Dermot's Secret Garden

Episode 6 (2x6)

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As Autumn arrives colder days begin to creep into Clondeglass. The tops of the trees seem to catch fire with autumnal colour, summer blooms decay but others are just coming into their prime. To catch a glimpse of an Autumn garden in its prime, Dermot pays a visit to his friend Ian McDonald's dreamy Bay Garden in Wexford. Some of Ian's planting mirrors that of Clondeglass. Back in his garden, there's a wonderful abundance of apples - Dermot makes a delicious Gardener's Chutney that will keep for several months. At the little potting sheds, Dermot is disappointed with progress; his 'shed to extravagant pavilion' project is way behind. The builder is putting it down to bad weather. To raise money for these projects Dermot needs to work on gardening tours. October's trip takes him to the stunning Borromean Islands in Lake Maggiore in Northern Italy. Back in Clondeglass - his Potager Paths are finally being completed and this is one project that has worked and that he and Fiann are extremely proud of. The Belvedere students are back in December to lend a helping hand as Dermot and Fiann prepare to winter the garden. They plant thousands of hyacinth bulbs for next spring and Fiann makes a spicy mulled wine to compliment Dermot's spicy chutney and cheese spread for a gardeners' party. Dermot reflects on another year closing on Clondeglass and all that he and Fiann have achieved - his health is good, his pockets are empty - but his dream of honouring the craft of gardening in creating a resplendent walled garden is finally within his reach.