0:00:00 > 0:00:00- *
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Welcome back to Pont Y Twr.
0:00:02 > 0:00:05- I hope you had a lovely summer...
0:00:05 > 0:00:08- ..and that you enjoyed - the garden in all its glory.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12- It's September and - the children are back in school.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15- Everybody has returned to work.
0:00:15 > 0:00:18- What work needs to be done - in the garden?
0:00:19 > 0:00:21- Later...
0:00:21 > 0:00:24- ..I'll tackle the lavender shrubs...
0:00:24 > 0:00:27- ..that did so well in the sun.
0:00:27 > 0:00:31- Iwan will dust the old scythe.
0:00:32 > 0:00:37- Meinir visits a wildflower meadow - on the banks of the River Conwy...
0:00:38 > 0:00:40- ..with botanist, Dr Trevor Dines.
0:00:40 > 0:00:41- Subtitles
0:00:41 > 0:00:43- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:53 > 0:00:57- How did your vegetables fare - this summer?
0:00:58 > 0:01:03- Pont Y Twr was a - mixture of success and failure.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06- But it's the same - for all gardeners.
0:01:07 > 0:01:11- The dill was a great success.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14- We're already on our second crop.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18- Unfortunately, I can't say the same - for the melons I grew outdoors.
0:01:19 > 0:01:21- They were the size of marbles.
0:01:21 > 0:01:26- But the melons in the greenhouse - are coming along well.
0:01:26 > 0:01:30- The freezer is full - of garden produce.
0:01:31 > 0:01:35- There's plenty more to come. - The runner beans are doing well.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37- The corn is doing well, too.
0:01:38 > 0:01:42- They'll mature in a fortnight - if the weather keeps up...
0:01:42 > 0:01:46- ..for our final barbecue - of the year.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50- The children are fed up - of eating the spinach...
0:01:51 > 0:01:53- ..we harvested this summer.
0:01:53 > 0:01:57- They're not fed up of - the French purple runner beans.
0:01:57 > 0:02:02- Beans, like the other crops, - are nearing the end of their season.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06- September is a time of change.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09- Spaces begin - to appear in the garden.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13- That's what I have over here.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22- The seed bed...
0:02:22 > 0:02:26- ..is where all the plants started.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30- The soil has worked very hard.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35- It'll remain empty - until next spring.
0:02:35 > 0:02:41- I definitely won't leave - the soil open to the elements.
0:02:41 > 0:02:46- The wind and rain will wash away - any remaining nutrients.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49- But there is an easy answer.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53- The answer is green manure.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56- If you've never heard - of green manure...
0:02:57 > 0:03:00- ..it's a crop that covers - the soil with growth.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05- It's not edible, - but it's good for the soil.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09- Certain plants, notably legumes...
0:03:09 > 0:03:12- ..are great - for returning nutrients to the soil.
0:03:13 > 0:03:18- The soil is tired after - working hard throughout the season.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22- Legumes take nitrogen - from the air...
0:03:22 > 0:03:24- ..and return it to the soil.
0:03:25 > 0:03:30- Nitrogen is vital - for strong growth in the garden.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36- In this packet...
0:03:38 > 0:03:44- ..there is a mixture - of perennial Italian ryegrass...
0:03:44 > 0:03:49- ..white mustard and clover.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53- They enrich the soil - in different ways.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58- Like the legumes...
0:04:00 > 0:04:02- ..some return nitrogen to the soil.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05- Other compete with weeds.
0:04:08 > 0:04:13- Others protect the nutrients from - being washed away by the weather.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17- It's important to remember...
0:04:17 > 0:04:21- ..with green manure...
0:04:21 > 0:04:25- ..that they don't go to seed.
0:04:25 > 0:04:31- Let them flower, because - they're good for bees in the spring.
0:04:31 > 0:04:37- If the flowers go to seed, you'll - be weeding non-stop next year.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45- When these flower next spring...
0:04:45 > 0:04:50- ..cut them down, - leave them for a few days...
0:04:50 > 0:04:52- ..then turn them into the soil.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58- Nutrients that have built up over - winter will go back to the soil.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03- Green manure returns - nutrients back into the soil...
0:05:04 > 0:05:09- ..four or five weeks before - next year's growing season starts.
0:05:21 > 0:05:27- I planted the first seeds in - the cutting garden in late April.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29- You never know what you'll get.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34- Look what I had.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37- It's a fairly small patch, - 2 x 5 metres.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40- It's overflowing.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42- But some worked better than others.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54- The sweet peas are a success.
0:05:55 > 0:05:56- Look at them.
0:05:56 > 0:06:01- The scent in this corner - is wonderful.
0:06:02 > 0:06:07- I couldn't keep up with the numbers - that flowered these past weeks.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10- A few have gone to seed.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15- Some are still coming through. I'll - be cutting for another fortnight.
0:06:20 > 0:06:25- This green foliage is cosmos.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27- It has started to flower.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30- There's plenty more to come.
0:06:31 > 0:06:36- The packet said it would grow - to 60cm.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41- It has more than doubled that. - My frame is down here.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45- Next year, I must remember - to build a taller frame...
0:06:45 > 0:06:49- ..to protect it from the wind.
0:06:49 > 0:06:53- I've never planted zinnia before.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57- There are different varieties - in one packet.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01- They look fantastic, - and so colourful.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04- There is a shorter version...
0:07:04 > 0:07:08- ..for borders in smaller gardens.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13- It'll provide colour - through the summer.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18- Over here, I have - a white Purity cosmos.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21- It's ideal to put in a vase or jug.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- It lasts ages after cutting.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29- Cutting it encourages more flowers.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35- I won't be planting - white nicotiana next year.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39- As the name suggests, - it belongs to the tobacco family.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42- Even though it has a lovely scent...
0:07:42 > 0:07:45- ..the leaves have taken over - the cutting garden.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48- They'll go in the borders next year.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51- Stock didn't work well either.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54- It has been too rainy.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57- I'll try them in the polytunnel - next time.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03- Blue Nigella is one of my - favourite flowers this time of year.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05- It is so delicate.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- The petals are like paper.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13- Its lovely foliage, - all the way round...
0:08:13 > 0:08:16- ..is almost as if - it's protecting it.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20- The seed pods are interesting, too.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23- I'll cut a few.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28- I'll tie them together - to hang somewhere to dry.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33- They make lovely - Christmas decorations.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38- I'm happy my cutting garden - looks so good.
0:08:38 > 0:08:43- But other flowers I planted over - the year deserve attention, too.
0:09:14 > 0:09:15- .
0:09:18 > 0:09:18- Subtitles
0:09:18 > 0:09:20- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:09:25 > 0:09:27- Earlier this year...
0:09:27 > 0:09:31- ..I visited a field - near the River Conwy...
0:09:31 > 0:09:35- ..that was being turned - into a wildflower meadow...
0:09:35 > 0:09:38- ..as part of - the Coronation Meadows project.
0:09:38 > 0:09:43- Its aim is to create a wild - flower meadow in every UK county.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47- After clearing...
0:09:47 > 0:09:52- ..and replanting wildflower seeds - from a nearby meadow...
0:09:52 > 0:09:56- ..by spring, the Tyddyn Afon meadow - looked promising.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58- It is now July.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03- The growth is taller - than when I was last here.
0:10:03 > 0:10:08- From where I'm standing, - it's like any other field.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11- If you look carefully...
0:10:11 > 0:10:15- ..you'll notice a botanist...
0:10:15 > 0:10:17- ..studying the growth.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26- The botanist is Dr Trevor Dines, - who owns the meadow.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29- He also works for Plantlife UK.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34- The charity protects - native plants in the British Isles.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36- How are you?
0:10:37 > 0:10:40- From far, you don't see the flowers.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42- It looks like a field.
0:10:43 > 0:10:44- There is a lot going on here.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46- There is a lot going on here.- - It's wonderful.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50- Look closely...
0:10:50 > 0:10:55- ..and you can see - the different flowers.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58- What are you doing here?
0:10:58 > 0:11:03- Using a quadrat is a good way - to see what is happening.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08- We can see the different plants.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12- We do this all over the field....
0:11:13 > 0:11:16- ..to see what's changing this year.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- You're counting what you can see.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23- I needed yellow rattle...
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- ..the meadow-maker.
0:11:26 > 0:11:32- In March, - I worried there wasn't enough here.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37- More and more plants - are germinating.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40- It's full of them now.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- It's wonderful to see.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45- Of course, they make that sound.
0:11:46 > 0:11:51- These are the yellow flowers - and these are the seed pods.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54- You can hear the seeds - rattle inside.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58- Great. What else is there?
0:11:59 > 0:12:02- Many plants are - starting to germinate.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05- They won't bloom this year.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07- But they will next year...
0:12:09 > 0:12:13- ..like this blue flower, - "y feddyges las".
0:12:13 > 0:12:16- "Y feddyges las", the blue doctor!
0:12:16 > 0:12:18- It's self-heal in English.
0:12:18 > 0:12:19- Yes.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22- This is marvellous for bees.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26- There's a lot of smooth hawksbeard.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30- About six plants - look like dandelion.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33- But it isn't a dandelion.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- It's fantastic - for bees and butterflies.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42- Are you happy - with the way it's going?
0:12:42 > 0:12:44- It's like a dream for me...
0:12:45 > 0:12:49- ..just to see so many - plants and flowers here.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- It doesn't look brilliant now.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55- There's still a lot of grass.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58- But the flowers are coming.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02- Is there anything unexpected here?
0:13:02 > 0:13:07- Yes. I have no idea - where one small plant came from.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09- It just appeared.
0:13:09 > 0:13:10- Where is it?
0:13:10 > 0:13:12- Where is it?- - It's at the bottom of the field.
0:13:12 > 0:13:13- Do you want to see it?
0:13:13 > 0:13:14- Do you want to see it?- - Yes, please.
0:13:14 > 0:13:15- Champion.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33- It's somewhere round here.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36- I mark places with small sticks.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38- Great.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41- Here it is.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43- Here it is.- - The pink flower?
0:13:43 > 0:13:44- Isn't it pretty?
0:13:44 > 0:13:45- Isn't it pretty?- - Yes.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48- It's common restharrow.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51- It's "tag yr aradr" in Welsh.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55- That means something like - "stopping the plough".
0:13:56 > 0:13:58- It has strong roots...
0:13:59 > 0:14:02- ..which spread in the soil.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07- When the farmer - does the harrowing...
0:14:08 > 0:14:10- ..it clogs up the harrow.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14- It stops the harrow, - rest the harrow, restharrow.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16- That makes sense.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19- Which family does it belong to?
0:14:19 > 0:14:22- The flowers look a bit like peas.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25- It's the pea family.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29- I'll pick a few leaves.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34- It feels a bit sticky.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38- Smell that.
0:14:40 > 0:14:41- Good grief!
0:14:41 > 0:14:42- It's a strong smell.
0:14:42 > 0:14:43- It's a strong smell.- - It is.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45- I don't know if I like it.
0:14:45 > 0:14:46- I don't know if I like it.- - No.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48- I do. It's a bit fruity.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51- Yes. It smells slightly of peas.
0:14:51 > 0:14:52- Yes.
0:14:53 > 0:14:53- It's interesting.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55- It's interesting.- - It's an experience.
0:14:55 > 0:14:56- Is it bad that it's here?
0:14:56 > 0:14:57- Is it bad that it's here?- - No.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- But I don't know - where it comes from.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04- It isn't in the field where - the seeds come from. It's just here.
0:15:05 > 0:15:05- It's a bit of magic.
0:15:05 > 0:15:06- It's a bit of magic.- - Great.
0:15:07 > 0:15:12- What do you expect to see - in the meadow in the years to come?
0:15:13 > 0:15:16- I hope we'll see - a lot more flowers here.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19- And also, many plants...
0:15:21 > 0:15:23- ..like this knapweed...
0:15:25 > 0:15:27- ..will take a year to grow...
0:15:27 > 0:15:30- ..before it blooms.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33- So more flowers - will bloom next year.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36- Many of the plants - will grow this year.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40- They'll look marvellous next year.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43- Congratulations on your meadow.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45- Thanks.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01- When I started to garden...
0:16:01 > 0:16:05- ..I never thought I'd take - one of these out of the shed.
0:16:06 > 0:16:07- But a few years ago...
0:16:07 > 0:16:11- ..as part of my work with - the North Wales Wildlife Trust...
0:16:12 > 0:16:16- ..I took part in a project - about restoring old grasslands.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20- The project involved using scythes.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23- After all the scything...
0:16:23 > 0:16:27- ..I'm quite sure - that the old way is the best.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37- I'm not the only one who sings - the praises of using scythes.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39- In the last 20 years...
0:16:39 > 0:16:43- ..a small community of scythers - has developed in Wales.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47- But this isn't our forefathers' - traditional scythe.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50- It's the Austrian scythe.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56- The old scythers used to say...
0:16:56 > 0:17:01- ..it would be better to lend someone - your false teeth than your scythe.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04- That was because - the old type of scythe...
0:17:05 > 0:17:08- ..was unique - to the person who used it.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- The advantage - of the Austrian scythe...
0:17:11 > 0:17:15- ..is that you can buy - different lengths of stem...
0:17:15 > 0:17:17- ..or snath, as it's called.
0:17:17 > 0:17:22- The handle can also be moved, - for the left or right hand.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25- There are also different blades...
0:17:27 > 0:17:32- ..for cutting light grass, - overgrown weeds, or even brambles.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35- But whatever you cut...
0:17:35 > 0:17:38- ..the blade must be very sharp.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42- To hone the blade...
0:17:42 > 0:17:44- ..I use a whetstone.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46- It's simple.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50- Sharpen at an angle first...
0:17:50 > 0:17:53- ..then go straight along it.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57- That gives the metal a sharper edge.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02- Then it gets rid - of any warped metal.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08- Honing is done every four - or five minutes when scything.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10- It happens very often.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14- When you hear a group - of scythers in a field...
0:18:15 > 0:18:19- ..that's one of - the marvellous sounds you hear.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22- Now we're ready to scythe.
0:18:24 > 0:18:30- As I move, I transfer my weight - from the right to left foot.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37- Keep the knee relaxed.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43- Use a bit of movement - and rhythm as you go.
0:18:47 > 0:18:52- Practise on short grass, - with no cutting at first.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55- Once you're happy - with the technique...
0:18:55 > 0:18:59- ..start to move forward - slowly, inch by inch.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02- Cut a very small amount each time.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04- Don't try to cut too much.
0:19:07 > 0:19:12- People ask why a scythe is better - than a strimmer or brushcutter.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16- You don't need petrol.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20- There's no costly maintenance.
0:19:21 > 0:19:26- A scythe costs 120 - and lasts a lifetime.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30- Strimmers tend to break every month.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36- One of the main reasons - I like using a scythe...
0:19:36 > 0:19:40- ..is that I feel - a bit closer to nature.
0:19:40 > 0:19:46- When you're busy - mowing the lawn at home...
0:19:46 > 0:19:48- ..you can hear the birds sing.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52- What nicer sound is there - than the swoosh, swoosh...
0:19:53 > 0:19:55- ..of blades cutting grass?
0:20:04 > 0:20:06- I really love lavender shrubs.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10- They look so attractive - along a path.
0:20:10 > 0:20:15- If I drag my hand along them, - the marvellous scent fills the air.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20- This corner is buzzing - with bees now...
0:20:20 > 0:20:24- ..collecting - the summer's last nectar.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- Sadly for the bees, - I have to start pruning.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30- I planted the shrubs - three years ago.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35- They have about three more years - before I have to lift them...
0:20:36 > 0:20:38- ..and plant new shrubs.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- They should be pruned - twice a year...
0:20:42 > 0:20:44- ..now and in spring.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47- I go about two leaves down...
0:20:49 > 0:20:53- ..making sure there are - fresh leaves underneath.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57- We prune this time of year - to tidy the shrubs...
0:20:58 > 0:21:03- ..and to make sure the new growth - hardens up over winter.
0:21:04 > 0:21:05- In spring...
0:21:05 > 0:21:09- ..we cut it down again, - so that it thickens.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13- It's very important - to cut it every year.
0:21:13 > 0:21:18- Otherwise, the stems will - get very woody and look ugly.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21- As you see, underneath...
0:21:22 > 0:21:24- ..they're brown and hard.
0:21:24 > 0:21:29- If you cut too much - down to the wood, they won't grow.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32- You must keep the fresh part...
0:21:32 > 0:21:36- ..so flowers grow - from these next year.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56- If you grow lavender - for its dried flowers...
0:21:56 > 0:22:02- ..do this much earlier in the year, - when the flowers are at their best.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05- This has started to fade.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09- But it's still useful like this - for pot pourri...
0:22:09 > 0:22:14- ..or to put in sachets, to add a - nice scent to clothes in cupboards.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18- The great thing about this plant...
0:22:19 > 0:22:22- ..is that it provides - interest all year.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25- The green leaves - look marvellous in winter...
0:22:25 > 0:22:29- ..especially when covered - with frost in the mornings.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33- In summer, we get - this amazing explosion.
0:22:33 > 0:22:38- It's no wonder lavender is one - of our most popular garden plants.
0:22:42 > 0:22:47- It's been great to have - your company again in the garden.
0:22:47 > 0:22:52- I hope this Indian summer - will last through September.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54- How did it go with the lavender?
0:22:54 > 0:22:56- I have plenty to do.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58- I'm waiting for your help!
0:22:58 > 0:23:00- I'd better get my chainsaw.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03- Until next time, - enjoy the gardening.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21- S4C Subtitles by Gwead
0:23:21 > 0:23:21- .