Three Horticultural students and Peter Duignan, Landscaping Tutor from Merrist Wood College assisted gardening expert, David Domoney with a Front Garden Facelift on ITV’s This Morning on Tuesday 15 April.
ITV’s This Morning, gardening expert David Domoney was once again tasked with creating a Front Garden Facelift, a popular feature on the daytime show, in fewer than two hours. This time, surprising a Bracknell resident, nominated by her best friend, with another moving transformation.
Front gardens across the UK are disappearing, with over seven million lost to paving, decking or gravel, impacting wildlife, drainage and wellbeing. Yet green spaces are proven to reduce stress, boost mood and help people feel more connected to their communities. Over 80% of people believe greenery in front gardens improves their overall wellbeing.
David Domoney’s latest This Morning makeover, with support from Merrist Wood College and Winnersh Garden Centre, transformed Maxine’s front garden into a colourful and calming space. It is a powerful reminder of the value of front gardens and why bringing them back can make a real difference to both people and the planet.
Maxine, a former postal worker, was nominated by her best friend of 33 years, Lisa, now her live-in carer. They met when Maxine was Lisa’s postie, and a friendly chat blossomed into a lifelong friendship. Maxine supported Lisa through a critical illness, and now Lisa cares full-time for Maxine, who has hip dysplasia and limited mobility.
Despite daily challenges, they live with joy, sharing their Bracknell home with two beloved dogs, Arlo and Teddy. From gentle evening walks to cosy TV nights, their bond is built on love, laughter and loyalty. A friendship that’s weathered every storm and continues to shine.
Friendships are often of underestimated importance to our mental and physical health. Studies show that having a few close friends can reduce the risk of heart disease, depression and even early death. The benefits are comparable to giving up smoking. People with strong social ties report greater happiness, lower stress levels and improved mental well-being.
The live transformation began on This Morning as presenters Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond introduced David knocking on Maxine’s front door in Bracknell just after 10am. What followed was a whirlwind of digging, planting, painting and decorating, all to surprise a very deserving This Morning viewer.
Joining David were students from Merrist Wood College, lending their time and energy to help bring Maxine’s garden to life. Plants and materials were generously donated by Winnersh Garden Centre, of British Garden Centres, whose expert staff also provided on-site support for the makeover. It was a proud moment for young horticulturists to see their work showcased live, and a brilliant example of how rewarding and diverse a career in horticulture can be.
Libby Stubbs, Marketing and Communications Co-ordinator, from British Garden Centres, said of being a young person working in horticulture: “Coming from a family-run business, I always knew I wanted to work in this industry.
“As a career, it covers so much, from gardening to retail, marketing, design, floristry, and so much more. It’s such a rewarding and varied place to work, and it’s amazing to take these opportunities to share the love nature can bring.”
And shortly after 12:15, the team were live with the completed look. The finished garden was bursting with vibrant spring colour, thanks to a cheerful border planted around the edge and clever wall displays by Wonderwall, ensuring full use of the space. The transformation brought both beauty and practicality to Maxine’s doorstep; an inviting space she can enjoy every day. Maxine was thrilled with the result and even had the chance to chat with her favourite This Morning presenter, Alison Hammond, adding an extra special moment to an already unforgettable day.
David Domoney said: “This makeover is a tribute to Maxine and Lisa’s friendship—a story filled with strength and care.
“It’s been an absolute joy to create this space for them. Huge thanks to Winnersh Garden Centre team, part of the British Garden Centre group, and our brilliant students from Merrist Wood College for helping bring this vision to life.
“I would also like to thank our contributors, including Tiller’s Turf, Wonderwall Living Walls, AMES Tools, Laser Boutique, Hippo bags, and the Fun Blue Plaque Company.”
Peter Duignan, teacher of Landscaping at the college, said: “This was a really great opportunity for the students to get some hands-on horticulture experience. Working to a tight deadline and appearing on television for the first time has given them valuable memories and insights to carry forward into their future careers in horticulture.”
Zoe Gobey is one of the students who took part in the Front Garden Facelift. She is studying a Principles of Plant Growth and Development RHS Level 2 Certificate at Merrist Wood College and University Centre.
She said “It was very exciting! We didn’t exactly know what we were getting into, just knew that it was going to be a big transformation in a short period of time, but everyone worked super hard and it was quite amazing what we put together!
“It’s helped a lot with the concept of garden design which is something that I’m interested in studying next because I looked at the way that they laid out the plants and it wasn’t things that I’ve seen before so it was really intriguing.
“I tried not to think about being on TV too much and just got on with it. It was interesting to see how things had to stop and start to facilitate live TV, but the focus was on the gardening for me.”
This makeover proves that a front garden isn’t just the first thing people see—it’s a space that can bring comfort, joy, and a sense of pride. For Maxine, it’s now a personal haven that reflects the love and loyalty of her lifelong friend.
As David continues his series of Front Garden Facelifts, This Morning shows that behind every front door, there’s a story worth celebrating.
If you missed the live makeover, you can watch it now on This Morning’s YouTube Channel.
Merrist Wood College’s next open day is Wednesday, Wednesday 7 May, 4.30-7pm if you’re in the Surrey area. You can book your place here.
