0:00:00 > 0:00:00- *
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Welcome back to Pont y Twr.
0:00:02 > 0:00:06- Isn't it lovely - to be in the garden in July?
0:00:06 > 0:00:08- The flowers are in their glory...
0:00:09 > 0:00:12- ..and the aromas - hit you from all directions.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17- Talking of aromas, - later, I'll be showing you...
0:00:17 > 0:00:22- ..how to get the best from the queen - of scented flowers, the sweet pea.
0:00:22 > 0:00:25- Meinir builds a garden bench - using these.
0:00:26 > 0:00:30- And Iwan cooks in the garden - once again.
0:00:30 > 0:00:32- All this and more on Garddio A Mwy.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47- Last week, if you remember...
0:00:47 > 0:00:51- ..I was busy doing those little jobs - around the garden.
0:00:51 > 0:00:52- It was a long list.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56- I'm glad to say, - I've almost ticked every box.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00- But one fairly substantial box - remains unticked - the Brassicas.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07- As you can see, they're more - than ready to be transplanted.
0:01:07 > 0:01:11- This bed is fairly small, - but there are very many plants here.
0:01:12 > 0:01:17- We have calabrese, - cauliflowers, purple broccoli...
0:01:17 > 0:01:20- ..Brussels sprouts, - both Rubine and normal...
0:01:21 > 0:01:23- ..three different types of kale...
0:01:23 > 0:01:28- ..some pak choi, early turnips - and some Navona cauliflower.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33- They are the Brassica family, - and these plants are important...
0:01:33 > 0:01:38- ..because they sustain us - through the dark winter months.
0:01:38 > 0:01:40- How do they do that?
0:01:40 > 0:01:42- They are biennial plants.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44- They grow during the first year...
0:01:44 > 0:01:48- ..survive the winter, - and flower in the second year.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52- They put a great deal of energy - towards storing nutrients...
0:01:52 > 0:01:54- ..in order to survive the winter.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58- Cabbages focus that energy - on growing leaves...
0:01:59 > 0:02:03- ..while turnips and swedes - focus it on the roots.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06- It's that nutrient store - which we eat.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09- Some of the Brassicas - are ready to harvest now...
0:02:09 > 0:02:12- ..like the turnips, - which grow very quickly.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16- Others need to be transplanted - to the bed where the beans grew.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19- I'll begin with the turnips.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23- They're a bit big. The optimum - is the size of a golf ball.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27- As they grow so quickly, - sow some every three or four weeks.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39- I'll transplant the calabrese first.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44- Usually, Brassicas should be moved - when they're about six inches tall.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47- These are a bit more than that.
0:02:47 > 0:02:52- But I have a trick to help plants - cope with the shock of uprooting.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56- Over here in this bowl...
0:02:56 > 0:03:01- ..I have a mixture - of soil, water and lime.
0:03:01 > 0:03:06- The idea is to wash the root - in this liquid...
0:03:06 > 0:03:08- ..and that gives them a boost.
0:03:09 > 0:03:10- There we are.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12- It's now ready to transplant.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21- Here's another planting secret.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23- Brassicas like firm soil.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25- They don't like soft soil.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27- I'll use the dibber.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31- Simply drop it into the hole...
0:03:31 > 0:03:34- ..and it sits in its new home...
0:03:34 > 0:03:38- ..at the same level - as in the old bed.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40- Top up the soil around it...
0:03:40 > 0:03:45- ..and make sure - it's firmly in place.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51- The reason I transplant Brassicas - is that they are long-term plants.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54- I don't have enough room...
0:03:54 > 0:03:58- ..to turn over a whole section - for Brassicas permanently.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00- I start them off in a small bed...
0:04:01 > 0:04:05- ..then, as space becomes available, - I transplant them.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13- Now, the Navona cauliflower.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16- The process is exactly the same.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30- Those two crops are both in place.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34- Last year, I had a problem - with the cabbage white butterfly.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37- They lay their eggs on the leaves...
0:04:37 > 0:04:43- ..and the larvae eat them when they - hatch, and it's goodbye Brassicas.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47- That means one more job.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52- I'll make a frame - with bamboo canes...
0:04:52 > 0:04:56- ..and old water pipes - which I've cut to size.
0:04:59 > 0:05:00- Now for the net.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04- You can buy one like this - from your local garden centre.
0:05:05 > 0:05:10- Some people use the nets you get on - skips, which are cheap and useful.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13- Make sure the holes - are small enough...
0:05:13 > 0:05:17- ..to prevent butterflies and moths - getting at the plants.
0:05:19 > 0:05:20- There we are.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24- A stone at each corner - will keep the net in place.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28- Hopefully, I won't get - the same problem as last year.
0:05:28 > 0:05:34- If relaxing is just as important - as working in the garden...
0:05:34 > 0:05:37- ..Meinir's next item - is sure to interest you.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41- Garden furniture are a dilemma.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45- Cheap ones can be very poor - and last no time at all...
0:05:45 > 0:05:48- ..and expensive ones - can be extremely expensive.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52- But I have an idea - that balances both options.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57- I'm making a bench from ten - nine-inch concrete blocks...
0:05:57 > 0:05:59- ..and pre-treated timber.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02- The blocks are about 3 each...
0:06:02 > 0:06:06- ..and the timber about 12 - for eight feet or 2.5 metres.
0:06:09 > 0:06:14- After measuring and marking twice, - and sawing the timber to length...
0:06:15 > 0:06:16- ..install the first two blocks.
0:06:17 > 0:06:22- It's an important step, - as this is the bench's foundation.
0:06:22 > 0:06:28- Use the straight edge of the timber - to ensure they're at the same angle.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30- Both blocks are two metres apart.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36- It's then time - to glue the blocks together.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39- This is very strong glue - made especially for concrete...
0:06:40 > 0:06:42- ..so you will need to use gloves.
0:06:43 > 0:06:44- Use plenty of glue.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50- You don't want the blocks - coming loose.
0:06:51 > 0:06:56- People are going to sit on them, - so it's important that it's safe.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06- I think it's straight.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10- After finishing both sides...
0:07:10 > 0:07:14- ..I glue the blocks - that'll form the back of the bench.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19- These are placed on their ends, - in the middle of the block beneath.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21- That's the last block in place.
0:07:22 > 0:07:23- Now for the timber.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28- Depending on the timber you get...
0:07:29 > 0:07:32- ..you might need - to plane and sand it...
0:07:32 > 0:07:36- ..and treat it with something - to protect it from the elements.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42- You could remove the timber lengths - and store them over the winter.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49- To make it more comfortable, - I turn to Gilly, who's a seamstress.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53- She specializes in giving new life - to old clothes.
0:07:54 > 0:07:55- I really like these.
0:07:56 > 0:08:01- After choosing the clothes, - we measure, mark and cut.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06- Pin the material - ready to be stitched.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09- Have you got enough pins?!
0:08:09 > 0:08:11- Have you got enough pins?!- - Have I used too many?
0:08:16 > 0:08:18- Put the cushion in the cover...
0:08:19 > 0:08:20- ..and there we are.
0:08:23 > 0:08:23- Pretty.
0:08:23 > 0:08:24- Pretty.- - Happy?
0:08:25 > 0:08:26- Very happy.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30- You can use any old clothes - to make cushion covers...
0:08:30 > 0:08:35- ..hoodies, cardigans, skirts, - as long as they're no longer needed.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39- Well, Gilly, they look good.
0:08:40 > 0:08:41- Do you want a drink?
0:08:41 > 0:08:42- Do you want a drink?- - Lovely, thank you.
0:08:43 > 0:08:44- We've deserved this.
0:08:44 > 0:08:45- We've deserved this.- - Yes.
0:08:46 > 0:08:47- Thanks for all your help.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49- Thanks for all your help.- - You're welcome.
0:08:49 > 0:08:49- Iechyd da.
0:08:49 > 0:08:50- Iechyd da.- - Iechyd da.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04- One of the important aspects - of being a flower arranger...
0:09:04 > 0:09:08- ..is securing a regular stock of - flowers through the wedding season.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12- Sweet peas are among - the most popular flowers...
0:09:12 > 0:09:17- ..because of their vivid colours - and their incredible scent.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20- A posy of these - on the table as they ate...
0:09:20 > 0:09:23- ..would gladden the heart - of any wedding guest.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27- As you can see, - these are past their best...
0:09:27 > 0:09:30- ..while the ones outside - are still blooming.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33- To make sure I have enough - for the summer...
0:09:33 > 0:09:37- ..these have to go, and I must - plant more in the polytunnel.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47- There are some flowers left...
0:09:48 > 0:09:53- ..but I need the stems - to be much longer for my work.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55- As it's later in the season...
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- ..and I've been cutting this - since the end of March...
0:09:59 > 0:10:02- ..the new growth - now only has short stems.
0:10:03 > 0:10:09- But I'll cut them to put in a jug - on the table in the house...
0:10:09 > 0:10:12- ..and I can enjoy them - for a few more days.
0:10:29 > 0:10:34- After clearing the old plants, - I turn the soil and add compost.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38- I re-use the bamboo canes...
0:10:39 > 0:10:42- ..and tie twine - to help the new plants to climb.
0:10:43 > 0:10:48- You could install the canes - in a wigwam shape, of course.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51- But I find - that putting them in vertically...
0:10:52 > 0:10:56- ..makes it easier to pick flowers - when they grow to a height...
0:10:56 > 0:10:59- ..than if the top - was angled inwards.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11- I planted these seedlings - about three weeks ago...
0:11:12 > 0:11:15- ..and they're ready now - to be planted in the soil.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- I'll plant another one on this side.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23- One plant goes on either side - of each bamboo cane.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28- I'll just pinch...
0:11:29 > 0:11:31- ..down by a pair of leaves...
0:11:32 > 0:11:34- ..and again on this side...
0:11:35 > 0:11:38- ..to encourage lateral growth.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45- There they are, planted.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49- I'll need to water these - because they're very thirsty.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- Hopefully, within six weeks, - I'll have more flowers.
0:11:57 > 0:11:57- .
0:12:03 > 0:12:03- Subtitles
0:12:03 > 0:12:05- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:12 > 0:12:15- Have you ever cooked artichoke?
0:12:15 > 0:12:19- You often see it - growing in people's gardens...
0:12:19 > 0:12:22- ..but rarely do they venture - to cook it.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24- I'll show you how.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- If you look - at this plant over here...
0:12:29 > 0:12:32- ..the flower has begun to open.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35- That means that the petals - will be hard...
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- ..so these have gone - a little bit too far.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41- But these over here are perfect.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51- The reason it's perfect, - as you can see...
0:12:51 > 0:12:55- ..is that these scaly petals - haven't quite begun to open yet...
0:12:55 > 0:12:57- ..so they'll be nice and soft.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01- As I cut these, - more flowers will replace them.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05- It's a plant that will continue - to flower through the season.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09- It can also flower - as early as February.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15- These will do for now.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25- I'm going to cook the artichokes - with fresh herbs from the garden.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29- The first step is to boil - the artichokes for 30-40 minutes...
0:13:30 > 0:13:34- ..until the petals are soft - and easy to remove from the core.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- While that's boiling, - the rain is pouring down.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42- Not the best weather for cooking, - but there we go.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46- I'll now make the sauce - to go with the artichokes...
0:13:46 > 0:13:50- ..using a bunch of herbs - from the garden.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52- Of course, I must wash them first.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02- I'm using garlic chives...
0:14:03 > 0:14:06- ..tarragon, parsley and spinach...
0:14:06 > 0:14:11- ..and chopping them finely - before adding four hard-boiled eggs.
0:14:14 > 0:14:20- Add salt and pepper, olive oil, - red wine vinegar and anchovies.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31- The artichokes should be ready now.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33- Woo-hoo! Very nice.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36- We're ready to plate up.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40- I only need two plates.
0:14:40 > 0:14:44- One for the sauce...
0:14:44 > 0:14:49- ..and another for the artichokes.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54- I'm going to remove - each petal carefully.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59- As we get closer to the middle...
0:15:00 > 0:15:03- ..the choke, or the artichoke...
0:15:04 > 0:15:05- ..which we don't eat...
0:15:06 > 0:15:10- ..because, as the name suggests, - you can choke on it.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16- What we do - is use the artichoke's petals...
0:15:16 > 0:15:17- ..as a spoon...
0:15:18 > 0:15:20- ..to pick up the sauce - that I prepared.
0:15:22 > 0:15:23- You don't eat the petal.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25- You pull it through your teeth.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34- Mmm, very nice.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37- I may have used - too many anchovies.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39- It's a bit salty.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41- But I can taste the tarragon.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43- The egg is also a good addition.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47- While I'm removing - the rest of these petals...
0:15:47 > 0:15:50- ..we'll visit an allotment owner...
0:15:50 > 0:15:54- ..who's a strong believer - in using produce from the garden.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05- My name is Keith Morris and this - is our allotment in Aberystwyth.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09- We've been here - for nine years now...
0:16:10 > 0:16:13- ..after spending almost a decade - on the waiting list.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18- I can escape to this allotment...
0:16:18 > 0:16:21- ..from my day job - as a photographer...
0:16:21 > 0:16:26- ..and just tend the vegetables, - the crops and the fruit.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32- When we inherited this allotment - nine years ago...
0:16:33 > 0:16:38- ..it was just a big open space - with nothing in it.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40- We started slowly...
0:16:40 > 0:16:43- ..by planting a few potatoes...
0:16:43 > 0:16:48- ..then gradually built up - from a corner up towards the street.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50- We laid beds.
0:16:50 > 0:16:55- Two years ago, we laid the paths - to save time mowing the grass.
0:16:56 > 0:17:02- Nothing has failed completely yet.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05- But potato blight - does hit us sometimes.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09- The potatoes are affected - from time to time.
0:17:09 > 0:17:14- I've been pleasantly surprised by - how well the artichokes are doing.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18- We planted a small one - some years ago...
0:17:18 > 0:17:20- ..and now, it's like a jungle!
0:17:20 > 0:17:24- I like things you can plant - and then forget about them...
0:17:24 > 0:17:27- ..and they come back - year after year after year.
0:17:28 > 0:17:29- Ideal!
0:17:31 > 0:17:36- Today, I'm planting this vine - in a sunny south-facing corner.
0:17:36 > 0:17:41- The trees behind me will shelter it - from the cold north wind in winter.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45- The aim is for it to grow - to the left and right.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49- I'll put an arch here, - and it'll grow over that...
0:17:49 > 0:17:51- ..towards the shed and beyond.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54- If it works, brilliant.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58- If it doesn't, I'll try - something else next year.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01- Part of the allotment's appeal...
0:18:02 > 0:18:05- ..is that you take a risk - on what you grow from time to time.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20- Tips From The Nursery
0:18:28 > 0:18:31- My favourite plant at the moment - is Astilbe.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35- Lots of colour at this time of year.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39- This one is pink, but they also come - in white, purple and red.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41- It's easy to care for.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43- It's a herbaceous perennial.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47- It dies down in winter and grows - back and flowers during the summer.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53- If you have a gap that needs filling - with colour, you need an Astilbe.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01- For colour in a pot, - go for perennial Violas.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04- Lots of different colours and sizes.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- They flower for months and months.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09- One pot will last the whole summer.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12- They also come back year after year.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16- They don't need much water, - and they're easy to care for.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20- Continually trim them back - as the flowers die.
0:19:20 > 0:19:25- They'll keep flowering and you'll - have colour all summer long.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31- Fair play, Iwan has been busy - doing all those little jobs.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35- This week, I've decided - to try to catch up with him.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39- My first job - is to cut this geranium.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42- There are still some flowers left...
0:19:43 > 0:19:46- ..but the entire plant is so untidy.
0:19:46 > 0:19:52- It would benefit the plant - if we pruned it back to the base.
0:19:52 > 0:19:58- The new growth at the base - looks much tidier than the rest.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03- Later in the season, we might - get more pretty pink flowers.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12- This might strike you - as a bit extreme...
0:20:12 > 0:20:15- ..but, believe me, - it'll benefit the plant.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19- It'll also make your border - look much tidier.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- And there we are, - it looks better already.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38- This Brunnera also needs attention.
0:20:38 > 0:20:39- It's looking untidy.
0:20:40 > 0:20:45- I'm not going to touch - these wonderful leaves.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48- These will provide interest - over the summer.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53- But the flowers have run to seed - and are looking rather untidy.
0:20:54 > 0:20:59- I'm cutting these right at the base.
0:21:02 > 0:21:07- I like to use flowers - that have run to seed.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10- They have a nice texture...
0:21:10 > 0:21:15- ..when mixed in with other flowers - in an arrangement.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26- Another job I've wanted to do - is to manage the Clematis.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30- The stems are long - and I have to do something.
0:21:31 > 0:21:36- I'm going to run some twine - from here across to here...
0:21:36 > 0:21:39- ..then tie the stem onto it...
0:21:39 > 0:21:43- ..to attract it to grow across.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49- I use normal twine.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53- As the Clematis grows - and the stems strengthen...
0:21:53 > 0:21:55- ..I'll remove the twine.
0:22:00 > 0:22:05- Very carefully, I'll pull the stem - towards the twine...
0:22:06 > 0:22:09- ..and wrap it around - a couple of times...
0:22:12 > 0:22:14- ..and bring it together.
0:22:14 > 0:22:19- What I'm doing - is forming a knot with the leaves.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22- The stems are so flexible...
0:22:23 > 0:22:27- ..that you can tie the leaves - into a knot if you're careful.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30- That'll also keep the stem in place.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35- That's the Clematis tidied up.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38- I'm so glad to have done - some of those little jobs...
0:22:38 > 0:22:41- ..that have been mounting up - for weeks.
0:22:42 > 0:22:43- That's it for another week.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47- I hope you'll join us - at Pont y Twr again next week.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50- But until then, enjoy the gardening.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:23:13 > 0:23:14- .