ITV’s This Morning returned with another inspiring Front Garden Facelift, as Chartered Horticulturalist David Domoney surprised a deserving viewer in South Wales with a live garden transformation in under two hours.
The uplifting makeover was introduced by Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary, who joined David as he knocked on the front door of Heather, a 90-year-old grandmother nominated by her daughter, Sarah.
Heather has lived in her home for decades, enjoying views of the South Wales mountains from her front room. But with limited mobility, she had stopped sitting outside. Her daughter, Sarah, hoped a new garden would give her mum a peaceful spot to enjoy the fresh air once more.
Their story carries deeper emotional resonance. In 2009, Sarah’s son, James, was tragically killed while serving in Afghanistan at the age of 21. Since then, Heather has kept a small red poppy memorial in the garden to honour his memory. It’s a space of remembrance, reflection and resilience. Sarah has also received an MBE, recognising her important charity work in memory of her son.
Helping David with the transformation were expert volunteers from Old Railway Line Garden Centre, whose team brought both plants and practical knowledge to the live makeover.
Accessible front gardens are often overlooked, but they can have a big impact. A well-planned layout with clear paths and low-maintenance planting can make it easier for people to enjoy time outdoors. This makeover showed that a front garden can be functional without losing its visual appeal. Colourful planting and thoughtful design don’t just improve access, but they can also support mental wellbeing and make a home feel more welcoming.
“Gardens tell stories. This one reflects Heather’s life and her grandson’s memory. We’ve created a space that’s easier to move around in, filled with plants she can enjoy from her window or on the bench. It’s a small tribute with a big impact,” said David.
After two hours, the final design was revealed. The patio by the front door was extended with decking to create a safe, level space for Heather to sit and enjoy the space. Salvias lined the newly defined pathway, adding colour and movement. Pink hydrangeas accented the border edges in front of the newly stained fence.
Wall-mounted planters brought extra colour to eye level, maximising planting without taking up ground space. The lawn was decorated with striking metal poppy ornaments, a tribute to her grandson, two of which double up as water stations for birds and pollinators.
The finishing touch was a bench with a bespoke engraved plaque dedicated to Heather’s grandson James and sister Pam, creating a heartfelt focal point in a space where Heather can sit, remember, and reconnect with nature.
David said, “These makeovers wouldn’t be possible without the support of our brilliant volunteers and contributors. I’m so grateful to Old Railway Line Garden Centre, MM Mac Ltd, Slade Contractors, the Royal Welsh Regiment, and friends of the family for their time and effort. I’d also like to thank Ames Tools, Caerphilly Skip Hire, Makita, B&Q for supplying the bench, and The Fun Blue Plaque Company for their generous support. It was an honour to work alongside everyone to create a beautiful garden for Heather, a fitting gesture for someone who has been such a support to her family.”
“It’s been a real privilege to be involved,” said Liam from Old Railway Line Garden Centre. “Garden centres do more than sell plants; we help people reconnect with nature. Seeing over 100 plants go into Heather’s garden today shows just how powerful that connection can be.”
This moving makeover is part of David’s wider campaign to show that every front garden has the potential to be a haven, whether for wildlife, wellbeing, or memory. With each transformation, he’s hoping to inspire the nation to add some more nature to their front gardens.
Catch the full reveal and emotional reaction now on This Morning’s YouTube Channel.
