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0:00:05 > 0:00:08- Spring has arrived, thank goodness!
0:00:09 > 0:00:14- The children can play in the garden - while I think what to plant.
0:00:15 > 0:00:20- Flowers are my passion. - It looks bare now.
0:00:20 > 0:00:24- But the borders will fill with - flowers as the weather improves.
0:00:25 > 0:00:29- I look forward to having - your company over the coming months.
0:00:31 > 0:00:36- While Sioned colours our lives, - I'll be feeding us.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44- I grew a few things here last year.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48- This is the first time - I've taken it seriously.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53- The soil has been covered - for months.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57- By now, it's perfect, - and ready to start growing.
0:00:57 > 0:01:02- Whatever the size of your patch, - I hope you'll be growing with me.
0:01:02 > 0:01:06- However, the series is about more - than just gardening.
0:01:07 > 0:01:11- Meinir Gwilym will travel - the country...
0:01:11 > 0:01:16- ..learning about wildlife - and the efforts made to protect it.
0:01:17 > 0:01:18- Today...
0:01:18 > 0:01:23- ..she's visiting the Lake Vyrnwy - RSPB Nature Reserve in Powys.
0:01:24 > 0:01:30- We'll also have the company - of well-known naturalists.
0:01:30 > 0:01:36- Today, Twm Elias searches - for the signs of early spring.
0:01:52 > 0:01:57- I planted this apple tree - three or four years ago.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01- If you're planting a fruit tree...
0:02:01 > 0:02:04- ..prune it well - to get it off to a good start.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07- We want a goblet shape.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10- This tree is a perfect example.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13- The branches open out.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16- We have a nice space - in the middle.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19- Plenty of light will reach - the leaves and fruit.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23- The circulating air - will ward off disease.
0:02:23 > 0:02:28- This branch...
0:02:28 > 0:02:30- ..is growing in the space.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33- I don't want that, - so I'll remove it.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37- I'm considering cutting this branch, - too.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41- Three branches - are growing in the same direction.
0:02:42 > 0:02:44- They'll achieve the same goal.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04- This is another apple tree.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07- It's quite a nice shape.
0:03:07 > 0:03:09- Stand back and look at the tree.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14- The goblet shape is there.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16- But one branch is out of place.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20- It's growing into the centre.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23- It'll cause problems in the future.
0:03:24 > 0:03:29- Rather than cut it here...
0:03:30 > 0:03:34- ..and lose three years of growth...
0:03:34 > 0:03:37- ..I'll cut it at the branch.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40- When you cut at a branch...
0:03:40 > 0:03:44- ..make sure the branch itself - is big enough.
0:03:44 > 0:03:49- This one is a third, if not half - the size of the branch I'm cutting.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53- If I cut here, - the sap will rise in spring...
0:03:53 > 0:03:58- ..and be redirected - into this branch.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02- In a couple of years, - the branch will grow this way.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05- It won't block the light.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14- Look at the roots.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18- The rootstock is growing through.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22- Some trees grow in two parts.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28- The scion produces the fruit.
0:04:28 > 0:04:33- The rootstock determines the speed - of growth and height of the tree.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37- Here...
0:04:37 > 0:04:40- ..the rootstock is taking over.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45- If I don't remove it, - it'll become stronger than the tree.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49- I'll prune it at the base...
0:04:51 > 0:04:53- ..as close as I can get.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56- And finally, the pole.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00- It isn't doing anything - and is broken at the bottom.
0:05:01 > 0:05:03- It's unnecessary.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07- If the pole isn't there, - I don't need the tie either.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13- The tree can stand on its own.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24- Pruning fruit trees is quite simple.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29- Let's join Meinir Gwilym, who - is visiting a lovely part of Powys.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35- This is Lake Vyrnwy.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40- No-one can deny - its serene beauty.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42- It isn't a natural lake.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46- It's a huge reservoir.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51- It's more than 200 metres deep - in places...
0:05:51 > 0:05:55- ..and holds more than 13 million - gallons of water.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59- The dam was built in 1888...
0:05:59 > 0:06:02- ..to supply Liverpool with water.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06- The valley and village of Llanwddyn - were drowned...
0:06:07 > 0:06:10- ..a tragedy - for the people who lived there.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15- But drowning the valley also - destroyed wildlife habitats.
0:06:18 > 0:06:23- However, - it's now a haven for wildlife.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32- It's home to all sorts of birds.
0:06:32 > 0:06:37- Lake Vyrnwy - is a RSPB Nature Reserve.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40- I met Bethan Lloyd, of RSPB Wales...
0:06:41 > 0:06:44- ..where else, but in the hide.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50- What are we looking for?
0:06:50 > 0:06:53- What are we looking for?- - I'm trying to spot a nuthatch.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57- It's my favourite. I spotted - one earlier, but it's gone now!
0:06:58 > 0:07:03- What rare birds - can people expect to see here?
0:07:03 > 0:07:08- Birdwatchers come to see - pied flycatchers...
0:07:08 > 0:07:11- ..or redstarts.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15- The nests are usually full of them.
0:07:16 > 0:07:21- We're expecting them back any - time now. They haven't arrived yet.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24- What is that yellow bird?
0:07:24 > 0:07:26- A siskin.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30- They are brightly coloured - in the breeding season.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34- What is special about this reserve?
0:07:34 > 0:07:40- The cross-section - of different habitats.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45- Trees attract all sorts of birds, - including garden birds.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50- The highlands and moors - attract hen harriers.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54- There are rare plants here.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57- The habitats are incredibly diverse.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01- The RSPB realized - the potential of the place.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- The reserve is located - in the Berwyn Mountains...
0:08:09 > 0:08:13- ..an area of international - significance to wildlife...
0:08:13 > 0:08:15- ..but also intensively farmed.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19- What's unique about this reserve...
0:08:20 > 0:08:24- ..is that RSPB Wales - run an organic farm on the site.
0:08:25 > 0:08:26- Have you ever done this?
0:08:26 > 0:08:27- Have you ever done this?- - I have!
0:08:28 > 0:08:32- Jan Evans is a farmer's wife as well - as an RSPB education officer.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35- She educates visitors - about the link...
0:08:36 > 0:08:39- ..between - conservation and agriculture.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41- Here it comes!
0:08:42 > 0:08:44- Here it comes!
0:08:47 > 0:08:49- The children are enjoying this.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52- The children are enjoying this.- - I enjoy watching them!
0:08:53 > 0:08:59- They learn about nature, and how - hard farmers work this time of year.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03- How do the farm and the RSPB - work together?
0:09:04 > 0:09:06- It's incredible.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11- We took over the farm - from Severn Trent 15 years ago.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16- People found it - an unusual partnership.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20- I'm a farmer's wife - first and foremost.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24- However, we could see - the combination working.
0:09:24 > 0:09:29- As you can see, the sheep - are down from the mountain.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33- So now, on the mountain, - the larger birds are nesting...
0:09:33 > 0:09:36- ..without being disturbed.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39- We can concentrate on the sheep.
0:09:40 > 0:09:45- The shed will be full - until the end of May.
0:09:45 > 0:09:51- The farm is open every weekend - for people to experience lambing.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55- We put the skin on the newborn lamb.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58- The mother thinks it's her own.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02- He's wearing pyjamas.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07- That's nature for you.
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0:10:12 > 0:10:12- Subtitles
0:10:12 > 0:10:14- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:10:19 > 0:10:22- April has been reasonably mild - so far.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25- But frost is still - a cause for concern.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28- I'm planting bulbs - in the greenhouse.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31- In a fortnight...
0:10:31 > 0:10:33- ..I'll plant them outdoors.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38- I'm planting freesias - for their wonderful scent.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42- They're lovely in an arrangement, - too.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47- I need a pot and stones.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50- I'll add some grit to the soil.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56- A little more.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04- Now for some soil.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11- This is normal topsoil.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16- It'll help retain - water and moisture.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20- I'll put a little in the pot.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31- Here are the freesias.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34- I've chosen mixed colours.
0:11:35 > 0:11:40- The orange, yellow, lilac and white - flowers look so pretty together.
0:11:41 > 0:11:46- The bulbs look very unusual, - as if they're covered in material.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52- I plant them - backsides down and point up.
0:11:52 > 0:11:57- I'll put them about - ten cms apart and ten cms deep.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00- I'm not going to be too fussy.
0:12:00 > 0:12:05- The main thing is to see the pot - packed with colour.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17- They're all in place, - so I'll add more compost.
0:12:23 > 0:12:28- I look forward to seeing - the flowers between July and August.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35- This is Acidanthera.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40- The flowers are - very different and unusual.
0:12:42 > 0:12:47- The cut flowers last - a long time, which is great.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52- I'll put six in each one.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04- Their common name - is the peacock orchid.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09- The name describes them well.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11- They're very showy.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22- I don't know if you can hear, - but it's started to rain.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24- It's real spring weather.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27- Luckily, I'm working indoors.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35- I'll cover them with a little soil.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44- I'll label them too, - or I won't remember what they are.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53- While these will take a few weeks - for their heads to show...
0:13:53 > 0:13:58- ..many wildflower bulbs - are already in bloom.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00- Twm Elias went for a walk.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05- After winter's gloom and rain...
0:14:05 > 0:14:09- ..it's marvellous to welcome - the burgeoning spring.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11- The soil is warming up.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15- Birds are singing. - Some have come from Africa.
0:14:15 > 0:14:20- Spring flowers are pushing up - and brightening our lives.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26- In Glynllifon country park...
0:14:27 > 0:14:30- ..we hope to see - some spring flowers.
0:14:36 > 0:14:41- This is one of spring's leading - lights, the lesser celandine.
0:14:41 > 0:14:46- Farmers used it as a sign - that it was time to sow oats...
0:14:46 > 0:14:51- ..on the three days - of blackbirds and two celandines...
0:14:51 > 0:14:55- ..the last three days of March - and the first two in April.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59- It's a marvellous season signpost.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03- Amazingly, although - it's a simple little flower...
0:15:03 > 0:15:07- ..it uses a very - sophisticated technology...
0:15:07 > 0:15:12- ..to help with the important work - of fertilization here in the middle.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16- The flower petals - are in the shape...
0:15:18 > 0:15:20- ..of a parabolic mirror...
0:15:20 > 0:15:23- ..like a car headlamp.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27- That means that rays enter it...
0:15:27 > 0:15:33- ..and are reflected from - the shiny petals to the centre.
0:15:34 > 0:15:39- The centre of the flower, - the important, business part...
0:15:39 > 0:15:42- ..gets more light and warmth.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47- That attracts small insects...
0:15:47 > 0:15:51- ..which help to pollinate - and fertilize it.
0:15:53 > 0:15:58- And as the sun - moves across the sky...
0:16:00 > 0:16:03- ..it tracks and follows the sun.
0:16:06 > 0:16:10- It's amazing that - such a simple little flower...
0:16:10 > 0:16:14- ..uses all sorts - of technological tricks.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18- It's one of spring's miracles, - the lesser celandine.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34- This is the anemone.
0:16:35 > 0:16:40- Its stem is so slim, - it trembles in the slightest breeze.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43- The anemone was named...
0:16:43 > 0:16:48- ..after the daughter of - the god of wind in Greek mythology.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00- There are many - other spring flowers...
0:17:00 > 0:17:03- ..like bluebells of course...
0:17:04 > 0:17:09- ..the small green opposite-leaved - golden saxifrage...
0:17:09 > 0:17:14- ..and on riverbanks or - in marshy land, the marsh marigold.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22- This is an interesting plant...
0:17:22 > 0:17:25- ..the field woodrush.
0:17:25 > 0:17:30- In the past, when farmers went - to their fields and saw this...
0:17:30 > 0:17:35- ..it was a sign that - pasture was starting to grow.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39- It was safe to let animals out - for a few hours a day.
0:17:39 > 0:17:44- The farmer would go - to the cowshed and say...
0:17:45 > 0:17:49- "...Black cattle, you will live, - I saw a field woodrush."
0:17:50 > 0:17:54- I know a few people - who still pick these...
0:17:54 > 0:17:56- ..and put them in their hat...
0:17:56 > 0:17:59- ..when field woodrush first appears.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09- So, wherever you are, - go out to enjoy the spring.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13- We've had a glorious - day in Glynllifon.
0:18:14 > 0:18:18- Enjoy what the world of nature - offers all year round.
0:18:27 > 0:18:32- If you're going - to plant vegetables this year...
0:18:32 > 0:18:36- ..preparing the soil - is very important.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40- Some seeds can be planted - outdoors this time of year...
0:18:40 > 0:18:42- ..like parsnips, peas and leeks.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47- But others are started off indoors - or in a greenhouse.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50- That's what I'm doing first today.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54- I'm very lucky to have a greenhouse.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58- But for years, - I planted seeds in a tray...
0:18:58 > 0:19:02- ..to germinate - on the kitchen windowsill...
0:19:02 > 0:19:07- ..or even at work, where - I'd put a tray on a windowsill.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11- I put compost in a tray.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15- Make sure there's plenty of it.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21- Level it like this.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24- Press the compost down.
0:19:24 > 0:19:29- Tap it or use the back - of your hand to flatten it.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34- Seeds need three things to grow...
0:19:34 > 0:19:35- ..warmth...
0:19:36 > 0:19:38- ..water and air.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42- I'll add water first.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50- These seeds need a lot of water.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55- It's better to add it - before the seeds.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58- It needs a good soaking.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04- It's surprising - how much water is necessary.
0:20:11 > 0:20:16- I know there's enough water because - it's dripping out of the bottom.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19- All the compost is wet.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25- It's time to decide - which seeds to plant in the garden.
0:20:26 > 0:20:31- There's no point planting things you - won't eat and the family don't like.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34- One of the easiest - to grow is lettuce.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39- It tastes better - than supermarket lettuce.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42- It's fresh every time you pick it.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45- Anyone can grow lettuce.
0:20:46 > 0:20:51- Even if you only have a windowsill, - you can grow a tray of lettuce.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56- I'm planting mixed salad today.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59- All the information - is on the seed packet.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03- Don't worry if the season - has advanced, just sow them.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06- Sow quite lightly.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09- The first rule with sowing...
0:21:09 > 0:21:12- ..is to close your hand like this.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15- Then you have an useful - line to sow seeds.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17- Sow round the edge first.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19- Tap your hand like this.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23- Go round the edge.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29- Make sure not too many - fall in one spot.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32- Work round the edge.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35- The middle will look after itself.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41- When you're happy - you've sown enough seeds...
0:21:41 > 0:21:43- ..it's time to label them.
0:21:45 > 0:21:46- Mixed Salad Seeds
0:21:47 > 0:21:51- Now, put a very light layer - of soil over the seeds.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55- This is when a riddle is handy.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59- Like using flour in the kitchen...
0:21:59 > 0:22:04- ..just cover the seeds with compost, - so they're in contact with the soil.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08- I can still see the larger seeds.
0:22:09 > 0:22:10- That's enough.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19- Water very lightly, - once the seeds are in the tray.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22- Don't pour directly on the seeds.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26- Start on one side - and move the water over it twice.
0:22:35 > 0:22:40- The last step is to cover the tray - with clingfilm, to retain moisture.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42- Now you can forget about it.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45- Stick it on the windowsill.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47- Once the seeds start to appear...
0:22:47 > 0:22:50- ..you can remove the clingfilm.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55- That's it. Thanks for dropping by.
0:22:55 > 0:23:00- The next time you join us, it's - hard to believe, but it will be May.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03- But it's a month - when plants and wildlife...
0:23:03 > 0:23:07- ..in our gardens and the - countryside really start to wake up.
0:23:08 > 0:23:09- We'll see you then.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13- Until next time, - enjoy the gardening!
0:23:27 > 0:23:29- S4C Subtitles by Gwead
0:23:30 > 0:23:30- .