Following the success of four heartwarming and inspiring Front Garden Facelifts in 2024, David Domoney is back with ITV’s This Morning for the first live makeover of 2025. And once again, David has used the opportunity to inspire young people in horticulture, inviting students from Shuttleworth College to participate.
In all five Front Garden Facelifts since March 2024, David has welcomed horticulture students from Sheffield College, the Lackham Campus of Wiltshire College and University Centre, Moulton College, Hadlow College, and now, Shuttleworth College.
David has long championed encouraging young people to enter the horticulture industry and sees these live makeovers as a unique opportunity to inspire, educate, and showcase the valuable skills the next generation brings to the sector. By involving students hands-on, he hopes to plant the seeds of passion and confidence that will grow into lifelong careers.
David said:"Involving students in these makeovers gives them real-world experience and a sense of pride in their work. I’ve always believed in nurturing young talent through projects like my Young Gardeners of the Year. These opportunities help build confidence, practical skills, and a genuine love for horticulture—essential for growing the future of our industry."
RHS Course Lead at Shuttleworth College, Peter Lickorish, stated: “For me, a great opportunity like this embodies what we do at Shuttleworth, where we hope to transform people, giving them the chance to do something they wouldn’t normally do, taking up horticulture, either as a hobby or as an industry. And a day like today, where the students worked so hard under the pressure of time, TV, weather and more, just shows how resilient they are. They’ve really done us proud.”
David and his team of volunteers were live from Milton Keynes to transform the garden of Carole Kirton.
The transformation began live at 10am, as Dermot O’Leary and Josie Gibson introduced David knocking on Carole’s front door. What followed was a whirlwind day of digging, planting, painting, and celebrating.
Carole, 65, was nominated by her youngest daughter, Samantha, as a heartfelt thank you for years of love. Samantha was joined by her two older sisters, Linda and Lisa, for the emotional surprise.
After marrying her late husband Alan when they were just 16, Carole spent the last 18 years of Alan’s life as his dedicated carer, whilst he was living with Parkinson’s and dementia until his passing in July 2024. She now shares her home with her daughter Linda and loyal collie, Misty.
Over 5 million people in England and Wales identified as carers in the 2021 Census, with many, like Carole, caring for Alan, supporting loved ones with dementia, Parkinson’s, or other disabilities. Carers play an honourable and vital role, often providing emotional comfort, medication, mobility support, and help with daily routines.
Support came from all corners. Blue Diamond’s Frosts Garden Centre donated a beautiful range of plants and sent two expert staff to help bring the garden to life. Meanwhile, students from Shuttleworth College offered their time and skills, working closely with David throughout the day.
When time was called on the makeover after less than 2 hours, David escorted Carole around her new front garden. The planting scheme was designed with heartfelt symbolism. Shades of blue in the wall planters paid tribute to her beloved husband, Alan, whilst the pink blooms of the statuesque Indian Hawthorn ‘Baby Pink’ were chosen to honour Carole’s late mother, June, who passed away in March 2024, whose favourite colour was pink. Carole was thrilled to see the front of her home and garage door freshly repainted, and a lovely bench with a heartfelt message from her daughters engraved on a plaque.
David said: “These makeovers wouldn’t be possible without the help of our fantastic volunteers and contributors. I’d like to pass on my gratitude to Blue Diamond Garden Centres. Shuttleworth College from the Bedford College Group, Tillers Turf, Ames Tools, The Fun Blue Plaque Company, MBT Decorating, The Lazor Boutique, ITV Shop, Hippo Bags and Horwood House Hotel. It was an honour to create, alongside all these wonderful volunteers, a lovely garden for Carole, today was our way of giving something meaningful back to someone who has given so much to others.”
Carole’s garden makeover carries the powerful message that behind every front door is a story worth celebrating. This Morning is planning for David Domoney to do more Front Garden Facelifts, transforming front garden spaces into spaces to be proud of.
