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0:00:35 > 0:00:39- There are over 400 - registered gardens in Wales.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41- I love gardening...
0:00:41 > 0:00:45- ..so this is my perfect opportunity - to visit Wales' gardens.
0:00:45 > 0:00:49- My journey starts - in the Towy Valley...
0:00:49 > 0:00:52- ..which is right on my own doorstep.
0:01:07 > 0:01:13- During this wonderful weather, I'd - love to spend time in my own garden.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16- Luckily, there's a better garden - down the road.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44- Aberglasney Gardens - is in the village of Llangathen...
0:01:44 > 0:01:49- ..to the south of Llandeilo - in the Towy Valley, Carmarthenshire.
0:01:49 > 0:01:51- It's a feast for the eyes.
0:01:58 > 0:02:02- When you arrive at Aberglasney - and spot the enormous house...
0:02:02 > 0:02:08- ..you know that the grounds of the - house will be equally spectacular.
0:02:10 > 0:02:16- It's the sort of place that could - host a very swanky garden party.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19- It's magical - and has an air of fantasy.
0:02:22 > 0:02:24- This is one of Wales' - oldest gardens...
0:02:25 > 0:02:28- ..but it's more than just - a wonderful setting.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42- "To him, a proud hall
0:02:42 > 0:02:45- "A white-washed fort
0:02:48 > 0:02:50- "Circled around this
0:02:50 > 0:02:53- "Nine gardens in bloom."
0:02:59 > 0:03:05- It's likely that those nine gardens - refer to the gardens of Aberglasney.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07- Lewis Glyn Cothi's poetry...
0:03:08 > 0:03:11- ..gives us an idea - of what was here 600 years ago.
0:03:11 > 0:03:16- It was probably less colourful - than what's here today!
0:03:53 > 0:03:55- This treasure was nearly lost.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58- It was home to several owners - over the years.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01- By 1977, - the house had fallen into ruin...
0:04:02 > 0:04:05- ..and the garden - was hidden in the overgrowth.
0:04:12 > 0:04:18- In 1995, the estate was purchased by - the Aberglasney Restoration Trust.
0:04:18 > 0:04:22- After four years - of extensive renovation work...
0:04:23 > 0:04:27- ..the gardens were opened - to the public in 1999.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52- One of the original trustees - involved with the restoration...
0:04:53 > 0:04:55- ..is the garden designer, - Helen Scutt.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00- This garden looks completely - different to 15 years ago...
0:05:01 > 0:05:03- ..when the renovation work started.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08- This garden and the lake - was hidden under ten feet of soil.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12- Only parts of the walls - were visible.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16- Some of the walls had collapsed - and were covered in ivy.
0:05:16 > 0:05:21- The cloisters were hidden - and the house was a ruin.
0:05:21 > 0:05:27- Therefore, we were all shocked to - find this garden beneath the growth.
0:05:27 > 0:05:33- Did you intend to restore some of - the gardens to their original state?
0:05:33 > 0:05:36- No, we only intended - to restore this garden.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41- Every time a new resident - moved in to a house of this kind...
0:05:41 > 0:05:44- ..they changed the house and garden.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47- We found evidence - from several centuries.
0:05:47 > 0:05:52- We had to decide - which era to replicate...
0:05:52 > 0:05:55- ..and we chose 1600.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14- It's people who create gardens...
0:06:14 > 0:06:18- ..and this archway is an example - of a recent addition.
0:06:18 > 0:06:23- There's one historical figure who - left his mark on the house and land.
0:06:24 > 0:06:29- Historian, Catrin Wager specializes - in the elite of Welsh society.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33- She explained the significance - of his contribution.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37- There's a clue as we walk along - this Bishops Walk.
0:06:38 > 0:06:42- The bishop in question - was Bishop Rudd of St Davids.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46- He had a bright future ahead of him - in the church.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50- It's rumoured that he'd be - a future Archbishop of Canterbury.
0:06:50 > 0:06:55- We're walking along this path - as he'd preach in the church nearby.
0:06:55 > 0:07:00- He purchased Aberglasney after - becoming the Bishop of St Davids.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04- He'd walk along this path - from his grand house to the church.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09- What did he bring - to the house and gardens?
0:07:10 > 0:07:16- Rudd invested in this property and - built the famous cloister garden.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19- He also developed the house - with his son.
0:07:19 > 0:07:25- Their contribution proves that - the property was close to his heart.
0:07:25 > 0:07:30- This isn't just evident - from Rudd's investment here.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33- Rudd was buried - at Llangathen Church.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38- It was very unusual for a bishop - to be buried outside his diocese.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42- He's the only Bishop of St Davids - not to be buried there.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02- A new family came to Aberglasney - in the early 19th Century.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05- The Phillips family were very rich.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- Thomas Phillips - purchased Aberglasney.
0:08:08 > 0:08:13- He made his fortune as the surgeon - for the East India Company.
0:08:13 > 0:08:18- They traded in new and exotic - fabrics, jewellery and spices.
0:08:18 > 0:08:23- Thomas Phillips amassed a fortune - with the East India Company.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26- Just like today's - colourful billionaires...
0:08:27 > 0:08:31- ..Thomas Phillips and his peers - loved to spend their new wealth.
0:08:31 > 0:08:36- The ultimate display of wealth was a - grand house with incredible gardens.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40- The nouveau riche - were frowned upon in society.
0:08:40 > 0:08:45- They didn't have the same status - as those who inherited their wealth.
0:08:45 > 0:08:49- Phillips didn't help the reputation - of the nouveau riche...
0:08:50 > 0:08:55- ..by bringing home Mrs Moore, - the wife of another man!
0:08:56 > 0:08:59- This is where they lived, - unmarried for nearly 20 years.
0:09:00 > 0:09:00- Scandal!
0:09:00 > 0:09:02- Scandal!- - It was a real scandal.
0:09:02 > 0:09:07- A man living with another's wife - was rare in the Welsh gentry.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22- A variety of notable families - have lived in Aberglasney.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25- Aberglasney's history - is easy to remember...
0:09:25 > 0:09:29- ..as its ownership changed - at the turn of every century.
0:09:29 > 0:09:34- In the 18th century, the Dyer family - of solicitors purchased Aberglasney.
0:09:35 > 0:09:40- They aren't terribly interesting - but their son, John Dyer was a poet.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44- His most famous poem, - Grongar Hill...
0:09:44 > 0:09:48- ..was written about - the hill behind us.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52- It's proof of his love - for Aberglasney.
0:10:04 > 0:10:09- Every owner and every generation - has added to the house and gardens.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- This Ninfarium - is the latest addition.
0:10:13 > 0:10:18- The National Trust - dedicated this part of the house...
0:10:18 > 0:10:20- ..which had fallen into disrepair...
0:10:21 > 0:10:25- ..to create a glass atrium - to grow tropical plants.
0:10:25 > 0:10:31- The fans on the roof are designed - to circulate the moist air...
0:10:31 > 0:10:35- ..and allow the plants - to grow naturally.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38- It's something different.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00- This is what's wonderful - about Aberglasney.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04- The old and new go hand-in-hand - to create a fantastic masterpiece.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14- There is evidence that - during the mid-18th century...
0:11:14 > 0:11:17- ..Aberglasney - was part of the country set.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22- We're fortunate that - Hermione Jennings from Gelli Deg...
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- ..kept very detailed diaries - of the local social life.
0:11:26 > 0:11:30- She describes - her visit to Aberglasney.
0:11:30 > 0:11:36- There's mention of a rather - uninspiring croquet party.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40- They had to dance around - old billiards tables.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44- The parties ended before midnight - which was quite unusual.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47- Most parties - ended at 4.00am or 6.00am.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52- They had more fun than those guests - in the early 20th century...
0:11:52 > 0:11:55- ..when the Mayhew family - took residence.
0:11:56 > 0:12:01- They were abstainers and emptied - their wine cellar into the lake...
0:12:01 > 0:12:06- ..and old wine bottles - have been found in the water.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- We're lucky the present owners - don't feel the same.
0:12:11 > 0:12:12- Cheers!
0:12:12 > 0:12:14- Cheers!- - Cheers!
0:12:19 > 0:12:24- We could have - easily lost Aberglasney...
0:12:24 > 0:12:29- ..if not for those who saw the - potential in reviving the gardens.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32- The place continues - to develop and grow.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36- Hopefully, it will continue - to grow in the future.
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0:13:04 > 0:13:04- Subtitles
0:13:04 > 0:13:06- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:13:09 > 0:13:15- The next garden is thought to be one - of the most beautiful in the world.
0:13:15 > 0:13:16- It's a hidden gem...
0:13:17 > 0:13:22- ..on the banks of the River Conwy - to the north of Llanrwst.
0:13:28 > 0:13:33- When Bodnant House was built - by Colonel Forbes in 1770...
0:13:33 > 0:13:36- ..there weren't many gardens.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38- However, the grounds have changed.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47- Bodnant Garden is adjacent - to this house behind me.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50- Whilst eating - their morning Crispies...
0:13:51 > 0:13:54- ..this is the view - that greets the owners.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58- The Carneddau Mountains - offer a dramatic backdrop...
0:13:59 > 0:14:03- ..to Bodnant Gardens which are set - within 80 acres around the house.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07- It's a fantastic example - of a Victorian garden.
0:14:15 > 0:14:20- The Victorian era was a remarkable - time when anything was possible.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24- Every sector - saw innovative developments.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27- People wanted to reflect this - in their gardens.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32- A display of wealth and status - was important to the upper-class.
0:14:32 > 0:14:38- They travelled to discover - and collect new plants.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42- They wanted to display - their accomplishments.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46- I'm not one for flowers - but you can't help but admire these.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- That's exactly why they're here.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54- They are to be admired - and to confirm the status...
0:14:54 > 0:14:59- ..of the successful Victorian family - who lived in this house.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04- His succeess in the era's - brand-new industry...
0:15:04 > 0:15:09- ..brought the industrial chemist, - Sir Henry Pochin to Bodnant.
0:15:10 > 0:15:15- Pochin is connected with two items - that we take for granted...
0:15:15 > 0:15:18- ..namely white soap and paper.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20- That's how he made his fortune.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24- His new wealth allowed him - to develop Bodnant Gardens.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30- Size was everything.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35- Anything exotic appealed to him.
0:15:38 > 0:15:43- He aimed to create - something revolutionary.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17- It wasn't unusual - for a man of his status...
0:16:17 > 0:16:21- ..to employ a collector - to travel the world...
0:16:21 > 0:16:25- ..in search of new exotic plants - to add to this paradise.
0:16:26 > 0:16:30- There's no-one better - to guide me around the garden...
0:16:30 > 0:16:34- ..than the floral designer, - Sioned Rowlands.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42- People talk about rhododendrons...
0:16:42 > 0:16:48- ..and either want to eradicate them - or stop them spreading any further.
0:16:48 > 0:16:53- We're sat in a forest - of various rhododendrons.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57- What makes these different - to the creeping rhododendrons?
0:16:58 > 0:17:01- They've come from - the Himalayas and Asia.
0:17:01 > 0:17:05- They employed people to - collect seeds and bring them back.
0:17:06 > 0:17:11- In the last century, they've managed - to hybridize 250 varieties...
0:17:11 > 0:17:13- ..that are exclusive to Bodnant.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18- Due to this success, - they've planted them everywhere...
0:17:18 > 0:17:22- ..to achieve - this feast for the eyes.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26- It could look garish - in a small garden.
0:17:27 > 0:17:32- However, it's incredible - when it's on such a large scale.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36- There are varieties - with small flowers and leaves...
0:17:37 > 0:17:39- ..and others are enormous trees.
0:17:39 > 0:17:45- I've noticed that there are azaleas - that look like rhododendrons.
0:17:45 > 0:17:50- It's hard to differentiate between - the rhododendrons and azaleas.
0:17:50 > 0:17:55- Some have small flowers and others - can be evergreen or deciduous...
0:17:55 > 0:17:59- ..but many refer to them - as rhododendrons.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03- This is a magical area - with its flowing river and plants.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06- There's a certain tranquility here.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45- I'm only aware - of two facts about Bodnant.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49- It's famous for the - rhododendrons and azaleas...
0:18:49 > 0:18:51- ..and the Laburnum Arch.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55- It's incredible - but it could look even better.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59- You have to be lucky - with these golden chains...
0:19:00 > 0:19:03- ..as they're only in bloom - for three weeks.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07- You could visit when they're - like this and nearly in bloom.
0:19:08 > 0:19:13- If you catch them at the right time, - they're a feast for the eyes.
0:19:13 > 0:19:19- There are hints of yellow to give us - a glimpse of how it will look.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22- This is one of the garden's - oldest features.
0:19:22 > 0:19:27- Pochin purchased the property - and built the arch soon after.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30- That arch has been designed - to be fairly low.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33- When walking under the arch...
0:19:33 > 0:19:36- ..the chains dance - in front of your eyes.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39- I quite like it when it's green.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43- You can see the sun or rain clouds - peeking through the arch.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47- It must be lots of work - to maintain a feature like this.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52- In January, it took five gardeners, - five weeks to prune the arch.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55- In June, - it takes them another two weeks.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59- There are 180 feet of these plants.
0:20:00 > 0:20:01- It's incredible.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03- It's incredible.- - Wow!
0:20:20 > 0:20:24- The Laburnum Arch - is in full glory in May...
0:20:24 > 0:20:28- ..and brings thousands of visitors - to marvel at Pochin's creativity.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32- We're unsure if he saw - the fruits of his labour...
0:20:32 > 0:20:35- ..but his design is world-famous.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48- Pochin invested heavily - in his garden.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52- It's no wonder that it's here, - in his own creation...
0:20:52 > 0:20:55- ..that he decided - to build his mausoleum.
0:21:02 > 0:21:07- He lived at Bodnant for a decade - before his death in 1895.
0:21:07 > 0:21:12- Since then, Bodnant has been passed - down through the generations.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17- Despite being owned - by the National Trust...
0:21:17 > 0:21:22- ..Henry Pochin's enthusiasm has been - passed on to one of his descendants.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- Michael McLaren is now - the creative director of the garden.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31- My grandfather - wanted to educate people...
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- ..about gardening and horticulture.
0:21:34 > 0:21:39- I'd love to show people the glory - of gardens, plants and the outdoors.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42- No garden ever stands still.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46- It's not like a house which is set - in one particular period.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50- Trees die and fall down - so there's always opportunities.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55- There's always new things to be done - and new areas to be opened up.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02- In 2015, after five years - and a labour of love...
0:22:02 > 0:22:07- ..the area known as the Far End - was opened.
0:22:07 > 0:22:13- The Skating Pond is the focal point - in this wild garden.
0:22:27 > 0:22:32- This is your favourite part - of Bodnant.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35- You walk through Bodnant...
0:22:35 > 0:22:40- ..and it's full of colour - with different flowers and textures.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42- It's very, very busy.
0:22:42 > 0:22:47- You reach this area - and are welcomed with tranquillity.
0:22:47 > 0:22:53- In years to come, I suspect people - will come here to write and draw.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56- There's a quiet romance.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59- But there aren't any flowers here.
0:22:59 > 0:23:04- I see flowers every day - so this is a change for me!
0:23:04 > 0:23:06- It's a wonderful place.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08- You can hear the birds sing...
0:23:09 > 0:23:11- ..and the lake is completely still.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14- It's the perfect place to ponder.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16- It's the perfect place to ponder.- - Yes, it certainly is.
0:23:16 > 0:23:20- Bodnant Gardens is a place - to contemplate and reflect...
0:23:21 > 0:23:25- ..and enjoy one of Wales' - most beautiful of places.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57- S4C Subtitles by Tinopolis
0:23:57 > 0:23:57- .