0:00:00 > 0:00:00- *
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- A warm welcome to Garddio A Mwy.
0:00:02 > 0:00:05- I'm in Pembrokeshire today...
0:00:05 > 0:00:09- ..looking for one - of the rarest damselflies in Europe.
0:00:10 > 0:00:15- Sioned is planning an explosion - of colour for next February.
0:00:17 > 0:00:20- Iwan plants a late crop of turnips.
0:00:21 > 0:00:27- We visit another Coronation Meadow - with botanist Dr Trevor Dines.
0:00:29 > 0:00:31- A warm welcome to Garddio A Mwy.
0:00:54 > 0:00:58- In September, many garden - flowers are coming to an end.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01- But it's an exciting time too.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05- It's time to choose spring bulbs.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08- I've been to a garden centre.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12- I've chosen crocus and snowdrops.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16- I already have aconite...
0:01:19 > 0:01:21- ..and wood anemone.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26- I soaked these for about three - hours. They're ready to plant.
0:01:28 > 0:01:30- These bulbs will bloom in February.
0:01:31 > 0:01:37- Bulbs that bloom in March and April - are starting to be available now.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41- I get a group of friends together - and we look at a catalogue.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44- We choose what we want.
0:01:44 > 0:01:46- Then we order in bulk.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51- You can make amazing - savings like this.
0:01:51 > 0:01:56- But also, you know you're supporting - someone from this country...
0:01:57 > 0:02:01- ..who has grown these - in the correct way.
0:02:01 > 0:02:02- Here's another tip.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06- There's a scramble - this time of year...
0:02:06 > 0:02:09- ..for the best - and most popular bulbs.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13- Now is the time to order.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18- I've chosen to plant these - in the children's play area.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22- It's been rather neglected recently.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29- I'm going to plant the bulbs - in the shade of the tree.
0:02:30 > 0:02:35- They'll look pretty - and will flourish here.
0:02:36 > 0:02:41- To plant bulbs, you can use - a special tool like this.
0:02:42 > 0:02:44- It has a big hole at the end.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48- As it's quite big, it's more - suitable for bigger bulbs...
0:02:48 > 0:02:51- ..like tulips or daffodils.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55- Or you could cut and lift - a square foot of turf...
0:02:55 > 0:03:01- ..plant a variety of bulbs, - then replace the turf.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06- I'm under the tree.
0:03:07 > 0:03:09- There are a lot of roots underfoot.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15- I'm going to dig - a slit in the soil.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27- Dig down about three times - the bulb's size.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30- This goes for other bulbs too.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35- I'll mix these.
0:03:38 > 0:03:43- We'll have a variety, rather - than rows of one type of bulb.
0:03:44 > 0:03:46- It'll look a bit more natural.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50- When you plant snowdrop bulbs...
0:03:52 > 0:03:56- ..remember the bottom goes down - and the pointy part goes up.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00- I'll put three or four in each hole.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07- Push them down.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16- Cover them with soil.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20- I'm not adding - nutrients to the soil.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23- It's quite fertile anyway.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27- For an area like this corner...
0:04:27 > 0:04:29- ..it costs about 30 to fill...
0:04:30 > 0:04:34- ..if you order online - and buy in bulk.
0:04:35 > 0:04:40- It's not too bad. - They come back year after year.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42- Remember also...
0:04:43 > 0:04:45- ..the bulbs will spread.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49- In a few years, you'll have - a bigger carpet of colour.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53- That's it.
0:04:53 > 0:04:58- When February arrives, we'll have - white, pink and blue anemones...
0:04:58 > 0:05:02- ..yellow aconites, - purple crocus and white snowdrops.
0:05:02 > 0:05:07- It'll be a carpet of colour, lifting - my heart, and the children's too.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13- We leave the garden - for a while and join Meinir...
0:05:13 > 0:05:17- ..who is looking for - a rare insect in Pembrokeshire.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24- I've come to the foot - of the Preseli Mountains...
0:05:24 > 0:05:27- ..on a fine summer's day, - to look for this...
0:05:28 > 0:05:30- ..the southern damselfly.
0:05:30 > 0:05:35- It's a rare species in Britain, - but it flourishes in Pembrokeshire.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38- This is only a picture. - I want to find a real one.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42- This damselfly - isn't easy to see at best.
0:05:43 > 0:05:44- It's rare.
0:05:44 > 0:05:49- It doesn't like flying if it rains, - if it's too cloudy or windy.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53- But this is almost - the perfect day to see it fly.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55- It's warm, sunny and not too windy.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58- I'm crossing my fingers.
0:06:03 > 0:06:08- Campaigning to protect - its habitat here is Geraint Jones...
0:06:09 > 0:06:15- ..Farm Conservation Officer at the - Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18- Geraint, this damselfly...
0:06:18 > 0:06:22- ..isn't just any damselfly, - it's special.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26- Yes, it's the southern damselfly, - Coenagrion mercuriale.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28- It's amazing for us here...
0:06:28 > 0:06:32- ..that this small - creature's Welsh name...
0:06:32 > 0:06:36- ..is "mursen las Penfro", - the blue Pembrokeshire damselfly.
0:06:37 > 0:06:38- Can we search for them?
0:06:39 > 0:06:40- Let's hit the road.
0:06:40 > 0:06:41- Let's hit the road.- - Excellent.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48- This area in Pembrokeshire is one - of the few places in Britain...
0:06:48 > 0:06:50- ..and Europe...
0:06:50 > 0:06:53- ..where the southern - damselfly thrives.
0:06:53 > 0:06:58- Much has been done to support this - damselfly's numbers and habitat.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00- Why so much fuss for one species?
0:07:00 > 0:07:02- Why so much fuss for one species?- - It's a very good question.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07- Why the fuss for a seemingly - unremarkable creature?
0:07:07 > 0:07:13- The truth is that the damselfly - is important in its own right.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15- It's beautiful and rare.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18- But more importantly - from my standpoint...
0:07:19 > 0:07:24- ..it proves that things are fairly - healthy for other species too.
0:07:24 > 0:07:29- Its presence shows - that the conditions are suitable.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33- It has food, with plenty - of small insects around.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37- A grazed habitat is suitable too.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42- That means the agricultural - element is also healthy.
0:07:42 > 0:07:47- It shows how man and nature - can work together successfully.
0:07:49 > 0:07:54- As well as pasture, - the damselfly needs shallow water.
0:07:54 > 0:08:00- In winter, the Park's staff - reopened old ditches on common land.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- After the damselfly eggs hatch...
0:08:09 > 0:08:13- ..larvae spend most - of their life in water...
0:08:13 > 0:08:18- ..until they're ready to climb out - and hang on long grasses...
0:08:18 > 0:08:20- ..as they become adult.
0:08:21 > 0:08:26- The damselfly's blue colour - develops out of the water.
0:08:26 > 0:08:31- But it isn't the colour that - makes the southern damselfly unique.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35- There's a black mark - on the back's second segment.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37- It's a unique shape.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41- When you see it, - there's no doubt what it is.
0:08:42 > 0:08:43- You see that?
0:08:44 > 0:08:45- Yes.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47- That's blue. Is it the right one?
0:08:48 > 0:08:49- Can you see the black mark?
0:08:49 > 0:08:50- Can you see the black mark?- - Yes.
0:08:50 > 0:08:51- That's it.
0:08:52 > 0:08:53- Oh!
0:08:53 > 0:08:54- That's it.
0:08:55 > 0:08:56- I feel lucky!
0:09:01 > 0:09:06- When two damselflies create a heart - shape like this, they're mating.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10- They can even fly stuck together.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14- Then the female lays eggs...
0:09:14 > 0:09:17- ..either on plants near water...
0:09:17 > 0:09:18- ..or in mud.
0:09:18 > 0:09:23- The southern damselfly's life - cycle begins again.
0:09:23 > 0:09:28- What is the damselfly's future - here in the Preseli Mountains?
0:09:28 > 0:09:31- I think the grazing regime...
0:09:32 > 0:09:34- ..is fairly stable.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36- I'm a glass half full bloke.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41- I am optimistic - that it's a good foundation.
0:09:41 > 0:09:46- We in the National Park - and other conservation bodies...
0:09:46 > 0:09:50- ..can help ensure - there's a bright future...
0:09:51 > 0:09:55- ..not only for the damselfly, - but for every species.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58- The damselfly is itself important.
0:09:59 > 0:10:04- But it's important as part - of a chain, or life cycle.
0:10:04 > 0:10:05- Exactly.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20- In September, the emphasis is, - of course, on harvesting.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22- The garden is full.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26- But you can still - consider a few crops.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31- There are fast crops, - like spinach, radish and lettuce.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34- Now is the time - to sow winter lettuce...
0:10:34 > 0:10:37- ..and chicory, - if you're a fan, like me.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39- But there's another vegetable...
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- ..that's really worth - considering this time of year.
0:10:47 > 0:10:48- It's the turnip.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52- I know it's mid-September.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57- The general consensus is - not to sow turnips after August.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00- But it depends where you live.
0:11:00 > 0:11:05- The length of the growing season - is very different in Aberdeen...
0:11:05 > 0:11:08- ..compared to Milford Haven.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12- The packet shows an estimate...
0:11:12 > 0:11:15- ..of the growing season in Britain.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20- It's late in the season.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23- There's no hope - of growing a big root.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27- Actually, I tend to lift them - quite a bit smaller...
0:11:28 > 0:11:30- ..the size of a tennis ball.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32- Some people lift them even earlier.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39- Before we start, - there's a bit of preparation.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52- Plant these in rows, - about half an inch deep.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58- Leave about 30cms between rows.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01- These turnips - are called Sweet Marble.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- I'll sow them fairly thickly.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12- They can be thinned - as they germinate.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15- If you grow them for their roots...
0:12:15 > 0:12:19- ..you won't get big roots - this time of year.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- They don't need - to be thinned so much.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26- I'm growing them mainly - for the leaves.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30- They don't need - to be thinned at all.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- We'll cover the seeds.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40- These will take six weeks to grow.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46- It all depends on the weather.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49- Don't worry if we have a cold spell.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- Bring out the cover or fleece.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56- Turnips belong - to the brassica family.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59- They don't like to be hot.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03- Remove the cover on a sunny day...
0:13:04 > 0:13:06- ..or they'll bolt.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11- If you want to take part - in this experiment...
0:13:11 > 0:13:15- ..this week is your last chance.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20- In six weeks, - we can compare our results.
0:13:21 > 0:13:21- .
0:13:26 > 0:13:26- Subtitles
0:13:26 > 0:13:28- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:13:31 > 0:13:34- Mosshill wildflower meadow - near Penmachno...
0:13:34 > 0:13:39- ..is part of the innovative - Coronation Meadows project...
0:13:39 > 0:13:45- ..to establish one wildflower meadow - in every UK county.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49- I'm joined by botanist - Dr Trevor Dines again this week.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54- You've worked hard to create - a new wildflower meadow...
0:13:55 > 0:13:57- ..in your home in the Conwy valley.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01- The seeds came from this meadow.
0:14:02 > 0:14:07- We collected seeds here last year.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11- We brought them to our meadow.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15- This is the reason why!
0:14:16 > 0:14:19- It's full of wildflowers.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22- It's wonderful.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26- It's lovely. Was it - important to have local seeds?
0:14:26 > 0:14:30- That's the aim - of the Coronation Meadow project.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34- There's a combination - of plants here...
0:14:34 > 0:14:38- ..including - 80 different wildflowers.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42- There are so many scabious...
0:14:43 > 0:14:46- ..and yellow rattle.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- That's the way with natural seeding.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52- If we take seeds from here...
0:14:52 > 0:14:55- ..to create a new meadow...
0:14:56 > 0:15:00- ..we're keeping alive - the spirit of this meadow.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03- It's unique to the area.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07- We're keeping the spirit alive.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10- It's very pretty.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21- What else is there, - apart from Scabius?
0:15:21 > 0:15:24- There are many different plants.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29- Wood betony is a favourite of mine.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32- Do you have any?
0:15:32 > 0:15:34- Not yet. We're trying.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39- It's great for bees.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42- Bees like this flower.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44- Here is eyebright.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48- It has little white flowers.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50- What else is there?
0:15:51 > 0:15:54- Knapweed.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58- The knapweed is under the flower.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02- It feels hard.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04- It feels hard.- - It does!
0:16:04 > 0:16:09- Your meadow won't look like this.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12- That's the point.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16- It has its own spirit.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19- We're starting a new meadow.
0:16:20 > 0:16:25- My meadow will be different.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- It'll have its own character.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36- There's a lovely plant here.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41- Water has collected on the leaves.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45- The Welsh name is Mantell Fair.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48- Its English name is Lady's Mantle.
0:16:48 > 0:16:53- In Latin, it's Alchemilla, - which means little alchemist.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59- The story behind - its name is interesting.
0:16:59 > 0:17:04- When alchemists wanted - to turn base metal into gold...
0:17:05 > 0:17:08- ..they needed pure water.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14- They collected raindrops like these.
0:17:15 > 0:17:20- It's the perfect water for alchemy.
0:17:28 > 0:17:32- It's a lovely way - to spend the afternoon.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36- Can you see these white flowers?
0:17:36 > 0:17:42- Its Welsh name is "gwreiddeiriog".
0:17:44 > 0:17:46- It's Bernard saxifrage in English.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51- I hope the seeds are ready.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54- Can you see these flowers?
0:17:54 > 0:17:58- When these tiny seeds turn black...
0:17:58 > 0:18:00- ..they're ready.
0:18:01 > 0:18:02- I have an envelope.
0:18:03 > 0:18:04- Shall I get it for you?
0:18:04 > 0:18:06- Shall I get it for you?- - Please. Just a small one.
0:18:07 > 0:18:08- Is that OK?
0:18:08 > 0:18:09- Is that OK?- - Fine.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14- We plant the seeds in October.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17- Hopefully, next spring...
0:18:18 > 0:18:20- ..this will appear in my new meadow.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25- Wildflower meadows are lovely...
0:18:25 > 0:18:28- ..and nice places to visit.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31- Why are they important?
0:18:31 > 0:18:37- You can see how many flowers - there are in this field alone.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42- Every field used to look like this.
0:18:43 > 0:18:49- We've lost 97% of our wildflower - meadows since World War II.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52- They need to be reintroduced.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57- The message is, go out and create - your own wildflower meadow.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12- These are my Black Knight Sambuca - bushes.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15- We planted them three years ago.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19- They're huge now.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21- They look untidy.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24- It's part of the elder family.
0:19:25 > 0:19:29- In summer, like the elder, - they're covered in white flowers.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32- This one has pink flowers.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37- They've turned into berries - and have a lovely colour.
0:19:37 > 0:19:42- You can make wine, juice or jelly - with them.
0:19:43 > 0:19:48- The birds have eaten most of them, - but I don't really mind.
0:19:49 > 0:19:54- The technique I'm using is called - crown lifting.
0:19:55 > 0:20:00- I'm tidying round the edges - of the trunk.
0:20:00 > 0:20:06- I'll literally lift the crown, - the canopy, off the tree.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11- I need to prune the base first.
0:20:14 > 0:20:20- Weak or crossed branches have to go.
0:20:20 > 0:20:25- I need upright, strong branches.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28- It'll provide the canopy.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31- This branch has to go.
0:20:34 > 0:20:40- There's a strong, straight branch - next to it.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44- The weak one underneath can go.
0:20:46 > 0:20:52- I'm cutting close - to the bottom of the branch.
0:20:54 > 0:20:59- It does look extreme.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03- The bush will be happy I'm - doing it, and it'll be healthier.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12- People are wary of pruning.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16- Believe in what you do - and go for it.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59- I'm sure you agree - they look lighter.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03- Look at all the twigs on the ground!
0:22:04 > 0:22:06- Now I need to prune the tops.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28- I think I've finished.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31- This is how they look now.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37- This is how they used to look.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42- I'm quite happy with it.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48- And that's it for now.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52- Now is the time - to plant spring cabbage.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56- Don't worry - if you forgot to sow in July.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01- Garden centres might have spring - cabbages you can plant outdoors.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- Plenty of garden flowers - have now gone to seed.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08- Now is the time to gather seeds.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10- You'll save money too.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13- Until the next time, - enjoy the gardening.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31- S4C Subtitles by Gwead
0:23:31 > 0:23:31- .