Ep 3. Bromley & Stoke

Charlie Dimmock returns for another season of Big Dreams Small Spaces, the show where dedicated green thumbs attempt to transform their ordinary gardens into something extraordinary. In this episode, Charlie visits Bromley and Stoke to meet two families determined to transform their outdoor spaces into places of beauty and relaxation.

First up is Cathy and Andy from Bromley, who are facing the challenge of transforming their large, featureless lawn into a space that works for their whole family. With two young daughters and a love of entertaining, they need a garden that is both practical and beautiful. Charlie's task is to help them design a space that will work for everyone, while also injecting some personality and style.

As she gets to work, Charlie quickly identifies some of the key issues with the space. The lawn is too big and is dominating the garden, whereas the existing raised beds are too small and aren't being used effectively. She proposes splitting the garden into different zones, each with its own purpose. This will allow the family to make the most of the space, while also creating a sense of flow and harmony.

To get the most from the different areas, Charlie suggests a range of plants and features, from a seating area for the adults to a swing set and sandpit for the kids. She also recommends a stunning water feature as the centerpiece of the garden, which will bring movement, sound, and wildlife to the space.

However, it's not all plain sailing. Cathy and Andy have some strong opinions about what they want from their garden, which can sometimes conflict with Charlie's vision. They're also keen to stick to a strict budget, which means they may need to compromise on some of the more extravagant features.

Will Charlie be able to find a happy medium that satisfies everyone? And can Cathy and Andy's dream of a family-friendly garden really come true?

Next, Charlie heads to Stoke to meet Alistair, a busy commuter who is desperate to transform his garden into a tranquil oasis. With a hectic job in London and a long commute, Alistair has little time to spend on his garden, but he knows that creating a relaxing outdoor space would be the perfect antidote to his busy lifestyle.

Alistair's garden is a typical suburban plot, with a small lawn, a patio area, and a few borders. However, it's clear to Charlie that the space isn't being used to its full potential. She suggests removing the lawn entirely, to create a low-maintenance space that Alistair can enjoy without having to spend hours mowing and weeding.

Instead of the lawn, Charlie proposes a range of features that will add interest and beauty to the garden. These include a raised bed, a water feature, and a series of different seating areas, each with a different purpose. Charlie also recommends a range of plants that will bring texture, color, and scent to the space.

As the project progresses, Charlie and Alistair face a few challenges. The weather is unseasonably cold and wet, which makes planting difficult. Alistair also has a few reservations about some of Charlie's ideas, particularly the water feature, which he thinks might be too expensive and difficult to maintain. However, with Charlie's guidance and creativity, they are able to work through these issues and create a beautiful, relaxing garden that meets all of Alistair's needs.

From family-friendly spaces to tranquil retreats, this episode shows that with a little bit of creativity and hard work, anyone can transform their garden into a dream space. Tune in to Big Dreams Small Spaces Season 2, Episode 3 – Bromley & Stoke to see how it's done.