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0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:02 > 0:00:04- Welcome back to Pont y Twr.
0:00:04 > 0:00:07- What was your summer like?
0:00:07 > 0:00:10- The weather was very unsettled here.
0:00:10 > 0:00:15- We had so much rain - and strong winds in early August.
0:00:15 > 0:00:19- Thankfully, it didn't do - too much harm to the flowers.
0:00:19 > 0:00:24- As you can see, these wallflowers - are almost at the end of their life.
0:00:24 > 0:00:26- The colour is still vivid.
0:00:26 > 0:00:31- Over here, these sedums - have almost burst open.
0:00:31 > 0:00:35- What do we have for you this week?
0:00:36 > 0:00:41- Iwan has suggestions for those - of you with a glut of cucumbers.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46- Meinir finds out which bees - regularly visit her garden.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50- And we visit - a teeming allotment in Aberystwyth.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04- How did you react - to the challenging summer weather?
0:01:04 > 0:01:08- I feel as if we've had - two totally different summers.
0:01:08 > 0:01:13- It was really dry until late July...
0:01:13 > 0:01:17- ..and I was constantly watering - the vegetable patch.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19- Take these leeks.
0:01:19 > 0:01:24- I was worried about these, - as the soil here is dry and sandy.
0:01:24 > 0:01:26- If we don't get enough rain...
0:01:27 > 0:01:30- ..plants like these - tend to flower and bolt.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33- Thankfully, - I only had to uproot one or two.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38- Then we had all that rain in August.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41- I was able to put the hose - back in the shed.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44- We went off - on a family holiday...
0:01:44 > 0:01:48- ..and the garden - looked after itself.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52- As you can see from the foliage, - the carrots have done well.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56- The beetroots and courgettes - have also been a success.
0:01:57 > 0:01:59- I've also had some success inside.
0:02:04 > 0:02:10- I've been harvesting tomatoes - in the greenhouse all summer.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13- This variety here is Garnet.
0:02:13 > 0:02:18- This yellow one, Sunlemon, - has also been a big success.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22- If you've done well - with any vegetable in the garden...
0:02:22 > 0:02:26- ..and are aiming, like us, - to be totally self-sufficient...
0:02:26 > 0:02:28- ..it may be time - to collect seeds.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32- Tomato seeds - are among the easiest to gather.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36- But I won't be collecting - any from this Roma variety.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38- It's been difficult to handle.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42- It has to be pruned weekly, - grows too much vegetation...
0:02:43 > 0:02:46- ..and the fruits - aren't all that tasty.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51- They're also a bit too soft, - so they clearly don't like it here.
0:02:51 > 0:02:56- But the Sunlemon and the Garnet...
0:02:57 > 0:03:02- ..have been exceptionally good, - so I'll definitely save these seeds.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10- The reason that tomato seeds - are easy to collect...
0:03:10 > 0:03:13- ..is that we can be - fairly certain...
0:03:13 > 0:03:17- ..that the seeds inside - will be similar to the parent...
0:03:17 > 0:03:23- ..because the tomato flower - pollinates itself as it opens.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26- A bee could have flown - into the greenhouse...
0:03:26 > 0:03:29- ..and cross-pollinated - from another flower...
0:03:29 > 0:03:33- ..but the probability - is that it will be like the parent.
0:03:33 > 0:03:35- It's simple enough.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39- I'm going to cut the tomato in half.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45- I'll use a teaspoon - to collect the seeds.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48- As you can see, - there are lots of them.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52- I'll spread them onto kitchen paper.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54- I need to dry the seeds.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58- They won't keep over winter - if they're moist.
0:03:58 > 0:03:59- Some people...
0:04:01 > 0:04:03- ..let them dry in the sun...
0:04:03 > 0:04:08- ..then wrap them in newspaper - in a dry, dark place over winter.
0:04:08 > 0:04:13- Others think that you need - to remove this protective layer...
0:04:13 > 0:04:16- ..this jelly surrounding the seed.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19- You can see that it has come off.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23- That's the seed...
0:04:23 > 0:04:26- ..and that's the protective layer.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29- I'm going to experiment - with both techniques.
0:04:29 > 0:04:34- I'll remove the protective layer - from some, and keep it on the rest.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37- We'll see next year - which seeds perform best.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45- Look at this Persicaria.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48- The bees flock to it.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52- I love to watch them working busily.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54- But I've never considered...
0:04:55 > 0:04:57- ..what type of bees - feast in our garden.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01- If, like me, - you're ignorant in such matters...
0:05:01 > 0:05:04- ..Meinir's item will be of interest.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10- It's one of gardening's pleasures.
0:05:10 > 0:05:15- Watching bees feast on flowers - and plants that you have nurtured.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18- But of all the insects - in the garden...
0:05:18 > 0:05:20- ..my favourite is the bumblebee.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27- Also known as humble-bees...
0:05:27 > 0:05:33- ..the name bumblebee is more common, - and is the official name.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36- They're interesting insects.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40- Conservationist Bethan Wyn - is taking me into their world.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44- How many different types are there?
0:05:44 > 0:05:45- How many different types are there?- - There are 24 in Britain.
0:05:46 > 0:05:51- There are six that you're - most likely to see in your garden.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54- There's one of them here.
0:05:54 > 0:06:00- The buff-tailed bumblebee, - out looking for nectar.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05- The buff-tailed bumblebee - has two yellow stripes.
0:06:06 > 0:06:08- One near the head, - on the thorax...
0:06:09 > 0:06:12- ..and one on the body, - or, more accurately, the abdomen.
0:06:12 > 0:06:14- The tail isn't quite white.
0:06:18 > 0:06:19- Why do they like lavender?
0:06:19 > 0:06:21- Why do they like lavender?- - Because it has lots of nectar.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26- They get at it with the proboscis, - their tongue.
0:06:27 > 0:06:32- The shape of the flower - matches the shape of the proboscis.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35- How can you identify the bees?
0:06:35 > 0:06:38- There are several different ways.
0:06:38 > 0:06:42- If they stay still long enough - for you to count the stripes...
0:06:42 > 0:06:46- ..that's a good way - to differentiate between species.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50- Over here, - we have the common carder bee.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53- Of the ones you're likely to see...
0:06:54 > 0:06:56- ..this one is notably different.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58- The body is a lot less black.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- It's an orangey yellow colour.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06- As well as the common carder bee...
0:07:06 > 0:07:08- ..we saw a garden bumblebee.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12- It has three yellow stripes - and a white tail.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16- The early bumblebee - has a yellow stripe on the thorax...
0:07:16 > 0:07:20- ..a less obvious one on the abdomen, - and a red tail.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23- You can tell - that this is a female worker.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27- Only they carry pollen - in small baskets on their legs.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30- We also saw - a white-tailed bumblebee.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34- It's very similar - to the buff-tailed bumblebee.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36- The workers, at least.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39- She has two - identical yellow stripes...
0:07:39 > 0:07:41- ..but the tail is very white.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46- What's the life of a bumblebee?
0:07:47 > 0:07:51- If I follow the season, - starting in spring...
0:07:51 > 0:07:54- ..that's when the queen emerges.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57- She has been asleep all winter.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59- She'll build a nest and lay eggs.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02- After a few weeks, they'll hatch.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05- That's where the colony starts.
0:08:05 > 0:08:10- The worker bees will spend summer - out searching for nectar.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14- By the end of the summer, - the colony will get smaller.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19- The queen will die and the workers - will start to feed larvae...
0:08:19 > 0:08:22- ..to create another queen, in a way.
0:08:22 > 0:08:28- She will then sleep all winter - and emerge to feed in spring.
0:08:28 > 0:08:29- And start building a new nest.
0:08:29 > 0:08:30- And start building a new nest.- - Yes, exactly.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38- Why are bumblebees important?
0:08:38 > 0:08:40- There are lots of reasons.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43- Firstly, they're pollinators.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47- Without pollinators, - we'd have a lot less food.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50- They pollinate the crops - that we eat.
0:08:50 > 0:08:54- Little things like the fact - that they're really nice to look at.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59- You can sit in the garden - and take the time to watch them.
0:09:00 > 0:09:01- It just looks so happy.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03- And the noise they make.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05- The buzzing, yes.
0:09:05 > 0:09:10- The word bumblebee stems - from the Latin word for buzzing.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12- Little things like that.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19- How can you create a garden - that benefits bumblebees?
0:09:19 > 0:09:21- Exactly what you have done here.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23- Different kinds of flowers.
0:09:24 > 0:09:29- Just remember too that the queen - emerges quite early in the spring.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34- It's important that there's food - available for her as well.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38- I'll plant winter and - early spring-flowering heather...
0:09:38 > 0:09:40- ..to help those queens.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44- If you see a bumblebee - and don't know its species...
0:09:45 > 0:09:50- ..feel free to send us a photo - and we'll try to help identify it.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54- Tips From The Nursery
0:09:59 > 0:10:03- Plants that sell well - this time of year are Heucheras.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07- They come in all kinds of colours, - from dark to light.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12- The colours - will last through the autumn.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14- They're ideal for pots and planters.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17- This one is my favourite.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20- Green Spice.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24- It looks nice - with other colours in one pot.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- It's ideal at this time of year.
0:10:28 > 0:10:28- .
0:10:30 > 0:10:30- Subtitles
0:10:30 > 0:10:32- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:10:37 > 0:10:40- Earlier this year, - if you remember...
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- ..Sioned let me have - a corner of the polytunnel...
0:10:44 > 0:10:45- ..to grow a few vegetables.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48- I can tell you, - she's glad that she did.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52- Not only do we have - melons growing here...
0:10:52 > 0:10:55- ..the sweet potatoes - are doing quite well.
0:10:55 > 0:11:00- We also have lots of different - peppers, some small, some big.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05- But today, - I want to harvest the cucumbers.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08- I have some different varieties.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12- Take this snack box variety.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14- These are fully grown.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17- The children love harvesting these.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20- They eat them - straight from the polytunnel.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23- But if you think - you've seen a cucumber...
0:11:24 > 0:11:25- ..let me show you this one.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33- That's what I call - a proper cucumber.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36- This is the Pepinex variety.
0:11:36 > 0:11:41- As you can see, it grows much bigger - than the snack box variety.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45- Traditionally, cucumbers - are eaten as part of a salad.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47- But if you have too many...
0:11:49 > 0:11:51- ..as is true in my case...
0:11:51 > 0:11:54- ..it's time to make - a pickle out of them.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56- That's just what I'll do later on.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58- While I pick these...
0:11:58 > 0:12:02- ..let's visit Jim Jones - on his allotment hear Aberystwyth.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09- I've been here for about 17 years.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14- After retiring, - I applied for a few jobs.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17- I was either too old - or too qualified.
0:12:17 > 0:12:18- I don't know why!
0:12:20 > 0:12:24- I put my name down - to have something to do.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26- It won't be long, I thought.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31- But I waited three or four years - before getting this patch.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36- Back then, it was awfully wild.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40- Weeds, nettles, brambles, dear me.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- I expected to see a tiger - at any moment.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45- So many weeds.
0:12:47 > 0:12:48- It's hard work.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- If you don't like working, - the weeds will grow.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01- I'm picking some potatoes.
0:13:01 > 0:13:06- I've cut all the tops - because blight got them.
0:13:06 > 0:13:12- They won't keep over winter, - but they're very tasty at this time.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16- As you can see, one potato...
0:13:17 > 0:13:18- Oh, my back!
0:13:18 > 0:13:21- That's the mark of potato blight.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34- Here it is, the devil's nest!
0:13:35 > 0:13:39- It looks untidy, - but I know where everything is.
0:13:39 > 0:13:40- It's all in there.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42- The job is finding it.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45- I never buy anything from a shop.
0:13:45 > 0:13:50- People go, or they die, - and leave their tools.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54- Not being cheeky, - but I took everything.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57- They're here for any newcomers.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02- If they want anything, - just ask and you're welcome.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04- Unless I want them!
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- Me first, because I found them!
0:14:09 > 0:14:11- And that's it.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- That's why it looks a bit untidy.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24- My feet sweat too much - in a pair of wellingtons.
0:14:25 > 0:14:26- But they're OK in shoes.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31- These have an industrial toecap...
0:14:31 > 0:14:33- ..in case I have - an accident with a fork.
0:14:34 > 0:14:40- I found an old pair of wellingtons - that someone left in a shed.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43- I cut the bottoms off...
0:14:44 > 0:14:48- ..put them on before the shoe - and they fit perfectly.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50- It does just fine.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57- I come here for the friendship...
0:14:57 > 0:15:01- ..for healthy food, - and for exercise.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04- I enjoy it.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10- It gets me out of the house.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12- The wife has it while I'm here.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14- To give her some peace.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- I get some peace too, - no tellings-off.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20- But if I'm late back, I get a row.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33- One of the problems - vegetable growers face...
0:15:33 > 0:15:38- ..and I'm sure it's the same - for Jim, is a glut of vegetables.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41- Too much produce - as the growing season goes on.
0:15:42 > 0:15:43- No-one likes waste...
0:15:44 > 0:15:48- ..especially after all the effort - to grow them in the first place.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50- A good way to solve the problem...
0:15:50 > 0:15:55- ..is to make a pickle, and that's - what I'll do with this cucumber.
0:16:00 > 0:16:06- This American recipe is known - as bread and butter pickles...
0:16:06 > 0:16:10- ..because it can be found - on everyone's dinner table.
0:16:11 > 0:16:16- First, slice four Pepinex cucumbers - or six regular-sized ones...
0:16:17 > 0:16:18- ..and four red onions.
0:16:19 > 0:16:24- Mix in a bowl with three quarters of - a cup of pickling salt or sea salt.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30- There we are, - the vegetables are ready.
0:16:30 > 0:16:35- The next step is to place some ice - on top of the cucumber.
0:16:37 > 0:16:42- That then goes into a fridge - for at least four hours.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52- We do that - to retain the cucumber's crunch.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55- Into the fridge it goes.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00- While that chills, - I'll prepare the syrup.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06- First, 750ml of cider vinegar...
0:17:08 > 0:17:09- ..two cups of sugar...
0:17:10 > 0:17:14- ..two and a half tablespoons - of yellow mustard seeds...
0:17:14 > 0:17:17- ..and one and half tablespoons - of turmeric.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20- The remaining ingredients - are optional.
0:17:21 > 0:17:25- Two tablespoons each - of garlic powder and celery seeds...
0:17:25 > 0:17:31- ..and if you like a hot pickle, - as much chilli as you can handle.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35- Bring the mixture to a boil.
0:17:39 > 0:17:40- Right.
0:17:42 > 0:17:47- I've prepared another batch - that has been refrigerated.
0:17:47 > 0:17:52- The ice has melted, - and I've drained all the liquid.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55- I'm now ready to add the syrup.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11- This looks lovely!
0:18:11 > 0:18:17- This can now go back onto the heat - to simmer for a while.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21- It should have warmed through - in five minutes.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24- Meanwhile, - I'll sterilize the jars...
0:18:25 > 0:18:28- ..by pouring boiling water - into them...
0:18:28 > 0:18:31- ..and placing the lids - in boiling water.
0:18:32 > 0:18:37- I'm now ready - to fill the jars with pickle.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42- I must say, it smells incredible.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50- The red onions - have retained their colour.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59- Before I put the lid on...
0:18:59 > 0:19:01- ..I have to wipe the rim.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05- If it's not clean...
0:19:06 > 0:19:08- ..it might not seal properly.
0:19:09 > 0:19:10- That'll do.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14- Pickling jar lids - come in two parts.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- The lower lid - seals the pickle in the jar...
0:19:18 > 0:19:22- ..by removing air from the gap - between the lid and the pickle.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28- So that every lid does its job, - you need to boil the jars.
0:19:28 > 0:19:33- Be sure to have about half an inch - of water over the jars.
0:19:34 > 0:19:39- After 15-20 minutes, - remove them to a cooler temperature.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43- A tool like this will come in handy.
0:19:50 > 0:19:51- There we are.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54- The cooling process - will seal the lid...
0:19:54 > 0:19:56- ..then I can label them.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59- What better Christmas present...
0:19:59 > 0:20:02- ..than a taste of summer - from Pont y Twr's garden?
0:20:03 > 0:20:06- It's now September, of course.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10- Some of the plants have reached - the end of their season.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14- Despite the unsettled weather - over the summer...
0:20:15 > 0:20:17- ..the flowers have been lovely.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22- But these hollyhocks - have let me down this year.
0:20:22 > 0:20:27- As you can see, they look terrible, - having suffered from rust.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31- This plant does have a tendency - to suffer from rust...
0:20:32 > 0:20:34- ..if you don't stay on top of it.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38- In Victorian times, - when these were grown everywhere...
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- ..they sprayed everything.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45- But we're trying - to be much more organic.
0:20:45 > 0:20:51- The upshot is, I'll probably sulk - and I won't plant them next year.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57- The damp weather - that we've endured...
0:20:57 > 0:21:01- ..hasn't helped - the standard rose either.
0:21:01 > 0:21:05- Black spot has attacked it, - and I haven't got rid of it.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10- Next year, I'll uproot the shrub - and plant something in its place.
0:21:13 > 0:21:18- But I'm sure these are problems - faced by many during the summer.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24- On the other hand, - many flowers have thrived...
0:21:25 > 0:21:28- ..as you can see in this new border.
0:21:28 > 0:21:33- The Penstemon are all from cuttings - I've taken in the past two years.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38- I have three different types, - and they look wonderful.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45- I planted these Echinacea - when they were in bloom last year.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49- Often, they don't survive frost...
0:21:49 > 0:21:52- ..so I'm delighted - that they have flowered again.
0:21:55 > 0:22:00- Something else that's special to me - is this honeysuckle.
0:22:01 > 0:22:06- Three years ago, I took cuttings - from a plant my grandmother had.
0:22:06 > 0:22:12- I planted them along the fence - but never got many flowers.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15- But look at them this year!
0:22:15 > 0:22:18- The aroma is wonderful.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23- I also love the different shapes...
0:22:23 > 0:22:26- ..and the colours in every flower.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29- There are also more to come.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33- Hopefully, I'll have flowers - for another two or three weeks.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38- A little something - to brighten our days!
0:22:41 > 0:22:42- Well, that's it for now.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45- I hope you can join us - again next week...
0:22:45 > 0:22:49- ..when we find out how Meinir got on - at the Cerrigydrudion show.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51- You've been making pickle!
0:22:51 > 0:22:54- You've been making pickle!- - Hands off. They're Christmas gifts.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56- They look very nice.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00- Also next week, - I visit a Cardiff family...
0:23:00 > 0:23:05- ..to help transform their garden - into a fun place for children.
0:23:05 > 0:23:10- And for the first time, I'll try - to plant potatoes for Christmas.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13- Lots to look forward to there.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16- Until next time, - enjoy the gardening.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:23:38 > 0:23:38- .