Wow, didn’t know that our good old Landscape Man was even making it to NZ! Ed’s garden was quite an undertaking, amazing amount of work. I was certainly impressed with the results!

You are right with your comment about raising the profile of gardening, it is something that no matter how predictable the programme format is, it does get people thinking about their garden. The more thought that goes into planning, the better the results will be. It will be interesting to see how the second series of the show does – apparently they have involved more designers with this time. So watch this space! ;o)

I’ve been rather amused reading this thread – but wanted to assure Ed that the programme featuring his garden aired in NZ last weekend – and our whole family sat down to watch it (yes, including the 8 year old daughter who is passionate about such matters!)… We were in awe of the natural view that you had to work with, and were quite thrilled (on your behalf) of the view within your garden which you created. What a difference! It was also quite novel experiencing the change that you and your wife went through, regarding the philosophies of ‘gardening’, and I’m sure that this happens in many garden design teams/marriages!!

Regarding the format, I have to say that I’m okay with the rather predictable set-up, and feel that the most important factor here to consider, that it is raising the profile of gardening, which surely must be the main point. Having created a garden ourselves out of a paddock, I’m aware of the troubles incurred when one purchases one plant at a time, and one of each variety – (it’s not ideal) – but having said that, experience most certainly is the best teacher.

Thanks for the thread – I think I’ll save this to my favourites!

Erana

I’m really looking forward to seeing your garden. It sounds really challenging one to do. I can imagine it being a little bit nerve-racking having everyone and their brother cast judgement on your creation!

The main thing though, is if you are happy with what you’ve achieved and it meets your needs, then it doesn’t matter what other people think!

I am feeling slightly nervous about our programme going out this coming Sunday (9th May). trying to create a garden on a hugely over grown, steeply sloping cliff top was a real challenge, especially when you have little landscaping/gardening experience We live on a 4 1/2 acre site on the south coast of Guernsey. The island is essentially a lump of granite with a relative;y mild climate but is lashed with with high winds at various times through out the year. Consequently high winds and sea spray have a detrimental effect on many plants. Hence our plant scheme we intrroduced had to be tolerent to the above. We also largely relied upon the wild flowers naturally occuing on the island, which included blue bells, campions, vetch, oxide daisies, various plantains, wild grasses etc.

I’d say in addition to having a good design in mind – make a plan for steps you’ll take every day to achieve it. Don’t just leap out of bed in the middle of the night with some great concept for a butterfly garden until you’ve taken stock of what you need to finish it!
.-= Sherice´s last blog ..Schedule Facebook Posts, Keep Up with Social Networks using Sendible =-.

I think we should have pair up the Landscape Man and Martha Stewart and let them have a go at it.

Martha has achieved wonderful results in her gardens, but then she has the resources to pay for the backhoes, mini-diggers, tree spades, rose experts etc. etc. etc. And yes, many people want to imitate her gardens.

My gardening teachers were quick to warn us against trying to achieve those “Kodak moments” in the garden design magazines, when everything looks absolutely perfect because real-life gardens rarely look that way.

Bravo for keeping it real!
.-= Marsha Stopa´s last blog ..The Surprise of Spring Depression =-.

Carole, I know that feeling! Thankfully, this time, planting was the garden owner’s speciality subject. He had many years experience and was in charge of The Garden House at Buckland Monochorum in Devon before he set upon his own garden.

Too many times I’ve been hired to “fix” gardens where someone went to the nursery and bought every pretty thing they saw and plunked them in the ground with no regard for the plants light or moisture needs, how big the plant would get at maturity, or whether a specific plant would be invasive and take over the entire garden.

I’m so glad that you are teaching people to do their design homework. Thanks, Rachel!
.-= Carole´s last blog ..Bishop Weed: Most Hated Plants.. =-.