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0:00:00 > 0:00:03- It's June, - and a fortnight has passed...
0:00:03 > 0:00:06- ..since you last visited - Pont y Twr's garden.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10- As you see, there has - been a lot of growth.
0:00:10 > 0:00:16- The cherry tree looks lovely, the - red Parrot tulips are blooming...
0:00:17 > 0:00:20- ..and the blue - forget-me-nots are gorgeous.
0:00:22 > 0:00:25- But it's not only - the flowers that are growing.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28- The apple trees are - starting to show off.
0:00:28 > 0:00:32- I'll tackle another - kind of fruit this week.
0:00:33 > 0:00:37- Also this week, - Meinir Gwilym spends a day...
0:00:37 > 0:00:41- ..with a Snowdonia - National Park area warden.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45- And Awen Jones gives advice - on making a simple pond...
0:00:46 > 0:00:49- ..to attract wildlife - to the garden.
0:01:02 > 0:01:07- Here in Pont y Twr, we try - our best to garden organically.
0:01:07 > 0:01:12- One of the most organic - things here is the compost heap.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16- For me, it's the most - important part of the garden.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19- I use a simple system.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22- I have three boxes...
0:01:22 > 0:01:25- ..numbers one, two and three.
0:01:26 > 0:01:28- Raw materials go in number one.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32- After a few weeks, - I tip number one into number two.
0:01:33 > 0:01:37- By the time we get to number three, - the compost is ready to use.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41- After a very busy - weekend in the garden...
0:01:41 > 0:01:45- ..I have a lot of stuff - to put in the first heap.
0:01:46 > 0:01:48- But first, I have to empty this.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58- Here are some of the most - vital creatures in the process.
0:02:02 > 0:02:04- Worms.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10- If you think a worm - is a worm, think again.
0:02:10 > 0:02:12- There are 27 species in Wales.
0:02:14 > 0:02:16- They all do different jobs.
0:02:16 > 0:02:21- The ones in compost heaps, - like these, are red or stripy.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26- They eat raw materials - and recycle the compost.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28- They do a very important job.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38- We're ready to make a new heap.
0:02:40 > 0:02:41- I'll shut the door.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49- We make compost to close - the nutrient loop in the garden.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54- Plants need nutrients - to grow in summer.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58- All the plant waste - goes on the compost heap.
0:02:58 > 0:03:03- It rots down, then the nutrients - go back to the soil in autumn.
0:03:04 > 0:03:09- I use a lot of compost, - so I need a good supply every year.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11- I'll show you what to do.
0:03:14 > 0:03:19- First, I put some green stuff - at the bottom of the heap.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22- I'll start with a good layer.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36- That's the first layer.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39- Now, I want brown stuff.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44- Sioned has been busy - pruning lavender.
0:03:44 > 0:03:49- These old twigs are perfect - as brown, hard stuff, for the heap.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57- So the second layer is brown stuff.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59- Now, back to green stuff.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03- This is waste from Sioned's shed.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08- That goes on top.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13- Now, I'm making another layer.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17- I'm sure you can guess - what comes next...
0:04:18 > 0:04:20- ..a bit of brown.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28- This straw comes from cattle.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35- There's manure in it, - so it's even better.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40- Manure is perfect - for starting a compost heap.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43- It's called a compost activator.
0:04:52 > 0:04:53- Perfect.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56- Now we're ready for kitchen waste...
0:04:57 > 0:05:01- ..things like - potato peelings or banana skins.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13- That's nice and wet.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25- Teabags also go on the heap.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30- We put things in layers - to encourage bacteria.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34- If we put a small amount - of something on the compost heap...
0:05:34 > 0:05:38- ..it's not enough to cause - an explosion of bacteria...
0:05:38 > 0:05:41- ..which creates a lot of heat.
0:05:41 > 0:05:46- Layers of different materials - create a good bacteria explosion.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50- Then, slowly, worms come back in.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52- They start to mix all the layers.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58- We'll finish - with a layer of cardboard.
0:06:03 > 0:06:08- We're lucky that Sioned gets a lot - of cardboard boxes with the flowers.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10- We always have plenty.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14- I could finish - with a layer of carpet.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17- I tend to do that - in winter when it's cold...
0:06:17 > 0:06:20- ..and I want to keep heat - in the compost heap.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23- That's it.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29- It's June and the weather - has really warmed up.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33- It's a perfect time - to leave the garden...
0:06:33 > 0:06:37- ..to enjoy some - of Wales's most beautiful scenery.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39- That's just what Meinir did.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55- On a day like this, - there's no better place to be...
0:06:55 > 0:06:59- ..than outdoors - in a beautiful setting like this.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02- That's a picture postcard view - if ever I saw one!
0:07:02 > 0:07:06- We tend to take the fine views - around us for granted.
0:07:07 > 0:07:12- But some people work very hard - to ensure we can enjoy them.
0:07:16 > 0:07:21- I've come to Penmaenpool on the - River Mawddach, near Dolgellau...
0:07:21 > 0:07:26- ..to meet Rhys Gwynn, a Snowdonia - National Park area warden.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29- He looks after - this part of the park.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33- What is the day's first job, Rhys?
0:07:33 > 0:07:37- Let's go this way - to Penmaenpool car park.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42- I've worked on a wildlife garden - and built a small wall.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45- I want to sow grass seeds there.
0:07:45 > 0:07:46- I'll help.
0:07:46 > 0:07:47- I'll help.- - Great.
0:07:51 > 0:07:51- This is the wall.
0:07:51 > 0:07:52- This is the wall.- - Yes.
0:07:53 > 0:07:54- Did you build it?
0:07:54 > 0:07:55- Did you build it?- - Yes.
0:07:56 > 0:07:57- It's marvellous.
0:07:58 > 0:08:03- The idea was to record the old names - of fishing pools on local rivers.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07- Near the signal box, the Mawddach - flows down from Ganllwyd.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10- The River Wnion - flows through Dolgellau.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15- There are marvellous names, - like on many of our rivers.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18- What about these names?
0:08:18 > 0:08:22- We chose names - that sounded good...
0:08:22 > 0:08:25- ..and perhaps had - a story behind them.
0:08:25 > 0:08:31- Long ago, witches from Dolgellau - were drowned in Llyn Y Gadair Goch.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35- The wall created a great deal of - interest while it was being built.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40- It's a way to tell people - about some of the area's heritage.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44- It's an important part - of our work as wardens...
0:08:44 > 0:08:48- ..to protect nature - and various species...
0:08:48 > 0:08:52- ..but the heritage aspect - is also very important.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54- What do you want me to do?
0:08:54 > 0:08:57- I want to sow grass seeds here.
0:08:57 > 0:09:02- You can do the sowing, - or cover them with compost.
0:09:02 > 0:09:03- Do you have a sieve?
0:09:03 > 0:09:04- Yes.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08- I'll do the compost. - I like the sieve.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11- This isn't grass.
0:09:11 > 0:09:12- It's wildflower turf.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17- There are some leeks, yarrow and - flowers from the pea family here.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21- There's quite a variety. - They'll bloom soon.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26- I'm looking forward - to seeing how it all looks.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36- You have a fine wildflower garden.
0:09:36 > 0:09:41- We had funding - from Grow Wild to create a garden.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45- We were lucky to have help - from local schoolchildren.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48- It's starting to get established.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52- We hope it will be - a nice place to sit...
0:09:52 > 0:09:57- ..and to teach local schoolchildren - about the area's flowers.
0:10:01 > 0:10:05- Which part of your work - do you look forward to most?
0:10:06 > 0:10:08- It's hard to say.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- I'm planning a new path - round Moel Offrwm in Llanfachreth.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15- It's an old estate path.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20- Renovating old paths - is a great pleasure.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25- I've always been interested - in the world of nature.
0:10:26 > 0:10:32- It's a chance to help species - that are often quite rare.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35- The cultural aspect too...
0:10:36 > 0:10:38- ..gives a lot of pleasure...
0:10:39 > 0:10:44- ..to ensure that the rich heritage - in this area is protected...
0:10:44 > 0:10:46- ..for future generations.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49- Where are we putting this post?
0:10:49 > 0:10:52- We're going to Llyn Gwernan.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57- It's one of the largest - lakes near Dolgellau.
0:11:04 > 0:11:05- Is that straight? No.
0:11:05 > 0:11:06- Is that straight? No.- - You're not far off.
0:11:07 > 0:11:08- It's straight on this side!
0:11:08 > 0:11:09- It's straight on this side!- - Not far off!
0:11:09 > 0:11:11- No-one will see that part.
0:11:11 > 0:11:12- No-one will see that part.- - No!
0:11:18 > 0:11:19- Hallelujah! Have we cut too much?
0:11:19 > 0:11:21- Hallelujah! Have we cut too much?- - It's fine. Perfect.
0:11:22 > 0:11:23- Concrete?
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- Concrete?- - This is fast-setting concrete.
0:11:29 > 0:11:34- It will be rock hard in a - few minutes. What about the level?
0:11:34 > 0:11:35- It's alright this side.
0:11:35 > 0:11:36- It's alright this side.- - It's fine.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40- We'll give it five - minutes to harden.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- It will be solid enough - to hang the gate.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55- Well done.
0:11:55 > 0:11:56- Good job, Rhys.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58- Good job, Rhys.- - It looks great...
0:11:58 > 0:12:02- ..although the post is as crooked - as the Leaning Tower Of Pisa.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05- It closes.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08- It wasn't crooked. - My sawing was fine!
0:12:08 > 0:12:08- .
0:12:13 > 0:12:13- Subtitles
0:12:13 > 0:12:15- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:18 > 0:12:21- I spotted these - in the garden centre.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23- I thought to myself...
0:12:23 > 0:12:25- ..melons in Wales?
0:12:26 > 0:12:27- It can't be.
0:12:27 > 0:12:33- But it is possible. Melons need - four months of sunshine to ripen.
0:12:33 > 0:12:38- They are easy to grow, it's the - ripening process that's difficult.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41- We have a hot summer ahead of us.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45- I'll keep the faith, - and plant melons.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53- From what I read - about planting melons...
0:12:53 > 0:12:55- ..they are quite fussy.
0:12:56 > 0:13:00- They do well in light soil - that is high in nutrients.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05- They like limey soil - and a great deal of moisture.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10- It isn't going to be easy. - But I have a trick for you.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15- The trick is to create a mound.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19- I'll start by putting lime - in the soil.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26- A handful in the hole.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30- And a little more.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35- I have manure from the farm.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38- I'll fill the hole with manure.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43- It's called humus.
0:13:51 > 0:13:56- Once that's done, I'll put soil - on top of it and make a mound.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18- There are several varieties - of melons.
0:14:19 > 0:14:20- I'm growing cantaloupe.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26- You can plant them - straight from seed.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28- But this is an experiment.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31- I didn't buy a packet full.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35- I don't know - if I'll grow them successfully.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40- That's it. Plenty of roots.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44- Dig a hole in the middle.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57- And in it goes.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01- Melons need a lot of water.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04- I'll water it every day.
0:15:04 > 0:15:09- Here's a tip to retain - moisture round the leaves.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- Use a jam jar...
0:15:12 > 0:15:15- ..and place it over the plant.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18- And now, water well.
0:15:27 > 0:15:32- Next, Awen Jones proves you - don't have to dig up your garden...
0:15:32 > 0:15:34- ..to make a water feature.
0:15:44 > 0:15:49- The best way to encourage - biodiversity in the garden...
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- ..is to introduce water.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55- Most of us don't have - enough space...
0:15:55 > 0:15:58- ..to build a pond.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02- Any parent would be wary - of having a pond.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06- There's a simple and cheap - way of introducing water.
0:16:06 > 0:16:10- Buy a big plastic pot - without holes.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14- This is rather deep for plants.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19- I'll start by rising the levels.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24- The pots will be the right level.
0:16:24 > 0:16:29- You can buy ready-made - groups of plants.
0:16:29 > 0:16:35- This was planted - to attract insects and bees.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38- It's one of my favourites.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41- It's quite heavy. - I'll put this in the back.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44- The bricks hold it in place.
0:16:45 > 0:16:50- The next plant - is a variety of marsh marigold.
0:16:50 > 0:16:55- It reminds me of the river - that flowed near my parents' house.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58- I need to raise it a little.
0:16:58 > 0:17:04- I'll use smaller bricks to raise it - to the level of the big pot.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08- I have also chosen Equisetum.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12- It doesn't have pretty flowers.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15- But insects like dragonflies...
0:17:15 > 0:17:19- ..make use of the straight stems.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21- The larvae develops in the pond.
0:17:22 > 0:17:27- It needs this to climb out and - turn into that wonderful insect.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30- I'll fill it with water.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35- Rainwater is the best.
0:17:36 > 0:17:41- If you don't have rainwater, - tap water is OK.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44- During the summer...
0:17:44 > 0:17:47- ..you'll need to top up the water.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50- Water evaporates in the sunshine.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55- That's it.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57- There are a few more things to do.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00- It needs to be oxygenized.
0:18:00 > 0:18:05- The easiest way - is to use pondweed.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09- Drop it in to oxygenize the water.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16- People tend to put goldfish in.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19- The problem is...
0:18:19 > 0:18:22- ..goldfish eat larvae, eggs...
0:18:22 > 0:18:25- ..and tadpoles.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28- They tend to make the water dirty...
0:18:28 > 0:18:32- ..and over-fertilize it.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35- Algae grows and feeds on it.
0:18:36 > 0:18:41- The water resembles pea soup, - so keep them out.
0:18:42 > 0:18:47- Don't buy plants in normal compost.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51- They need aquatic compost...
0:18:51 > 0:18:54- ..which has less nutrients.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57- You don't get the green problem.
0:18:57 > 0:19:02- It's nice to hear - the sound of running water.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05- I add a little pump.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10- It rotates the water.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16- That's a simple and - quickly assembled water feature.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20- Put it on the patio to see - what comes to the flowers.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24- At night, you can listen - to the running water.
0:19:28 > 0:19:33- Beds are not the only place - for your garden flowers and plants.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37- A stone wall - is perfect for planting.
0:19:38 > 0:19:42- I love a stone wall, - and the romance of it all.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47- I didn't want to plant anything - when the wall was built.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51- I liked it as it was. But - that was two and a half years ago.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54- It's ready for colour.
0:19:58 > 0:20:03- The little cracks - are perfect for growing flowers.
0:20:03 > 0:20:07- I'll help them along with soil.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11- Make sure the soil - isn't too sandy or heavy.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15- Loam soil is perfect.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18- I'll add water and stir it...
0:20:18 > 0:20:22- ..so it creates a putty - to go in the cracks.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33- Do this before a manicure!
0:20:38 > 0:20:40- That's it.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44- I'll plant pink phlox here.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48- This delightful flower - grows like a carpet.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53- It'll reach 10cm high - and spread out 25cms.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56- It'll flower until midsummer.
0:20:56 > 0:21:01- I need to put soil in the cracks.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06- This little spade - is perfect for the job.
0:21:11 > 0:21:16- A child's spade would be ideal.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21- I'll put a stone in the front.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24- I need to push it in place.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30- It creates a pocket - to secure the plant.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36- These have had a good soaking.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41- Carefully push the plant - in the hole.
0:21:44 > 0:21:49- Another little stone - keeps it in place.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55- I've chosen sedum...
0:21:56 > 0:21:59- ..because it'll flower later.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03- It'll flower from summer to autumn.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07- I need more soil.
0:22:14 > 0:22:20- These walls are perfect for plants - that wouldn't normally succeed.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23- The walls stay warm in winter.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26- The plants won't get too wet.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28- In summer, its position here...
0:22:28 > 0:22:32- ..means the stones - stay cool and the soil moist.
0:22:33 > 0:22:38- It's perfect to grow plants - like succulents, alpines and herbs.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47- Push that in.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50- And that's it.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52- This is quite a large wall.
0:22:52 > 0:22:57- The trick is to plant here and - there, or where the cracks are.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01- Don't go overboard, or you'll - lose the character of the wall.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05- The stones are as beautiful - as the plants.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11- There's more to do, - but I'm off to a good start.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19- That's it for another week.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23- Remember to mow - the lawn every week from now on.
0:23:23 > 0:23:28- Just think how much football - will be played over the next month!
0:23:28 > 0:23:31- Until next week, - enjoy the gardening!
0:23:47 > 0:23:49- S4C Subtitles by Gwead
0:23:49 > 0:23:49- .