An award-winning local garden centre has helped bring a garden makeover to a South Wales grandmother’s home, featured live on ITV’s This Morning.

Old Railway Line Garden Centre teamed up with renowned Chartered Horticulturist David Domoney and the Royal Welsh Regiment for the special “Front Garden Facelift” segment, presented by Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary.

The makeover focused on Heather, 90, who had gradually stopped enjoying her garden due to mobility issues. Nominated by her daughter Sarah, the project aimed to create a welcoming, accessible outdoor space where Heather could relax, reconnect with nature, and enjoy her garden once more.

But the garden’s significance runs much deeper. In 2009, Sarah’s son James was tragically killed in Afghanistan, aged just 21. Since then, Heather has kept a red poppy ornament in the garden as a touching tribute. The new design honoured James’s memory with striking metal poppy sculptures - some doubling as bird water stations - and a commemorative bench with a bespoke plaque.

Volunteers from Old Railway Line Garden Centre contributed plants worth more than £1,200 alongside expert advice and hands-on help, working closely with Domoney and others to transform the space.

The team worked alongside David Domoney and other contributors to create a colourful, accessible front garden Heather could once again enjoy.

“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 Domoney.

The redesign includes a new extended patio with decking for level access, salvia-lined pathways, delicate pink hydrangeas, and wall-mounted planters to bring greenery to eye level. The planting choices also support local pollinators and improve the garden’s accessibility.

“These makeovers wouldn’t be possible without the support of our brilliant volunteers and contributors,” Domoney added. “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… 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.”

Liam, Garden Retail Director at Old Railway Line Garden Centre, said: “It’s been a real privilege to be involved. Garden centres do more than sell plants; we help people reconnect with nature. Seeing around 150 plants go into Heather’s garden today shows just how powerful that connection can be.”

The full garden reveal is available to watch on This Morning’s YouTube channel.

The Old Railway Line Garden Centre is a family-run, independent garden centre, farm shop and restaurant located in Three Cocks.

The garden centre has a strong track record of success, having been named the Garden Centre Association’s ‘Best Garden Centre’ in the UK in 2018 and 2021. It has also held the title of ‘Best Garden Centre’ in Wales and the West for nine consecutive years, alongside numerous other awards.