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0:00:00 > 0:00:01- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:02 > 0:00:06- Did you know that Wales - has hundreds of registered gardens?
0:00:06 > 0:00:08- Big or small, formal or wild.
0:00:08 > 0:00:13- Every garden delights the visitors - that arrive every year.
0:00:13 > 0:00:18- I'll visit some to show you the - wealth that is on our own doorstep.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21- Yes, it's the golden age - of the garden.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24- Welcome to Gerddi Cymru.
0:00:35 > 0:00:40- Every garden is unique, but it's - not often one discovers a garden...
0:00:40 > 0:00:44- ..that has stayed true to one - particular period in history.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55- You step through that small door - in the large door...
0:00:55 > 0:00:58- ..and enter a perfect Tudor world.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01- A house and garden - has been frozen in time.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04- So much so, - that both are Grade I Listed.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07- I don't think there are - many of these in Wales.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11- This Tudor masterpiece - from the Middle Ages...
0:01:11 > 0:01:16- ..sits in ten acres of lush gardens - on the banks of the Conwy River.
0:01:16 > 0:01:18- This is Gwydir Castle.
0:01:29 > 0:01:31- The castle is near Llanrwst...
0:01:31 > 0:01:35- ..a historical town - dating back to the fifth century.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38- Llanrwst was built - on the wool industry...
0:01:38 > 0:01:43- ..but now its fortunes - relies heavily on tourists.
0:01:43 > 0:01:48- One attraction for them is Gwydir - Castle and its enchanting gardens.
0:01:58 > 0:02:03- The grand house and lush gardens - that surround us here today...
0:02:03 > 0:02:08- ..suggest that the family - were respected and influential.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12- Their identity seems to - undermine all of this.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17- With their roots going back to - the Welsh kings and nobility...
0:02:17 > 0:02:22- ..the Wynn family had the wealth, - influence and presence...
0:02:22 > 0:02:24- ..in this small corner of Wales.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27- Other residents now make - Gwydir famous.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32- Wherever you wander in the gardens - you'll see peacocks...
0:02:32 > 0:02:35- ..and they're not shy either!
0:02:52 > 0:02:56- The peacocks are as attractive - as the design of the gardens.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00- They complement the traditional - Tudor style of the design...
0:03:00 > 0:03:05- ..something the floral designer, - Sioned Edwards, particularly enjoys.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09- The Tudors favoured order, - as seen in this garden.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13- Yes, definitely. - It's a quintessential Tudor garden.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16- They tried to regulate everything.
0:03:16 > 0:03:22- Behind the wall, we can see nature, - the mountains and woodlands...
0:03:22 > 0:03:27- ..but they maintained the garden - by trimming everything...
0:03:27 > 0:03:29- ..such as topiary and yew trees.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32- Symmetrical patterns mattered.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34- The avenue of yew trees - reflects this.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39- The garden looks a lot simpler - than its early images.
0:03:39 > 0:03:45- There were terraces, flower beds - and a lot of squares and lines.
0:03:45 > 0:03:50- Its style has also been inspired by - Dutch gardens in the Netherlands...
0:03:50 > 0:03:55- ..with inviting pathways - to wander with guests.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58- This is the concept behind it.
0:03:58 > 0:04:03- Apart from flowers in the pond, - there's very little colour here.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06- It's a very green garden.
0:04:06 > 0:04:12- But people didn't travel much and - didn't bring flowers back with them.
0:04:12 > 0:04:18- They designed different shapes on - the trees to make it interesting.
0:04:18 > 0:04:24- But during Tudor times - it signified human strength...
0:04:24 > 0:04:27- ..and the fact - they could pursue women!
0:04:27 > 0:04:32- From looking at this lawn, - there's a lot of strength here!
0:04:32 > 0:04:36- The castle sits comfortably - into the landscape.
0:04:36 > 0:04:41- The grey stone contracts beautifully - with the lush greenery.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45- The dozens of chimneys - were built unusually tall...
0:04:46 > 0:04:49- ..to reflect the power and strength - of the owners.
0:04:55 > 0:05:01- This mighty property was built - in a revolutionary way...
0:05:01 > 0:05:04- ..and attracted a lot of attention.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07- The local gentry, - Gwynedd in particular...
0:05:07 > 0:05:10- ..who visited - this style of property...
0:05:11 > 0:05:15- ..would've been aware of - its surrounding gardens.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19- Gwydir Castle has a rich history - stretching back almost 500 years.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24- Historian, Catrin Wager delights - in the historical gardens...
0:05:24 > 0:05:27- ..and the famous family - which lived here.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32- Gwydir's history is ancient - and incredibly significant.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35- I'm not exaggerating - when I say the Wynns...
0:05:35 > 0:05:39- ..were one of the leading - gentry families in North Wales...
0:05:40 > 0:05:41- ..if not Wales.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45- It's a very interesting period.
0:05:45 > 0:05:50- The Act of Union - and a governmental system...
0:05:50 > 0:05:53- ..reflected the system in England.
0:05:53 > 0:05:58- The Wynns were given roles - to govern the new laws.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01- They were sheriffs and lieutenants.
0:06:01 > 0:06:06- They had important roles associated - with the Monarch and Parliament.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11- This proves they were one of - the leading families in the area.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15- Important figures lived here...
0:06:15 > 0:06:19- ..including Katheryn of Berain who - is known as the Mother of Wales...
0:06:20 > 0:06:24- ..and John Wynn, - the first Baronet of Gwydir.
0:06:25 > 0:06:30- This house was a destination - for aristocracy in North Wales.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34- The garden was an important part - of the attraction.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39- We had moved from projecting power - via military form...
0:06:39 > 0:06:42- ..to projecting it through wealth.
0:06:42 > 0:06:48- Conspicuous consumption enabled us - to create lavish homes and gardens.
0:06:49 > 0:06:53- And a lot of money was poured - into Gwydir Gardens.
0:06:57 > 0:07:02- In Tudor times, a stylish garden - was a symbol of status...
0:07:02 > 0:07:04- ..and decorum.
0:07:04 > 0:07:10- Welsh nobility were eager to - design gardens that were striking...
0:07:10 > 0:07:12- ..and fashionable.
0:07:15 > 0:07:21- A traditional Tudor court garden - that sits in front of Gwydir Castle.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26- This section of the garden - has three aspects.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29- The wisteria, the peacocks - and this knot garden.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32- All three came here - at the same time.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35- What era was this - as they're not originals?
0:07:35 > 0:07:37- No, they're not originals.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41- Sir Charles Barry - designed this area in 1828.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44- He also designed - the House of Commons.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48- The wisteria was planted - and the peacocks are still here.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53- This knot garden - was like a hobble for him.
0:07:53 > 0:07:58- Something similar to this - was here originally...
0:07:58 > 0:08:02- ..but instead of buxus - there was lavender and rosemary.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06- Herbs were also grown inside.
0:08:06 > 0:08:11- The pattern is also in the shape - of the Tudor rose.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15- It used to be a lot bigger - with petals around it.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18- But only this section exists now.
0:08:18 > 0:08:23- The concept stemmed from the - popularity of embroidery...
0:08:23 > 0:08:25- ..during this period.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28- The art of needlework - inside the home...
0:08:29 > 0:08:31- ..was also displayed outside.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34- The patterns can be seen in nature.
0:08:35 > 0:08:36- It's lovely.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43- During the Middle Ages - and 18th century...
0:08:43 > 0:08:47- ..it was fashionable for - the wealthy to employ a poet...
0:08:48 > 0:08:50- ..to sing about - their homes and gardens.
0:08:50 > 0:08:55- In many ways, it's the only record - we've got about their lifestyles.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00- John Wynn employed Huw Machno - as the family's poet.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03- He sang about Gwydir Castle.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05- 'Orchards, lush gardens
0:09:06 > 0:09:07- 'A glorious park
0:09:07 > 0:09:09- 'Great fellows
0:09:09 > 0:09:11- 'Bright yellows, plentiful
0:09:12 > 0:09:14- 'A beautiful, tender smile
0:09:14 > 0:09:17- 'And its white dove-cote.'
0:09:26 > 0:09:31- Bardic works not only give us - an insight into past...
0:09:31 > 0:09:34- ..with some vivid images - of these places...
0:09:34 > 0:09:39- ..but they also indicate what - was relevant to the gentry.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42- Huw Machno describes the garden - and the house...
0:09:42 > 0:09:45- ..and the banquets - that were held here.
0:09:45 > 0:09:52- His work reflected how John Wynn - wanted to be perceived in society.
0:09:52 > 0:09:58- Sion Tudur describes a labyrinth - that is no longer here.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00- 'A fair labyrinth
0:10:00 > 0:10:01- 'Green and fruitful
0:10:02 > 0:10:04- 'The work of gentle Daedalus
0:10:04 > 0:10:07- 'The ledge of Saint John's - leafy towers
0:10:07 > 0:10:09- 'Sties like Helicon houses.'
0:10:10 > 0:10:13- Goodness me. - That's worth five pounds!
0:10:14 > 0:10:17- What's so special about the garden - at Gwydir Castle...
0:10:17 > 0:10:21- ..is that it has stayed true - to the Tudor period.
0:10:21 > 0:10:26- In Victorian times, when everyone - added borders and palm trees...
0:10:26 > 0:10:30- ..the Wynn family still respected - the original garden.
0:10:30 > 0:10:35- In 1901, it reached the pages of - Country Life for this very reason.
0:10:39 > 0:10:45- The condition of the garden today - is down to the present owners.
0:10:45 > 0:10:50- Judy Corbett and Peter Welford - have totally immersed themselves...
0:10:50 > 0:10:54- ..in renovating the castle - and garden since 1994.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58- The house was in a very poor state - at that point.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01- It had fallen into a serious state - of disrepair.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04- We've been busy re-roofing - the entire house.
0:11:05 > 0:11:10- It's very nice not to be living - with buckets catching the rainwater.
0:11:11 > 0:11:16- In December 2015, more than a bucket - was needed to catch those raindrops.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20- Terrible floods hit Llanrwst - and the surrounding area.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24- The historical garden - at Gwydir Castle was underwater...
0:11:24 > 0:11:27- ..and it was almost lost completely.
0:11:30 > 0:11:35- Despite the effects of the floods, - the Gwydir gardens survived.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38- New trees replaced those drowned...
0:11:38 > 0:11:41- ..and the ancient trees - are still standing strong.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- A symbol of the garden's longevity.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47- There are a few special ones - amongst them.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50- This is known as the Lovers Tree.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54- Is there a reason - why it's called Lovers Tree?
0:11:54 > 0:11:57- No, I don't think so. - It's a type of yew tree.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00- Where lovers may have - sheltered from the rain.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04- Yes, maybe, - and it's even older than the house.
0:12:04 > 0:12:08- They claim it's between 600 - and 1,000 years old.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11- But it's a massive attraction.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14- All the trees here - are steeped in history.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16- They attract a lot of visitors.
0:12:16 > 0:12:21- Twelve trees were planted here - when Charles I got married.
0:12:21 > 0:12:26- They were cedars from Lebanon and - four of them remain standing today.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28- That's about four centuries ago.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31- And they are enormous!
0:12:33 > 0:12:36- Gwydir Castle - is back on its feet once again.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40- For the time being, - the future looks bright.
0:12:40 > 0:12:45- Visit the magic and history of - this small, green corner of Wales.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47- You won't be disappointed.
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0:13:21 > 0:13:21- Subtitles
0:13:21 > 0:13:23- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:13:27 > 0:13:31- With its mild climate - and fertile land...
0:13:31 > 0:13:35- ..it's no surprise Pembrokeshire - is known as the garden of Wales.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42- This is a magical region - filled with castles.
0:13:43 > 0:13:48- However, Upton Castle is quite - different to what you would expect.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- Upton Castle is a Norman manor.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54- It's a symbol of oppression - and power.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59- You wouldn't expect to find - a quaint, private garden here.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- Upton Castle is located - near Pembroke Dock.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17- It hides in a wooded valley - which extends for 40 acres.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20- An important historical location...
0:14:21 > 0:14:25- ..the beautiful landscape - is perfect for a house and gardens.
0:14:25 > 0:14:30- Over 900 years, it has developed as - a luxurious home for notable owners.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34- Each one has left their mark - on the place.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- These days, - the castle has private owners...
0:14:38 > 0:14:41- ..and they maintain - the gardens themselves.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43- Upton's design is very unique.
0:14:44 > 0:14:49- You're unable to see - the entire garden from one spot.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53- It's like a series of boxes - or various rooms...
0:14:53 > 0:14:55- ..and each one is secluded.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01- The garden as a whole - is full of hidden treasures.
0:15:01 > 0:15:06- Its most amazing secret is the - building next door to the castle.
0:15:08 > 0:15:13- Not many can claim to have a Norman - chapel instead of a garden shed!
0:15:17 > 0:15:22- Historian, Catrin Wager loves this - garden and what's hiding inside it.
0:15:31 > 0:15:36- Gerald of Wales mentioned that - there was a chapel at Upton.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39- This dates it back to - the late 12th century.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43- There are features here - that confirm this.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46- The font in the centre - dates around 1200.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49- And a door would have been - on this side.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54- Typically, there would have been - two doors facing each other...
0:15:54 > 0:15:57- ..which dates - the chapel around 1200.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01- Is this chapel older than the manor?
0:16:02 > 0:16:04- Yes, it has been suggested.
0:16:04 > 0:16:09- There are clues here - that can confirm dates.
0:16:10 > 0:16:15- This gentleman's uniform - is from the late 14th century.
0:16:15 > 0:16:20- There are documents that state - William Malefant lived here.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24- Features around the castle - are from the same era as this.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28- We're quite confident - that the Malefant family...
0:16:29 > 0:16:32- ..would have worked on this - building during that period.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39- Whoever has lived here over the - centuries, one thing is certain...
0:16:40 > 0:16:41- ..they needed food.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46- Just as in every other good garden, - Upton has its own vegetable patch.
0:16:48 > 0:16:54- But the vegetable patch at Upton - is a bit bigger than ours at home.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58- Sioned Edwards joins me - to disuses its design.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01- This is another walled garden, - Sioned.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04- It's differs to others we've seen...
0:17:04 > 0:17:09- ..as it's still used to - grow vegetables and fruit.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11- Yes, it is.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- According to a book - written in the 18th century...
0:17:15 > 0:17:19- ..this is a perfect walled garden - in terms of its design.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23- It flows down to the south - but deviates towards the south-east.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26- There's a great watering system.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29- They never have to water plants, - only the seeds.
0:17:30 > 0:17:31- This system runs underground.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35- This system runs underground.- - Yes, sections of it are exposed.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39- The surrounding trees - also provide extra shade.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47- A wide variety of vegetables - grow here.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51- Each plant flourishes - in the fertile soil...
0:17:51 > 0:17:55- ..that makes gardening in - Pembrokeshire so successful.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02- It is that soil which gives - the adjoining garden...
0:18:02 > 0:18:05- ..its wonderful aroma and colour.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10- This is the Rose Garden, - but who planted it?
0:18:11 > 0:18:13- It was Stanley Neal's daughter.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16- He bought the place in 1927 - and lived here.
0:18:16 > 0:18:21- He designed the terraces and rooms - and his daughter planted everything.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23- Joyce is 95 years old...
0:18:23 > 0:18:28- ..lives locally - and visits the garden occasionally.
0:18:28 > 0:18:34- New owners moved in ten years ago - and the garden was in a poor state.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36- They didn't know what to do.
0:18:36 > 0:18:41- They worked hard to try - and save the plants.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44- They trimmed them right back...
0:18:44 > 0:18:47- ..and they look fantastic - ten years on.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49- Yes, and they look so healthy.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52- And they're not easy to look after.
0:18:52 > 0:18:57- But the foliage looks healthy - and there's no sign of pests.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00- Are there any rare plants here?
0:19:00 > 0:19:05- There's a very unusual rose - from the David Austin family.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07- It's called the Moss Rose.
0:19:07 > 0:19:12- There's a curious growth around - the flower before it blooms.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16- It seems to protect it - and I've never seen this before.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18- It's got a wonderful aroma.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22- Just like the whole garden - and the wonderful colours.
0:19:26 > 0:19:32- This is another border - but I must admit it's special.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36- Yes, it's got a lovely shape - and isn't in a straight line.
0:19:36 > 0:19:40- It reflects circular shapes - such as this pool.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43- The curves make it more interesting.
0:19:44 > 0:19:45- There are deep colours here.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47- There are deep colours here.- - Yes, it's wonderful.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49- These white peonies are great.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53- There are cornflowers and foxgloves.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57- It's paradise for someone like me - who likes arrangements.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00- There's so much here to cut - and display.
0:20:00 > 0:20:01- Yes, make use of them.
0:20:01 > 0:20:02- Yes, make use of them.- - It's wonderful.
0:20:03 > 0:20:07- It's also elevated, so you can - look down over the trees.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10- Yes, it acts like a stage, - it's fantastic.
0:20:10 > 0:20:11- Yes, it's lovely.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25- On the other side of - the formal gardens...
0:20:26 > 0:20:29- ..the owners have chopped down - a few trees...
0:20:29 > 0:20:34- ..and opened a forest pathway at - the furthest point of the garden.
0:20:39 > 0:20:44- In this part of Pembrokeshire, - you're never too far from the sea.
0:20:44 > 0:20:49- But you'd never to expect to see it - at the bottom of the garden.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04- We're at the furthest point...
0:21:04 > 0:21:08- ..and we can't go any further - as the sea is behind us!
0:21:09 > 0:21:11- The sea was also important - to the Normans.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16- Yes, it gives us a clue why the - Normans came to Pembrokeshire.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20- The castles are all located - on this enormous estuary...
0:21:20 > 0:21:23- ..of the River Cleddau and Carew.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- They acted like a highway - and were incredibly important.
0:21:27 > 0:21:32- These waters were also important for - generations following the Normans.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35- Yes, during modern times - of the estate...
0:21:35 > 0:21:39- ..after the Malefants - and the Bowens...
0:21:40 > 0:21:44- ..the estate was purchased - by John Tasker, a sea captain.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49- He was also a master attendant - for the East India Company.
0:21:49 > 0:21:54- He was responsible for the ships - that came from Bombay with goods.
0:21:54 > 0:22:00- In 1927, the estate was sold to - Stanley Neal with sea connections.
0:22:00 > 0:22:05- He ran a steamship business - in Cardiff.
0:22:06 > 0:22:11- His money and time helped with - the development of the garden.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15- He designed the terraces - and planted exotic trees.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19- The trees planted by Stanley Neal - can be seen today.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23- They are a unique collection - to this area.
0:22:25 > 0:22:31- I've never seen such - a sad beech tree.
0:22:31 > 0:22:32- It's the Weeping Beech.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35- Me neither. It's amazing.
0:22:35 > 0:22:36- It's so big.
0:22:36 > 0:22:37- It's so big.- - It's enormous!
0:22:37 > 0:22:40- It sits lovely opposite - this gunnera plant.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43- I've never seen leaves - that big on a gunnera.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48- This Wedding Cake tree - is so pretty behind us.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51- It resembles a graceful ballerina.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54- There are some amazing trees here.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56- They were planted 800 years ago.
0:22:57 > 0:23:02- The owners claim - they've grown twice as tall...
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- ..because - there's a shaded valley here.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09- They haven't been whipped - by the wind.
0:23:10 > 0:23:15- There are also some very special - trees that are county champions.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19- It means that they are better - than other trees in the county.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22- They're also part of a collection.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27- I'm quite fond of this garden.
0:23:28 > 0:23:33- You're able to visit and enjoy - the plants and splendid trees.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35- It's quite peaceful here.
0:23:35 > 0:23:36- It's quite peaceful here.- - Yes, it is.
0:23:36 > 0:23:37- It's very quiet.
0:23:38 > 0:23:39- It's unassuming.
0:23:39 > 0:23:40- It's unassuming.- - Indeed.
0:23:43 > 0:23:48- Upton Castle and Gardens are one - of Pembrokeshire's hidden secrets.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52- It's an intriguing garden with - plenty to discover in it...
0:23:52 > 0:23:56- ..and a paradise where you can - lose yourself in its beauty.
0:24:17 > 0:24:19- S4C Subtitles by Tinopolis
0:24:19 > 0:24:19- .