0:00:00 > 0:00:00- *
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Welcome back to Pont y Twr.
0:00:02 > 0:00:05- June is drawing to a close.
0:00:05 > 0:00:09- The incredible growth - that came with the wet weather...
0:00:09 > 0:00:12- ..and strong sunshine - has kept us both on our toes.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16- The potatoes have flowered.
0:00:16 > 0:00:19- I'll harvest them later...
0:00:20 > 0:00:23- ..and will use some - in a lettuce and nettle soup.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28- While Iwan does that, - I'll be creative...
0:00:29 > 0:00:32- ..with that wonderful flower, - the Streptocarpus.
0:00:33 > 0:00:37- And Meinir shows us - how to create a terrarium.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40- All this and more on Garddio A Mwy.
0:00:51 > 0:00:56- One of the highlights of the growing - season is harvesting early potatoes.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01- I'm glad to say that the big day - has arrived here at Pont y Twr.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05- I planted these on the weekend - that the clocks went forward.
0:01:05 > 0:01:09- They have flowered - and, as such, are ready to harvest.
0:01:09 > 0:01:11- I'm not harvesting them all today.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16- Early potatoes taste better - straight from soil to plate.
0:01:16 > 0:01:20- But I will harvest some - to make room for a new crop.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24- I have leeks - that are ready to plant on.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27- First, let's see - how many potatoes I get.
0:01:34 > 0:01:35- Here we are.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37- This is why people garden.
0:01:38 > 0:01:40- It's like striking gold.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44- These are the ideal size - to go into the saucepan.
0:01:44 > 0:01:50- You never get as many early potatoes - as you do with maincrop potatoes.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55- But what you lose in numbers, - you make up for with taste.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11- A bowlful of early potatoes - that are sure to taste lovely...
0:02:11 > 0:02:14- ..with some mint from the garden.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18- Now that I have free space, - I'm ready to move the leeks.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25- These leeks - were planted in February.
0:02:26 > 0:02:31- The aim was, as many gardeners do, - to start them in one area...
0:02:31 > 0:02:36- ..then move them - once space became available.
0:02:36 > 0:02:40- Because I grew them from seed, - some plants are very close together.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44- I'll raise them, divide them - and replant them...
0:02:44 > 0:02:49- ..in the nutrient-rich soil - where the potatoes once were.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53- As you can see, - I have to be very careful.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58- Because space is at a premium, - I've planted the corn here too.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02- The corn will stay here, - and will enjoy the extra space.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10- There we are, that's enough for now.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14- I'll move the others - as I harvest more potatoes.
0:03:14 > 0:03:15- In they go!
0:03:22 > 0:03:26- Planting leeks after early potatoes - is a natural progression.
0:03:27 > 0:03:31- It's something many gardeners do - as part of their crop rotation.
0:03:31 > 0:03:37- Early potatoes need nutrients, - and I added manure here last autumn.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40- It'll be an ideal spot for leeks.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43- One thing I will add - is a little bit of lime.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47- This is a good habit to take up - because lime is good for the soil...
0:03:48 > 0:03:53- ..and especially good for leeks and - brassicas that follow the potatoes.
0:03:55 > 0:04:00- That lime will break down slowly - as the season goes on.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03- I'm ready to plant the leeks.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08- It's a simple task.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12- They need to be - about eight inches deep...
0:04:13 > 0:04:15- ..and about six inches apart.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21- Fill the holes with water...
0:04:22 > 0:04:25- ..then simply insert the leeks.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28- There's no need - to cover them with soil.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35- And there we are, - it's as simple as that.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42- The leeks are in place.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45- I've got a few other jobs to do.
0:04:45 > 0:04:50- Before I do that, let's visit - Bethan's allotment in Aberystwyth.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52- She agrees with me.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55- Gardening is good for the soul.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09- I've had the allotment - for eight years.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12- It's in Penparcau, near Aberystwyth.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15- I've always - had an interest in gardening.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19- I'm from a gardening family - and I love the allotment.
0:05:24 > 0:05:26- I work in a shop by day...
0:05:26 > 0:05:30- ..but I love being outside - in the fresh air.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- Coming down here to garden - and to grow fresh food...
0:05:34 > 0:05:36- ..is so relaxing.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41- Nothing beats the evenings here, - listening to the birds sing.
0:05:41 > 0:05:46- Sitting down after some hard work, - and thinking, this is a good life.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52- I like being able to lose myself.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56- Time flies when I'm down here.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00- There's nothing better than seeing - a plant growing from seed.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05- You plant a seed, - and in a few days, new life sprouts.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07- That's amazing.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10- It gives me a thrill - every time I see it.
0:06:17 > 0:06:18- Today, I'm planting peas.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- I start them off in the guttering.
0:06:21 > 0:06:26- When I planted them in the soil, - the mice got them all.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31- Once I plant them here, - they won't be able to get at them.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37- The aim now is to transplant them.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41- They're a bit wet after the rain...
0:06:42 > 0:06:44- ..so I have to plant them gradually.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46- I transplant them like this.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50- I planted these in the greenhouse - about two weeks ago.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55- They've been outside for two days - to get them ready to be planted.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57- They're Shiraz.
0:06:57 > 0:06:58- Shiraz.
0:06:59 > 0:07:00- Mangetout.
0:07:01 > 0:07:02- These are new to me.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06- I hope they'll be very tasty.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12- I don't have time - to come down every day.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16- Two or three times a week, - maybe more, maybe less.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19- I don't come here - when it's raining.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23- It's pointless - doing anything when it's wet.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25- The watering takes care of itself.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28- I'm very much - a fine weather gardener.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45- Terrariums are popular these days...
0:07:46 > 0:07:48- ..and you don't need a garden - to create one.
0:07:50 > 0:07:56- Terrariums are splashed all over - the pages of the glossies nowadays.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59- But they aren't a modern idea.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03- The Victorians - were very fond of them...
0:08:03 > 0:08:06- ..and owning one, - along with its exotic plants...
0:08:06 > 0:08:10- ..was a way of showing off - an individual's status.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13- All you need - to create a terrarium of your own...
0:08:14 > 0:08:16- ..are a glass case of some sort.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20- I've chosen a square one, - which looks a bit more contemporary.
0:08:20 > 0:08:25- After choosing one, - you'll need coir tablets.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27- Coconut fibre.
0:08:27 > 0:08:31- They take the place of compost - once you pour water onto them.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33- You'll also need plants.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37- Succulents always go - into these terrariums.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42- The first step is to pour water - onto the coir to make them expand.
0:08:47 > 0:08:52- As you can see, they expand to - four times their size immediately.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55- We need to take - three or four of them...
0:08:56 > 0:08:59- ..or however many we can fit in.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02- This isn't a clean job.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07- Carefully put them - into the glass case.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14- You can get these tablets - at any garden centre.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18- I think that's enough - for the moment.
0:09:21 > 0:09:22- I'll put this to one side.
0:09:25 > 0:09:29- It's that easy, and now, - it's time to add the plants.
0:09:30 > 0:09:35- The first one is Crassula perforata, - which will add height at the rear.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40- Next to it - goes Echeveria Green Velvet.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44- This plant at the front is Lithops.
0:09:44 > 0:09:49- In order to avoid being eaten, - it has evolved to resemble a stone.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53- Behind it is Echeveria purpureum - and a small variety of cactus.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57- It's time to add water now.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01- Don't pour it, add it with a spoon.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05- If you poured it, - the soil would go everywhere.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08- You don't want to saturate it.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15- Make sure that each plant gets some.
0:10:15 > 0:10:16- There we are.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20- Right, tidying up.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24- The best tool for the job - is a paintbrush.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- Brush any soil from the sides.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33- You don't want the glass - to look dirty.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38- The plants - are the stars of this show.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50- Finish it off - with grit or small pebbles.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57- Again, do this carefully, - because the plants are so small.
0:11:12 > 0:11:18- Use the paintbrush again - to remove any grit from the plants.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34- Oh, that'll look great there.
0:11:38 > 0:11:38- .
0:11:44 > 0:11:44- Subtitles
0:11:44 > 0:11:46- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:11:56 > 0:12:01- The Streptocarpus is one - of our most popular houseplants.
0:12:01 > 0:12:06- Among the reasons are that it's - comparatively easy to care for...
0:12:06 > 0:12:09- ..and it also flowers - for a very long time.
0:12:09 > 0:12:14- If you aren't familiar with it, - today, I'm going to introduce you...
0:12:14 > 0:12:19- ..to the wonderfully colourful world - of the Streptocarpus.
0:12:22 > 0:12:27- Where better to do that - than at Dibleys Nurseries in Ruthin?
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- They're experts in the field.
0:12:33 > 0:12:38- One of its most wonderful aspects - is the way in which it propagates.
0:12:38 > 0:12:43- Unlike most flowers, new plants - aren't created from stem cuttings...
0:12:44 > 0:12:46- ..but rather from leaf cuttings.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49- Lynne Dibley will show me.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- I cut leaves down the centre...
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- ..and put them into compost - with vermiculite.
0:12:59 > 0:13:05- Small leaves will appear - in eight to ten weeks.
0:13:06 > 0:13:11- We then put the small plants - into compost.
0:13:13 > 0:13:18- So, there are roots - hanging from every one of those?
0:13:18 > 0:13:19- How interesting.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24- That then goes into another pot.
0:13:25 > 0:13:30- How long will it take - before it looks like that?
0:13:30 > 0:13:32- Eight to ten weeks.
0:13:33 > 0:13:34- That's not too long.
0:13:34 > 0:13:35- That's not too long.- - No, it isn't.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40- Dibleys, founded 30 years ago...
0:13:40 > 0:13:46- ..is now one of the world's leading - Streptocarpus growers and sellers.
0:13:46 > 0:13:51- Every year, their catalogue - contains over 100 varieties.
0:13:51 > 0:13:57- This year, they won their 28th gold - medal at the Chelsea Flower Show...
0:13:57 > 0:14:01- ..taking their total of RHS golds - to almost 200.
0:14:02 > 0:14:03- Hiya, Gwen.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07- You look happy - among the Streptocarpus.
0:14:07 > 0:14:08- I'm in heaven.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11- How many are there here?
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- There are 75,000 plants here.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16- They go to the leading shows.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19- Chatsworth, Chelsea, Hampton Court.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23- They go out - to over 300 garden centres.
0:14:24 > 0:14:29- As small plants, plugs, - they go out to Europe as well.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33- Is there one - that's more popular than the rest?
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- This one is very popular, - a new variety last year.
0:14:37 > 0:14:38- Coconut Purple.
0:14:39 > 0:14:40- It's so pretty.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42- It's so pretty.- - Everyone has fallen for it.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45- The petals look like velvet.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47- The petals look like velvet.- - Yes, they do.
0:14:47 > 0:14:52- If anyone at home has one, what tips - would you give to look after them?
0:14:52 > 0:14:58- Keep them dry, and don't let them - stand in water for over a minute.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03- Always remove any dead flowers...
0:15:03 > 0:15:07- ..then cut the stem at the base - and keep out of hot sun.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10- I'm creating - a theatre for them later.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15- I want ones that go well together, - but I must take Sioned with me.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19- Because it's your name, - you must take this one.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21- It's so pretty.
0:15:21 > 0:15:22- Yes, it's lovely.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25- I'll have a look around - to see what goes with it.
0:15:26 > 0:15:27- Thanks for your time, Gwen.
0:15:27 > 0:15:28- Thanks for your time, Gwen.- - Thank you.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49- It's been heavenly to look around - at all these flowers.
0:15:49 > 0:15:54- I've chosen a few, - but I need more before I go home.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56- I'll see you later.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00- Tips From The Nursery
0:16:03 > 0:16:08- Croen Mochyn, the Pig Skin apple, - is a native Welsh apple tree.
0:16:10 > 0:16:16- Around these parts, - as the rhododendrons prove...
0:16:16 > 0:16:20- ..it's mainly acid soil around here.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22- But you can get around that...
0:16:23 > 0:16:26- ..because these will grow - in a large pot...
0:16:27 > 0:16:30- ..if you give them - a suitable compost...
0:16:31 > 0:16:34- ..wool and fern compost.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39- It's not as soft - as the usual compost.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41- It holds together better.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- The plant's roots can take hold...
0:16:48 > 0:16:50- ..that much easier.
0:16:51 > 0:16:56- Another of its advantages...
0:16:56 > 0:16:59- ..is that you don't have - to water the plants as often.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03- It retains moisture better, - but it's peat-free.
0:17:08 > 0:17:12- I firmly believe in not letting - anything in the garden go to waste.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15- Take these lettuce.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18- Yes, once again, - I've planted too many of them.
0:17:18 > 0:17:23- There are a lot more here - than I can eat in a salad.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25- So. I'll make soup with them.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29- The advantage - of making soup with lettuce...
0:17:29 > 0:17:33- ..is that you can use the old, - bitter leaves on the outside.
0:17:33 > 0:17:38- Instead of throwing them onto - the compost heap, I can eat them.
0:17:40 > 0:17:45- For this particular recipe, - I'm adding another ingredient...
0:17:46 > 0:17:50- ..that is abundant - here in the garden, nettles.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54- Remember, if you do pick nettles...
0:17:54 > 0:17:58- ..don't pick them - where dogs tend to go walking.
0:17:59 > 0:18:00- Do I have to explain why?
0:18:11 > 0:18:15- After you pick the nettles, - soak them in a bucket of water...
0:18:15 > 0:18:18- ..to get rid of any insects - that live on them.
0:18:22 > 0:18:28- I haven't made this soup before, - and I found the recipe on the Web.
0:18:28 > 0:18:33- I must admit that it's my decision - to add the nettles at the end.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35- We'll see if that works.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40- First, wash and cut the lettuce.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44- Melt two tablespoonfuls of butter.
0:18:44 > 0:18:50- Brown two shallots and two - garlic cloves, all finely chopped...
0:18:50 > 0:18:52- ..then add the lettuce.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57- Strip the nettle leaves - from the stems.
0:18:57 > 0:19:02- They don't sting - after being soaked in water.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- Chop them roughly - and add to the saucepan...
0:19:07 > 0:19:12- ..with 250g of cubed potatoes, - fresh from the garden.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- Next, add 800ml - of good chicken stock...
0:19:18 > 0:19:22- ..and salt and pepper, - and there you have it.
0:19:22 > 0:19:27- While this cooks for ten minutes, - let's see what Sioned's doing.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34- These are the plants I chose.
0:19:34 > 0:19:40- I'm using this curtain rail - to hold my hanging baskets.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45- These hooks go on the rail.
0:19:47 > 0:19:52- I've used these old bathtubs - on numerous occasions.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56- They do look rather old by now...
0:19:56 > 0:20:01- ..so I thought they'd make - a perfect Streptocarpus theatre.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12- Some old pieces of timber - will make a shelf.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19- I'm putting all the plants...
0:20:19 > 0:20:22- ..into terracotta pots - to add some weight.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24- This variety is Targa.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28- I chose this one - for its perfect purple colour.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32- They really do look like velvet.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42- I couldn't leave Sioned, could I?
0:20:46 > 0:20:48- Now to choose which one goes where.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52- This one can go here.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58- This small one can go in the middle.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10- Sioned and Nia are left over, - and they can go here.
0:21:13 > 0:21:18- These are usually viewed as plants - for the house or conservatory.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22- But they'll do fine outdoors - at this time of year.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26- They'll get plenty of light here, - and it's fairly sheltered.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29- But they don't like much rain.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33- The bathtubs - offer some shelter from the rain...
0:21:33 > 0:21:37- ..and the edges will also - protect them from the wind.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41- You could also use old boxes.
0:21:41 > 0:21:46- Old wooden boxes - would make nice frames.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50- I did say that this was a doddle.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05- Right, the soup is ready.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- I must say, it smells very nice.
0:22:11 > 0:22:16- Now we need some magic - to combine all the ingredients.
0:22:17 > 0:22:21- To do that, - I need a bit of technology.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37- Right, let's see - what this tastes like.
0:22:45 > 0:22:46- Mmm!
0:22:47 > 0:22:49- I must say, that's...
0:22:50 > 0:22:52- ..nicer than I expected.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56- It tastes slightly bitter.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58- Maybe the nettles were a bit old.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01- But I can certainly taste - the lettuce.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- A bit more salt, - a touch more lemon, maybe...
0:23:06 > 0:23:07- ..and it would be fine.
0:23:07 > 0:23:13- Getting the children to try it - will be a whole different challenge!
0:23:13 > 0:23:14- That's my next job!
0:23:15 > 0:23:17- Until the next time, - enjoy the gardening.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:23:43 > 0:23:43- .