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0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:04 > 0:00:07- A warm welcome back to Pont y Twr.
0:00:07 > 0:00:12- It's May, one of the most exciting - months in the gardening season.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17- As you can see, there are - explosions of colour everywhere...
0:00:17 > 0:00:19- ..as the flowers bloom.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22- The gardener's daily duties - are mounting...
0:00:23 > 0:00:27- ..but as daylight hours increase, - there's enough time to do them.
0:00:28 > 0:00:32- Iwan breathes new life - into a garden in Llansannan.
0:00:32 > 0:00:36- We look at life - on a Porthmadog allotment.
0:00:36 > 0:00:41- And Meinir gets advice - on taking striking garden photos.
0:00:51 > 0:00:57- I've been more of a builder - than a gardener of late...
0:00:57 > 0:01:00- ..finishing odd bits - around the house.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04- As a result, I'm a bit behind - with the vegetable garden.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07- But I'm not too worried.
0:01:07 > 0:01:11- The onions are in, - the early potatoes are appearing...
0:01:12 > 0:01:16- ..and for the first time, - I planted my beans last autumn.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19- They're doing very well.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23- Over there, the lettuces - have kept us in salads all winter.
0:01:24 > 0:01:26- But they've finished now...
0:01:26 > 0:01:29- ..and I'm looking forward - to the new season.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43- The last thing I did - before you left us last year...
0:01:43 > 0:01:45- ..was to plant this new border.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49- As you can see, - many of the plants are now in bloom.
0:01:49 > 0:01:53- The tulips, daffodils and Muscari - look wonderful.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56- I love the combination of colours.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00- Cream, pale yellow and blue.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03- Those colours tell me - that it's spring.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06- But there are empty patches - in the border.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09- However, - before deciding what to plant...
0:02:09 > 0:02:12- ..I sought inspiration - at the RHS in Cardiff.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17- Every spring, Bute Park - in the centre of Cardiff...
0:02:18 > 0:02:22- ..is transformed for the Royal - Horticultural Society Flower Show.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25- It's their first major show - of the season.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30- I've been here many times, and - it's a lovely place to roam around.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35- It's a chance to marvel - at the different exhibits...
0:02:35 > 0:02:41- ..and to meet other people - who are mad keen on flowers.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45- Among them is Eirlys Rhiannon.
0:02:45 > 0:02:50- She's a volunteer with Green City, - who are exhibiting here today.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53- What's going on here then?
0:02:53 > 0:02:58- We've tried to create a small garden - to show what you can do...
0:02:58 > 0:03:01- ..even if you only have - a small space.
0:03:01 > 0:03:06- You have interesting plants, - planted in old pots.
0:03:07 > 0:03:08- You're recycling as well.
0:03:08 > 0:03:09- You're recycling as well.- - Exactly.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13- We want to show - that you don't need lots of money...
0:03:13 > 0:03:15- ..to create a wonderful garden.
0:03:16 > 0:03:21- You're involved with - another interesting project as well.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24- Tell me about Geirfa Garddio.
0:03:25 > 0:03:30- We ask anyone who speaks Welsh - or wants to speak Welsh...
0:03:31 > 0:03:33- ..and who enjoy gardening...
0:03:33 > 0:03:36- ..to use Welsh gardening terms...
0:03:37 > 0:03:39- ..and to share them with others.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43- We also have to constantly create - a new vocabulary.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46- This is a chance to do so publicly.
0:03:46 > 0:03:51- We can talk about gardening and - about the language at the same time.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55- Good luck with the enterprise - and thank you very much.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57- Thank you.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00- There are competitions too...
0:04:00 > 0:04:06- ..with gardens vying - for gold at the Cardiff RHS.
0:04:06 > 0:04:11- This garden by Chris Myers - scooped gold at the show.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14- It was inspired - by the legend of Blodeuwedd.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18- Many of you might not think of it - as a garden.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21- Nettles have been planted in it...
0:04:22 > 0:04:26- ..and grass has been added among - the growth to make it look wild.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28- I can tell you...
0:04:28 > 0:04:32- ..that this has taken so much time - to prepare and plant...
0:04:33 > 0:04:36- ..to make it look - as natural as it does.
0:04:36 > 0:04:37- I love it.
0:04:40 > 0:04:46- Having come all the way to Cardiff, - I'm not going home empty-handed.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49- Several flowers - have caught my eye already.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10- I don't know about you, but - one thing I like to do to relax...
0:05:10 > 0:05:14- ..after a day working in the garden - is to take photographs.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17- The first flower - on a particular shrub or tree.
0:05:17 > 0:05:23- Bees at work, the chickens, - anything that catches my eye.
0:05:23 > 0:05:25- They're great to look back at...
0:05:25 > 0:05:28- ..and record the garden - through the seasons.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33- If, like me, you enjoy - sharing photos on Instagram...
0:05:33 > 0:05:36- ..you have to pick and choose.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38- Some are good enough to share.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43- Others, like this one of spring's - first swallow, are a let-down.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47- How do you ensure - that a photo works?
0:05:47 > 0:05:52- Professional photographer Sioned - Birchall has some tips to share.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55- Some people - take photos of their garden...
0:05:55 > 0:05:59- ..to keep a record - of how it looks at different times.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02- When I take photos of this garden...
0:06:02 > 0:06:06- ..how can I stop - the breeze block wall standing out?
0:06:06 > 0:06:08- I think this is what I'd do.
0:06:08 > 0:06:13- This apple tree looks very pretty, - with its pink blossom.
0:06:14 > 0:06:15- Keep the wall out of shot...
0:06:16 > 0:06:20- ..and focus - on the yellow and orange background.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25- You needn't worry about the wall - if you change the photo's angle.
0:06:25 > 0:06:30- Then I'd take a shot - of this flower with the background.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32- The wall isn't evident then.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34- Oh, very clever!
0:06:40 > 0:06:44- If you want to photograph scenery, - how do you go about it?
0:06:44 > 0:06:48- It can be difficult - if the view is on a large scale.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51- It's hard to know - what to photograph sometimes.
0:06:52 > 0:06:53- There's a path here.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58- You can use natural lines - within the landscape...
0:06:59 > 0:07:03- ..to draw the viewer - into the photograph.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06- That makes a striking photo.
0:07:06 > 0:07:07- If you sat there...
0:07:07 > 0:07:08- Do you want me to sit?
0:07:08 > 0:07:09- Do you want me to sit?- - Yes.
0:07:09 > 0:07:10- OK!
0:07:14 > 0:07:18- If you look at the flower, - that would be nice.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24- The path then draws the eye in.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37- Sioned, you've taken - some lovely photos...
0:07:37 > 0:07:41- ..on your expensive camera, - which I'm afraid to hold!
0:07:41 > 0:07:45- Not everyone has a camera - and nice lenses like this.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49- Do you have tips for people - who take photos on their phones?
0:07:49 > 0:07:53- The great thing about a phone - is that it's always with you.
0:07:53 > 0:07:58- You won't always have a heavy camera - with you, nor would you want to.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03- You can do things with a phone - to help you take better photos.
0:08:04 > 0:08:05- You can buy lenses like these.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08- This set costs about 15.
0:08:08 > 0:08:14- You have one telephoto lens, - a macro lens and a fish-eye lens.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18- The macro lens is great - for photographing flowers.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22- This is it. It opens like a peg.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26- All you do is clip the lens...
0:08:26 > 0:08:29- ..over the camera on your phone...
0:08:29 > 0:08:31- ..and ensure it's in place...
0:08:31 > 0:08:33- ..and you're ready to go.
0:08:33 > 0:08:34- Can I try it?
0:08:34 > 0:08:36- You choose the flowers.
0:08:37 > 0:08:42- If you have any, we'd love - to see photos of your garden...
0:08:42 > 0:08:46- ..on Instagram or Twitter, - using the hashtag #garddioamwy.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50- Hopefully, we can show - some of them during the series.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55- I'm not much of a photographer...
0:08:55 > 0:08:59- ..but I think I will try - those lenses on my phone.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03- The bees have been busy here - over the last few days as well.
0:09:03 > 0:09:08- Who knows, I might be posting photos - on Instagram very soon.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12- During this series - of Garddio A Mwy...
0:09:12 > 0:09:18- ..we'll be visiting allotments - in different parts of Wales.
0:09:18 > 0:09:24- Today, we'll see what's happening - on Rhys's allotment in Porthmadog.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37- I started here when I was - at primary school, helping Taid.
0:09:37 > 0:09:42- A few years later, I asked - for a plot and got this one.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46- There was one shed here, and - I've done everything else myself.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54- Today, I'm transplanting tomatoes - between the existing lettuce...
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- ..to get two crops per patch - in the same season.
0:10:00 > 0:10:05- I'm a chef, so I have plenty of - fresh tomatoes for the restaurant.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10- These tomatoes - have all been grafted.
0:10:10 > 0:10:15- You link two plants - with special clips...
0:10:15 > 0:10:19- ..leave them in a dark place - for a few days...
0:10:20 > 0:10:23- ..and they grow back as one plant.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27- It promotes vigorous growth - and resistance to disease.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30- I grafted them myself - as an experiment.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33- If it works, great. - If not, I'll try again.
0:10:34 > 0:10:39- Gardening is a way to destress - from the hard work of being a chef.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42- Gardening is relaxing, with my dog.
0:10:42 > 0:10:43- She loves it here.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- I've got lots to do, - so I'll carry on.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05- Rhys will have a busy summer - on his allotment in Porthmadog.
0:11:06 > 0:11:11- We'll hear more from him and other - allotment holders during the series.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- As well as experienced gardeners...
0:11:14 > 0:11:18- ..we're also looking for people - who are new to this gardening game.
0:11:19 > 0:11:24- Yes, people who want advice about - jobs they have to do in the garden.
0:11:24 > 0:11:29- One of the first to get in touch - was Iona Williams from Llansannan.
0:11:29 > 0:11:34- After the break, find out - how Iwan got on in their garden.
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0:11:38 > 0:11:38- Subtitles
0:11:38 > 0:11:40- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:11:40 > 0:11:44- Iona Williams and her family - live near Llansannan...
0:11:45 > 0:11:47- ..some nine miles from Llanrwst.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49- They have lived here for 15 years...
0:11:50 > 0:11:53- ..but the garden - has been largely ignored.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57- Iona got in touch - a few months ago...
0:11:57 > 0:12:01- ..to seek help with the new border - at the back of the house.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06- The soil is comparatively clayey, - and there's a steep slope here.
0:12:06 > 0:12:10- Iona wanted a planting scheme - for the new border.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14- That's exactly what I've done.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16- I really hope she likes it...
0:12:17 > 0:12:20- ..because the plants - are all in the back of the van!
0:12:25 > 0:12:26- Good morning, Iona.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28- It's nice to meet you.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33- This is the patch - you want to plant today.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35- Yes, please. We need a little help.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39- Tell me what we have here.
0:12:39 > 0:12:44- It's a farm, and we've built - an extension and sheds and so on.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48- The garden is a by-product of those.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52- We've brought in soil, - but I want help with the plants.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54- You've created this wooden wall.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- I planted a few things last summer.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02- But they've died, and only - a solitary daffodil has survived.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05- All by itself!
0:13:05 > 0:13:07- We'll try to find it some friends.
0:13:07 > 0:13:08- We'll try to find it some friends.- - Yes, please!
0:13:13 > 0:13:16- When planting a new border...
0:13:16 > 0:13:20- ..set the plants out - before you start digging.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23- The last thing you want...
0:13:23 > 0:13:26- ..is to change your mind - and have to dig plants up.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29- That's not nice - for you or the plant.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34- I've chosen these trees.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36- Silver birches.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40- As you can see, - they have a white bark...
0:13:40 > 0:13:43- ..which looks lovely - against the background.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46- They'll look good all year round.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51- This is coming on well.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55- If you have manure on the farm...
0:13:56 > 0:14:00- ..it would be a good idea - to add some of that as well.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04- Put it on top of the soil - and let the worms do the work.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07- We've got enough manure!
0:14:13 > 0:14:17- Place the support stake - some six inches from the tree...
0:14:17 > 0:14:21- ..on the side where the strongest - winds are likely to come from.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25- Then around the post.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29- I'm happy with that as it is.
0:14:29 > 0:14:30- Only four to go!
0:14:30 > 0:14:31- Only four to go!- - Yes, four to go.
0:14:32 > 0:14:33- Come on!
0:14:37 > 0:14:40- When the birches reach maturity...
0:14:40 > 0:14:45- ..they'll hide - the bare slope behind them.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52- Right, Iona, - that's the last tree planted.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55- Most of the hard work is done.
0:14:56 > 0:14:57- Excellent.
0:14:57 > 0:14:58- Do you fancy a cuppa?
0:14:58 > 0:15:00- I'd love a cuppa, thank you.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07- We've planted one variety - of silver birch today.
0:15:07 > 0:15:13- This is Jacquemontii, - but there are many types available.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15- Meinir has more about that.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22- Three birch trees - are native to these islands.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26- The common birch, the dwarf birch...
0:15:27 > 0:15:31- ..and this one, the silver birch, - possibly the best-known.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35- But this tree can grow - to a height of almost 100 feet...
0:15:36 > 0:15:39- ..which requires - a substantial garden.
0:15:39 > 0:15:44- But there are lots of smaller ones - if you want a birch in your garden.
0:15:45 > 0:15:50- For Iona's garden, Iwan chose - Betula Utilis Jacquemontii...
0:15:51 > 0:15:53- ..with its attractive light bark.
0:15:53 > 0:15:57- Their leaves are a dark green...
0:15:57 > 0:16:00- ..which turn yellow - before they fall in autumn.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05- If you want a different colour - from the leaves as well...
0:16:05 > 0:16:09- ..try Betula Pendula Purpurea.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11- Its reddish, - almost purple, leaves...
0:16:12 > 0:16:14- ..contrast well with the light bark.
0:16:15 > 0:16:21- If a light bark doesn't appeal, - several varieties have a red bark.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25- One of the most striking - is China Rose.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29- These will all reach a height - of about seven metres in 20 years.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32- If you want a smaller birch...
0:16:32 > 0:16:36- ..consider Youngii, - which is a weeping variety.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39- It'll grow to about four metres - in 20 years.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46- Plenty of food for thought there.
0:16:47 > 0:16:52- While Iona makes my cuppa, - I'll show you what I'll plant next.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57- This is a dogwood.
0:16:58 > 0:17:03- The reason I chose a dogwood - is that it's not a fussy plant.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05- It's happy in a windy spot...
0:17:06 > 0:17:09- ..and somewhere - that can have rough weather.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12- It'll grow in heavy soil, - clay soil and damp soil.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15- ..so it'll be happy here.
0:17:15 > 0:17:21- For variety, I've also chosen - a green dogwood for the new border.
0:17:21 > 0:17:22- Here's your cuppa.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24- Lovely. Thanks, Iona.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28- This Cornus is going in here.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31- All you have to do every year...
0:17:31 > 0:17:33- ..every February, say...
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- ..is to cut these twigs - right down to the base...
0:17:36 > 0:17:39- ..and it'll grow back year on year.
0:17:39 > 0:17:40- Right, my cuppa.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48- After we plant all the Cornuses, - we're going to plant this.
0:17:48 > 0:17:53- It's a periwinkle, Vinca minor.
0:17:53 > 0:17:58- It's a very useful plant, especially - for gardens with lots of open soil.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02- It will cover that soil - because it spreads very quickly.
0:18:02 > 0:18:03- Excellent.
0:18:04 > 0:18:10- It'll also droop over the edge, - and hide a bit of this timber.
0:18:11 > 0:18:15- This reminds my of my childhood, - but I don't know why.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18- I've seen this flower - somewhere before.
0:18:19 > 0:18:20- I'm really fond of it.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23- So that brings back happy memories?
0:18:23 > 0:18:25- That's very nice to hear.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28- I'd better finish my cuppa.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30- There's more work to do.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53- Well, I think we've done - a pretty good job, Iona.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56- We've done a lot more - in a day than I expected.
0:18:56 > 0:18:57- Are you happy with it?
0:18:57 > 0:18:58- Are you happy with it?- - I love it.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00- I'm glad to hear it.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10- All that remains - is to water the plants.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14- It's nice to see - that Iona is sharing that job!
0:19:15 > 0:19:20- If you've been inspired by this plan - or you like any plant we used...
0:19:20 > 0:19:23- ..there's more information - on our website.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27- You're welcome to get in touch - if you have a job to do.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29- But we only have a day to do it.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32- How's the watering coming along?
0:19:36 > 0:19:38- Tips From The Nursery
0:19:45 > 0:19:49- For colour in the garden - at this time, try Primula sieboldii.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53- It comes in various colours, - white, purple, pink and blue.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56- They're fairly simple to keep.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58- Put it in the right soil...
0:19:58 > 0:20:01- ..and it'll spread, - and flower year after year.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05- Hostas are ideal - to plant at this time.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09- They like shade, and come - in small and large varieties.
0:20:09 > 0:20:14- The leaves come in various colours, - with lilac flowers in summer.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17- If you have a shady spot, - go for Hostas.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35- This is the new border.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39- Earlier, you saw me - at the RHS Cardiff Flower Show.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43- I bought a few - of these Tiarella plants.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46- They belong to the Heuchera family.
0:20:46 > 0:20:51- It's so pretty, - and each flower looks like a star.
0:20:51 > 0:20:56- I thought it would be perfect - in a wedding bouquet.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59- I have three of these to plant here.
0:21:00 > 0:21:05- Then there's this primrose, - which is so pretty.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08- I liked the name, Ooh La La.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11- I've bought a few of them - for the garden.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13- These can go here.
0:21:15 > 0:21:20- I've also got this blue flower, - which is Omphalodes.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22- The leaves are evergreen.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26- Once the flowers die...
0:21:26 > 0:21:30- ..the greenery will remain, - and will help to keep weeds down.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- That's really pretty, isn't it?
0:21:36 > 0:21:39- These need to go on the other side.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50- This is Leucojum, - which I've sought for a while.
0:21:50 > 0:21:51- I love it.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55- These small bell-like flowers - swing in the breeze.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58- I'm planting this here.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03- I'm very happy with that location.
0:22:03 > 0:22:08- They finish the border off nicely, - for this year at least.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14- That's our border in order.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18- The Williams family - have sent photos of their border...
0:22:18 > 0:22:19- ..and it looks well.
0:22:20 > 0:22:24- The birches and the dogwood - are starting to fill in nicely.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26- I think it looks great.
0:22:27 > 0:22:28- I love dogwood.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31- It provides colour - all winter long.
0:22:32 > 0:22:33- That's it for today.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35- We'll be back next week.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38- In the meantime, - enjoy the gardening.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:23:00 > 0:23:00- .