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Building an "Enchanted Forest" in a Boring Back Yard | Big Dreams Small Spaces Season 3 Episode 5

Gardening With Monty Don

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Big Dreams Small Spaces Season 3 Episode 5

This time, our two gardeners each living on their own are hoping Monty can help them bring something special to their small spaces. In Blackpool, Alex, a young accountant, dreams of turning her boring back yard into a magical enchanted forest, complete with fairy lights and luscious woodland plants. Monty comes up with a big and daring idea, and to illustrate his point, sends Alex to visit the ancient trees of Holker Hall in Cumbria. But will this young dreamer feel Monty’s suggestion is too ambitious to take on? In Bristol, Ross has taken on a very over-grown allotment. But with no experience of growing edibles, he’s feeling over-whelmed. A few months before, he’d lost his job, broken up with his partner and found himself with nowhere to live. Now, happily, Ross’s life is getting back on track – he’s got a job and a flat. Now with his newly acquired allotment he wants a space to relax in as much as a vegetable garden. Can Monty help Ross build up his confidence as well as his gardening know how and build his dream outside space?

Monty Don joins enthusiastic amateur gardeners with grand dreams for their outdoor spaces, however modest they may be. He will offer guidance, constructive criticism, and will roll up his sleeves and give practical help where it’s needed. Will they manage to transform their dreams into reality? The projects will range in detail and design.

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20 Comments

@Nanageddon57 3 months ago

Even pulling weeds can be a soothing activity. I have a sticker (and want a sign) that reads: "Gardening, because murder is wrong!".

@alluringtravelmagazine1530 4 months ago

Stunning proof that gardens heal one’s soul

@sylviabeichert943 1 month ago

I must say that I was horrified when Monty suggested a large tree in a small yard because large trees usually have very large roots that can damage water pipes and house foundations; not just one's own house but the neighbours as well.

@iDestr0ya 3 months ago

The change in Ross is remarkable. He isn't the same guy from early on.

@dee4766 3 months ago

Thanks too, to Ross' female friend who kept helping him from start to finish!❤

@QueenAnnesLace13 3 months ago

This is such a beautiful episode. Two lovely gardeners. Alex was decisive in what she wanted, with wonderful results and a unique garden. The growth and confidence that Ross showed with each visit were amazing to see. The magic of gardens and plants to transform lives.

@flowerpower3618 3 months ago

Such a blessing to live where it rains regularly

@elisabetk2595 3 months ago

Really having allotment envy! I've been gardening for three decades in a community garden (the closest the US has to allotments) and it is "big" at 400 square feet. No room for a shed, or compost bins (we do have shared facilities). Half the effort is figuring out how to squeeze plants in without overcrowding or spilling into our neighbors. It is really fun to see what all the other gardeners there do.

@PickleMcTavish 4 months ago

I loved this series when it aired and 10 years on, I loved it again! Those allotments mostly looked such a mess - very sad to see so many over-run with weeds these days.

@katysummer9418 3 months ago

I like that Monty shows real people gardens and not something super perfect in every sense of the word. All is nice and super relatable. I am currently working on a 200 m2 country garden with two decks but realized I have to prioritize; sanding fences and re-staining, pee gravel fire pit, reducing deck size plus fixing and repainting, sun shade over the deck and looking after my veggie garden should be plenty for this year with a short season in Alberta, Canada.

@ellenfoster9764 2 months ago

When I built a home, the town required me to put grass seed on all disturbed ground, since I did not have a landscaping plan yet. My soil is mostly rock. Instead of lifting sod, which is horribly hard work, I’ve laid down some compost, then a thick layer of cardboard, with mulch on top. I plant large plants through a hole in the cardboard. In a year, the cardboard and underlying grass have created lovely soil. Then I put in small plants.

@caroleyre9144 3 months ago

We have a sign saying Gardeners know all the dirt 😅
This is similar to our garden when we moved here 9 years ago. All grass, replaced all fencing that was in disrepair.
My husband planted Bay Laurel Hedging along the long side.
We transformed our garden in this 9 years and we were also going through a lot in that
9 years, the gardening really helped us. Happy Gardening 🌱❤️🌳

@EvelynsColors 3 months ago

At minute 29:18 to Ross...You should never focus on what you have left to do, but rather on everything you have accomplished up to this point.

@merrim7765 3 months ago

While they planted the tree, Spock learned all about digging a better hole. Both the development of the gardens and the gardeners were fun to watch to the very satisfying reveals! Monty is an excellent mentor.

@angelawallismoore2283 1 month ago

Delightful and uplifiting. Thanks Monty.

@shannonlera3844 3 months ago (edited)

These gardens are both beautiful in their own way. It would be nice to see an update after a couple of years.

@ShaneSidhe 1 month ago

😭 I’m so happy for both of them. Plants are among the best teachers, healers and friends in the whole world, and I am still shocked to see how beautiful places can be by incorporating our plant friends.

@marielucier7982 4 months ago

First time seeing one of your videos. So touching to see the progress and creativity of these two individuals. They both went well beyond their expectations. Your presentation is endearing and encouraging.