Ep 5. Bromley & Dorset

In this episode of "Big Dreams Small Spaces," we join gardening expert Monty Don as he takes on the challenge of helping two budding gardeners, Liz in Bromley and Stewart in Dorset, transform their outdoor spaces. With dreams of creating beautiful gardens that reflect their personalities and passions, these homeowners are ready to embark on a journey of creativity and hard work.

First, we meet Liz in Bromley, a busy working mom and passionate gardener with a small and neglected suburban garden. Liz dreams of transforming her lackluster backyard into a vibrant and inviting outdoor space where her family can relax and entertain. However, with a limited budget and little experience in garden design, Liz is unsure where to start.

Monty, armed with his wealth of knowledge and experience, begins by assessing the potential of Liz's garden. He takes into consideration the existing plants, the soil quality, and the amount of sunlight the garden receives throughout the day. With this information, Monty helps Liz visualize the possibilities and provides her with practical advice and guidance on how to make the most of her available resources.

Together, Liz and Monty start the transformation process by tackling the garden's biggest challenge – the lack of privacy. They explore different options, from using trellises and climbers to installing fencing, to create a secluded and intimate space. Monty also introduces Liz to the concept of vertical gardening, demonstrating how she can maximize her limited square footage by adding hanging baskets and growing plants on walls. Liz is thrilled with the ingenious ideas and gains more confidence in bringing her garden dreams to life.

As Liz gains momentum in her garden makeover, the focus then shifts to Dorset, where we meet Stewart. Stewart dreams of having a garden that showcases his love for wildlife and nature photography. His spacious but neglected garden is overgrown and lacking any sense of purpose or beauty. Stewart seeks Monty's expertise to create a wildlife-friendly space that not only attracts a variety of animals but also serves as an inspiring backdrop for his photography.

Monty guides Stewart through the process of transforming his garden, reminding him of the importance of planning and patience. Together, they identify the key features that can enhance wildlife diversity, such as creating a pond, planting native flowers, and providing shelter for birds and insects. Monty's vast knowledge of plants and wildlife enables him to suggest the perfect species that will thrive in Stewart's garden and attract a multitude of animals.

While focusing on creating a wildlife haven, Monty also takes into consideration Stewart's passion for photography. He suggests incorporating various photo-friendly elements, such as strategically placed bird feeders, wildflower meadows, and rustic seating areas that provide a perfect vantage point for capturing stunning shots. With Monty's guidance, Stewart gains a deeper understanding of how to create a garden that not only attracts wildlife but also inspires his artistic pursuits.

Throughout the episode, Monty's passion for gardening shines through as he nurtures the dreams of Liz and Stewart and guides them towards creating their ideal outdoor spaces. Along the way, viewers are treated to valuable insights into garden design, plant selection, and wildlife-friendly practices that can be implemented in any garden, regardless of its size or location.

Join Monty Don and his team in this inspiring episode of "Big Dreams Small Spaces" as they prove that with determination, creativity, and a little expert advice, even the smallest of gardens can become a haven of beauty and joy.