0:00:00 > 0:00:00- *
0:00:00 > 0:00:03- A warm welcome to Garddio A Mwy.
0:00:03 > 0:00:05- It feels very strange here.
0:00:05 > 0:00:10- The caravan that was our home - for five years has gone.
0:00:10 > 0:00:15- Last week, the lorry came - to transport it away.
0:00:17 > 0:00:20- It leaves a big space - that needs to be filled.
0:00:20 > 0:00:24- But I won't be - creating a new bed here today.
0:00:24 > 0:00:27- I'm in Denbigh, - creating a new border...
0:00:27 > 0:00:31- ..for a young family - in need of a low-maintenance garden.
0:00:33 > 0:00:38- I'll take advantage of the - microclimate in the new polytunnel.
0:00:38 > 0:00:44- And Meinir creates a salad of weeds - with naturalist Bethan Wyn Jones.
0:00:45 > 0:00:46- All that on Garddio A Mwy.
0:00:57 > 0:01:02- Some weeks ago, we decided to turn - the garden's untidiest corner...
0:01:02 > 0:01:04- ..into a dedicated cooking area.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08- A lot of work has been done - since I started on the job.
0:01:11 > 0:01:17- After marking a circle, - I concreted metal posts into place.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21- A sheet of zinc sheets - then encircled the posts...
0:01:22 > 0:01:26- ..and this was filled in - with rubble and slate waste.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29- The next step - was to compress everything...
0:01:29 > 0:01:32- ..to create a firm base - for the cooking bench.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37- This is where we are now.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40- The bench is in place, - and it's simple enough.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43- There will be another section here.
0:01:44 > 0:01:46- That's where the sink will go.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49- Over here, I have two gas hobs.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53- The gas bottles - will go under the worktop.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57- They'll be hidden by more - metal sheets on the front here.
0:01:58 > 0:01:59- That'll look nice.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03- Over here, we'll have the barbecue.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07- I've been looking for ideas - about ways to do this.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09- I saw a good one on Pinterest...
0:02:10 > 0:02:13- ..where the barbecue - is set into the bench.
0:02:13 > 0:02:14- That's my first job.
0:02:18 > 0:02:20- I've got a lot of sawing to do...
0:02:22 > 0:02:24- ..but it'll all be worth it.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27- When I finish this kitchen...
0:02:27 > 0:02:32- ..I'll be experimenting - with fresh garden produce.
0:02:32 > 0:02:37- But I won't be experimenting as much - as Meinir is in her garden.
0:02:40 > 0:02:41- Weeding.
0:02:42 > 0:02:43- We all have to do it.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48- And even though - I like dandelions myself...
0:02:49 > 0:02:51- ..even I don't want them everywhere.
0:02:51 > 0:02:56- But you mustn't forget - that some weeds can be very useful.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03- Today, I'll forage for edible plants - and weeds to make a salad...
0:03:04 > 0:03:08- ..with the help of someone - who understands these things...
0:03:08 > 0:03:09- ..Bethan Wyn Jones.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15- This is a useful weed, Bethan.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18- Yes, and quite common everywhere.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22- We can certainly eat dandelions.
0:03:22 > 0:03:27- I'm sure that you, like me, - used to call it pee-the-bed.
0:03:27 > 0:03:28- Indeed I did.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30- There's a good reason for that.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33- It is a very strong diuretic...
0:03:33 > 0:03:37- ..so we need to be careful - not to eat too much of it.
0:03:41 > 0:03:42- I've got mint, Bethan.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46- We can pick some of it - to go into the salad.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48- There isn't much else here.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50- Well, you do have this.
0:03:50 > 0:03:51- The hawthorn.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54- People certainly ate this - in days gone by.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59- Only the fresh young leaves.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03- The ones right at the tip, - not the older leaves.
0:04:04 > 0:04:05- They're of no use.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07- What do they taste like?
0:04:07 > 0:04:10- They don't taste of anything much...
0:04:10 > 0:04:15- ..but they have been eaten - through the centuries.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18- People also ate - the haws, the berries.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21- They were actually eaten - more than the leaves.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23- But it's still in flower now.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27- We'll have to wait until autumn - to collect the haws.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29- It just tastes of leaf!
0:04:29 > 0:04:30- Yes, nothing much.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35- You can also eat forget-me-not.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37- These wonderful blue flowers.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42- They'll certainly add colour - to the salad.
0:04:43 > 0:04:44- Very nice.
0:04:44 > 0:04:45- Pretty.
0:04:46 > 0:04:50- Fennel is certainly worth having.
0:04:50 > 0:04:55- This will make - a very useful addition to the salad.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59- We'll leave the garden now.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04- You'll find lots of edible plants - and weeds in hedgerows too.
0:05:04 > 0:05:10- It's illegal to pick bluebells, - but they aren't edible anyway.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13- Neither is the campion...
0:05:14 > 0:05:17- ..and certainly not foxgloves, - which are poisonous.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20- We can eat this, - or the leaves, at least.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25- This is cow parsley.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29- But you have to be very careful.
0:05:29 > 0:05:34- Cow parsley - is very similar to hemlock.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37- It's dangerous to mistake them.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39- Hemlock is poisonous.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44- They gave Socrates - hemlock to drink...
0:05:44 > 0:05:48- ..after he had been - sentenced to death.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51- It's a terrible way to die.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54- The body starts to freeze, - in a way...
0:05:54 > 0:05:57- ..literally from the toes up.
0:05:57 > 0:06:02- Socrates would have been fully aware - of what was happening to him.
0:06:03 > 0:06:04- But this is alright.
0:06:04 > 0:06:05- But this is alright.- - Are you sure?!
0:06:05 > 0:06:08- Yes, I'm positive!
0:06:08 > 0:06:10- We're safe to take some of this.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- We also take - a few nasturtium leaves...
0:06:17 > 0:06:19- ..some wild yarrow...
0:06:19 > 0:06:24- ..and Bethan says that fuchsia - flowers don't taste too bad.
0:06:24 > 0:06:25- We'll see.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28- After washing everything, - they're ready to eat.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30- Bethan, this is a feast.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32- Bethan, this is a feast.- - It's not too bad, is it?
0:06:32 > 0:06:36- We'll start with these, - the fuchsia flowers.
0:06:37 > 0:06:43- We have to remove the pistil - and the stamen before we can eat it.
0:06:51 > 0:06:52- OK.
0:06:52 > 0:06:53- OK.- - Off we go.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04- Do you know what? This is nice.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08- I'm not a salad girl - at the best of times...
0:07:09 > 0:07:11- ..but this is tastier - than a normal salad.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14- Yes, it is very tasty.
0:07:15 > 0:07:16- I've eaten it all.
0:07:17 > 0:07:18- Did you enjoy it?
0:07:18 > 0:07:20- Yes, seriously now.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27- Nia and Dylan Jones and - their children live in Denbigh.
0:07:27 > 0:07:32- Nia wants help with this bare patch - at the front of the house.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37- But I do have some ideas - about how to solve her problems.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39- We'll see if she likes them.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52- Good morning, Nia. How are you?
0:07:52 > 0:07:53- Fine, thanks. And you?
0:07:53 > 0:07:54- Fine, thanks. And you?- - Yes.
0:07:54 > 0:07:55- So, is this the garden?
0:07:55 > 0:07:56- So, is this the garden?- - Yes, it is.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00- I see that you have - removed the lawn.
0:08:00 > 0:08:05- We didn't. Dad actually did it - while we were off on holiday!
0:08:05 > 0:08:07- That's nice. Dads are very handy!
0:08:08 > 0:08:10- He's great. He does a lot for us.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13- What are the problems?
0:08:13 > 0:08:18- This time last year, - the builders used this area...
0:08:18 > 0:08:22- ..to store bricks and to mix cement - when we had an extension built.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25- It hasn't had much attention...
0:08:25 > 0:08:30- ..so we decided to remove the lawn - and make something of it.
0:08:30 > 0:08:35- The soil is shallow - and planting space is at a premium.
0:08:35 > 0:08:40- I envisaged a central border - with a timber surround.
0:08:40 > 0:08:45- We'd plant in the central area, - adding compost and soil there.
0:08:45 > 0:08:51- Then we'll add more slate chip - down either side...
0:08:52 > 0:08:54- ..to create a triangle, in a way.
0:08:54 > 0:08:55- ..to create a triangle, in a way.- - Oh, I see.
0:08:55 > 0:09:01- It's hard to dig near the tree - because of the roots.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05- It's a bit confined - when we bring the car in.
0:09:05 > 0:09:10- A solid base at the side - would be quite handy...
0:09:10 > 0:09:13- ..to stop mud - being carried into the house.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15- Perfect with the children!
0:09:16 > 0:09:17- We've got a lot of work to do.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20- Will you help me carry the timber?
0:09:20 > 0:09:21- Will you help me carry the timber?- - It's the least I can do.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26- I've chosen plants - tolerant to dry conditions...
0:09:27 > 0:09:30- ..because of their proximity - to the tree's roots.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34- Lavender and rosemary - will give a wonderful aroma.
0:09:42 > 0:09:48- First, we need to dig along the edge - in order to put the timber in place.
0:09:49 > 0:09:50- I'll get started.
0:09:50 > 0:09:51- I'll get started.- - And I'll make a cuppa.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54- That would be lovely. Thank you.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00- I start - by digging up the flower bed..
0:10:00 > 0:10:04- ..and making room - for the timber edges.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10- This has been harder - than I expected.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14- But this section is now ready...
0:10:14 > 0:10:17- ..for me to put - the timber edge in place.
0:10:19 > 0:10:24- For edging like this, it's better to - pay a bit more for treated timber.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28- It won't rot as quickly - as untreated timber.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34- The soil here - is very shallow and compacted...
0:10:34 > 0:10:36- ..and the tree's roots - are everywhere.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41- That's why I'm using the timber - to raise the soil level.
0:10:43 > 0:10:49- After the break, we'll line either - side of the bed and get planting...
0:10:49 > 0:10:52- ..with the help - of a pair of little hands.
0:10:52 > 0:10:52- .
0:10:59 > 0:10:59- Subtitles
0:10:59 > 0:11:01- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:11:04 > 0:11:08- Nia and Dylan Jones - got in touch with us...
0:11:08 > 0:11:12- ..when they needed more colour - in this bare patch of garden.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16- Because the soil was poor - and riddled with tree roots...
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- ..I dug up a diagonal border...
0:11:19 > 0:11:23- ..and laid membrane - and slate on either side.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27- I've chosen - to lay slate waste by this tree...
0:11:27 > 0:11:32- ..but this doesn't mean - that you can't plant under trees.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34- Meinir will tell you more.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39- One choice you have - with an overhanging tree...
0:11:39 > 0:11:43- ..and poor soil - with a lot of roots...
0:11:43 > 0:11:45- ..is to plant bulbs.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47- It can't be easier.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50- All you need are a crowbar...
0:11:52 > 0:11:53- ..and some bulbs.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57- Make a hole with the crowbar.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59- Not too deep.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01- Compost in the hole first...
0:12:02 > 0:12:05- ..bulb in, and more compost.
0:12:07 > 0:12:12- These bluebells needed to be moved - from another part of the garden.
0:12:13 > 0:12:18- You could also use other plants - that like shade, such as primroses.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21- Divide them - and plant in the same way.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- Make a hole with a crowbar, - add compost and in they go.
0:12:26 > 0:12:31- Other plants you can plant that way - include native snowdrop bulbs.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34- They'll provide early-year colour.
0:12:34 > 0:12:39- Throw in an anemone rhizome, - which will flower a little later.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- After the bluebells - and primroses die out...
0:12:43 > 0:12:48- ..small foxgloves would flower - happily here throughout the summer.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53- If you choose your plants - or your bulbs carefully...
0:12:53 > 0:12:57- ..you could get all-year colour - even in a difficult area like this.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09- Things are moving on here.
0:13:09 > 0:13:14- The next step, before planting, - is to add more compost to the bed.
0:13:17 > 0:13:18- Close the door for me.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20- Here's a cuppa, Sioned.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22- I've brought Beca to help.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24- I'm ready for a cuppa.
0:13:24 > 0:13:25- Lovely. Thanks.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27- Lovely. Thanks.- - Are you coming to help?
0:13:27 > 0:13:31- We need help because we have - lots of planting to do.
0:13:32 > 0:13:37- Before we start, I just need - to add more compost to the soil.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43- This will add - more nutrients to the soil.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47- It hasn't had much added, - given that it was under a lawn.
0:13:47 > 0:13:52- You could plant bulbs - in the autumn...
0:13:52 > 0:13:56- ..to have tulips and so on - in the spring.
0:13:56 > 0:13:57- Or daffodils.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59- Yes, they'd be nice here.
0:14:00 > 0:14:01- Are you still busy, Beca?
0:14:02 > 0:14:05- As for planting, - is there a specific pattern?
0:14:05 > 0:14:07- Do you count the plants?
0:14:07 > 0:14:09- I don't follow a pattern.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11- I prefer a more informal look.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16- I'm going to focus - on clusters of plants.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18- They'll form one cluster...
0:14:18 > 0:14:21- ..then we'll have another one here.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24- It's not a set pattern.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29- This dark-leaved Heuchera - will provide a lovely backdrop.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32- This is catmint, or Nepeta.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34- Can you smell it? Do you like it?
0:14:34 > 0:14:35- It is nice.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40- These are pinks, - and they're pretty.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43- They match your top - and your wellingtons.
0:14:43 > 0:14:49- I've chosen a mix of evergreen - and perennial plants.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54- Plants that look after themselves, - on the whole.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08- I hope it'll be easier - for you to tend now.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10- It's great. Thank you so much.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14- You can water them often.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21- If you want more information - about what I've planted...
0:15:21 > 0:15:25- ..or if you need advice about - a similar job, go to our website.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30- I'll leave you to do the watering.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44- Tips From The Nursery
0:15:50 > 0:15:55- These are Hydrangeas, - which are coming back into fashion.
0:15:55 > 0:16:00- The big flowers last all summer, - and come in a variety of colours.
0:16:00 > 0:16:04- Pinks, blues and whites.
0:16:04 > 0:16:08- They're also becoming popular - as wedding flowers.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11- They're fairly easy to grow, - to be honest.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16- You only have to remember - to give them plenty of water.
0:16:16 > 0:16:20- If you want flowers that last - all summer, go for a Hydrangea.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29- The cooking bench - is starting to take shape.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31- The hole has been cut out.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33- The sink is in place.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36- Now for the crowning glory.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38- Putting the barbecue in place.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42- Perfect.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46- All that's left to do now - is to put the poles in place...
0:16:46 > 0:16:48- ..and attach the sail.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51- It'll be nice - to have a sail overhead...
0:16:51 > 0:16:55- ..because, as you know, it always - rains once you light the barbecue.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58- I'm really looking forward...
0:16:58 > 0:17:02- ..to cooking and eating - our first meal as a family...
0:17:02 > 0:17:04- ..out here in the garden.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08- But in order to have - a variety of things to cook...
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- ..I have to do more planting.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16- That's just what I'll be doing - in the polytunnel in a minute.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20- First, more from Wil Gibbon, - a gardener at Aberglasney.
0:17:25 > 0:17:30- Today, I'm getting the sweet peas - from the greenhouse.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34- They've hardened off - in a cold frame during the winter.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38- They have acclimatized now - and are ready to go out.
0:17:38 > 0:17:42- This was once a pigsty.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45- It's been turned into a glasshouse.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48- It fits nicely into the garden.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09- This is the kitchen garden.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13- We grow things - for the restaurant here...
0:18:13 > 0:18:17- ..so that visitors - get a taste of the garden.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19- It's nice to see people visiting.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22- It's a sign - that summer's on the way.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26- We're planting the sweet peas here.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29- They'll climb up this net.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33- When they come into bloom, - we'll pick the flowers...
0:18:33 > 0:18:35- ..and put them in the tearooms.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37- They have a lovely aroma.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42- People will take a bunch or two - home with them from the shop.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47- We have just over a hundred - varieties here.
0:18:47 > 0:18:51- The one I'm planting here - is Prince Edward of York.
0:18:55 > 0:18:56- There we are.
0:18:57 > 0:18:58- Another row done.
0:18:59 > 0:19:05- In two months, they'll hopefully - have grown up this net.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08- It's time for a cup of tea now.
0:19:17 > 0:19:22- I'm sure that Sioned would love - to discuss sweet peas with Wil.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26- As you can see, - ours are doing particularly well.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30- Sioned can enjoy the flowers - earlier this year...
0:19:30 > 0:19:33- ..which is the reason - for having a polytunnel.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36- It extends the growing season.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39- But Sioned isn't the only one - to benefit from it.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42- I'm commandeering this section...
0:19:42 > 0:19:46- ..to grow vegetables that require - a longer growing season.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48- Things like melons.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51- My melons - weren't very successful last year.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55- The ones I grew in the greenhouse - grew to the size of tennis balls.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58- This year, - I'm relying on the polytunnel.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03- This variety is an ogen, - not unlike a cantaloupe.
0:20:03 > 0:20:07- I'll be happy with something bigger - than a tennis ball.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10- They'll go in the back over there.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15- I'm experimenting - with sweet potatoes this year.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18- I've never grown these before.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21- You use them - as you would any other potato.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25- I'm going to try them in foil - on the new barbecue.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29- These are tropical plants.
0:20:29 > 0:20:34- Unlike other potatoes, you can't - grow them from a seed potato.
0:20:34 > 0:20:36- You have to buy young plants.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40- You can grow them from seed, - but it's difficult, apparently.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43- These will go in the front here.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51- Next, I have this.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53- This is Stevia.
0:20:54 > 0:20:59- A lot of people grow this - because it's incredibly sweet.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01- I can't describe how sweet.
0:21:01 > 0:21:02- You have to try it.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05- People pick the leaves - and dry them...
0:21:06 > 0:21:10- ..then add them to their cuppa - or their cereal or what have you.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13- The children love this, - as you can imagine.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17- I'll plant a couple - in the front here.
0:21:18 > 0:21:19- They say...
0:21:20 > 0:21:25- ..that this plant is excellent - for diabetes sufferers.
0:21:27 > 0:21:33- I'm also planting some peppers.
0:21:35 > 0:21:40- I've bought a variety - of different peppers.
0:21:40 > 0:21:41- Some yellow ones...
0:21:43 > 0:21:46- ..a sweet variety - called Sweet Banana...
0:21:47 > 0:21:50- ..the usual red and green types...
0:21:51 > 0:21:54- ..and over here, Apache.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58- Apparently, - it's great in a stir-fry.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02- This can go at the front here.
0:22:03 > 0:22:09- Of course, peppers need - some kind of frame up which to grow.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13- You also need to be aware - of slugs and snails.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17- Peppers are so tasty...
0:22:17 > 0:22:22- ..but it's not just us - that think so.
0:22:24 > 0:22:29- I hope that will be enough variety - to use in the new kitchen.
0:22:29 > 0:22:34- I'll be out with a head torch later - to look out for slugs and snails.
0:22:38 > 0:22:39- That's it for another week.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42- I hope this fine weather continues.
0:22:42 > 0:22:46- I hope you didn't take up - too much space in the polytunnel.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50- Only the tiniest corner to grow - vegetables for the new kitchen.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52- I hope to be cooking there - next week.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55- Until then, enjoy the gardening.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:23:17 > 0:23:18- .