0:00:00 > 0:00:00- *
0:00:07 > 0:00:08- I'm Sioned Edwards.
0:00:09 > 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 > 0:00:44- ..into a vegetable, - fruit and flower garden...
0:00:44 > 0:00:47- ..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 > 0:01:12- After months - of discussing and arguing...
0:01:12 > 0:01:15- ..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 > 0:01:32- Let me sit. This is going - to take time, I can tell.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36- Not to mention headstrong chickens, - greedy pigs and a cheeky cat.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41- It's a big challenge - and we may not succeed.
0:01:41 > 0:01:43- Subtitles
0:01:45 > 0:01:50- We've planted potatoes and fruit - in the vegetable garden...
0:01:50 > 0:01:53- ..with flowers and herbs round it.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58- The trampoline is in place, with - a hazel fence round the play area.
0:01:58 > 0:02:03- The wall is coming along. - Iwan has a shed where he can hide.
0:02:08 > 0:02:13- Our next big task is making a leafy - path leading from the trampoline...
0:02:13 > 0:02:17- ..passing the prairie section - to finish the "S" shape.
0:02:17 > 0:02:22- We've chosen one of the hottest - days of the year for the work.
0:02:22 > 0:02:27- It would be nice to use these. - I found them in the field.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30- They've been here - since Taid farmed here.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32- He used them to feed cattle.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35- They're made in two parts.
0:02:35 > 0:02:40- We'll use one where the curve begins - and the other at the end.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44- The only problem is that - we have to weld the pieces together.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49- It looks great on the plan, - but I have no idea if it'll work.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54- We're in the hands of a skilful - blacksmith we know from Denbigh...
0:02:55 > 0:02:56- ..Dyfed Wyn Jones.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58- That looks quite good.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02- Did we say seven?
0:03:02 > 0:03:05- That's seven feet, three inches.
0:03:07 > 0:03:09- Do you want it any higher?
0:03:10 > 0:03:11- No.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16- The path level - will be a little higher.
0:03:17 > 0:03:18- That's fine.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20- Because the path curves...
0:03:21 > 0:03:26- ..it's difficult to get the - measurements to match on both sides.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29- One side has to be higher - or the other lower.
0:03:30 > 0:03:31- What do you want to do?
0:03:31 > 0:03:33- What do you want to do?- - We'll lift that a little.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41- That's spot on.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43- I'll fill these.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48- The first half-feeder is in place.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51- But we need more metal - for the other half.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56- So we down tools - and look for scrap in the fields.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00- There should be something here - since Taid's day.
0:04:01 > 0:04:02- These are perfect.
0:04:02 > 0:04:03- These are perfect.- - Yes.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07- It's great.
0:04:07 > 0:04:08- It's square.
0:04:09 > 0:04:10- Is it thick enough?
0:04:10 > 0:04:11- Is it thick enough?- - Yes.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15- There were holes - in the others, but not in this.
0:04:15 > 0:04:16- I'm sure Dyfed will be happy.
0:04:16 > 0:04:17- I'm sure Dyfed will be happy.- - Right.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19- Will you pick up the other end?
0:04:27 > 0:04:28- One moment.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36- We've found something for you.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38- Good.
0:04:40 > 0:04:44- You don't have much choice, - because there's nothing else.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46- It'll do.
0:04:47 > 0:04:48- Is it alright?
0:04:48 > 0:04:50- Is it alright?- - It's fine.
0:05:04 > 0:05:10- As the sun reaches its zenith, - the heat affects our brains!
0:05:10 > 0:05:13- Work progresses painfully slowly.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17- I'm sure - there's a better way to carry it.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19- It's a hellish shape.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23- It'd be better - with the wonky part on that side.
0:05:23 > 0:05:24- On the same side?
0:05:24 > 0:05:26- On the same side?- - You can't see it there.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29- Two wonkies don't make a right.
0:05:29 > 0:05:30- Or straight.
0:05:30 > 0:05:31- Or straight.- - OK!
0:05:31 > 0:05:33- Where's the wood?
0:05:33 > 0:05:34- It's too hot.
0:05:34 > 0:05:35- It's too hot.- - It's too hot to think.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38- LAUGHTER
0:05:38 > 0:05:43- Thank goodness, despite the heat, - one of us manages to focus...
0:05:43 > 0:05:45- ..and keep to the plan - just!
0:05:45 > 0:05:47- We've decided...
0:05:48 > 0:05:52- ..that this leg goes here - and the other one behind it.
0:05:53 > 0:05:54- No!
0:05:54 > 0:05:55- Hang on!
0:05:55 > 0:06:00- We want the arch to open out - to the path in this direction.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03- You don't want it leading this way.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07- We put it there - or we move it further back.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10- No, because the wall looks so nice.
0:06:10 > 0:06:16- Having one leg in front - and one behind would catch the eye.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20- Can't we push it back?
0:06:20 > 0:06:24- We could fasten this securely - and move this further back.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27- Yes. Thanks, Dyfed.
0:06:27 > 0:06:28- Stay on my side.
0:06:28 > 0:06:29- You're welcome.
0:06:30 > 0:06:31- I won't say any more.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36- You're good at keeping - the peace, Dyfed.
0:06:48 > 0:06:53- The feeders are in place, - but the work isn't over yet.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57- We have to put up - eight arches between them.
0:06:58 > 0:07:03- Yesterday, I went to the forge - to help Dyfed bend them into shape.
0:07:06 > 0:07:11- This is nice for me, because - it's something for flowers.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14- Everything else is for Iwan.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16- But this is for me...
0:07:16 > 0:07:20- ..so my beautiful flowers - will grow over it.
0:07:20 > 0:07:21- Right.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25- I'm quite excited about this.
0:07:25 > 0:07:26- It's not bad, is it?
0:07:26 > 0:07:28- It's not bad, is it?- - No.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31- Do you think it looks nice?
0:07:31 > 0:07:32- We'll see.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48- There should be a chalk mark there.
0:07:54 > 0:07:55- That's it.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59- One down.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02- Seven to go.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05- The next one now, chop-chop.
0:08:09 > 0:08:14- After two days of hard work, the - leafy path is finally in place...
0:08:14 > 0:08:18- ..although there aren't - many leaves on it yet.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20- But there's no time to rest.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23- The new greenhouse arrives.
0:08:23 > 0:08:28- We've saved money by buying one - that was on display in the centre.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33- Greenhouse
0:08:33 > 0:08:37- I've persuaded Sioned - to keep hens in the garden.
0:08:37 > 0:08:42- Before they arrive, their new - home has to be safe and comfortable.
0:08:42 > 0:08:47- We've renovated an old coop - from Sioned's parents farm.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51- The young gaffer - is keeping an eagle eye on us.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54- We're making a hen coop.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57- I'm very excited.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01- We'll have our own eggs - from the hens.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05- I've come to help, - but they won't let me do a lot.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09- So I'm going to think - of names for the hens.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12- Dad thought of the name Omelette.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14- But I like the name Poach.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23- Later, Mam and I plant the prairie.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26- Later, Mam and I plant the prairie.- - Why am I doing the hard work?
0:09:27 > 0:09:29- There's a special party - in the garden.
0:09:30 > 0:09:31- Hooray!
0:09:32 > 0:09:35- And Iwan has gone - to the pub to look for scraps.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39- I want potato peel - and uncooked food.
0:09:39 > 0:09:40- OK.
0:09:40 > 0:09:41- .
0:09:43 > 0:09:43- Subtitles
0:09:43 > 0:09:45- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:09:51 > 0:09:56- As a family, we can't be green - at Plas Pont Y Twr...
0:09:56 > 0:10:00- ..without recycling our waste - and making our own compost.
0:10:03 > 0:10:09- So I'm making a compost area not - too near the house and caravan...
0:10:09 > 0:10:11- ..where there's plenty of space.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13- That's it.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17- I've made the compost area - with pallets.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22- There are three bays.
0:10:23 > 0:10:28- The pallets are the same size, - so I can put a gate in the front.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39- The door goes here.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45- I can fill it to the top - and there's spare space, if needed.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50- Sometimes people cut - the pallet in half...
0:10:50 > 0:10:54- ..and build it up - as the compost heap grows.
0:10:55 > 0:11:00- I'm not doing that, - I prefer to lift this out.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02- With this system...
0:11:02 > 0:11:06- ..I'll move the first heap - to the second bay...
0:11:06 > 0:11:08- ..then the second to the third.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11- I want to reach it with a fork.
0:11:11 > 0:11:16- The idea is that the waste rots - in the three heaps in a cycle...
0:11:16 > 0:11:20- ..so we get a constant - supply of fertilizer.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23- I'll make a hole - in the bottom now...
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- ..and put a lattice of branches...
0:11:26 > 0:11:31- ..so that air circulates - under the compost.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35- I'll get the mattock.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40- Mixing it will make - the waste rot faster...
0:11:40 > 0:11:45- ..without producing much methane, - which is good news for the planet.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52- In three months, we'll have lots - of free organic garden fertilizer.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54- So everyone wins.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57- Another important advantage...
0:11:57 > 0:12:00- ..is that it could be - a home for hedgehogs.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05- They really like hibernating - under a compost heap.
0:12:06 > 0:12:11- I want hedgehogs in the garden - to eat slugs and snails.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16- Hopefully, a hedgehog - will make its home under this.
0:12:18 > 0:12:24- Rather than throw everything in, - there's a formula.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26- But it's simple to follow.
0:12:27 > 0:12:32- The first and most important rule - in making compost...
0:12:32 > 0:12:37- ..is to get a balance - between the green stuff...
0:12:38 > 0:12:40- ..and the brown stuff in it.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43- It's that simple.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- Making compost - is just like how we eat.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50- We need fibre, - protein and nutrients.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52- Compost needs that too.
0:12:52 > 0:12:57- It needs a bit of everything. Too - much of anything, it stops working.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00- Cardboard.
0:13:00 > 0:13:01- Bark chip.
0:13:01 > 0:13:06- Wood shavings, paper shavings, - ripped up paper bags.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10- Twigs, like this. - That's brown stuff.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13- Now green stuff. Weeds.
0:13:13 > 0:13:14- Grass.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19- Cattle manure.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24- I could go to the toilet - in the compost heap...
0:13:24 > 0:13:26- ..but Sioned vetoed that.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29- I need one more thing for the heap.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32- Huw, how are you?
0:13:33 > 0:13:35- I want to ask you a favour.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37- I'm making compost.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40- I'm short of vegetables and fruit.
0:13:40 > 0:13:45- Have you got any waste in the pub - kitchen I could compost?
0:13:48 > 0:13:49- OK, great.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53- I'll come for it shortly.
0:13:54 > 0:13:55- Thanks. Ta-ra.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59- Any excuse to go to the pub!
0:14:02 > 0:14:03- Hello, Huw.
0:14:03 > 0:14:04- Hello, Huw.- - How are you?
0:14:05 > 0:14:06- Fine. How are you?
0:14:06 > 0:14:08- Fine. How are you?- - Not bad. Nice to see you.
0:14:08 > 0:14:08- So you want some stuff.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10- So you want some stuff.- - Yes, for compost.
0:14:11 > 0:14:12- I've got bins outside.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14- I've got bins outside.- - I've got a bucket.
0:14:14 > 0:14:14- Why don't you fetch it?
0:14:14 > 0:14:16- Why don't you fetch it?- - I'll see you round the back.
0:14:16 > 0:14:17- Ideal.
0:14:27 > 0:14:28- Hey!
0:14:28 > 0:14:30- Is this what you want?
0:14:30 > 0:14:32- It depends what's in it.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35- I have all kinds of stuff here.
0:14:35 > 0:14:36- Let's see.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38- That's perfect.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42- I want potato peel - and uncooked food.
0:14:42 > 0:14:43- OK.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46- This is perfect.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- Perhaps you could have - a vegetable bucket.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55- Can I leave this with you - and pick it up once a week?
0:14:55 > 0:14:57- Come Monday morning.
0:14:57 > 0:15:02- We're busy over the weekend, - so there's plenty for you.
0:15:02 > 0:15:03- OK.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- I'll do that. - I'll leave this with you.
0:15:06 > 0:15:07- Great.
0:15:07 > 0:15:08- I'll pick it up every week.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10- I'll pick it up every week.- - Great. You're welcome.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29- I'll add water now.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32- This is quite a dry mixture.
0:15:33 > 0:15:38- It's important to have moisture in - the compost heap, but not too much.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40- That's important.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43- If it's too wet, - add more brown stuff.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47- If it's too dry, - add more green stuff.
0:15:48 > 0:15:53- I'll cover it with cardboard, - to keep heat in the compost heap.
0:15:53 > 0:15:58- That kills the weeds and their - seeds, and it makes good compost.
0:16:14 > 0:16:19- We want to keep one section - of the garden by the leafy path...
0:16:19 > 0:16:24- ..for prairie plants which I use - in my floral designer business.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28- Ian Forsyth at the Seven Oaks - Garden Centre, Ruthin...
0:16:29 > 0:16:32- ..shows me their range.
0:16:33 > 0:16:38- Ian said it's better to choose - fewer varieties, but more of each.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43- I like using plants of different - heights and textures...
0:16:43 > 0:16:45- ..to create drama and depth.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49- This adds interest - to the garden all year too.
0:16:50 > 0:16:54- Blue scabious is a good plant. - It will have a lot more flowers.
0:16:54 > 0:16:59- They're perfect for cutting - and putting in a jug.
0:16:59 > 0:17:00- Lovely.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09- This is a Chocolate Cosmos.
0:17:09 > 0:17:10- SNIFFS
0:17:11 > 0:17:13- It smells just like chocolate.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15- I could eat it.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18- This must come home - with me for the prairie.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23- Before I go home, - I have one more call.
0:17:30 > 0:17:31- Mam!
0:17:33 > 0:17:34- Mam!
0:17:46 > 0:17:49- As well as plants from Seven Oaks...
0:17:49 > 0:17:54- ..Mam has prepared cuttings from - her own garden for Plas Pont Y Twr.
0:17:58 > 0:18:03- She said she'd help, - because there are so many plants.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08- I want to plant them today, - because it's quite hot.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12- It'd be good for the plants - to be in the soil.
0:18:12 > 0:18:17- Iwan has been digging, - weeding and preparing the soil.
0:18:17 > 0:18:22- I have the nice job of planting - with Mam, when she arrives.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29- I'm here, Sion.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31- Hi, Mam. Are you OK?
0:18:31 > 0:18:32- Hi, Mam. Are you OK?- - Yes.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35- We've got a lot of planting to do.
0:18:35 > 0:18:36- You've been busy.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40- I see some plants from the Bull Pen.
0:18:40 > 0:18:41- Yes.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43- I haven't pinched too many.
0:18:43 > 0:18:44- I haven't pinched too many.- - No.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46- The David Austin rose - is still there.
0:18:47 > 0:18:48- Thanks.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52- Maybe we could place them - where we think they'll go.
0:18:53 > 0:18:54- OK.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58- I thought we'd put them in groups, - not all over the place.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03- Prairie plants are happy anywhere - that gets a lot of light...
0:19:03 > 0:19:06- ..including rough ground.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08- They don't need much attention.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11- Wildlife will love them.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14- I've chosen a variety of grasses...
0:19:14 > 0:19:18- ..that will add drama - and dimension to the prairie...
0:19:18 > 0:19:20- ..and flowers for colour.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23- Are there any flowers left - in Seven Oaks?
0:19:23 > 0:19:25- LAUGHTER
0:19:25 > 0:19:26- We do have a lot!
0:19:26 > 0:19:30- One doesn't realize it, - but it's quite a large area.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33- It needs quite a lot of plants.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37- This verbena grows very tall.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43- It's very nice - in a flower arrangement.
0:19:43 > 0:19:44- Yes.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46- It's purple.
0:19:46 > 0:19:51- They have long stems, - so they're nice in pedestals.
0:19:51 > 0:19:57- Mam has taught me almost everything - I know about flowers and design.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01- Years ago, Sioned and I...
0:20:01 > 0:20:04- ..were asked to help in a wedding.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07- Sioned was happy to help me.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12- On Friday nights, - when all her friends went out...
0:20:13 > 0:20:18- ..she came with me to places - like churches or chapels...
0:20:19 > 0:20:21- ..in country villages.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25- They can be lonely places.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29- It was nice - to have Sioned's company.
0:20:29 > 0:20:34- I think that's where - her interest in flowers started.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38- I didn't think she'd be - as busy as she is with flowers.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40- But that's how things happen.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43- Another Rudbeckia.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47- I'm the gofer now, not the boss.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49- Will you dig a hole?
0:20:50 > 0:20:51- Right.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53- I'll water them.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55- Sioned gets the headaches.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01- She has to chat - to the brides-to-be...
0:21:02 > 0:21:04- ..and make the decisions.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06- I do what she says.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08- I'm happy to do it.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14- Why am I doing - the hard work, Sioned?
0:21:15 > 0:21:20- I thought you could do the hard work - while I put plants in water.
0:21:20 > 0:21:21- LAUGHTER
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- Your grandparents - would be delighted.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29- They've been gone for some time.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34- The place had become - quite overgrown.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36- But Iwan and Sioned are happy...
0:21:36 > 0:21:40- ..to take on a lot - of the work in the project...
0:21:40 > 0:21:42- ..which Gwyn and I couldn't do.
0:21:42 > 0:21:47- The woman said - it's called squirrel tail.
0:21:47 > 0:21:51- We're glad they have - the energy to do it.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54- It does look like a squirrel's tail.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58- It'll be pretty, - blowing in the wind.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- They need a good - soaking after planting.
0:22:01 > 0:22:06- In a few weeks, the prairie will be - full of colour and shape, hopefully.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13- It's mid-August - and time for a birthday party!
0:22:18 > 0:22:23- When I asked Nanw what theme - she'd like for her party...
0:22:24 > 0:22:29- ..the first thing she said was - a party on the Big Chill theme.
0:22:29 > 0:22:34- On her birthday two years ago, we - took her to the Big Chill Festival.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36- She loved it.
0:22:36 > 0:22:42- We thought we'd have colourful - bunting and put up the tent...
0:22:43 > 0:22:46- ..so it looked like - a festival especially for her.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55- Let's go here.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06- Surprise!
0:23:21 > 0:23:23- Next time, the hens arrive.
0:23:23 > 0:23:24- They're escaping!
0:23:24 > 0:23:25- They're escaping!- - Goodness!
0:23:25 > 0:23:27- The potatoes are ready.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29- They're endless!
0:23:29 > 0:23:34- Nanw and Malan lead the way - in the local flower festival.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37- Hey, Nanw, that's great!
0:23:52 > 0:23:54- S4C Subtitles by Gwead
0:23:54 > 0:23:55- .