Planet Patio

The enfant terrible of garden design, Diarmuid Gavin, presents a new series which explores the phenomenon of patio passion. Diarmuid has always had a penchant for a patio and can be relied upon to bring a touch of the extraordinary to even the most mediocre of plots. But Planet Patio offers much more than designer magic. It unpicks the whole package of gardening in small spaces to offer inspirational transformations to those who want dramatic changes, plenty of practical know-how for the more serious gardener plus the best gardening products on the market.

In the first programme Diarmuid attempts to create the perfect sun-worshippers' patio. Having a swimming pool in the middle of her patio always seemed an odd luxury for Vicky Gibbs. Inspired by the landscape, colour and architecture of California, Diarmuid transforms her monochrome patio into a vivacious, vibrant and bold homage to the LA lifestyle that many people crave.

Coloured walls of sexy pink, avocado green, colbalt blue and white were built to give striking colour and distinctive form to the patio. A high quality kari hardwood deck was laid around the pool, making this the ideal place to relax and sunbathe.

Palm trees in containers was the big planting idea that really set this patio alive and for the retro gardeners, Diarmuid does a re-working of that Seventies favourite, the rockery. Patio in place, it's finished off with the best sunlounger on the market and a recipe for Californian cocktails.