0:00:00 > 0:00:00- *
0:00:01 > 0:00:05- April had a rather - wet and windy start.
0:00:05 > 0:00:08- I'm glad that May has arrived.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12- It's the month the garden - really starts to wake up...
0:00:13 > 0:00:17- ..as the sun's rays wake the seeds - and bulbs from their slumber.
0:00:18 > 0:00:22- I don't know about you, - but I've delayed beans this year.
0:00:22 > 0:00:25- I'm planting them this week.
0:00:25 > 0:00:27- I'll also be making a herb garden.
0:00:28 > 0:00:30- But there's more on Garddio A Mwy.
0:00:33 > 0:00:38- Meinir looks for rare creatures - in a river near Trawsfynydd.
0:00:39 > 0:00:45- And we learn about - this animal's link to wild flowers.
0:00:56 > 0:00:58- When we moved here - a few years ago...
0:00:58 > 0:01:01- ..I wanted to establish a rose bed.
0:01:01 > 0:01:06- There are hundreds of species - and thousands of cultivars.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08- There's plenty of choice.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11- Today, I'm going - to plant Super Fairy.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15- I don't see myself as a fairy, - but I hope it will be happy here.
0:01:16 > 0:01:20- I look forward to a having a cup - of tea, sitting on the bench...
0:01:20 > 0:01:25- ..and watching the lovely, small, - pink blooms growing over this.
0:01:25 > 0:01:26- Let's plant.
0:01:29 > 0:01:30- I've dug a hole.
0:01:31 > 0:01:36- I mixed the soil with - a little compost and fertilizer.
0:01:37 > 0:01:42- The hole is a foot from the post. - There's concrete lower down.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45- Many people make this mistake.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48- If you plant climbers - near a wall or fence...
0:01:48 > 0:01:51- ..there's probably - concrete underneath.
0:01:52 > 0:01:57- So leave plenty of room - for the rose roots to spread.
0:01:58 > 0:02:03- I start by putting - mycorrhizal fungi in the hole.
0:02:03 > 0:02:08- It helps by creating a lot - of tiny roots that spread out.
0:02:08 > 0:02:13- They collect all - the moisture and nutrients.
0:02:14 > 0:02:16- They live between the roses' roots.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22- I'll put four small scoops - in the bottom of the hole.
0:02:25 > 0:02:27- I soaked the rose overnight.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31- It'll be easier - to take it out of the pot...
0:02:31 > 0:02:34- ..and the roots will - spread more easily.
0:02:35 > 0:02:36- Right.
0:02:39 > 0:02:44- Put it in a place - where it can grow up a post.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47- I'll put it a bit closer.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51- I'll put the soil round it.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58- I'm pressing on it quite a lot...
0:03:00 > 0:03:03- ..to make sure the roots...
0:03:04 > 0:03:08- ..are in contact - with the mycorrhiza.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14- This is a very healthy rose.
0:03:15 > 0:03:20- All the new growth goes up, - just what I want it to do.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22- I want it to climb up this.
0:03:22 > 0:03:27- It will grow about three metres - and cover the frame.
0:03:27 > 0:03:31- But if you buy one in a garden - centre with side stems...
0:03:32 > 0:03:34- ..and new sideways growth...
0:03:34 > 0:03:37- ..don't worry, you can cut them off.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40- All this needs is water.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52- The thousands - of cultivars have ensured...
0:03:53 > 0:03:58- ..that the rose is one of our most - popular and varied garden plants.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02- But what about the wildflowers - in our environment...
0:04:02 > 0:04:04- ..with no-one to look after them?
0:04:04 > 0:04:07- How do they survive, or do they?
0:04:07 > 0:04:13- Meinir Gwilym went to learn about - an exciting and pioneering project.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17- At one time, wildflower meadows...
0:04:17 > 0:04:22- ..were a common feature - in Britain's rural landscape.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24- But that has changed.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27- Between 1930 and 1990...
0:04:27 > 0:04:29- ..90% of them disappeared.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34- But in 2012, in an attempt - to halt the decline...
0:04:35 > 0:04:39- ..the pioneering Coronation - Meadows project was launched.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41- It was Prince Charles's idea...
0:04:42 > 0:04:46- ..to celebrate the 60th anniversary - of his mother's coronation...
0:04:47 > 0:04:50- ..and establish - new meadows across the UK.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53- By the end of 2015...
0:04:53 > 0:04:56- ..27 meadows had - been created in Wales.
0:04:56 > 0:05:01- Tyddyn Afon on the banks - of the River Conwy is one.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04- There isn't much to see now.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08- But by June, it will be - full of wildflowers...
0:05:08 > 0:05:11- ..testament to a year of hard work.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19- The first step was to get rid - of all the coarse grass.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22- Then the field had to be grazed.
0:05:22 > 0:05:27- Sheep grazed here first, then two - Highland cows continued the work.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34- Next, a machine scarified - the surface of the field...
0:05:34 > 0:05:38- ..then a tine harrow - scarified it again.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42- The next step was sowing.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44- But seeds were needed.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47- These came from - an ancient meadow nearby...
0:05:48 > 0:05:50- ..to ensure the seeds were local.
0:05:53 > 0:05:58- This is Moss Hill, a meadow - in Penmachno rich in wildflowers.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01- When the meadow was mown - in late summer...
0:06:02 > 0:06:06- ..all the hay, containing - thousands of valuable seeds...
0:06:06 > 0:06:10- ..was taken to Tyddyn Afon - and scattered there.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14- Dr Trevor Dines was - responsible for the work.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17- He's a botanist with Plantlife UK...
0:06:18 > 0:06:22- ..one of the Coronation - Meadows project organizations.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26- In your daily work, you teach - people how to create meadows.
0:06:27 > 0:06:28- Yes.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31- But this meadow belongs to you.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33- It's an exciting feeling.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36- I usually advise people...
0:06:36 > 0:06:39- ..and tell them - how to create new meadows.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43- But this is a very special - opportunity for me.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46- So there's a bit of pressure.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50- We had quite a mild autumn. - Winter wasn't extremely cold.
0:06:50 > 0:06:51- Did that help the seeds?
0:06:51 > 0:06:52- Did that help the seeds?- - Yes.
0:06:53 > 0:06:58- The conditions were perfect - for the seeds to start to germinate.
0:06:58 > 0:06:58- Can we see?
0:06:58 > 0:07:00- Can we see?- - Of course. Now?
0:07:00 > 0:07:01- Yes, please.
0:07:06 > 0:07:07- Look.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11- This is one - of my favourite plants...
0:07:12 > 0:07:14- ..tormentil.
0:07:14 > 0:07:20- It has very small, yellow flowers - with only four petals.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23- That's "milddail".
0:07:24 > 0:07:26- Yarrow.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28- I recognize that one.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32- One leaf is broken up - into many leaves.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34- They're tiny leaves.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39- It's very good - for butterflies in late summer.
0:07:40 > 0:07:45- It grows about this high, - with white, fairly flat flowers.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49- It's a landing platform - for hoverflies and bees.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51- Is there anything else here?
0:07:52 > 0:07:56- If you look around, - you can see many different plants.
0:07:56 > 0:08:01- In this patch, there are one, - two, three, four, five, six.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05- There are many plants, - which is what we want.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11- There were lots of different plants.
0:08:11 > 0:08:16- But Trevor was keen to show one of - the meadow's most important plants.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19- This is the yellow rattle.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22- Another name is the meadow maker.
0:08:23 > 0:08:24- Why?!
0:08:24 > 0:08:28- Their roots lock - on to the grass roots...
0:08:30 > 0:08:34- ..and take nutrients - from the grass and keep it down.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38- They make room - for other plants to grow.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41- So you're very happy to see it.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44- It's absolutely marvellous - to see it...
0:08:45 > 0:08:47- ..and this, and this!
0:08:48 > 0:08:50- In the last weeks of summer...
0:08:50 > 0:08:54- ..I'll return to see - how the meadow has developed.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58- Trevor and I will visit - more Coronation Meadows...
0:08:59 > 0:09:02- ..in different parts of the country.
0:09:05 > 0:09:09- It's raining today, unfortunately. - I wanted to plant carrots.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14- But as all good gardeners know, - never sow seeds in wet soil.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17- But I have plenty to do.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21- I'm going to plant beans, - so I'll prepare the soil.
0:09:30 > 0:09:35- At this time of the year, we think - about when to sow seeds outdoors.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38- There might be - too much frost or rain.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43- The most important thing - is soil temperature.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47- I've made a deep bed in the garden.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50- All that means - is that the soil slopes.
0:09:50 > 0:09:51- The soil is deep...
0:09:52 > 0:09:55- ..so I can put plants - closer together.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- The root grows straight down, - rather than across.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02- That means I get more vegetables.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10- Another reason - for having a deep bed...
0:10:10 > 0:10:13- ..is that the soil - dries faster in spring.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16- No-one is allowed - to stand on this soil.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20- I tell the children - all the time not to stand on it.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24- The reason for that - is there's more air in the soil.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- Air warms up faster than water.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30- So prepare, prepare, prepare.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37- Once I've finished with the fork...
0:10:37 > 0:10:39- ..the rake comes out...
0:10:41 > 0:10:44- ..to make an open bed.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51- It's very important for gardeners - to get to know their soil.
0:10:54 > 0:10:59- There's a very simple way to tell - what type of soil you have.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06- Take a handful of soil.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09- If I can make a ball with it...
0:11:10 > 0:11:13- ..it means there's - enough clay in it.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17- If the soil was very sandy...
0:11:18 > 0:11:20- ..I couldn't do that.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23- It would fall into pieces.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25- That means there's - a bit of clay in it.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28- We want a bit of sand and clay.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31- Perfect soil is - somewhere in the middle.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33- Break the egg in half.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36- Try to make a small - snake or sausage shape.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38- Roll it like this.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42- As you see, the soil - is starting to break up...
0:11:42 > 0:11:45- ..because there's some sand in it.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47- I'm very happy with this soil.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51- I'm ready to make - a frame for the beans.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03- That's it.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07- I've made the framework - for the runner beans to climb.
0:12:07 > 0:12:12- They're growing in the greenhouse, - ready to plant out in May.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16- In the meantime, - I'll plant normal beans.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18- I have a helper.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21- Plant them two inches deep.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25- Do you want to put one in? - Come here.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34- Cover it with soil.
0:12:36 > 0:12:37- That's it.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47- I put lime in this bed.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52- Beans like fresh lime.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01- Can you reach?
0:13:01 > 0:13:04- That's a good way to do it!
0:13:11 > 0:13:13- The seeds will enjoy a drink.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17- Food grows better - after being watered.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21- They grow quickly, so we'll - have fresh garden beans in June.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23- Let's go.
0:13:23 > 0:13:23- .
0:13:28 > 0:13:28- Subtitles
0:13:28 > 0:13:30- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:13:35 > 0:13:41- The River Eden near Trawsfynydd - is home to a rare species.
0:13:41 > 0:13:45- It easily lives - for more than 100 years.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49- It needs clean, clear water, - like this river.
0:13:49 > 0:13:55- The creature is - the freshwater pearl mussel.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01- The mussel colony - lay undiscovered until 1997.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04- At the time, - there were around 1,300 here.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09- By 2011, their number - had fallen to about 500 or 600.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13- They're under threat - all over the world.
0:14:13 > 0:14:18- Their number has fallen - dramatically in the last 100 years.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26- However, there's an effort - to turn the tables.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29- I'm meeting Elain Gwilym...
0:14:29 > 0:14:33- ..to hear what steps are - being taken to protect the mussel.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36- Why are the numbers decreasing?
0:14:36 > 0:14:40- It's mainly due to changes - in the way the land is used.
0:14:40 > 0:14:44- The A470 cuts through the area...
0:14:44 > 0:14:47- ..resulting in - hydrocarbon emissions.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51- It enters the river system - and affects the water quality.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54- Foresting has been done here.
0:14:54 > 0:14:59- The trees grown here - make the land more acidic.
0:14:59 > 0:15:04- This site of conifers - was planted after WW2.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06- Once conifers are felled...
0:15:07 > 0:15:10- ..minerals - like nitrogen and phosphate...
0:15:10 > 0:15:12- ..aren't retained in the soil.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16- They enter the river system.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19- We're working with Life Project...
0:15:20 > 0:15:22- ..to counteract this.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25- We've closed ditches...
0:15:25 > 0:15:28- ..and created filtering pools.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35- This is one of eleven pools...
0:15:35 > 0:15:39- ..strategically positioned...
0:15:39 > 0:15:41- ..to filter water.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45- There is too much sediment - in the river.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49- The sediment suffocates - the mussel and fish habitats.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54- The water comes from the top...
0:15:55 > 0:15:59- ..and flows out - of the furthest corner.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02- The water that flows out is cleaner.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05- They've planted - Phragmites australis here.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08- It grows naturally in the area.
0:16:09 > 0:16:10- Like sedges.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12- Like sedges.- - Yes, common reed.
0:16:12 > 0:16:17- The plant removes - nitrogen and phosphates from water.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25- This is the river.
0:16:25 > 0:16:30- It's a Special Area Of Conservation - due to the species that live in it.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33- Do they need such a wide river?
0:16:34 > 0:16:36- They can survive - in very wide rivers...
0:16:37 > 0:16:40- ..or in a river - that's only one metre wide.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48- You've brought this along.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52- This tool helps us - to see the mussels underwater.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54- Do you want to find one?
0:16:54 > 0:16:56- Do you want to find one?- - Yes.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03- Do they prefer the sides?
0:17:03 > 0:17:07- Yes, - hidden from view for protection.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09- There's one there.
0:17:10 > 0:17:10- You've seen one?
0:17:10 > 0:17:12- You've seen one?- - Yes.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23- I can see it!
0:17:23 > 0:17:26- There's something white on its side.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28- Can you take them out?
0:17:29 > 0:17:33- I have a licence...
0:17:34 > 0:17:37- ..which allows me to handle them.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39- Otherwise, it would be illegal.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48- And this is it. It's huge!
0:17:48 > 0:17:50- It's about 60 years old.
0:17:51 > 0:17:56- The freshwater pearl mussel - has a unique lifecycle.
0:17:57 > 0:18:02- An adult can eject four million - glochidia, or baby mussels.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05- These flow in the water.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09- They attach themselves - to fish gills...
0:18:09 > 0:18:12- ..the gills of trout in this river.
0:18:12 > 0:18:17- They will live on the trout gill - for nine months.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19- How big are they then?
0:18:19 > 0:18:21- How big are they then?- - The size of a grain of salt.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24- When the water temperature - changes in June...
0:18:25 > 0:18:29- ..they'll fall off the gills - .and land on the riverbed.
0:18:29 > 0:18:34- They'll hide there for the first - five years of their lives.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38- This is the oldest part - of the mussel.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42- It grows from here out, - like a tree.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45- There's a new circle every year.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48- What is the future for mussels?
0:18:48 > 0:18:51- I hope it's better - than three years ago...
0:18:51 > 0:18:55- ..before the Pearls In Peril - project started.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59- We monitor the water quality, - and it is improving.
0:19:00 > 0:19:05- With all this work, - we can attract more fish here, too.
0:19:05 > 0:19:06- Put it back.
0:19:06 > 0:19:07- Put it back.- - OK!
0:19:07 > 0:19:09- I'm worried about it.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13- I can't tell you - how it felt to find a mussel.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17- I hope this rare, native species - gets the help it needs...
0:19:18 > 0:19:23- ..to undo the destructive impact - of people on its habitat and number.
0:19:23 > 0:19:24- Who knows?
0:19:24 > 0:19:27- With someone like Elain in charge...
0:19:28 > 0:19:31- ..the mussel we saw - could live to be 100 years old...
0:19:32 > 0:19:34- ..in the River Eden.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42- If you've no room - for a vegetable garden...
0:19:42 > 0:19:46- ..grow herbs in pots - or the windowsill.
0:19:47 > 0:19:52- There are rules to follow - if you want a herb garden.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54- Locate it close to the house.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58- I don't want to walk - to the bottom of the garden...
0:19:58 > 0:20:02- ..when I want mint tea.
0:20:02 > 0:20:06- I've made a raised bed - so that I don't have to bend down.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11- I like tea, so I'm planting mint.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15- Sioned bought mint - in a local garden centre.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18- There are many varieties of mint.
0:20:18 > 0:20:23- For instance, pineapple, - orange or grapefruit mint.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27- There's even chocolate mint.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36- The main thing to remember - is that mint spreads easily.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40- It's a good idea - to plant it in a pot.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42- I like to see it spread.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45- I'll be picking a lot of it.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52- Mint likes nutrients.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55- I'll need compost.
0:20:55 > 0:21:01- Once you've chosen a spot, - cover it with compost.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11- Tap the pot.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19- Place it carefully in the soil.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27- Our family is fond of coriander.
0:21:27 > 0:21:31- Coriander, like basil...
0:21:32 > 0:21:34- ..is an annual plant.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38- It grows, flowers - and seeds in a year.
0:21:39 > 0:21:43- Sow throughout spring and summer - for a continuous supply.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02- Scatter the seeds.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06- Coriander seeds are quite big.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09- They're easy to see.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12- Cover them...
0:22:13 > 0:22:15- ..with more compost.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- I need to protect the seeds.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27- Quite simply...
0:22:29 > 0:22:31- ..use bubble wrap...
0:22:32 > 0:22:34- ..to cover the patch.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39- Put a twig in each corner.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49- Check it every few days.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54- Once the seeds come through, - remove the plastic.
0:22:54 > 0:22:59- I look forward to making - carrot and coriander soup.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- And that's it. - Thanks for dropping by.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09- Remember to sow more sweet peas - for a regular supply.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12- It's time to plant - love apples indoors.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16- So if you haven't yet, - start planting those tomatoes!
0:23:16 > 0:23:19- Until next week, - enjoy the gardening.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36- S4C Subtitles by Gwead
0:23:36 > 0:23:37- .