In this programme Chris and Mark build a bridge for the Carlier family garden. Paul and Louise Carlier have an unusually large garden space in suburban Brentwood. However, half of the garden is unusable, being blocked off by a swampy pond and heavy shrubbery. The team attempt to solve the problem by constructing a steel and timber bridge across the marsh area to open up the rest of the garden space. The bridge is designed to create an optical illusion when viewed from the top of the garden: it makes the garden seem longer as it's tapered towards the back.

Chris explores the plant life which flourishes in the Carlier's pond and gives us more information about the impact certain aquatic species can have on ponds including Reed Mace (Tyfa Latifolia), Float Grass (Glyceria), Cyperus and Parrot's Feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum). These plants can be purchased from aquatic plant nurseries.

Inspiration Station:

The Phyllis Currie Reserve (tel: (01376) 324311) in Essex is owned by the Essex Wildlife Trust and features several locations where bridges have been used to traverse marshland. Chris and Mark visit the reserve to get to grips with the construction of bridges that complement the environment which surrounds them.

Stockist List:

Sawn, treated timber (6" x 2" decking) (4" x 2" framework)
Brook's Brothers - timber merchants
Tel: (020) 8591 5300

Steel beams (ridged steel joists)
The London Metal Company - metal fabricators
Tel: (020) 8337 0090

Railway sleepers
All good reclamation yards (nationwide)

General building materials (metal primer, cement, ballast)
EH Smith - builder's merchants
Tel: (01245) 459600

Laser level (for ensuring the bridge is level)
All good tool hire shops

Gardening tools
Spear & Jackson - Hand, Garden, Agricultural, Horticultural and Engineering tools
Tel: (0114) 281 4242

Zinc hearth fire and gels (at the front of the bridge)
Coloured night lanterns (dotted around the bridge)
Lloyd Christie - conservatories and garden architechture
Tel : (020) 7376 4753

JCB branded products
Tel: (01889) 593505

Go back to Garden Highs - An Introduction