0:00:00 > 0:00:00- *
0:00:07 > 0:00:08- I'm Sioned Edwards.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12- Six months ago, - I moved to Plas Pont Y Twr...
0:00:13 > 0:00:17- ..with my husband Iwan - and daughters Nanw and Malan.
0:00:17 > 0:00:22- It's my grandparents' old farm, at - the foot of Moel Famau near Ruthin.
0:00:23 > 0:00:25- The house is run-down.
0:00:25 > 0:00:29- Our home for the next year - is a rather cramped caravan.
0:00:29 > 0:00:33- It's quite a challenge - with two young children.
0:00:33 > 0:00:35- We must go in five minutes.
0:00:35 > 0:00:40- This year's main project is - to turn the field by the caravan...
0:00:41 > 0:00:47- ..into a vegetable, fruit and flower - garden, with a play area, of course.
0:00:47 > 0:00:48- Hooray!
0:00:48 > 0:00:53- My dream is to grow my own flowers - for my work as a floral designer.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57- With luck, next year - they'll come from the garden.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01- Iwan is passionate - about green and organic methods.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05- I could go to the toilet - in the compost heap...
0:01:05 > 0:01:07- ..but Sioned vetoed that.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11- After months - of discussing and arguing...
0:01:11 > 0:01:14- ..we've finally agreed on a plan.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21- This is a story - about sweat, frustration...
0:01:21 > 0:01:22- Hang on!
0:01:22 > 0:01:27- ..arguing and celebrating, - as we try to realize the dream.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30- This is going to take time, - I can tell.
0:01:30 > 0:01:35- Not to mention headstrong chickens, - greedy pigs and a cheeky cat.
0:01:36 > 0:01:41- It's a big challenge - and we may not succeed.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02- A lot is going on - in the garden today.
0:02:02 > 0:02:07- Last week, I complained - that not enough was happening.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12- Richard has turned up - to work on the wall.
0:02:13 > 0:02:18- Saturday, we were building - a wall with railway sleepers.
0:02:19 > 0:02:24- I found a hole - in the waste water pipe.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28- The trench we dug - was full of dirty water.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31- It wasn't very nice here - Saturday night.
0:02:31 > 0:02:33- You'll have to straighten up.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36- I've been building - a wall with sleepers.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40- It's nice that the oak - came from Bodnant Garden.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44- The wood has a history. - Now, it's in our garden.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47- The wall will continue - round the corner.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50- We're going to level this area.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53- It's going to be - planted like a prairie.
0:02:53 > 0:02:58- The trampoline should have been - in a hole, level with the ground.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02- But the hole filled with rainwater.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06- The water was dirty - and full of mosquito larvae.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09- Eilir filled it - with soil and stones.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11- We've raised the ground.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15- A few things are going against us.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19- But we hope to finish - the foundations, put the shed up...
0:03:19 > 0:03:22- ..and most importantly - for the children...
0:03:22 > 0:03:26- ..put in the trampoline - before Nanw is back from school.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29- This should all happen today.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33- But first of all, - we must carry on planting...
0:03:34 > 0:03:36- ..or it'll be too late - in the season.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40- We're making a fruit area - in the vegetable garden.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45- Despite my protests, - Iwan has put a membrane down...
0:03:45 > 0:03:49- ..to try to stop - couch grass from spreading.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53- It's always a problem - on land like this.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55- Should we collect all this?
0:03:55 > 0:04:00- We could spend all day here, - weeding the couch grass.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02- It's a nuisance.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04- If you cut off a small piece...
0:04:05 > 0:04:07- ..it will grow into another plant.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09- By digging here...
0:04:10 > 0:04:12- ..we encourage it.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16- But we're changing - a farm field into a garden.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18- It's everywhere.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23- The only way to get rid of it - without using chemicals...
0:04:23 > 0:04:24- ..which we don't...
0:04:24 > 0:04:25- No!
0:04:26 > 0:04:30- ..is to cover it - for 18 to 24 months.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32- Then it'll die.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34- I'm starting to listen to you.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38- You're starting - to befriend the membrane.
0:04:38 > 0:04:39- No, I'm not.
0:04:39 > 0:04:44- It's a pity they don't make - a membrane that looks like grass.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49- We add a mixture - of compost and manure.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52- I have something else - to add to the soil too.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55- When planting raspberries...
0:04:56 > 0:05:00- ..a lot of people add - wood fire ashes to the soil.
0:05:01 > 0:05:03- I have some ashes.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08- Eilir is digging a trench - round the vegetable garden.
0:05:09 > 0:05:14- We need a stronger fence to keep out - some small, fluffy rascals.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17- Loads of rabbits come in the garden.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21- We're putting a fence deep - in the ground to deter them.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24- We don't want more to come in...
0:05:24 > 0:05:28- ..especially now - we're planting raspberries.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33- It's rather late, - so we want them planted today.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35- It's quite busy here.
0:05:39 > 0:05:41- Does that go straight on top?
0:05:41 > 0:05:43- I'll just mix it in.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46- It's potash.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51- You can buy sulphate - of potash in the shops.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53- But this does the same job.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56- Wood fire ashes - are full of potassium.
0:05:56 > 0:06:01- It's very scarce - in sandy soil, as we have here.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04- It helps create strong roots...
0:06:04 > 0:06:06- ..and deters snails and slugs.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09- Now, digging and planting.
0:06:09 > 0:06:10- Here?
0:06:10 > 0:06:11- Here?- - Yes.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13- Are they far enough apart?
0:06:13 > 0:06:14- Are they far enough apart?- - Yes.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21- We're putting down - fruit plants, not seeds.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25- So we should get - a good crop this autumn.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32- Raspberries and Strawberries
0:06:36 > 0:06:40- There's plenty to do in the garden, - but I have to do my day job...
0:06:41 > 0:06:45- ..as a flower designer and arranger, - for weddings, mainly.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48- It's the busiest time...
0:06:48 > 0:06:52- ..with at least one wedding - every weekend in spring and summer.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55- Each one has to be special.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58- Today, I'm in Plas Isaf near Corwen.
0:07:00 > 0:07:05- The bride chose these flowers - because they're all in season.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10- We have peony and mint, - which smell marvellous.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13- It will be nice for the people - sitting at the tables.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18- There are purple clematis - and blue scabious.
0:07:19 > 0:07:24- Hopefully next year, all the flowers - will come from the garden.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41- I'm decorating a heart - I made with twigs...
0:07:41 > 0:07:43- ..held in place with wire.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47- I put water in these - small plastic tubes.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51- Then I put flowers in them.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55- I wrap wire round the tube.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01- Then I put them on the heart frame.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03- It's easier to do this here.
0:08:03 > 0:08:08- If I did it at home, - the water would spill in the van.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12- So I do it here - and put it up in the marquee.
0:08:42 > 0:08:47- The trampoline is the most - important thing in the garden...
0:08:47 > 0:08:48- ..for the children.
0:08:49 > 0:08:50- We must get it right.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54- Bring it this way.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59- We hoped to make a deep hole, - so the soil would reach the edge.
0:08:59 > 0:09:04- But because of the water problem, - we had to raise the ground level.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07- It's not really what I had in mind.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11- I don't think Sioned - will be too happy. We'll see.
0:09:12 > 0:09:13- Sions!
0:09:13 > 0:09:17- Will you come and have - a look at the trampoline?
0:09:17 > 0:09:18- It's in place.
0:09:19 > 0:09:24- I want you to have an idea of what - I plan to do with these sheets.
0:09:24 > 0:09:25- OK.
0:09:32 > 0:09:33- So this is the level now.
0:09:33 > 0:09:34- So this is the level now.- - I know.
0:09:34 > 0:09:35- Gosh, it's high.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38- Gosh, it's high.- - It's much higher than I expected.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41- We won't have the sunken effect.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44- We will, in the back.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46- But not the front.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50- The idea was to go - for the industrial look.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54- I thought we were trying - to make this area more girly.
0:09:57 > 0:09:58- Girly.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00- Since we have two girls.
0:10:00 > 0:10:01- Yes.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07- The original plan - was to complete the S shape...
0:10:07 > 0:10:11- ..and plant more apple trees - in a semicircle here.
0:10:12 > 0:10:13- But I'm not sure now.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16- You know this corner?
0:10:17 > 0:10:21- You thought of having a semicircle.
0:10:21 > 0:10:22- I really don't want...
0:10:22 > 0:10:24- I really don't want...- - Hang on, let me sit.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28- This is going - to take time, I can tell.
0:10:28 > 0:10:34- This tree has been here - for more than 60 years.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38- It's the only thing - that's still here...
0:10:38 > 0:10:41- ..after my grandparents.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- If we create a semicircle...
0:10:45 > 0:10:48- ..it'll take all - the focus away from it.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52- The other trees will be perfect.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55- This tree will be natural.
0:10:55 > 0:11:01- You don't want me to prune - that tree like an espalier.
0:11:01 > 0:11:02- No!
0:11:02 > 0:11:03- IWAN SIGHS
0:11:04 > 0:11:07- I don't want the tree - to be a problem.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09- We want to plan round it.
0:11:09 > 0:11:10- We're not cutting it down.
0:11:10 > 0:11:11- We're not cutting it down.- - No!
0:11:12 > 0:11:12- It has to stay there.
0:11:12 > 0:11:13- It has to stay there.- - Yes.
0:11:13 > 0:11:19- So it would be better if we planted - one fruit tree there and two here.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23- Then we could leave - that apple tree alone.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26- OK?
0:11:27 > 0:11:33- Later, the endless work and the long - hours start to take their toll.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37- There are hundreds of things to do.
0:11:37 > 0:11:38- There are hundreds of things to do.- - Yes, but...
0:11:39 > 0:11:42- It's impossible - to keep on top of it.
0:11:43 > 0:11:43- .
0:11:46 > 0:11:46- Subtitles
0:11:46 > 0:11:48- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:11:54 > 0:11:56- It's nice when everything works.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59- It's quite simple, really. - Throw them in.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02- Eilir knocks them in.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05- Fill it with soil. Job done.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11- It would be nice - if every job were this quick.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19- I thought you'd cut them - before putting them in.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22- Is it easier this way?
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- We're finishing - the sides of the trampoline...
0:12:30 > 0:12:35- ..laying down the shed - foundations, the shed arrives...
0:12:35 > 0:12:39- ..and the potato leaves appear.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44- These have been in - for about 15 days.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47- The heads have appeared.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51- I'll get out of the way.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- And hopefully in a month's time...
0:12:58 > 0:13:02- ..we'll have - a veg patch full of potatoes.
0:13:05 > 0:13:10- We've planted the rest of - the raspberries. We bought these.
0:13:10 > 0:13:11- They look great.
0:13:12 > 0:13:14- We've covered it with mulch...
0:13:14 > 0:13:18- ..to help the soil retain - nutrients and moisture...
0:13:18 > 0:13:22- ..and prevent weeds - from coming through.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25- We've planted raspberries here, too.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28- They're cuttings - from Sioned's parents' garden.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31- We had them for free.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35- Once planted, we have - to prune them back to nine inches.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38- They won't bear fruit this year.
0:13:38 > 0:13:43- But we'll get fruit next year, - hopefully.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48- They need plenty of water.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53- They need a good soaking - once a week.
0:14:05 > 0:14:06- Fantastic.
0:14:07 > 0:14:12- I've got a shed, at last. - Sioned won't have a clue where I am.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26- I wonder if Iwan knows where I am?
0:14:26 > 0:14:30- I'm visiting second-hand shops - in Denbigh and Ruthin...
0:14:31 > 0:14:34- ..to find old things for the garden.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- They are full of treasures.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41- I love finding objects to recycle.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44- The owner says - they're all from one garden.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48- It's unbelievable, - but to each his own.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56- These look interesting. What's this?
0:14:56 > 0:15:01- That would be a great plant pot. - It already has holes in the bottom.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05- Always barter for the best price.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08- A tenner for three items - was a bargain.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10- Thank you very much indeed.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15- But some are more of a challenge.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19- It's cheap, too. I want 20 for it.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22- Only 20, remember.
0:15:22 > 0:15:23- Only 20, remember.- - Only 20?!
0:15:24 > 0:15:25- There's history to it.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27- There's history to it.- - What's the history?
0:15:27 > 0:15:31- I won't tell you now. - I'll keep that back.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- Well, let's start with 10.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37- Ten pounds?! Have you no shame?
0:15:37 > 0:15:40- 10 for something like this?
0:15:40 > 0:15:41- I'll have to paint it.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43- I'll have to paint it.- - We all have to live.
0:15:45 > 0:15:46- Me, too!
0:15:46 > 0:15:51- I need 20. I'll give you - a staff discount, and call it 15.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56- Thirteen. I've 13 in my pocket.
0:15:57 > 0:15:58- Go on, then.
0:15:59 > 0:16:00- If it makes you happy.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05- It will. I'll bring it back - once I've painted it to show you.
0:16:06 > 0:16:07- Thank you.
0:16:08 > 0:16:09- Thank you.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12- I hope it's a success.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46- It's ready for a coat of paint.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51- I've chosen a bright red colour.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54- The children like red.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58- It can be applied directly on rust.
0:16:58 > 0:17:03- I don't need a primer. - It dries quickly, too.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19- I've bought this for you - to paint the wheel.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23- What colour do you want it to be?
0:17:23 > 0:17:24- What colour do you want it to be?- - Blue.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26- You like blue.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31- Whey-hey! Do you like that?
0:17:31 > 0:17:32- Whey-hey! Do you like that?- - Yes.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37- You can transform - all sorts of things...
0:17:37 > 0:17:40- ..into flower, vegetable - and fruit pots.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44- Make sure there are holes - in the bottom for drainage.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48- What do you want to plant in that?
0:17:48 > 0:17:49- What do you want to plant in that?- - Strawberries.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52- We all like strawberries.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58- I'll give you and Malan - a wheel each.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03- We'll see who grows - the best strawberries.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24- I'm mucking about at the moment.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29- We've removed the old trampoline.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33- We have a new one over there.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37- I hope I haven't lost - any of the springs.
0:18:38 > 0:18:43- We found a new trampoline cover - on the Freecycle website.
0:18:43 > 0:18:48- You can exchange and recycle all - sorts of things locally for free.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52- That isn't a good sign.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56- Hang on. That isn't right.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58- Oh, no.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02- Sioned, come here.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09- Oh, no. It doesn't fit.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12- It's too big.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16- It said it was ten feet - on Freecycle.
0:19:16 > 0:19:21- It is ten feet. - We've used the old springs.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25- We should have used smaller springs.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30- We'll leave the trampoline - for today.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32- But there's plenty to do.
0:19:33 > 0:19:38- We want to plant apple trees - and Buxus by the old tree.
0:19:41 > 0:19:46- The Buxus can continue - the shape in this area.
0:19:47 > 0:19:52- Buxus gives us the freedom - to create different shapes.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56- This eye shape...
0:19:57 > 0:20:00- ..goes alongside the oak wall.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05- We want to carry it on - as far as the tree.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09- We'll create a half-circle - so that it flows.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14- The Buxus will grow gradually.
0:20:14 > 0:20:20- We can shape it to rise, - go back down and rise again.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23- We can play around with it.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26- I'll plant these a foot apart.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31- We'll see how the shape comes along.
0:20:32 > 0:20:37- If you want a curved fence...
0:20:38 > 0:20:42- ..or a curved hedge - with a natural line...
0:20:43 > 0:20:47- ..it's a good idea - to use a hosepipe.
0:20:50 > 0:20:55- You can see the line and the curve - before planting anything.
0:20:58 > 0:21:03- Iwan mixed compost in the trench - ready to plant.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08- But the couch grass - makes it far more difficult.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13- And the unfinished trampoline - adds insult to injury.
0:21:14 > 0:21:18- It should be a five minute job. - Make a hole, put the trampoline in.
0:21:20 > 0:21:21- That's it.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25- It's turned - into a major undertaking.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28- There are hundreds of things to do.
0:21:29 > 0:21:30- Yes, but...
0:21:30 > 0:21:33- It's impossible - to keep on top of it.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- What do you want me to do?
0:21:36 > 0:21:37- What do you want me to do?- - Um...
0:21:37 > 0:21:40- ..you can get a piece of membrane, - that wide.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44- Can't we use a black one - instead of the white?
0:21:44 > 0:21:49- The black one is impossible - to cut unless you've got scissors.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53- Do you know the feeling - when you're trying to help...
0:21:53 > 0:21:55- ..but end up making things worse?
0:21:56 > 0:21:58- That's why you need scissors.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01- I found your scissors.
0:22:02 > 0:22:03- Oh!
0:22:13 > 0:22:18- In a few hours, once these have - been planted, you'll feel better.
0:22:19 > 0:22:20- I hope so.
0:22:21 > 0:22:25- Somehow or other, we planted - the apple trees and Buxus.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30- We'll prune the hedges regularly - so they keep their shape.
0:22:30 > 0:22:34- By next spring, they'll - take their place and thicken.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39- You design something in your head - and it takes two minutes.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42- Then you realize - how much work is involved.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47- We said from the start that - if someone had designed it for us...
0:22:48 > 0:22:50- ..it wouldn't be our garden.
0:22:51 > 0:22:52- Well, yes.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56- We'd have argued less - if a designer had been involved.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59- We'd have someone else to blame.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03- "That landscape gardener - was clueless!"
0:23:12 > 0:23:14- Oh, Malan! What have you got?
0:23:15 > 0:23:17- What are they?
0:23:17 > 0:23:20- Oh! Are they a present for Mam?
0:23:20 > 0:23:23- Aren't they pretty?
0:23:23 > 0:23:25- They're so nice.
0:23:25 > 0:23:26- They're so nice.- - Lovely!
0:23:26 > 0:23:30- Next time... - things begin to take shape.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33- The garden fills with colour.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35- Work calls Iwan to the graveyard.
0:23:36 > 0:23:40- They have been busy. Very busy.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57- Subtitles by Gwead
0:23:58 > 0:23:58- .