Ep 4. Clapham & Hereford

In this episode of Big Dreams Small Spaces, host Monty Don travels to two locations in the UK - Clapham and Hereford - to help two sets of homeowners transform their small gardens into beautiful and functional spaces.

First up is James and Katie in Clapham. They have recently moved into a new house with their young daughter and are keen to create an outdoor area that they can all enjoy together. However, the garden is currently in a sorry state, with overgrown trees and a lack of space for anything other than a few pots. Monty spends time getting to know the family and their needs before setting to work on designing a garden that is not only beautiful but also practical for a young family. He suggests removing some of the overgrown trees to let in more light and creating a seating area at the back of the garden where James and Katie can relax while their daughter plays nearby. Monty also introduces the family to a range of plants that will thrive in their shady garden, including ferns, hostas and astilbes.

The second garden Monty visits is in Hereford and belongs to Paul and Gail. They have a large plot of land but have struggled to make the most of it, with an overgrown lawn and a pond that has become overrun with weeds. They dream of a garden that can be used for outdoor entertaining, but also has space for Paul to pursue his passion for growing vegetables. Monty begins by clearing away the weeds and digging out a large area for vegetable beds. He then creates a series of paths and seating areas that lead through the garden, adding colour and interest with a range of flowering plants and shrubs. Finally, he shows Paul and Gail how to create a beautiful water feature using an old wooden barrel and a stone trough.

Throughout the episode, Monty shares his decades of experience as a gardener, offering tips and advice on everything from plant selection to soil preparation. He also encourages both families to get involved in the transformation process, showing them how they can take ownership of their gardens and get the most out of them in the future.

Overall, this episode of Big Dreams Small Spaces is an inspiring and informative look at how small gardens can be transformed into beautiful and functional spaces with the right planning, design and care. It's a must-watch for anyone who loves gardening, or who simply wants to make the most of their outdoor space.