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0:00:00 > 0:00:03- Welcome to a special edition - of Garddio A Mwy...
0:00:03 > 0:00:06- ..in which - we look forward to Christmas.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10- The garden isn't as colourful - as when you were last with us.
0:00:10 > 0:00:14- No, it's looking rather bare, - but beneath the soil...
0:00:14 > 0:00:18- ..the spring bulbs are preparing - for next year's show of colour.
0:00:19 > 0:00:20- But Christmas is coming.
0:00:21 > 0:00:26- I'll make a seasonal drink - with apples from the orchard.
0:00:26 > 0:00:31- Meinir sets about creating - the perfect unusual gift.
0:00:31 > 0:00:37- And my festive Welsh cakes - go before a hungry panel of judges.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50- Look at these roses.
0:00:50 > 0:00:55- Incredibly, they're in bloom - in the middle of December.
0:00:55 > 0:00:57- They look so pretty.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01- How do they do it, - especially as it's so cold?
0:01:01 > 0:01:03- New potatoes.
0:01:03 > 0:01:09- It's our first try at growing them - especially for Christmas Day.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12- If you did the same, - I hope you've been lucky.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16- You needn't harvest them - until Christmas morning.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21- But I want to make sure - that I have enough of them.
0:01:21 > 0:01:26- You can either put your hand - through this window here...
0:01:26 > 0:01:28- ..and just pick what you need...
0:01:29 > 0:01:34- ..or remove the entire plant, - which is what I'm going to do.
0:01:35 > 0:01:40- Right, let's see - how many potatoes I have.
0:01:41 > 0:01:45- I just gently loosen the leaves...
0:01:45 > 0:01:48- ..then lift the plant slowly.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52- Then I'll pour the soil out.
0:01:58 > 0:02:02- These are - a little on the small side...
0:02:03 > 0:02:09- I had hoped for a few more, - to be honest.
0:02:09 > 0:02:11- Luckily, I have more bags...
0:02:12 > 0:02:15- ..but there won't be enough - for presents.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18- But the table won't be bare - over Christmas.
0:02:19 > 0:02:20- There's enough produce...
0:02:21 > 0:02:25- ..including leeks - and Romanesco broccoli.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30- But I also want to gather items - to create decorations.
0:02:31 > 0:02:36- Flower heads that have run to seed - will be sprayed gold or silver...
0:02:36 > 0:02:41- ..to make pretty decorations later, - but first, we'll go over to Meinir.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45- She's making something - to keep us warm this Christmas.
0:02:46 > 0:02:47- Mulled wine, hopefully!
0:02:48 > 0:02:52- I don't know about mulled wine, - but warm is an apt adjective...
0:02:52 > 0:02:56- ..for something I hope to make - out of one of these today.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58- An old washing machine.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01- There's no reason - why you can't sit outside...
0:03:01 > 0:03:04- ..and enjoy the garden - during the winter.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07- Unless it's windy - with hail hammering down.
0:03:07 > 0:03:09- It's not pleasant then.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12- But if you have shelter, - and a table and chairs...
0:03:13 > 0:03:16- ..you needn't spend a fortune - on a garden heater.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19- What you need is the drum - from an old washing machine.
0:03:19 > 0:03:25- If you don't have one, - try ringing around your friends.
0:03:25 > 0:03:30- Alternatively, you can buy - a drum online for about 30.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32- The first step is to work out...
0:03:32 > 0:03:35- ..how to dismantle - an old washing machine.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40- You will need quite a few tools.
0:03:40 > 0:03:42- I'll start with the drill.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48- That's the top removed.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52- To remove the concrete, - this ratchet set will be handy.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02- Now that the top is off, - some brute force is required.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12- There must be an easier way.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14- Ah, here we are.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28- Hopefully, getting the drum out - should be straightforward now.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40- OK, let's get serious.
0:04:41 > 0:04:42- Come on now.
0:04:43 > 0:04:44- Yes!
0:04:45 > 0:04:50- Keep this wheel because the drum - will sit on it eventually.
0:04:59 > 0:05:00- And there we have it.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04- One steel drum, eventually, - ready for a new life.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12- The next step is to paint the drum.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16- As you can see, - I'm wearing overalls to do the job.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19- I've also hung the drum - to make it easier to paint.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22- If you look down here...
0:05:22 > 0:05:28- ..I've kept the pulley system - that rotated the drum as a stand.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31- All I had to do - was tighten the nut slightly.
0:05:32 > 0:05:33- Right, paint.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39- This is special - heat-resistant paint.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43- Spray it in an open space - because the fumes are strong.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51- That's it, I think.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54- I'm happy with the way that looks, - black all over.
0:05:55 > 0:05:56- I'll let it dry...
0:05:56 > 0:06:00- ..then take it with me tonight - to keep us warm at Pont y Twr.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09- What better time than Christmas - to plant nut trees?
0:06:09 > 0:06:13- Back in October, - I sought expert advice...
0:06:13 > 0:06:15- ..on planting a nut orchard...
0:06:16 > 0:06:19- ..and what trees would be - best suited to this location.
0:06:21 > 0:06:26- This is the variety that will fill - most of this new orchard.
0:06:26 > 0:06:32- It's a type of hazel, - cobnut, hazelnut or filbert.
0:06:32 > 0:06:33- This is a Kentish cob.
0:06:35 > 0:06:41- I'll also plant purple filberts - to give a variety of colour.
0:06:41 > 0:06:46- The catkins are a bright purple - and the nuts are reddish.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51- Another variety is the Gunslebert.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55- It fruits heavily and regularly, - and produces fairly large nuts.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59- If you do buy a nut tree...
0:06:59 > 0:07:03- ..this is a good example - of what you should look for.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07- It's about three years old, - with a strong and tough trunk.
0:07:08 > 0:07:13- The network of branches begins here, - about four feet off the ground.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15- This will be perfect.
0:07:16 > 0:07:20- This orchard is going to be - an extension of the garden...
0:07:20 > 0:07:22- ..so I want it to look nice.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24- I'm planting bulbs under the trees.
0:07:24 > 0:07:29- It'll be lovely to see the flowers - and the bees here in the spring.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33- But the orchard - will also be working hard for us...
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- ..providing fresh nuts - for the family.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41- But I won't plant all these trees - in one day by myself.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46- John Purchase - works for Coed Cymru...
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- ..and is an old hand - at planting all kids of trees.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53- OK, John.
0:07:55 > 0:08:00- I think these are Kentish cobs, - but I'm not sure how to plant them.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03- Kentish cobs will come in early.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07- They need a bit of shade - and more sunshine.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10- The prevailing wind - is from over there.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14- It will blow down the line.
0:08:14 > 0:08:19- I know that these trees - are pollinated by the wind.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22- Wind is important, - but not too much wind.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26- If the wind is from there, - put the Kentish cobs in the shade...
0:08:26 > 0:08:29- ..then the filberts, - then the other one over here.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32- What about the spacing?
0:08:33 > 0:08:34- About four metres?
0:08:34 > 0:08:35- About four metres?- - Four metres?
0:08:35 > 0:08:37- OK, let's set them out.
0:08:38 > 0:08:39- That's the first one.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41- That's the first one.- - The first one goes there.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48- What do you think? Is that OK?
0:08:48 > 0:08:49- What do you think? Is that OK?- - Yes, fine.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58- The first tree is about to go in.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04- Would you suggest - adding compost as well?
0:09:05 > 0:09:07- A little bit, - to give it a kick-start.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18- That's important as well.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20- You don't want any air pockets...
0:09:20 > 0:09:23- ..or frost can get in - and kill the roots.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27- Also, after bad weather, - with strong winds...
0:09:27 > 0:09:33- ..come and press the soil down - once again to keep the frost out.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37- In that case, would you suggest - keeping this bamboo in place?
0:09:38 > 0:09:41- For the first winter, - to make sure they're comfortable.
0:09:42 > 0:09:43- How many are left?
0:09:43 > 0:09:46- I'm not great at maths, - but I think it's 29.
0:09:46 > 0:09:47- Off we go.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49- Off we go.- - Here's your spade!
0:10:00 > 0:10:04- At Christmas, as we fill our homes - will all kinds of greenery...
0:10:04 > 0:10:09- ..it's worth considering from - where the tradition originates.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- It's certainly not a recent thing.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15- It goes back thousands of years...
0:10:16 > 0:10:19- ..right back to the roots - of our civilization, as it were.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21- Take holly.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24- You see this on Christmas cards.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26- It's usually by fireplaces...
0:10:27 > 0:10:30- ..where evil spirits - come into the house.
0:10:30 > 0:10:35- Holly protects the family and - animals from harm over Christmas.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38- It's an old, old tradition.
0:10:43 > 0:10:49- Green represents the continuation of - life through the dark winter days.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53- The red of the berries - represents drops of blood...
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- ..the blood sacrifices - of the old pagans.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59- They sacrificed people - as part of the ritual.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03- Later, the church - adopted that idea.
0:11:03 > 0:11:08- The holly's prickly leaves - represented the crown of thorns...
0:11:08 > 0:11:12- ..and the red berries - represented Jesus' sacrifice.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22- Yew trees are a very old symbol...
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- ..representing eternal life.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29- Now, this tree is poisonous.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32- That may be linked - to the death of the old year.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37- Local youths would come down here - on New Year's Eve...
0:11:37 > 0:11:43- ..and listen to the wind - among the branches...
0:11:43 > 0:11:47- ..listing the names of those - who would die in the coming year.
0:11:54 > 0:11:58- If you carry - a piece of yew wood with you...
0:11:58 > 0:12:01- ..it'll protect you - from evil spirits...
0:12:01 > 0:12:04- ..and you won't - fear the dark either.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13- Then there's mistletoe.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16- This has strong links - with Christmas revelry.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21- It's originally linked - with the old festival of midwinter.
0:12:21 > 0:12:26- The solstice, - the old Roman feast of Saturnalia.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30- The ancient Welsh - had a similar festival...
0:12:30 > 0:12:32- ..to mark the shortest day - and so on.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36- Everything was turned on its head.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39- The day became longer - instead of shorter.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42- Nothing is as perverse - as this plant.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- It grows on trees, - not from the ground.
0:12:46 > 0:12:51- It grows downwards, not upwards, - and the berries are white.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54- How different can you get?
0:12:58 > 0:13:04- Plants have played a major part in - Christmas festivities for centuries.
0:13:04 > 0:13:09- No matter what green plants - you have decorating your home...
0:13:09 > 0:13:15- ..there are long traditions - behind each and every one of them.
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0:13:20 > 0:13:20- Subtitles
0:13:20 > 0:13:22- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:13:29 > 0:13:30- Welcome back.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32- I love decorating.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36- It's starting to look - like Christmas here now.
0:13:42 > 0:13:43- Anyone home?
0:13:44 > 0:13:45- Oh, hiya. Are you OK?
0:13:45 > 0:13:46- Oh, hiya. Are you OK?- - Good, thanks.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49- I've brought you - a Christmas present.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52- Wow! Thanks. What is it?
0:13:52 > 0:13:54- What do you mean, what is it?
0:13:54 > 0:13:57- It's a fire drum - to keep us warm tonight.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59- Brill. Thank you!
0:13:59 > 0:14:02- But I need firewood to light it.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04- You'll find some - at the side of the house.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07- Where shall I put this?
0:14:12 > 0:14:15- We gathered these apples - back in October.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19- I really hope - that they are alright...
0:14:20 > 0:14:25- ..because I'm relying on them - to make a warm festive drink.
0:14:25 > 0:14:30- They haven't gone soft, - and this one looks lovely.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32- Spicy apple juice.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42- It's lovely to think that all these - apples came from the orchard.
0:14:42 > 0:14:47- We've stored them in the dark cellar - for a couple of months.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51- I wrapped some of them in tissue, - and it has worked well.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59- Now, this is the fun part.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04- The apples must be battered - to release the juice.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06- Cutting them with a knife won't do.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09- They look ready to go in.
0:15:15 > 0:15:20- I'll get five litres of juice, - but it takes some effort.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23- If it gets too hard to turn...
0:15:23 > 0:15:27- ..leave it for five minutes - and it'll be easier.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31- The first drips of juice, - and I'm very excited.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34- Look at that colour.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37- I'll add some festive flavours.
0:15:37 > 0:15:42- Orange and lemon zest, - grated ginger, cloves...
0:15:43 > 0:15:46- ..two cinnamon sticks - and star anise.
0:15:46 > 0:15:51- Children and adults - can enjoy this warm drink.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54- If it's too sour, - sweeten it with a little honey.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59- The smell coming from this saucepan - is wonderful.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02- Hopefully, it tastes even better.
0:16:03 > 0:16:07- That needs to stew - for about 15 minutes...
0:16:07 > 0:16:11- ..and it'll be ready - to warm us on a cold night.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16- But don't think that gardeners - huddle up over winter.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20- There are lots of plants - at your local garden centre...
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- ..crying out - to be taken home and tended.
0:16:24 > 0:16:25- Tips From The Nursery
0:16:33 > 0:16:38- Christmas is upon us once again, and - plants like these make handy gifts.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42- This is an indica azalea.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45- It doesn't need much water...
0:16:45 > 0:16:49- ..but when you do water it, - place the pot in a bowl of water.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53- ..for about 30 minutes, - then stand it on a draining board.
0:16:53 > 0:16:58- Then put it back - in the spot where it looks best.
0:17:01 > 0:17:06- On this bench are plants - that are especially for Christmas.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10- These are Poinsettias, - which are fairly hardy plants.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13- But they do come with some problems.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15- They don't like a lot of water.
0:17:15 > 0:17:20- When you do water them, - put the pot under the tap.
0:17:21 > 0:17:25- Give it quite a good soaking - and let it stand for 30 minutes...
0:17:26 > 0:17:28- ..then put it back where it was.
0:17:28 > 0:17:34- Before you water it again, - check the compost with your finger.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37- If it's moist, let it be.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39- If it's very dry, then water it.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49- The new fire drum has been lit.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51- Before our guests arrive...
0:17:52 > 0:17:56- ..the next step is to prepare - a striking table decoration.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00- I'm going to take advantage - of Meinir's presence.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02- I do have a job for you.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06- Can you put some cloves into this - in a nice pattern?
0:18:07 > 0:18:08- I can do that.
0:18:08 > 0:18:13- I'll place these candles - into this old pallet.
0:18:16 > 0:18:21- We have lots of pine cones, - so I'll start with those...
0:18:21 > 0:18:24- ..then add sprigs of yew.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28- This shouts out Christmas to me.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35- Evergreen skimmia leaves - also deserve a place.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39- It's nice to use things - from the garden.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41- Is everything from the garden?
0:18:42 > 0:18:44- Yes, apart from the oranges.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46- They've come from far away.
0:18:47 > 0:18:52- This is a festive Buxus - with striking dark purple berries.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54- It has a lovely citrus aroma.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59- There are so many dried items - from the garden that we can use.
0:18:59 > 0:19:00- Flower heads and so on.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02- Flower heads and so on.- - Sedum is lovely, isn't it?
0:19:02 > 0:19:06- I wanted to do something - interesting with this moss.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10- Everyone has moss - in their garden somewhere.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14- I'm making baubles - with a little wire.
0:19:14 > 0:19:19- Remember, either buy the moss - or gather it from your garden.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22- Don't pick it - out in the countryside.
0:19:23 > 0:19:24- And there it is, a moss ball.
0:19:24 > 0:19:25- And there it is, a moss ball.- - Pretty.
0:19:26 > 0:19:27- Very pretty.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30- I don't think mine - will look like a ball.
0:19:31 > 0:19:31- Is that OK?
0:19:31 > 0:19:32- Is that OK?- - That's perfect.
0:19:33 > 0:19:34- It's so pretty.
0:19:35 > 0:19:41- Finally, a garland - made with wire and crab apples.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47- A simple idea - for a festive table decoration.
0:19:49 > 0:19:50- Very pretty.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56- As well as providing - decorative plants...
0:19:56 > 0:20:00- ..the garden - can also help with gifts.
0:20:01 > 0:20:06- A lettuce that is past its best - and some leaves and ferns...
0:20:06 > 0:20:10- ..are the basis for a fun afternoon - making cards and labels.
0:20:11 > 0:20:16- Herbs also make lovely - and aromatic decorations.
0:20:16 > 0:20:21- Or as a special gift, - how about a hamper of home produce?
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- After planting - all those nut trees this morning...
0:20:27 > 0:20:32- ..I'm looking forward to next year - and my first crop of nuts already.
0:20:32 > 0:20:37- But for tonight's recipe, - I've had to use shop-bought nuts.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41- I'm giving Welsh cakes - a Christmassy twist.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46- Sift 250g of self-raising flour.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50- Add 125g butter and a pinch of salt.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54- Rub until the mixture - resembles breadcrumbs.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57- I could use a food processor...
0:20:57 > 0:21:00- ..but out here, - I like doing it by hand.
0:21:01 > 0:21:07- Next, add 75g sugar, - 100g hazelnuts...
0:21:07 > 0:21:11- ..100g dried cranberries - and the zest of one orange...
0:21:12 > 0:21:14- ..and mix well.
0:21:17 > 0:21:22- Then add one small beaten egg - to bind everything together.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26- Mix well once again.
0:21:27 > 0:21:31- Add a little milk - if the mix doesn't form a dough.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38- When the dough is ready, - roll it out and cut the cakes.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41- Don't waste any dough.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45- Roll any scraps out again.
0:21:52 > 0:21:57- I'm moving quickly here - in case the griddle is too hot.
0:21:57 > 0:22:01- These need - two or three minutes to cook.
0:22:01 > 0:22:06- After all my hard work, - I don't want them to burn.
0:22:07 > 0:22:08- There we are.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12- I'm happy with those.
0:22:12 > 0:22:13- They've cooked well.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16- Some have burnt, but never mind.
0:22:16 > 0:22:21- While resisting the temptation - to eat them while they're warm...
0:22:21 > 0:22:25- ..I'm going to make them look - a little bit more Christmassy.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29- I'll dredge them - with icing sugar...
0:22:30 > 0:22:34- ..and garnish loosely with rosemary - and fresh cranberries.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38- They look much prettier now.
0:22:38 > 0:22:43- Even better, the icing sugar - is hiding the scorch marks!
0:22:43 > 0:22:47- The rosemary smells wonderful - with the warm cakes.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49- We'll see what the guests think.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04- Right, who wants - a Christmassy Welsh cake?
0:23:20 > 0:23:26- What could be better than a festive - gathering with family and friends?
0:23:26 > 0:23:30- I'm certainly feeling festive, - and I hope you are too.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33- Until next year, merry Christmas!
0:23:54 > 0:23:56- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:23:57 > 0:23:57- .