The Outdoor Room
Episode 1 – Italy
Seven Network Australia
The story
Mary and Andy Urbani were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and their four daughters wanted to give them a very special present – Jamie, to turn their garden from boring to bellissimo! Andy has spent his life helping out his girls, his neighbours and his colleagues but he's neglected his own backyard.
Jamie packed his bags and headed to Italy to find ideas to transform the Urbani's garden. From the cobblestone streets of Rome to the tiny Umbrian village of Pietralunga where Andy grew up, Jamie found plenty of take-home ideas. Terracotta tiles, magnificent water features, even a pizza oven brought the flavour of Italy into the Urbani's backyard.
Plus in this very special episode, Jamie visited Andy and Mary’s eldest daughter Cathy in her spectacular
Italian villa outside Rome and planned a heart-warming family reunion.
He might be a true Aussie boy but celebrity chef Tobie Puttock is Italian in his heart and in his kitchen. He joined
The Outdoor Room with the perfect Italian recipe for a wedding anniversary party – a delicious porchetta.
From the owners' daughter
You've done it Jamie – bravo! On behalf of my sisters and myself, grazie! The expression on on my father's face when he first saw his new Italian backyard spoke for itself, and Mum was speechless.
Being the recipients of this welcoming, visually beautiful and practical backyard was something my parents would never have imagined nor expected, especially on their 50th wedding anniversary. We cannot thank you enough – Jamie, Jody, the team and crew – for all of your hard work, dedication and commitment.
It was very special and heartwarming that you visited my father's birthplace, nestled within the green hills of Umbria in Italy. Thank you for visiting my most hospitable sister Cathy at Zia Cathy's and playing her message. It reduced us all to tears as we miss her so much.
The garden looks as beautiful as ever. Mum and Dad just love it – they are using every single inch of the garden to their heart’s content. It is a masterpiece. I still think they are in shock – we all are. What an amazing experience we all had while you and your team took over my parents' home – thank you. The pizza oven is being put to good use and cooks an amazing pizza. The vegetable garden is just the right height for Mum, and Dad cherishes the idea that he never has to mow the backyard lawn again. All of the plants are receiving a lot of TLC from my parents.
We cannot wait until the warmer weather arrives as we will no doubt be dining alfresco with the grandchildren splashing in the pool as the ‘Trevi Fountain’ serenades us in the background. Life is a celebration and you have made celebrating life that much easier for my parents Jamie, who are forever thankful.
Jamie, when my father invited you to drop in when you are next in the area he meant it... just give him an hour to warm up the pizza oven!
Ciao!
Adriana Cester (one of Mary and Andy’s daughters)
Items from the show
Woodfired Pizza Oven
Supplied by: Mediterranean Wood Fired Ovens
1300 883 909
White marble table top
Supplied by: Dawa Stone Australia Pty Ltd
02 9799 8377
Synthetic grass
Supplied by: Limonta Sport Newgrass Australia
See website for contact numbers by state
Abode Spice Pavers
Supplied by: Boral
1300 134 002
Bed & Breakfast details
Zia Cathy's Country House & Banqueting, Italy
W
www.ziacathys.it
E
info@ziacathys.it
Plants from the show
Mandevilla ‘My Fair Lady’ CHILEAN JASMINE
Mandevilla ‘Red Riding Hood’ CHILEAN JASMINE
Mandevilla ‘Crimson Fantasy’ CHILEAN JASMINE
See Jamie's latest book
Outside for full plant and materials lists
More information
Jamie's latest book OUTSIDE is out now
For essential information on all the plants and materials used in this garden, Jamie's latest book
Outside, based on
The Outdoor Room, provides all the ideas and motivation you need to create your own outdoor room,
including photos of each garden, original garden plans, plant and material lists, design tips, styling suggestions and more.
Click here to buy on sale now.
See more about
The Outdoor Room
