0:00:00 > 0:00:00- *
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Welcome back to Pont y Twr.
0:00:02 > 0:00:07- It's June, and the wedding season - is at its peak.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10- The polytunnel is proving its worth.
0:00:10 > 0:00:15- Later, I'll be creating a bouquet - for a wedding this weekend.
0:00:16 > 0:00:21- While I do that, Iwan finds - inspiration from the past...
0:00:22 > 0:00:23- ..in a garden in Cardiff.
0:00:24 > 0:00:29- As they are in flower, - Meinir makes elderflower cordial...
0:00:29 > 0:00:34- ..and we look at the preparations - for summer in Portmeirion's garden.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47- When someone considers - making changes to a house...
0:00:47 > 0:00:51- ..adding a conservatory, say, - or having a loft conversion...
0:00:51 > 0:00:55- ..a natural part of the process - is to fill in the relevant forms...
0:00:55 > 0:00:58- ..and send them - to the local planning office.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03- You wouldn't think that the same - would be true for a garden...
0:01:03 > 0:01:08- ..but that's exactly what residents - of this part of Cardiff have to do.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15- You tend to think - of conservation areas...
0:01:16 > 0:01:20- ..as places that are rich - in wildlife or rare plants.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23- But parts of Rhiwbina - in the capital...
0:01:23 > 0:01:27- ..are protected - because of their special character.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30- The gardens are a central part - of that character.
0:01:31 > 0:01:35- The building of Rhiwbina - Garden Village began in 1913.
0:01:35 > 0:01:40- The design reflected the values - of an architectural movement...
0:01:40 > 0:01:44- ..that sought to make green spaces - an integral part of the city.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48- A central tenet - of the movement's philosophy...
0:01:48 > 0:01:51- ..was that the houses - should have gardens...
0:01:52 > 0:01:55- ..laid out with hedges and trees, - as you see here.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59- The aim was to create - a comfortable environment...
0:01:59 > 0:02:02- .in which - the working classes could live.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05- Somewhere attractive - to raise children.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09- The grass verges, - trees, shrubs, paths and gates...
0:02:09 > 0:02:13- ..are a pattern - repeated on every street...
0:02:13 > 0:02:16- ..and establish a unique character - for each one.
0:02:17 > 0:02:22- Y Groes, one of the oldest parts - of the village, is a small square.
0:02:23 > 0:02:28- Early photos show that this was - the focus of village activities...
0:02:28 > 0:02:31- ..on the green - at the centre of the square.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34- The latest generation - of residents...
0:02:34 > 0:02:38- ..include Richard - and Natalie Drury-Styles...
0:02:38 > 0:02:41- ..and their children, - Moli-Nel, 6, and Beti, 3.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45- The house is one of the oldest - in Rhiwbina...
0:02:46 > 0:02:50- ..and although the garden - has the area's trademark shrubs...
0:02:50 > 0:02:52- ..there isn't much else in it...
0:02:53 > 0:02:54- ..apart from the lawn.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59- When Natalie contacted us, - that's what she wanted to change.
0:03:00 > 0:03:05- The opportunity to work in a listed - garden was too good to refuse.
0:03:06 > 0:03:11- You could do what you wanted with - the rear garden, where we are now.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15- But there's less flexibility - with the front garden.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19- We live in a conservation area - and the houses are all listed.
0:03:20 > 0:03:21- So, you can't concrete the front?!
0:03:21 > 0:03:25- So, you can't concrete the front?!- - No concrete, no decking, no drive.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27- It keeps the house's character.
0:03:27 > 0:03:32- We've taken it to the extreme - by not doing anything at all.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34- That's going to change today.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38- We've tried to potter, - but we don't have much idea.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40- I think we need a guiding hand.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44- What we'd like to have - is some kind of sensory garden.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47- One of our daughters - was ill for a while...
0:03:47 > 0:03:50- ..and it has affected - her development.
0:03:50 > 0:03:51- This is Beti.
0:03:51 > 0:03:52- This is Beti.- - Beti, yes.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57- To promote development, - the neurologists encourage...
0:03:57 > 0:03:59- ..lots of sensory things - in her life.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02- Different things - to feel, see and hear.
0:04:02 > 0:04:07- The idea we have is a sensory garden - meeting an Arts and Crafts garden.
0:04:08 > 0:04:09- Great.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11- Would you like to see the plants?
0:04:11 > 0:04:13- Would you like to see the plants?- - We'd love to. Thank you.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21- As you can see, - there are lots of plants.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25- I thought we'd have a border - on either side of the path.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30- When you walk in and out in summer, - there'll be lavender on one side.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35- That will flower every year - and give a lovely lavender aroma.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37- That'll be nice, - with the purple colour.
0:04:38 > 0:04:43- Both borders will extend - in front of the two windows.
0:04:43 > 0:04:48- But the first job is to remove - this Mexican orange blossom.
0:04:49 > 0:04:54- It may smell nice, but it doesn't - fit in with my garden design.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59- As this border isn't straight, - I'll mark the outline with twine.
0:05:00 > 0:05:05- It's easier on the other side, - as that's a straight border..
0:05:05 > 0:05:07- A length of timber is perfect.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12- As you can see, I've got a lot - of preparatory work to do.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15- When you come back, - I'll be ready to plant.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29- Portmeirion has six gardeners...
0:05:29 > 0:05:33- ..to tend both the formal gardens - and the Gwyllt wild gardens.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37- That's a total of some 40 acres.
0:05:37 > 0:05:42- They require constant care - to maintain the expected standard.
0:05:43 > 0:05:48- I don't think any garden in Wales - is complete without a bed of roses.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51- A bed of roses - creates an impression...
0:05:51 > 0:05:56- ..and enriches the experience - of any visitor to the gardens.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59- The king of roses, David Austin...
0:05:59 > 0:06:04- ..created these roses - especially for Portmeirion.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07- Rosa Sir Clough, Rosa Portmeirion...
0:06:08 > 0:06:12- ..and Rosa Susan Williams-Ellis, - who created Portmeirion pottery.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18- One important element - when tending a bed of roses...
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- ..is to make sure - they're free from aphids.
0:06:21 > 0:06:26- We tend to use garlic powder - mixed with water and soap...
0:06:27 > 0:06:29- ..rather than chemicals.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31- That does seem to work here.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34- It suits Portmeirion's green policy.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40- Contrary to popular opinion...
0:06:40 > 0:06:46- ..black spot flourishes in areas - where the air is clean and healthy.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49- It is starting to affect us now.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52- You can lose leaves - within a week of seeing it.
0:06:53 > 0:06:59- Sadly, we have to use some chemicals - just to keep it in check.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03- It's important to ensure - that the soil drains well.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07- Roses don't like damp or wet soil.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11- Lots of manure and nutrients - are also vital.
0:07:11 > 0:07:17- The manure in this wheelbarrow has - been rotting for at least two years.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19- This is like gold for us gardeners.
0:07:20 > 0:07:25- This is the crowning glory - of a day of tending roses.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39- That was Gwynedd there, - showing how important it is...
0:07:39 > 0:07:43- ..to keep on top of all - the little jobs at this time...
0:07:43 > 0:07:45- ..on the cusp between two seasons.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49- Just look at these tulips.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53- These leaves are dead now, - but I've left them there...
0:07:53 > 0:07:57- ..because this how the bulbs - recover the nutrients.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01- Very often, people - take up their tulip bulbs...
0:08:01 > 0:08:04- ..but I've been very fortunate - over recent years.
0:08:04 > 0:08:10- The tulips in the far border - have looked great year after year.
0:08:10 > 0:08:12- I haven't lost any of them.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16- I'm crossing my fingers that the - same will be true in this border.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20- But because they do look - so ugly at the moment...
0:08:21 > 0:08:24- ..I'm going to plant - this antirrhinum.
0:08:24 > 0:08:29- I sowed these in the polytunnel - in the middle of February.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33- They've grown to an ideal size - to be planted outside.
0:08:35 > 0:08:40- I'm planting them - around this clump of tulips...
0:08:40 > 0:08:45- ..because I can see exactly - where the bulbs are.
0:08:45 > 0:08:49- Had I removed the leaves, - that wouldn't have been the case.
0:08:50 > 0:08:54- I'll leave them in place - until I finish, then remove them.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06- After the tulips die, remove - the heads before they run to seed.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10- Deadhead them, - then wait about eight weeks...
0:09:10 > 0:09:14- ..until you see the leaves - turning brown, as these have.
0:09:14 > 0:09:19- As you can see, they come out - of the soil very easily.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- If they are harder to remove...
0:09:22 > 0:09:26- ..or if the leaves are still - a bit greener than these...
0:09:26 > 0:09:31- ..leave them for another fortnight - until they're ready to be removed...
0:09:32 > 0:09:34- ..or to be cut, as I'm doing here.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38- You could also add - fish blood and bone fertilizer...
0:09:38 > 0:09:40- ..just to feed those bulbs.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45- That makes quite a difference, - doesn't it?
0:09:50 > 0:09:52- This is Argyranthemum.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55- It's a double white.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58- They're great as small buttonholes.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04- I'll take these out.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10- That's the border tidied up...
0:10:10 > 0:10:15- ..and ready for the forthcoming - explosion of summer colour.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19- That job - has certainly made me thirsty.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23- Meinir has the perfect answer - to my situation after the break.
0:10:26 > 0:10:26- .
0:10:32 > 0:10:32- Subtitles
0:10:32 > 0:10:34- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:10:45 > 0:10:49- Yes, it's that time of year - when elderflowers are at their peak.
0:10:49 > 0:10:54- If you're quick, you can gather them - before they're past their best...
0:10:54 > 0:10:57- ..to make a drink - that, for some, sums up summer.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59- Elderflower cordial.
0:11:09 > 0:11:14- The way I usually make elderflower - cordial is in a bit of a rush.
0:11:14 > 0:11:19- Some people leave the flowers - to soak for three weeks.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22- But I don't have the patience - to do that, to be honest.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- I want it to be ready - almost as soon as I make it.
0:11:26 > 0:11:30- If you want cordial within a day, - this is the recipe for you.
0:11:31 > 0:11:37- First, soak the flowers - to remove any insects and dirt.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43- In another saucepan, - I mix 2.5 kilos of caster sugar...
0:11:43 > 0:11:49- ..with 2.75 pints of water, - and melt the sugar over a low heat.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53- Then turn the heat up - and bring it to a boil...
0:11:54 > 0:11:56- ..to clarify the liquid.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58- Add the flowers to the syrup...
0:11:59 > 0:12:03- ..along with two peeled lemons - and the peel to add flavour...
0:12:03 > 0:12:05- ..and 85g of citric acid.
0:12:05 > 0:12:09- Lemon juice will do - if you can't get hold of it.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12- Leave to stand for 24 hours.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19- Here's some I made yesterday.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22- This is the best part - of the whole process.
0:12:23 > 0:12:29- Pour the mixture - through a colander or a sieve.
0:12:32 > 0:12:37- I use muslin as well to ensure - that any tiny bits of flower...
0:12:38 > 0:12:41- ..don't end up in the cordial.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45- Pouring it in tidily is the big job!
0:12:49 > 0:12:50- There we are.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52- Then, leave it...
0:12:55 > 0:12:57- ..to do its wonderful work...
0:12:57 > 0:13:01- ..and create a superb golden liquid.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03- Can you tell that I'm excited?
0:13:07 > 0:13:09- I then bottle the cordial.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12- Remember to sterilize - the bottles first.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15- This will keep for about six weeks.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18- You an also freeze it - in the form of cubes.
0:13:19 > 0:13:24- You can drink this - diluted with water...
0:13:25 > 0:13:27- ..or with some nice lemonade...
0:13:28 > 0:13:32- ..or drink it with some Prosecco.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36- That's what I'm going to do now.
0:13:36 > 0:13:41- An afternoon in the garden - with friends. What could be better?
0:13:41 > 0:13:42- Who wants to try some?
0:13:42 > 0:13:43- Who wants to try some?- - Please!
0:13:46 > 0:13:47- Iechyd da!
0:13:56 > 0:13:58- Oh, that's really nice.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07- Welcome back to Rhiwbina.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11- The borders are taking shape - and the turf has been removed.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16- I've dug up the earth to - approximately the depth of a fork.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26- The soil's pretty good, - fairly stony and light.
0:14:26 > 0:14:31- Ideal for Mediterranean plants - like rosemary and lavender.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34- I won't add compost to those areas.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38- If lavender gets too many nutrients, - it grows too quickly.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43- I'll just add it - where I'm planting delphiniums...
0:14:43 > 0:14:46- ..and other plants - that need more nutrients.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56- I'm fairly happy - with how it all looks.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58- We're ready to start planting.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02- While we do that, - Meinir will explain more...
0:15:02 > 0:15:07- ..about plants and garden designs - that were in vogue a century ago.
0:15:10 > 0:15:15- When Natalie and Richard's house - was built back in 1913...
0:15:16 > 0:15:21- ..the Arts and Crafts movement - was at its most influential.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25- It was a wide-ranging movement - that touched upon various fields.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30- Essentially, it railed against - the industrial Victorian ambiance.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- The movement's ideals - led to the creation...
0:15:34 > 0:15:37- ..of some of the period's - most astounding gardens.
0:15:39 > 0:15:44- Arts and Crafts planting schemes - went against the Victorian trend...
0:15:45 > 0:15:48- ..of beds showing exotic plants.
0:15:48 > 0:15:54- Instead, there were trimmed hedges - around beds packed with flowers...
0:15:54 > 0:15:58- ..and borders full of colour, - from the foliage to the blooms.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04- Roses were one - of the most popular plants.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07- Entire beds of roses, in fact.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11- Roses of the same colour - or very similar.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14- They used the same plants - over and over.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17- Peonies were very popular.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22- Lady's mantle was a favourite...
0:16:22 > 0:16:25- ..for ground cover - and at the front of borders.
0:16:26 > 0:16:30- If you really want your garden - to have that Arts and Crafts feel...
0:16:30 > 0:16:34- ..you can't do without - lavender, delphiniums...
0:16:34 > 0:16:38- ..foxgloves and catmint.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46- Some wonderful images - from Meinir there.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49- We've almost finished planting here.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53- Natalie's going to plant - this rosemary.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55- You like rosemary, I take it.
0:16:55 > 0:16:56- You like rosemary, I take it.- - Yes, I do.
0:16:56 > 0:16:57- It smells nice.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59- It smells nice.- - It does have a lovely aroma.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03- It also flowers - and is very good for bees.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07- I'm sure your garden - will attract a lot of bees.
0:17:07 > 0:17:08- I hope you don't mind visitors.
0:17:08 > 0:17:09- I hope you don't mind visitors.- - Not at all.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12- Over here we have this Stachys.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16- You said that you wanted plants - to appeal to the senses.
0:17:17 > 0:17:18- This feels...
0:17:18 > 0:17:19- This feels...- - ..like velvet.
0:17:20 > 0:17:21- It's lovely.
0:17:21 > 0:17:25- The common name is lamb's ear, - so I hope Beti likes it.
0:17:25 > 0:17:30- We'll plant it over there, - and the rosemary can go next to it.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33- The rosemary smells wonderful.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- Little purple flowers - that bees love.
0:17:36 > 0:17:40- All that's left - is to water everything.
0:17:40 > 0:17:41- Do you like it?
0:17:41 > 0:17:44- I haven't asked you that yet!
0:17:44 > 0:17:45- I'm delighted.
0:17:45 > 0:17:50- It provides a lot of interest - in the garden itself.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54- I love all the different - sensory elements.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57- The visual aspect, - the feel, the smells.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59- Yes, we're delighted. Thank you.
0:17:59 > 0:18:00- Yes, we're delighted. Thank you.- - Marvellous.
0:18:01 > 0:18:03- I hope it'll push you - to garden a bit more.
0:18:04 > 0:18:05- I hope so!
0:18:05 > 0:18:06- I'll be back to check!
0:18:07 > 0:18:09- I'll let you carry on with that.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21- If that planting scheme - has inspired you...
0:18:21 > 0:18:25- ..there's a full list of plants used - on the series' website.
0:18:25 > 0:18:31- We're currently looking for gardens - to visit during summer and autumn.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34- If you have a small job to do, - why don't you get in touch?
0:18:35 > 0:18:38- Remember, we only have one day - to complete the job.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48- Tips From The Nursery
0:18:54 > 0:18:56- One pot, three plants.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59- Million bells, petunia and verbena.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03- Ideal for pots and hanging baskets.
0:19:03 > 0:19:04- Easy to care for.
0:19:04 > 0:19:08- Give them lots of nutrients - and water, depending on the weather.
0:19:08 > 0:19:09- Very easy.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15- We have between six and twelve - different ones.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19- Some are wider, some taller, - different colours.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25- At this time of year, - a lot of customers ask...
0:19:25 > 0:19:29- ..how to keep hedges - and small trees like these in shape.
0:19:29 > 0:19:30- This is a box pyramid.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32- We use old-fashioned shears...
0:19:33 > 0:19:35- ..rather than a petrol - or electric trimmer.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39- Those can be a bit unwieldy. - These are ideal for the job.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42- Once you've trimmed them - into shape...
0:19:42 > 0:19:45- ..give them nitrogen feed - to keep them green...
0:19:46 > 0:19:49- ..then lots of feed and water - through the summer.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56- Every summer is busy for me.
0:19:57 > 0:20:03- My job as a wedding flower arranger - takes me all over North Wales.
0:20:03 > 0:20:05- This year is no different.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09- As it happens, - I have a wedding tomorrow.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13- Every client is different, - every wedding is different.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17- Some want formal - and structured arrangements.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21- Others want natural - and informal flowers...
0:20:22 > 0:20:25- ..that look as if they've - just come in from the garden.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28- I've bought some flowers...
0:20:28 > 0:20:31- ..but I have lots more - to gather from the garden.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37- A lot of the flowers - for this particular bouquet...
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- ..would sit happily - in an Arts and Crafts border.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43- Catmint and Alchemilla mollis...
0:20:44 > 0:20:47- ..this lovely pink antirrhinum...
0:20:47 > 0:20:49- ..and, of course, roses.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54- The first step - is to clean the stems...
0:20:54 > 0:20:58- ..including removing any thorns - from the rose stems.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02- It would be a disaster - if one caught in the bride's dress.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10- Next, I need to create - an anchor point in the hand...
0:21:10 > 0:21:13- ..in order to start - to add the flowers.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17- I need some greenery - to start with.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21- I'll use catmint and rosemary...
0:21:23 > 0:21:25- ..as a starting point.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30- The stems need to go - in the same direction...
0:21:30 > 0:21:33- ..and create a spiral form.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39- The reason for placing all the stems - at the same angle...
0:21:39 > 0:21:43- ..is that when the time comes - to tie it all together...
0:21:44 > 0:21:47- ..the stems then protect each other.
0:21:47 > 0:21:52- They fit together, - but none of them cross each other.
0:21:52 > 0:21:57- If they crossed, they would break - when you tied the twine tightly.
0:21:57 > 0:22:01- It's better that they go - in the same direction.
0:22:01 > 0:22:07- The flat, round rose is the centre - of attention, as you can see.
0:22:07 > 0:22:13- I've also got elongated flowers, - the antirrhinum and catmint.
0:22:13 > 0:22:18- The Alchemilla mollis is fluffy.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21- The job this does...
0:22:21 > 0:22:25- ..is to fill the empty spaces - between the main flowers.
0:22:25 > 0:22:30- If you bought flowers like these - in a shop, you could use Gypsophila.
0:22:31 > 0:22:36- But the colour of this - makes the other flowers stand out.
0:22:37 > 0:22:38- Right.
0:22:40 > 0:22:45- After knotting the twine, - I always use some tape...
0:22:46 > 0:22:49- ..just to make sure - that nothing moves.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56- Then a ribbon - as a finishing touch.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59- I've chosen this cream colour.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08- That'll make a lovely bouquet - for the bride.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10- I hope she'll be happy.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12- That's it for another week.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15- I hope you can join us - again next week.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17- Until then, enjoy the gardening.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:23:40 > 0:23:40- .