Debbie Travis' Facelift - Tales From The Set

Letter From Debbie

They say never to work with family and friends and they are absolutely correct. I adore my younger brother but when we gave his tiny garden a Facelift he pushed sisterly love to the limit. We were born in the North of England. I am the eldest of three sisters and then came my little brother Will. He was brought up in a house full of women because my father died when he was only six months old. You can imagine how pampered he was during his childhood.

He is now married to Sian and they have two glorious toddlers, Amelia and Beatrice. They had just moved into a small Victorian house that they loved but the back yard was a small patch of wasteland.

Sian had talked endlessly about creating some kind of Japanese style garden but was worried that it would not be practical for the girls. After secret meetings with my great friend Kim from Torizuka Landscaping, he designed a space that could happily house a water feature, swing, exterior shower, sand box and a new deck, and would also be a tranquil Zen-like oasis.

Sian was sent away for three luxurious days at a spa. She needed little persuading as this was her first break away from the children in a couple of years. Dad could surely manage for a few days especially with the help of Auntie Debbie!

The job was far more labor-intensive than we expected, especially with the amount of work that putting in a new deck entails. Moving a large boulder into the backyard was another challenge we didn't expect. In the end, we had to take down and rebuild the neighbor's fence. By the last day, everyone, including the TV crew was racing to finish.

What more could possibly go wrong after this hectic weekend? Well Sian came home to screams of delight, but within seconds the heavens opened and all our hard work seemed to be washed away! However, gardens love a good rain and the next day dawned sunny and bright. Sian, Will and their little girls absolutely love their new backyard.

Debbie

Letter From Sian

Dear Debbie

Driving back from my three-day spa retreat, I felt relaxed, revitalized and human again. Then reality struck as thoughts and questions rushed through my mind. "I wonder how the girls are? Did Will cope on his own? Did he do any of the jobs I left for him? What kind of mess will the house be in? All the usual stuff you worry about when leaving your husband in charge.

After pulling up outside the house my doubts magnified when Will came out to greet me without the girls. "Oh no, what has happened?" I was panic-struck, but Will reassured me all was well and he had invited a few friends over.

As we walked into the house the calm and silence was extraordinary. Where were my little girls? As we approached the back of the house I could see a bright light shining right at me. My heart started beating faster. I was facing a camera crew as well as lots and lots of people!

Before I knew it I was shaking with shock and emotion. My eyes filled, and there before me was the most beautiful little Zen garden anyone could ask for. I couldn't believe it. The deck, the water flowing, the sand, rocks and pebbles--it was paradise!

Then you appeared from behind a bush with Amelia and Beatrice. It then hit me what had been going on all weekend. What a superb surprise and accomplishment, and I had absolutely no idea.

So much effort and hard work went into this outstanding garden. It was an amazing gift, and I can't thank you enough Debbie and your Facelift team. This is an experience and a precious memory our family will always cherish.

Sian Travis