Ep 2. Swindon & Wakefield

In the second episode of Big Dreams Small Spaces season 1, host Monty Don visits two gardens in Swindon and Wakefield, where aspiring gardeners hope to transform their spaces into beautiful and functional gardens.

First, Monty meets Kirti and Sandeep in Swindon, who dream of transforming their small, neglected garden into a peaceful retreat. With no gardening experience, they look to Monty for guidance on how to start. Monty suggests a calming water feature and a Japanese-inspired design, with clean lines and minimalism. However, Kirti and Sandeep struggle with the implementation, and tensions run high as they try to balance their busy work schedules with the demands of their garden.

Next, Monty travels to Wakefield to meet Nick and Jo, who are taking on a massive project to turn their overgrown backyard into a productive vegetable garden. With Monty's help, they begin by clearing out the overgrown brush and starting a compost pile. However, they soon realize the soil is too compacted to grow vegetables, and they struggle to find the solution. Monty recommends building raised beds and incorporating organic matter into the soil to improve its quality. As they work together, Monty marvels at the couple's dedication and determination to make their garden dream a reality.

Throughout the episode, Monty provides valuable tips and tricks for budding gardeners, such as the importance of starting small, using vertical space, and incorporating edible plants into the garden. He also emphasizes the emotional benefits of gardening, as both Kirti and Sandeep and Nick and Jo experience a sense of accomplishment and pride in their gardens.

Overall, the episode highlights the challenges and rewards of starting a garden from scratch, as well as the importance of seeking help from experts and working collaboratively with a partner or team. With Monty's guidance, Kirti and Sandeep and Nick and Jo transform their neglected spaces into beautiful, functional, and productive gardens, proving that anyone can achieve big dreams with small spaces.