0:00:00 > 0:00:00- *
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Welcome to Garddio A Mwy.
0:00:02 > 0:00:06- On a dry and bright autumn day, - where better to be than the garden?
0:00:06 > 0:00:09- Even at this time, - there's work to do there.
0:00:09 > 0:00:11- Here's what's coming up.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17- Sioned is in Flintshire, - in a field full of pumpkins.
0:00:19 > 0:00:23- Iwan gets advice - from an expert hazel grower.
0:00:25 > 0:00:29- And I plant a substantial row - of shrubs in the garden.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53- This perennial bed has been - working hard throughout the season.
0:00:53 > 0:00:58- It may be the easiest bed - to handle in the whole garden...
0:00:58 > 0:01:01- ..some maintenance is important - at this time.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05- I have rhubarb and artichokes - growing in this border.
0:01:06 > 0:01:10- Next year's artichoke leaves - are out of the soil already.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13- We'll see if it survives the winter.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16- It's crucial - in a perennial bed...
0:01:17 > 0:01:20- ..that plants - don't have to compete with weeds.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24- While adding some compost, - I can get rid of any weeds.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27- I'm also adding nutrients - to the soil.
0:01:40 > 0:01:45- The artichokes and the rhubarb - are ready for next year.
0:01:45 > 0:01:50- But there's another perennial plant - that requires some attention.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58- That plant is asparagus.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02- This is what it looks like - if you don't harvest it.
0:02:03 > 0:02:05- It grows like a fern.
0:02:06 > 0:02:11- Asparagus gets special treatment - because it's a rather fussy plant.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15- They're rapacious - and need their own space.
0:02:16 > 0:02:21- I created this straight bed - in order to make weeding easier.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24- Asparagus hates - competing with weeds.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29- It's important to be thorough - when weeding the bed.
0:02:31 > 0:02:36- Another trick to repel weeds - throughout the winter...
0:02:36 > 0:02:37- ..is to cover the soil.
0:02:37 > 0:02:42- Rather than using garden compost, - I'm using organic manure this year.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49- Although garden compost - would do the job just fine...
0:02:50 > 0:02:55- ..as it's such a special plant, - I'm going to spoil the asparagus...
0:02:55 > 0:02:58- ..with the best fertilizer - that money can buy.
0:03:02 > 0:03:03- There we are.
0:03:03 > 0:03:08- That's the perennial plants - dealt with for this year.
0:03:08 > 0:03:14- I can't wait to finally taste - some Pont y Twr rhubarb.
0:03:14 > 0:03:19- Over in Meinir's garden, - the focus is all on hedging.
0:03:23 > 0:03:24- What is a hedge to you?
0:03:25 > 0:03:26- It can mean shelter.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29- It can create structure - in a larger garden.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31- It's also a way to ease winds.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35- But more often than not, - a hedge is a boundary.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39- When we created a garden here - in what was an ordinary field...
0:03:40 > 0:03:44- ..the first thing we did was - to plant hedges along the boundary.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51- They were mixed hedges - that would grow quickly...
0:03:51 > 0:03:55- ..and provide privacy for us - and food and shelter for wildlife.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00- These have taken seven years - to get to this stage.
0:04:00 > 0:04:05- This partially evergreen privet - provides that privacy.
0:04:05 > 0:04:10- There's also a mix of blackthorn, - hawthorn, Rosa rugosa...
0:04:11 > 0:04:12- ..fuchsia and birch.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17- A blend of native - and non-native plants...
0:04:17 > 0:04:22- ..that bear fruit and flowers - at different times of the year.
0:04:23 > 0:04:28- But I want something different - along this unplanted boundary.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37- I want a hedge that will hide - this fence almost immediately.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40- But I don't want it - to grow as big as the others.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42- Only as high as the fence...
0:04:43 > 0:04:48- ..because the view and the livestock - make this garden special.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53- I want the hedge - to be evergreen on the whole...
0:04:53 > 0:04:56- ..using native plants if I can.
0:04:56 > 0:05:01- I also want it - to ease the sea breeze...
0:05:01 > 0:05:06- ..and ideally, it'll also provide - shelter for birds and wildlife.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11- But I have no idea which plants - will do all those things.
0:05:11 > 0:05:17- Earlier, I sought the advice - of a horticulturalist...
0:05:17 > 0:05:21- ..who knows a lot more - about these matters than I do.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28- Robin, you know what I want, - but am I asking a lot?
0:05:29 > 0:05:33- No, the important point - is to choose the right plants.
0:05:36 > 0:05:41- I'd suggest holly, - which provides berries in winter.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45- Prepare well, lots of water - and it'll fill in very quickly.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48- How long have you lived there?
0:05:48 > 0:05:51- For about eight years.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54- It's a pity you didn't think - about this eight years ago.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58- It's the first thing to do - when you move house.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00- Not the kitchen, the garden.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04- I did with the other hedges - but not this one.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07- It's a shame - because it would be look great now.
0:06:07 > 0:06:12- A holly bush about this height - will be fairly...
0:06:13 > 0:06:15- Good preparation - will lead to good growth.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18- You can see this year's growth.
0:06:19 > 0:06:24- There's no reason not to get - a foot to 18 inches every year.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29- Then use other plants - in blocks between the holly.
0:06:30 > 0:06:35- You can use so many plants - that are more colourful than holly.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39- Try this Viburnum tinus.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41- Try this Viburnum tinus.- - I'm not familiar with that one.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44- It flowers at this time.
0:06:44 > 0:06:45- Right.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48- It handles any weather, it's great.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50- I'd also suggest this one.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52- I'd also suggest this one.- - What's that? Pyracantha?
0:06:53 > 0:06:54- Yes.
0:06:54 > 0:06:59- They fill out very quickly - and also provide winter berries.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02- This Cotoneaster is another one.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07- Very easy to grow, - lots of varieties.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11- They're straightforward to grow.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14- They grow very quickly...
0:07:14 > 0:07:16- ..and have berries in winter.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18- And bees love them.
0:07:19 > 0:07:20- Exactly.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24- For a bit of winter colour, - this Cornus has red stems.
0:07:24 > 0:07:25- Pretty.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30- And never forget Rosa rugosa.
0:07:30 > 0:07:35- I like that because of the purple - flowers almost all summer long.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38- And the autumn growth - is very pretty.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41- I've got a lot of thinking to do!
0:07:41 > 0:07:44- But I like the idea of the holly...
0:07:44 > 0:07:46- ..as a foundation for the hedge.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51- Do the job properly at the start - and look after them.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54- It's just a shame - you didn't do it eight years ago!
0:07:54 > 0:07:56- I did my best, Robin!
0:07:58 > 0:08:00- Better late than never.
0:08:01 > 0:08:06- After I eventually choose my shrubs, - I'll be planting them later.
0:08:12 > 0:08:13- As Halloween approaches...
0:08:14 > 0:08:18- ..I've come to the Hawarden Estate - farm shop in Flintshire...
0:08:19 > 0:08:22- ..which encourages - sustainable celebrating.
0:08:23 > 0:08:28- Most of the fruit and vegetables - sold at the shop are home grown.
0:08:28 > 0:08:33- Cafe cook Emma also uses them - to cook all sorts of treats.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36- I'll sample some of them later.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41- First, I meet Amy Swann, who holds - pumpkin-carving workshops here.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45- Not the usual scary faces, mind you.
0:08:45 > 0:08:50- ..but decorative seasonal designs - that will last through the autumn.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57- It's nice to be out in the sunshine.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00- It's shining right on us!
0:09:00 > 0:09:03- You're the teacher, I'm the pupil.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05- Where do we start?
0:09:05 > 0:09:10- Make sure that the pumpkin - is fairly stable on your lap.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13- Get a good grip - with your knees and your hands.
0:09:15 > 0:09:16- You need a biro.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20- Start with an easy pattern - but nothing too small.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25- I've never drawn - on a pumpkin before.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31- You haven't carved - the inside out first.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34- No, because if you do that...
0:09:35 > 0:09:38- ..it'll rot - more or less within a week.
0:09:38 > 0:09:43- It's best to leave it as it is, - then it'll last until Christmas.
0:09:43 > 0:09:47- You don't have to use it - as a lantern with a candle inside.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49- This is very therapeutic.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53- This is very therapeutic.- - It has a lot of different elements.
0:09:53 > 0:09:57- You draw the pattern first, - then you cut it out.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00- If you want to make it - into a lantern...
0:10:00 > 0:10:06- ..all you do is cut the top off, - remove the flesh...
0:10:06 > 0:10:07- ..then light it.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12- That's enough to start, - to show you the process.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16- I use lino cutters.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19- These make a big difference - to the way it turns out.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21- This is the secret, really.
0:10:22 > 0:10:23- Where do you get these?
0:10:24 > 0:10:25- At any art shop, usually.
0:10:26 > 0:10:27- Or on the Web.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31- All we do is remove the skin - to reveal the colour of the flesh.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35- We don't go right through - as you would with a knife.
0:10:35 > 0:10:41- Use your left hand - to hold the pumpkin steady.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45- Move slowly and smoothly - around the pattern.
0:10:45 > 0:10:50- The circle is the best place - to start cutting this pattern.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53- The pattern can be fairly simple.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- There are lines on the pumpkin too.
0:10:56 > 0:11:01- If you wanted to make a leaf, - you'd follow the line up.
0:11:06 > 0:11:11- Even small incisions - can be very effective.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16- When I taught Art, - I did this with the schoolchildren.
0:11:16 > 0:11:17- It is a skill.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22- We're carving now - as we would in wood or lino.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27- I could go - into my own little world doing this.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29- That's why I like it.
0:11:29 > 0:11:30- You're doing well.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33- Your control is brilliant.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36- It's not an easy thing to do.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40- But it's nice and relaxing - once you get the technique.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- I'm sure that you could - take hours doing this.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46- How much time do you spend on them?
0:11:46 > 0:11:50- Shall I show you what happens - if you spend hours on them?
0:11:51 > 0:11:53- I've been hiding this.
0:11:53 > 0:11:54- There we are.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56- Oh, wow, Amy!
0:11:56 > 0:11:58- That's amazing.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01- I did this last night - to show you today.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07- I've taken our surroundings - as my inspiration.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10- Mushrooms, acorns, trees and leaves.
0:12:10 > 0:12:11- And berries.
0:12:12 > 0:12:13- Oh, that's lovely.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15- We deserve a cuppa after this.
0:12:15 > 0:12:16- We deserve a cuppa after this.- - We do.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19- Let's see what Emma has prepared.
0:12:21 > 0:12:26- Over at the cafe, Emma has made - some autumnal flapjacks for us...
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- ..that contain home-grown pumpkins.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34- If you'd like to try them out...
0:12:34 > 0:12:38- ..this unusual recipe - is available on our website.
0:12:40 > 0:12:41- Enjoy!
0:12:41 > 0:12:43- Enjoy!- - Thank you!
0:12:44 > 0:12:45- This looks nice.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48- You can see the pumpkin in it.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50- You can see the pumpkin in it.- - I'm not wasting any time here!
0:12:53 > 0:12:55- Mmm! It's lovely!
0:12:56 > 0:12:56- .
0:13:01 > 0:13:01- Subtitles
0:13:01 > 0:13:03- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:13:08 > 0:13:13- When you think about autumn, - you think of withering leaves...
0:13:13 > 0:13:17- ..evenings drawing in, - mushrooms and apples.
0:13:17 > 0:13:18- But what about nuts?
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- They're also in season, of course.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28- I'm at the Golden Grove Estate - in Llanasa near Holywell...
0:13:29 > 0:13:33- ..to meet a man who may be able - to help me realize a dream.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39- I want to create - a nut orchard at Pont y Twr.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44- The man whose advice I seek - is Alexander Hunt...
0:13:44 > 0:13:48- ..who owns 400 acres - of nut trees in Kent.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50- He's an expert in his field...
0:13:51 > 0:13:55- ..and we met in Golden Grove's - 30-year-old nut orchard...
0:13:55 > 0:13:59- ..to get an idea of the nut trees - that will grow here in North Wales.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03- My first reaction is...
0:14:03 > 0:14:08- ..you're very much in a farming area - rather than a horticultural one.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13- Obviously, you have much greater - rainfall than in southeast England.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15- But what a lovely example of one.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17- But what a lovely example of one.- - It's absolutely beautiful.
0:14:18 > 0:14:23- This is a lovely mature Kent cob - with a multi-branched structure.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27- It's by far the best variety - for growing in a garden.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31- A very good-flavoured nut, - a very good size of nut...
0:14:31 > 0:14:34- ..and it grows - on a whole variety of soils.
0:14:34 > 0:14:35- Fantastic, OK.
0:14:36 > 0:14:37- It might be a winner for my garden.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40- It might be a winner for my garden.- - There's another lovely example.
0:14:40 > 0:14:45- These walnut trees may be - a few more years coming into crop.
0:14:46 > 0:14:51- But they're fairly low-maintenance - in a garden environment as well.
0:14:52 > 0:14:53- Fantastic. Wonderful.
0:14:56 > 0:15:02- It's very sheltered at Golden Grove, - so wind isn't a problem.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06- But squirrels are a pest.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11- That'll be something - for me to consider.
0:15:11 > 0:15:16- However, Kentish cobs can be - harvested before they ripen...
0:15:17 > 0:15:19- ..and before the squirrels get them.
0:15:23 > 0:15:28- My main reason for growing nuts - is that they're a healthy food...
0:15:28 > 0:15:29- ..and expensive to buy.
0:15:30 > 0:15:35- I'm showing Alexander - the nut orchard's potential site.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38- A small field - next to the polytunnel.
0:15:38 > 0:15:43- Looking out, you've got - quite a lot of nettle and thistle.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47- Scything, tidying the whole area...
0:15:48 > 0:15:52- ..then marking out - with canes and string...
0:15:53 > 0:15:57- ..how you're going to plant it - would be my initial advice.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00- My biggest job is clearing.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03- Alexander is confident - that our light soil...
0:16:03 > 0:16:07- ..will be fine - for several varieties of nut.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10- Ordinary hazelnuts...
0:16:11 > 0:16:13- ..especially Kent cobs.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18- New varieties of walnut - that bear fruit quickly...
0:16:18 > 0:16:21- ..and sweet chestnuts.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25- But I won't be able - to grow my favourites, almonds.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29- With the stream - and likelihood of frost...
0:16:30 > 0:16:33- ..an almond tree - wouldn't be happy here.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36- But we should get plenty - of the other nuts.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41- I think with cob nuts - and hazel trees here...
0:16:41 > 0:16:47- ..four metres square, something like - that, would be a reasonable spacing.
0:16:47 > 0:16:52- You might want to undersow it - with bulbs or miniature daffodils...
0:16:52 > 0:16:55- ..to make a really attractive - part of the holding.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59- That sounds lovely. - You're painting a wonderful picture!
0:17:00 > 0:17:03- I can already imagine - how the place will look!
0:17:03 > 0:17:07- But I've got a lot of thistles - to scythe first!
0:17:10 > 0:17:14- Alexander very kindly - left me two cobnut trees.
0:17:15 > 0:17:21- I'm certain now that I'll press on - with creating a nut orchard.
0:17:21 > 0:17:26- I'll plant these on the special - Christmas edition of Garddio A Mwy.
0:17:26 > 0:17:32- Now, let's rejoin Twm Elias - at the National Botanic Garden.
0:17:41 > 0:17:47- There are several parts of the site - turned over to different plants.
0:17:47 > 0:17:53- Today, I'm going off the paths - to wander among the native flowers.
0:17:56 > 0:18:01- In this area, between the lake - and the Great Glasshouse...
0:18:01 > 0:18:06- ..the land has been cleared - to create a wildflower garden.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11- By clearing the topsoil - and removing the nutrients...
0:18:11 > 0:18:17- ..the wild plants are free from - having to compete with grasses.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24- This is one of my favourite - wild flowers, the meadowsweet...
0:18:24 > 0:18:26- ..or the queen of the meadows.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29- It was one of the three flowers...
0:18:29 > 0:18:33- ..that were used to create - Blodeuwedd in the Mabinogi.
0:18:33 > 0:18:38- It has a wonderful aroma, - and is actually an aphrodisiac.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42- This was used by women - as an aphrodisiac.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55- This is the royal fern, - Osmunda regalis.
0:18:55 > 0:18:56- Wow!
0:18:57 > 0:19:00- This was once a medicinal plant...
0:19:00 > 0:19:06- ..used in the treatment - of broken bones, bruises and so on.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10- But they're fairly rare now - because of loss of habitat...
0:19:10 > 0:19:15- ..and because so many - were taken from the wild...
0:19:15 > 0:19:18- ..to be planted in formal gardens.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30- This is purple loosestrife.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34- It's lovely, extremely colourful...
0:19:34 > 0:19:37- ..and attracts - many insects and bees.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41- By the way, this will grow well - in garden ponds.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47- There are many other plants here - that you could grow at home.
0:19:47 > 0:19:52- Over 500 species here - are native to Wales.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56- It's a great place - to find inspiration.
0:20:01 > 0:20:06- Earlier, I sought horticulturalist - Robin Williams' advice...
0:20:06 > 0:20:08- ..about planting - a new evergreen hedge.
0:20:09 > 0:20:14- He had wise words about planting - and a range of potential plants.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17- They all had their plus points...
0:20:17 > 0:20:22- ..for planting along the boundary - and to hide the garden fence.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27- I did eventually choose plants...
0:20:27 > 0:20:31- ..and took Robin's advice on board - when selecting them.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35- The trench is ready, - about 60cm from the fence...
0:20:35 > 0:20:39- ..to leave room - for the plants to grow.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43- Autumn is the best time - to plant an evergreen hedge.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46- You'd plant - any other hedge in winter.
0:20:47 > 0:20:51- I've laid the plants out - and they're ready to be planted.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59- I'll start with this Viburnum tinus.
0:20:59 > 0:21:04- It's much smaller - than the holly at the moment...
0:21:04 > 0:21:10- ..this will grow much faster - than the holly, so it will catch up.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14- The roots are in good shape.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20- Like the holly, - Viburnum tinus is evergreen...
0:21:20 > 0:21:24- ..so it will give the hedge - a healthy evergreen foundation.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29- The Viburnum flowers in winter, - then produces berries.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33- I'm also planting - floral currants for spring...
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- ..guelder rose...
0:21:37 > 0:21:41- ..hornbeam, which retains its leaves - after they change colour...
0:21:41 > 0:21:44- ..and a few Forsythias.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49- This will hopefully ensure - spring and summer flowers...
0:21:49 > 0:21:53- ..and berries and striking colours - in the autumn.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56- To give the plants the best start...
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- ..I've added bonemeal - to each hole...
0:22:00 > 0:22:05- ..and mixed the soil from the holes - with manure and compost.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09- I'm planting - four plants per metre...
0:22:10 > 0:22:14- ..and ensuring they're firmly - planted in case of further storms.
0:22:21 > 0:22:22- That's it.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24- The plants are all in the soil.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28- You can see the difference already.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31- It really does look so much better.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35- I'll put some kind of sheeting - by the fence...
0:22:35 > 0:22:38- ..to protect the plants - from the wind for now.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43- By next summer, - they should have filled in a bit...
0:22:43 > 0:22:45- ..and reached the top of the fence.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02- That's all from Pont y Twr - and from Meinir's garden...
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- ..for this week, - and for this series.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08- But we'll be back - with a new series next spring.
0:23:08 > 0:23:13- We'll be back before then - with a special Christmas edition.
0:23:14 > 0:23:19- Winter is approaching, but we still - have plenty to do in the garden.
0:23:20 > 0:23:24- Until December, enjoy the gardening.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:23:46 > 0:23:46- .