gardeners to transform their own plots of land, no matter how big or small, through a combination of creativity, hard work, and expert advice. Monty Don's friendly and down-to-earth approach, coupled with the beautiful visuals and the inspiring stories of the two couples, makes this show a must-watch for anyone who loves gardening or just appreciates the beauty of nature.