Ep 2. The Country Garden

In the second episode of the first season of Love Your Garden, we are introduced to a family living in the countryside who wish to transform their bland and neglected back garden into an idyllic country space that they can share with their friends and family. Hosted by the ever-charismatic Alan Titchmarsh, the show focuses on the challenges and triumphs of turning this dull space into a beautiful, relaxing oasis.

The garden is located on a farm in the Georgeham area of Devon and spans an impressive 800 square meters. The family that owns the property, the Burtons, are a close-knit bunch who value spending time together in the great outdoors. However, their garden was overgrown and the children were not able to play safely in the space. As well as being a security concern, the garden was also preventing the family from entertaining guests and enjoying meals outside.

Throughout the episode, Alan and his team of horticulturists and landscapers work with the Burtons to completely transform the garden, enhancing its natural beauty and creating an inviting space for their friends and family. The team has an ambitious vision for the space, with plans to install water features, rustic stepping stones, and luscious flower beds. However, as with any garden makeover, there were a few unexpected hiccups along the way.

The team decided to split the garden into different areas, creating a series of outdoor 'rooms'. The first area they worked on was a rustic seating area, that would allow the family to enjoy the sunshine and entertain guests in comfort. The team used recycled wood to create benches and tables surrounded by a selection of pots filled with vibrant flowers, creating a welcoming and charming atmosphere.

Next, the team tackled the overgrown pond, removing weeds and debris to make room for a relaxing water feature. They introduced a new filtration system to reduce algae growth and promote the growth of fish. With the addition of new lighting and plants around the border, the pond became an incredibly serene feature in the garden.

One of the biggest challenges that Alan and the team faced was the uneven ground around the barn where the family hosted most of their gatherings. They tackled the issue by incorporating large stepping stones that not only create a safer area for the family, but also enhance the natural look and feel of the garden.

Throughout the garden, Alan and his team added thoughtful finishing touches. By including bird feeders, they encouraged wildlife into the area, while string lights added a touch of magic to the space in the evenings. They also added a fire pit, providing the perfect focal point for family get-togethers and an extra source of warmth on chilly nights.

Overall, the transformation of the garden was a great success. As well as looking stunning, the garden now offers a versatile and practical space for the family to enjoy for years to come. Alan and his team were able to exceed the expectations of the Burtons, creating a magical outdoor space that the whole family can treasure.

Love Your Garden season 1 episode 2, 'The Country Garden', is a heartwarming and inspiring episode that showcases the power of gardening to create lasting memories and bring families together. Alan and his team highlight the transformational benefits of investing in a beautiful outdoor space and offer practical tips and advice for anyone looking to create an inviting and functional garden.