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0:00:03 > 0:00:07- Did you know that there are - 400 registered gardens in Wales?
0:00:07 > 0:00:11- They can be big, small, - formal or wild.
0:00:11 > 0:00:16- Every garden gives pleasure to the - thousands who visit them every year.
0:00:16 > 0:00:22- I'm visiting a few of our gardens - to see the wealth on our doorstep.
0:00:22 > 0:00:26- It's the golden age of the garden.
0:00:26 > 0:00:29- Welcome to Gerddi Cymru.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59- It's a picture postcard scene!
0:01:00 > 0:01:02- A noble and regal castle...
0:01:02 > 0:01:07- ..on a hill above grand terraces - and colourful gardens.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10- Is there a more splendid view - in Wales?
0:01:19 > 0:01:22- Powis Castle is located - to the north of Powys...
0:01:22 > 0:01:25- ..on the outskirts of Welshpool.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29- The place is easy to find - and it's certainly worth a visit.
0:01:31 > 0:01:37- The castle was built 800 years ago - by Gruffudd ap Gwenwynwyn.
0:01:37 > 0:01:42- It was built following the death of - Llywelyn, Our Last Leader in 1282.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50- The castle has been home to - Welsh gentry, the Lords of Powys...
0:01:50 > 0:01:56- ..and the Herbert family who - developed this spectacular garden.
0:01:56 > 0:02:01- Today, the garden is more of an - attraction than the castle itself.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12- Powis Castle's garden - is world-famous...
0:02:12 > 0:02:15- ..thanks to its Italian terraces...
0:02:15 > 0:02:20- ..and yew trees, that float like - green clouds in front of the castle.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23- Powis Garden - wouldn't look out of place...
0:02:23 > 0:02:27- ..in Alice in Wonderland - or the Mabinogion.
0:02:35 > 0:02:40- The floral designer, Sioned Rowlands - is enchanted by this garden.
0:02:40 > 0:02:45- As we look up at the castle whilst - walking along the various levels...
0:02:46 > 0:02:50- ..we start with something - rather plain until we arrive here.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52- This is an incredible area.
0:02:53 > 0:02:55- It's the grandest part - of the garden.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59- The bushes are a backdrop - to these colours.
0:02:59 > 0:03:01- It's a very opulent area.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04- When were these levels created?
0:03:05 > 0:03:10- The architect, William Winde - designed this in the 17th century.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15- It's a Baroque-style - and very grand.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19- This is where they would socialize - and walk along the terraces.
0:03:19 > 0:03:24- There are 180 metres of terraces - and four different levels.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29- It's a wonderful place, - especially with this orangery.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33- This is formal on a massive scale.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36- Yes, and look at the view from here.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42- It's wonderful to think - that the garden was designed...
0:03:42 > 0:03:47- ..to give the Welsh gentry - a beautiful setting to socialize.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51- A garden looks splendid - in the sunshine...
0:03:52 > 0:03:54- THUNDER
0:03:54 > 0:04:00- ..but if it does rain, you can view - the garden from the Long Gallery.
0:04:00 > 0:04:06- Whilst here, you can also admire - the coats of arms, paintings...
0:04:06 > 0:04:10- ..and items that brought prestige - to the family...
0:04:10 > 0:04:14- ..such as the bust - of the Roman Emperor, Caligula.
0:04:20 > 0:04:25- Today, visitors enter through - the castle's grand gates...
0:04:25 > 0:04:28- ..but this wasn't always the case.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32- If Roman Emperors had visited - during the 18th century...
0:04:33 > 0:04:35- ..which is highly unlikely...
0:04:35 > 0:04:39- ..they would pass through the gates - leading to these steps.
0:04:39 > 0:04:44- It led them through - the beautiful classic parkland...
0:04:44 > 0:04:48- ..before reaching the top - where they could admire the view.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09- This is an enormous - and diverse garden.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12- It isn't entirely formal.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20- Most visitors to Powis Castle - stick to the terraces...
0:05:20 > 0:05:25- ..the castle and beautiful flowers - on the other side of the valley.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29- But there's also a wild garden, - aptly named the Wilderness.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38- There are acres of trees, - room for the deer to graze...
0:05:38 > 0:05:42- ..and a lake that's perfect - for breeding ducks.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48- There are some strange things - to be found in the Wilderness.
0:05:48 > 0:05:53- In the 18th century, - after any form of exercise...
0:05:53 > 0:05:58- ..as if walking from the castle - to here wasn't enough...
0:05:58 > 0:06:00- ..they bathed in a cold pool.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03- This is the Plunge Pool.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06- I wouldn't dip my toenail in today!
0:06:08 > 0:06:11- This isn't the only - unusual attraction.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17- I don't know who owned this foot - and where he's gone...
0:06:17 > 0:06:21- ..but he's certainly overdone it - with the pedicure!
0:06:22 > 0:06:26- The Ice House was designed - to store ice from the lake...
0:06:26 > 0:06:30- ..at a time - when freezers didn't exist.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34- The Wilderness is wonderful...
0:06:34 > 0:06:38- ..and the perfect contrast - to the castle's grounds...
0:06:38 > 0:06:43- ..but it was far more formal - in the past.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49- If we had stood here - at the turn of the 18th century...
0:06:49 > 0:06:53- ..our feet would be wet - as there was a classical pond.
0:06:53 > 0:06:58- However, it was all demolished - by a hooligan!
0:06:58 > 0:07:00- His name was William Eames.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05- He decided to get rid - of the water garden, lay a lawn...
0:07:05 > 0:07:09- ..and planted the surrounding trees.
0:07:10 > 0:07:15- He wanted a contrast between - the level grass and the Wilderness.
0:07:15 > 0:07:21- Is the main purpose of the lawn - to showcase its surroundings?
0:07:21 > 0:07:23- Yes, that's what I believe.
0:07:23 > 0:07:28- Capability Brown did the same - in England and Wales...
0:07:28 > 0:07:31- ..and William Eames - shared the same vision.
0:07:31 > 0:07:36- He saw a level plain as a background - for its busy surroundings.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47- A garden is never self-sufficient.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51- Over the years, a team of gardeners - has cared for the garden.
0:07:51 > 0:07:56- The head gardener, David Swanton - is now responsible for its upkeep.
0:08:00 > 0:08:01- Hello, David.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04- Hello, David.- - Good morning, Aled.
0:08:04 > 0:08:09- These days, David leads a team - of gardeners and volunteers.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13- One of their main tasks - is to care for the yew trees.
0:08:13 > 0:08:17- These fellas started out life - in the 17th century.
0:08:17 > 0:08:22- The garden terraces were 1680s - and yews were planted as topiaries.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26- In the Landscape Movement, - they were left to grow into trees...
0:08:26 > 0:08:28- ..and Naturalistic Parks.
0:08:28 > 0:08:33- The Victorians pruned them and - that's why we get the lovely shapes.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36- Can I have a crack at it?
0:08:38 > 0:08:41- With hedgerows - which are centuries old...
0:08:41 > 0:08:46- ..David had faith in my ability - to let me loose with the trimmer.
0:08:50 > 0:08:54- Watch out, I'll have sculpted - a cockerel before tonight!
0:09:08 > 0:09:13- It looks as if I'm walking inside - a box made from hedgerows...
0:09:13 > 0:09:19- ..but I can peek through these - windows to see the smaller gardens.
0:09:23 > 0:09:28- These are feminine gardens in terms - of the planting and pastel colours.
0:09:28 > 0:09:33- There's a very different feel - to the formality of the terraces.
0:09:33 > 0:09:38- They're romantic, full of shrubs, - apple trees and wonderful flowers.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41- When were these gardens developed?
0:09:41 > 0:09:45- Lady Violet lived here - at the turn of the 20th century.
0:09:45 > 0:09:50- She looked out from the castle - at an old kitchen garden...
0:09:50 > 0:09:55- ..and thought it was ugly, - so she demolished the glasshouses.
0:09:55 > 0:10:01- She transformed the area - into a truly beautiful garden...
0:10:01 > 0:10:04- ..with stone walls and yew trees.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07- These flowers aren't edible.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11- Where are the potatoes, - runner beans and carrots?
0:10:11 > 0:10:13- A pretty garden is more important!
0:10:14 > 0:10:17- What are the flowers - that surround us?
0:10:17 > 0:10:22- There's all sorts like delphiniums, - campanula and marguerite.
0:10:22 > 0:10:27- She obviously considered the colours - before they were planted.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30- They look splendid.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33- The garden also looks wonderful - from the castle.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38- It looks very different - to when she first came here.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41- It was unusual for women - to transform gardens.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- She took the reins - and changed the garden herself.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50- Her aim was to create the most - beautiful garden in Britain.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52- Do you think she succeeded?
0:10:52 > 0:10:55- It was a wonderful ambition to have.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- She spent 18 years - creating this garden...
0:10:59 > 0:11:01- ..and it is a lovely garden.
0:11:09 > 0:11:14- Powis Castle offers something - different to other Welsh gardens.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16- There are roots.
0:11:16 > 0:11:21- The garden has grown through the - centuries and it continues to do so.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32- It's a garden for the future...
0:11:32 > 0:11:35- ..with strong - and formal foundations...
0:11:36 > 0:11:40- ..that is constantly - being updated and developed.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- It will be enjoyed - for years to come.
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0:11:52 > 0:11:52- Subtitles
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0:12:12 > 0:12:15- This is one of Wales' hidden gems.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19- There are 250 acres of gardens, - set in a hidden valley...
0:12:19 > 0:12:22- ..between two of South Wales' - busiest roads.
0:12:25 > 0:12:29- Each year, thousands, - if not millions pass this garden...
0:12:30 > 0:12:32- ..without knowing of its existence.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36- The garden's greenery - and tranquillity...
0:12:36 > 0:12:39- ..gives the impression - of being in the countryside.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43- But I'm not in the countryside!
0:12:44 > 0:12:47- A garden is defined as - a piece of land adjoining a house...
0:12:48 > 0:12:51- ..used for growing vegetables, - fruit or flowers.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54- But I can only see - daffodils and tulips.
0:12:54 > 0:12:58- That's what makes Penllergare - Valley Woods so different.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13- The garden is situated to the north - of Swansea City Centre...
0:13:13 > 0:13:16- ..just off Junction 47 of the M4.
0:13:18 > 0:13:23- There was once the grand home - of the Dillwyn Llewelyn family.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26- The family had inherited a fortune.
0:13:26 > 0:13:31- John Dillwyn Llewelyn was a - key figure during the Victorian era.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35- His substantial wealth enabled him - to pursue his interests...
0:13:35 > 0:13:39- ..and experiment in creative - and technical fields.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44- Unsurprisingly, - he was also interested in botany.
0:13:44 > 0:13:50- He developed the Penllergare - Valley Woods on this piece of land.
0:13:50 > 0:13:55- However, it's an innovative, wild - garden as opposed to a natural one.
0:13:55 > 0:14:00- At the time, others focused - on the picturesque and formal.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06- The garden - feels like a country park.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09- There's a myriad of pathways.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13- There are streams and rivers...
0:14:13 > 0:14:17- ..waterfalls and lakes.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20- It's a space - in which to lose yourself.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29- It's difficult to believe - that everything in sight...
0:14:30 > 0:14:33- ..every branch, leaf - and blade of grass...
0:14:33 > 0:14:37- ..and natural feature - like the one I'm sitting on...
0:14:37 > 0:14:42- ..were carefully positioned - by John Dillwyn Llewelyn...
0:14:43 > 0:14:46- ..some 160 years ago - in the 19th century.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54- The garden differed - to others of the same era...
0:14:55 > 0:14:57- ..and had a few surprises.
0:14:57 > 0:15:02- Amidst the native trees, there - are all sorts of exotic plants.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11- I feel like Tarzan!
0:15:12 > 0:15:15- There's only bamboo - in this part of the garden.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17- There are forests of it!
0:15:17 > 0:15:20- It's claimed that bamboo - from this garden...
0:15:21 > 0:15:25- ..fed the pandas at London Zoo - during the Victorian era.
0:15:41 > 0:15:47- John Dillwyn Llewelyn was more - than just a pioneer in botany.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58- It was John Dillwyn Llewelyn's - interest in photography...
0:15:58 > 0:16:01- ..that first brought him - to the world's attention.
0:16:04 > 0:16:08- He was one of the first - to photograph the moon.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- He did so from his - personal observatory in the garden.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16- He was also the first to develop - the Oxymel technique...
0:16:16 > 0:16:20- ..that allowed him - to capture photographs outdoors...
0:16:20 > 0:16:25- ..when his peers were confined - to studio techniques and traditions.
0:16:28 > 0:16:34- John Dillwyn Llewelyn was one - of the first to photograph nature.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37- He also captured - everyday life in his home.
0:16:46 > 0:16:51- John Dillwyn Llewelyn's photographs - can be found at Swansea Museum.
0:16:51 > 0:16:56- It's an important collection - in British photographic history.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00- Geraint Cunnick - is an expert on the collection.
0:17:00 > 0:17:05- He's a senior lecturer - at the University of South Wales.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08- We have a complete collection - of his life's work.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12- The garden is a constant theme - in every photograph.
0:17:12 > 0:17:17- There are photographs of the garden - taken as landscape images...
0:17:18 > 0:17:22- ..and as a backdrop - for Dillwyn Llewelyn's family life.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27- These are the first images of people - playing in the snow...
0:17:27 > 0:17:32- ..and using the garden as a - recreational space for the family.
0:17:33 > 0:17:38- These images look natural compared - to some straight-faced portraits.
0:17:38 > 0:17:43- This photograph looks like he's - captured them playing by chance.
0:17:43 > 0:17:48- However, John Dillwyn Llewelyn - didn't achieve this by accident.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52- His work was framed - like an oil painting.
0:17:52 > 0:17:58- This is a good example which shows - how the garden has been framed.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02- The lines of the garden - run through the photograph...
0:18:02 > 0:18:05- ..and draw the eye into the image.
0:18:05 > 0:18:10- It's a characteristic - of the era's romantic photographs.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12- This is the man himself.
0:18:12 > 0:18:18- It's a self-portrait - taken between 1853 and 1855.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20- It shows exactly what he does...
0:18:21 > 0:18:24- ..and showcases his profession - and his equipment.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28- He was a key figure - in photographic history.
0:18:43 > 0:18:48- A convenient side-effect - of developing this land...
0:18:48 > 0:18:52- ..was having a beautiful location - to take photographs.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56- John Dillwyn Llewelyn was more - than a photographer and gardener.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01- During a time of experimenting, - research and development...
0:19:01 > 0:19:06- ..he was in a position - to utilize his wealth and garden.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13- A scientist who's used to John - Dillwyn Llewelyn's techniques...
0:19:13 > 0:19:17- ..is Professor Iwan Morus - of Aberystwyth University.
0:19:17 > 0:19:23- Dillwyn Llewelyn was a photographer - and had an interest in gardens.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26- However, he was also - interested in science.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31- In 1848, the British Association - for the Advancement of Science...
0:19:31 > 0:19:34- ..came to Swansea in Wales...
0:19:34 > 0:19:38- ..to see John Dillwyn Llewelyn's - electric boat.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42- It was a famous event - that took place on this lake.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46- His electric engine had been - designed by a local engineer.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50- It used the batteries of his friend, - William Robert Grove.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55- He proved how it was possible - to use an electric engine...
0:19:55 > 0:19:58- ..to power a boat without any steam.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00- Steam was dangerous and volatile.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04- He showed them - what was possible for the future.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12- Despite his success - and innovation...
0:20:13 > 0:20:18- ..the Penllergare Estate - didn't have a prosperous future.
0:20:20 > 0:20:25- It was a stunning garden and one of - the most beautiful in the country.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29- Unfortunately, his heir died - at a very young age.
0:20:29 > 0:20:35- The estate was neglected - and almost erased from history.
0:20:38 > 0:20:43- By 1927, the family had moved away - and the house fell to rack and ruin.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46- Trees and brambles - thrived in the valley...
0:20:47 > 0:20:49- ..and the lakes filled with mud.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53- The estate was split in two - when the M4 was built...
0:20:53 > 0:20:57- ..and John Dillwyn Llewelyn's - paradise lay forgotten.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08- Ten years ago, all this changed.
0:21:09 > 0:21:14- The Penllergare Valley Woods Trust - was established.
0:21:14 > 0:21:19- With the help of the Lottery Fund - and the hard work of volunteers...
0:21:19 > 0:21:22- ..this treasure was unveiled.
0:21:25 > 0:21:31- Dr Don Williams has been involved - with the restoration.
0:21:31 > 0:21:36- It's important to remember - how the garden looked 15 years ago.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38- It was completely wild.
0:21:38 > 0:21:43- Initially, the volunteers - had to open up the garden....
0:21:43 > 0:21:46- ..to see what they faced.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50- They cleared paths, roads - and burned lots of old trees.
0:21:53 > 0:21:58- There's been a true transformation - at Penllergare.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02- Llewelyn's Bridge was rebuilt.
0:22:02 > 0:22:08- The lake was cleared and the water - is used in a hydro-electric project.
0:22:10 > 0:22:16- The iconic waterfall in Dillwyn - Llewelyn's photographs was restored.
0:22:17 > 0:22:22- The walls and original stone steps - have been uncovered and restored.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26- The observatory is being rebuilt.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29- There's also a new cafe and shop...
0:22:30 > 0:22:33- ..to welcome visitors.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- Are you working towards - a completion date?
0:22:51 > 0:22:54- It's impossible - to predict a completion date.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59- It's miraculous that we've achieved - so much already.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02- We hope to restore the garden - to its former glory.
0:23:03 > 0:23:08- I won't keep you from working - with your bucket and spade, Don!
0:23:16 > 0:23:22- It's great that Penllergare Valley - Woods has a new lease of life.
0:23:24 > 0:23:29- John Dillwyn Llewelyn - would be proud to call it his own.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33- It's a paradise - for photographers of the future.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57- S4C Subtitles by Tinopolis
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