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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.
0:00:09 > 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 > 0:00:23- Welcome to Gerddi Cymru.
0:00:34 > 0:00:39- Pembrokeshire is famous for its - fertile land, golden beaches...
0:00:40 > 0:00:44- ..and for having the perfect system - of paths for wandering the area.
0:00:44 > 0:00:49- Seaside towns like Tenby - are a Mecca for tourists...
0:00:49 > 0:00:54- ..who flock here every summer - to enjoy all the area has to offer.
0:00:57 > 0:01:02- But there's one hidden gem - in a remote part of the countryside.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04- It's Picton Castle.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12- You need money to create - a large, glorious garden.
0:01:13 > 0:01:18- It's inevitable that every large - garden is linked with a grand home.
0:01:18 > 0:01:20- In this case, it's a castle.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24- It sits nobly on a small hill...
0:01:24 > 0:01:27- ..in 45 acres of glorious gardens.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44- Picton Castle - is near the town of Haverfordwest.
0:01:44 > 0:01:46- This incredible estate...
0:01:46 > 0:01:51- ..has played an important part - in the area's history for centuries.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56- Before venturing to the gardens, - we enter the magnificent castle...
0:01:56 > 0:01:59- ..to learn about its owners.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07- This is the Great Hall - as it stands today.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11- It shows taste, artistry and wealth.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15- More importantly, it shows - the genealogy of its owners...
0:02:15 > 0:02:19- ..and their links - with the Royal Family.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23- Picton Castle is in excellent - condition for a good reason.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27- Three famous and wealthy families - lived here.
0:02:27 > 0:02:32- The Wogans in the 13th century - were followed by the Dunns.
0:02:32 > 0:02:37- The Phillipps have been here - for 500 years and are still here.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40- Is he one of them?
0:02:44 > 0:02:48- The local historian, Edward Perkins, - is a mine of information...
0:02:49 > 0:02:51- ..about the castle and its owners.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56- Tell me more about the people - who lived here, Edward.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59- The first castle - was built by the Wogan family.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04- The Wogans lived here - until the mid 15th century.
0:03:04 > 0:03:10- The first was Sir John Wogan - and he was a very important man.
0:03:10 > 0:03:16- He was the Justiciar of Ireland for - King Edward I and King Edward II.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19- I suspect he owned - grand estates in Ireland...
0:03:20 > 0:03:24- ..as well as the property - in Wiston and Picton.
0:03:24 > 0:03:29- Each new owner brought added wealth - and made changes to the castle.
0:03:29 > 0:03:34- The biggest was the addition of - an extension to the original castle.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36- Like many grand, rural homes...
0:03:37 > 0:03:41- ..the burden of maintaining - such a site became too much.
0:03:42 > 0:03:48- Today, the castle and gardens are - managed by the Picton Castle Trust.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51- It's their aim - to secure the castle...
0:03:51 > 0:03:54- ..and its glorious gardens - for the future.
0:03:56 > 0:04:01- We must remember that this was - a massive and important estate...
0:04:01 > 0:04:04- ..that was about 20,000 acres.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07- That is how they made their money.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10- They had tenants paying rent...
0:04:10 > 0:04:15- ..but also made money from coal, - the ships and many other fields.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19- This site was unlike many - of the other grand homes.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23- It's where they lived - and made their money.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32- After visiting the castle - and learning about its owners...
0:04:32 > 0:04:35- ..you'd expect to find - an incredible garden.
0:04:36 > 0:04:37- And you're quite right.
0:04:37 > 0:04:43- These gardens prove what you - can achieve with time and money.
0:04:49 > 0:04:54- These days, the gardens - are the main attraction to visitors.
0:04:55 > 0:05:00- The flowers and plants add colour - and drama to the various sections.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04- Each and every corner of the gardens - has something new to offer.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08- Some gardens - are neat and traditional.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14- Others are large and exotic.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23- There's something - for every member of the family.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32- I'm approaching one of the most - enchanting gardens at Picton Castle.
0:05:33 > 0:05:38- Passing through these gates is like - going on a pathway to another world.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54- This garden reflects the style - of the Victorian age.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58- It was created in about 1800.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03- It's the ideal place to relax - and forget about the outside world.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11- Sioned Edwards - loves this luxurious garden.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- This is the Walled Garden.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20- It's an enclosed garden where - they grew fruit and vegetables.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23- The equipment for achieving that - has gone...
0:06:24 > 0:06:27- ..but you're left - with this perfect paradise.
0:06:27 > 0:06:28- And it's so pretty.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30- And it's so pretty.- - Yes, it's wonderful.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34- All the colours of these flowers - make it look so incredible.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38- They also get to experiment here.
0:06:38 > 0:06:43- They chose the roses and sweet peas - very carefully...
0:06:43 > 0:06:46- ..as they have to withstand - this very dry soil.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50- This part of Pembrokeshire - doesn't get a lot of rain.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52- But that was a good thing...
0:06:53 > 0:06:58- ..as it was the ideal environment - to grow their fruit and vegetables.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03- They had glasshouses full of peaches - which is unheard of today.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07- There is order - with the various areas.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10- This is what makes it interesting - for me.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14- But it isn't too neat or structured.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18- No, but it takes a lot of work - to make it look so natural.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22- These roses, sweet peas - and aquilegias...
0:07:23 > 0:07:25- ..remind me of a cottage garden.
0:07:25 > 0:07:31- They are more formal when planted in - these beds with the straight lines.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35- These lead to another room - through the trees.
0:07:35 > 0:07:36- It's very clever.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40- This isn't a square - with a wall around it.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43- You have these rooms - that hide other people.
0:07:44 > 0:07:49- It feels like your own private - garden and there's no-one else here.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51- I think it's very clever.
0:07:59 > 0:08:04- The gardens at Picton Castle have - attracted visitors for centuries.
0:08:04 > 0:08:10- Some have kept detailed records - of their visit.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13- A gentleman by the name - of Richard Fenton...
0:08:13 > 0:08:18- ..wrote a book about his travels - around Pembrokeshire in 1810.
0:08:18 > 0:08:23- He states that the garden - was fertile every month of the year.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27- "The gardens are a vast extent - and luxuriantly cropped.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31- "The hot houses and hot walls - occupy an immense space.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34- "Nor is the conservatory - ill-stocked.
0:08:34 > 0:08:39- "No desert could be better or more - amply furnished than that of Picton.
0:08:39 > 0:08:44- "It exhibits the richest fruit of - every kind the whole season round."
0:08:45 > 0:08:46- Was it heated all year?
0:08:46 > 0:08:47- Was it heated all year?- - Yes, that's right.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51- There was a large coal-fired boiler - in the garden.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55- It piped warm air - into the glasshouses.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57- They could grow everything.
0:09:11 > 0:09:16- It's rare to find evidence of the - success of gardeners in these homes.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19- You've got some certificates.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23- Yes, and this is from 1888 - for peaches.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27- They won second prize - for six fruit of peaches.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30- This garden was full of peaches.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34- There's other certificates - for grapes and melons.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37- We don't have competitions - of this kind today...
0:09:37 > 0:09:40- ..but there are common ones too.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44- The Pembrokeshire - Chrysanthemum Society.
0:09:44 > 0:09:44- Do they still exist?
0:09:44 > 0:09:46- Do they still exist?- - I've got no idea.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50- I doubt their certificates - are this beautiful.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53- "Large flowered - chrysanthemum blooms.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57- "First Prize, - Bristol Chrysanthemum Society."
0:09:57 > 0:09:59- Were these grown for the house?
0:10:00 > 0:10:04- I suspect they grew chrysanthemum - in the glasshouse...
0:10:04 > 0:10:06- ..and used to decorate the house.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08- The house is massive...
0:10:08 > 0:10:13- ..so the gardener would have picked - them and taken them to the house.
0:10:13 > 0:10:14- These are incredible.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16- These are incredible.- - Yes, they are.
0:10:18 > 0:10:23- The contents of the Walled Garden - has changed a lot in 200 years.
0:10:23 > 0:10:29- The structure, the walls and gates - are unchanged but need protecting.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33- After many years of deterioration...
0:10:33 > 0:10:37- ..the walls and iron gates - are in a sorry state in some places.
0:10:37 > 0:10:43- This changed when Picton Castle - won a grant of over 600,000...
0:10:43 > 0:10:47- ..to restore the historic - Walled Garden.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51- The director, Dai Evans, - is responsible for it all.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55- This is for restoring and conserving - the Walled Garden...
0:10:55 > 0:11:01- ..and the gardeners' offices and - bothies and opening all those up.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03- They're about to crumble.
0:11:03 > 0:11:08- We'll apply to restore the Cascade - Ponds in Peach House Wood...
0:11:09 > 0:11:12- ..which is part of the 19th century - landscaping.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15- We've warned - the Heritage Lottery Fund...
0:11:15 > 0:11:20- ..that we'll put in a very big one - for the castle itself.
0:11:23 > 0:11:28- It's wonderful that they experiment - with the different areas...
0:11:28 > 0:11:31- ..and develop them.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34- This area is the Jungle Garden.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36- It looks like a jungle too!
0:11:37 > 0:11:41- Yes, it looks exactly like a jungle - thanks to the banana trees.
0:11:41 > 0:11:46- They have also got tree stumps - to create a jungle environment.
0:11:46 > 0:11:51- It's incredible that all these - exotic plants withstand our winters.
0:11:52 > 0:11:53- You'd never expect it.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55- Does that include the bananas?
0:11:55 > 0:11:56- Does that include the bananas?- - Yes.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58- They won't produce fruit.
0:11:58 > 0:11:59- They won't produce fruit.- - No, I doubt it.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03- They are an interesting shape - for children.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05- They want to run around the area.
0:12:06 > 0:12:11- I suspect they think the shapes - of the plants are odd and unusual.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13- We have to think about the future.
0:12:14 > 0:12:18- Yes, and it's very important to - enjoy the site with your children.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20- They are the future.
0:12:20 > 0:12:25- It would be brilliant to get them to - appreciate these gardens and plants.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36- There's an amazing array of plants - in the gardens at Picton Castle.
0:12:36 > 0:12:41- I'm not the sort to admire the - neat, traditional, floral gardens...
0:12:41 > 0:12:46- ..it's difficult not to be put under - the spell of this incredible garden.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51- Thanks to the work of the trust...
0:12:51 > 0:12:56- ..a piece of Pembrokeshire's history - is alive and well at Picton Castle.
0:12:56 > 0:13:00- Come to enjoy and experience it all - for yourself.
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0:13:15 > 0:13:20- There's an incredible house hidden - in the trees near the River Severn.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24- It was built - in the early 20th century...
0:13:24 > 0:13:27- ..during the Arts - and Crafts Movement.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33- The house boasts a garden...
0:13:33 > 0:13:36- ..but this is no ordinary garden.
0:13:36 > 0:13:41- It's a place where you'd expect - to find Alice having a tea party!
0:13:45 > 0:13:48- This is Wyndcliffe Court - in Monmouthshire.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- This house and garden - is near the town of Chepstow.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56- You can see the River Severn - and its grand crossing...
0:13:56 > 0:14:01- ..and the famous Chepstow Racecourse - in the base of the valley.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05- It's the ideal place - to bet a shilling on the gee-gees...
0:14:05 > 0:14:09- ..and watch your gee-gee win - or lose!
0:14:16 > 0:14:21- Chepstow is in Monmouthshire on the - border between Wales and England.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23- The town dates back to Norman times.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28- It's home to the oldest - surviving stone castle in Britain...
0:14:28 > 0:14:30- ..sitting on the River Wye.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35- Wyndcliffe Court - is far more recent...
0:14:35 > 0:14:37- ..but is just as interesting...
0:14:37 > 0:14:41- ..thanks to its link - with the Arts and Crafts Movement.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- The famous garden designer, - Henry Avray Tipping...
0:14:50 > 0:14:52- ..designed this garden.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56- The house was designed - by his friend, Eric Francis.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00- Both were prominent figures - in the Arts and Crafts Movement.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04- It was influential, - fashionable and daring...
0:15:04 > 0:15:07- ..at the end of the 19th century.
0:15:07 > 0:15:12- It wasn't just a British movement as - it spread to America and even Japan.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16- The movement - inspired many architects.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19- None more so than - Clough Williams-Ellis.
0:15:20 > 0:15:25- Portmeirion is full of examples - from the Arts and Crafts Movement.
0:15:25 > 0:15:30- The aim was to combine colourful - craftsmanship with nature.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33- Wyndcliffe Court is just the same.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36- Nature plays a key part - in its design.
0:15:36 > 0:15:42- In gardens and houses of this style, - the interior reflected the exterior.
0:15:44 > 0:15:50- The designer, William Morris, - was a key figure in the movement.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55- The garden and its contents - were prominent in the designs.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57- The artist, Nia Wyn Jones...
0:15:57 > 0:16:01- ..knows how it influenced the design - of Wyndcliffe.
0:16:02 > 0:16:07- Charles Clay commissioned - the house and garden in 1910.
0:16:08 > 0:16:13- He was a successful businessman who - ran Claymore Shipping in Cardiff.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16- The house and garden - weren't completed until 1922...
0:16:17 > 0:16:18- ..due to the Great War.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21- There was nobody to build!
0:16:21 > 0:16:22- There was nobody to build!- - No, that's right.
0:16:22 > 0:16:27- If you wanted a garden designed in - that era, then Tipping was your man.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30- He visited - four or five gardens a week.
0:16:30 > 0:16:35- He understood this style - within the Arts and Crafts Movement.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38- He was linked with Country Life.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41- Yes, it was part of his role - as their editor.
0:16:41 > 0:16:45- This garden was viewed as a classic - in its time.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49- The terraces have been positioned - very formally...
0:16:50 > 0:16:54- ..and the garden has been separated - into a series of rooms.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57- Each room takes you - to a romantic retreat...
0:16:58 > 0:17:01- ..that is like something - out of a fantasy world.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04- There's the summer house - and lily pond.
0:17:04 > 0:17:09- It could have been designed - by a child as it has an innocence.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17- Wyndcliffe Court has only had - three head gardeners...
0:17:18 > 0:17:21- ..since the garden was designed - 90 years ago.
0:17:21 > 0:17:26- One was here for 49 years and gave - his heart and soul to the place.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30- His ashes are buried - under this rose!
0:17:31 > 0:17:34- That's what I call - a real labour of love.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37- In fact, - every corner is a labour of love.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51- Wyndcliffe Court garden - is the best example...
0:17:51 > 0:17:54- ..of an Arts and Crafts garden - in Britain.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57- Nia specializes - in this period of history.
0:17:59 > 0:18:04- It was a movement that saw - a group of people come together...
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- ..who shared the same passion - for history.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11- They rebelled against - the Industrial Revolution...
0:18:11 > 0:18:17- ..and the over-the-top Victorian art - with its gold decorations.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20- Wood was also painted - to resemble wood.
0:18:20 > 0:18:21- It was all garish!
0:18:22 > 0:18:24- There was this desire...
0:18:24 > 0:18:28- ..to go back to basics - and create art that was unique.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30- They had three rules.
0:18:31 > 0:18:36- The first was to have good, - honest design because less is more!
0:18:36 > 0:18:41- The second was that the core fabric - was of the best quality.
0:18:42 > 0:18:47- The third was that everything - was skilfully made by hand.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51- This garden - is a perfect example of all that.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54- Everything is organic and rustic.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56- Was every stone cut by hand?
0:18:56 > 0:18:58- Was every stone cut by hand?- - None of this was made in a factory.
0:18:59 > 0:19:04- There was strong opposition to - the whole idea of mass production.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- You had to pay for this - as it had to be created.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10- Was it the start - of an elitist period?
0:19:10 > 0:19:12- Yes, definitely.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15- There was so much wealth - in this part of Wales...
0:19:15 > 0:19:20- ..due to the owners of the - shipping companies and collieries.
0:19:20 > 0:19:25- They wanted to spend their money - on something that nobody else owned.
0:19:25 > 0:19:26- It happens today.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28- Keeping Up with the Joneses!
0:19:29 > 0:19:33- Thank heavens for those people - for supporting these artists...
0:19:33 > 0:19:37- ..or we would only be left - with factory-produced art.
0:19:50 > 0:19:54- The Arts and Crafts elements in the - design of the house and garden...
0:19:55 > 0:19:57- ..mean that both - are grade II listed.
0:19:57 > 0:20:02- The garden, - with all its hidden corners...
0:20:02 > 0:20:05- ..is the ideal place - to exhibit some modern art.
0:20:17 > 0:20:22- The original owners of the house - and garden were not artistic...
0:20:22 > 0:20:26- ..but had enough imagination - to have an Arts and Crafts design.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38- This has changed from being - a garden with some art...
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- ..to being art in a garden!
0:20:42 > 0:20:47- This makes sense because - its latest owners are two artists.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52- They opened the garden - as an open-air art gallery...
0:20:52 > 0:20:56- ..to celebrate Wyndcliffe's - artistic beginnings.
0:21:03 > 0:21:09- I've visited a lot of gardens that - were designed as a piece of art...
0:21:09 > 0:21:12- ..but this garden - is almost like a gallery...
0:21:13 > 0:21:16- ..that is being used - to exhibit pieces of art.
0:21:17 > 0:21:22- It is a gallery because the owners - are artists and not gardeners.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26- Every season, - they host two exhibitions.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30- This artwork - is from all over the world.
0:21:30 > 0:21:35- It's been commissioned - for the various parts of the garden.
0:21:35 > 0:21:36- It looks perfect.
0:21:37 > 0:21:42- Earlier, we mentioned that piece and - how it is in line with gates behind.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44- It unites two periods.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47- It's a modern piece - with something much older.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50- It's the perfect coupling.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53- I love the glass - and the rusted items.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56- If it wasn't for this artwork...
0:21:56 > 0:22:00- ..the garden wouldn't be - half as impressive.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04- It's the art - that brings this garden to life.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06- You're quite right.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08- That's a good way to put it.
0:22:12 > 0:22:17- There's a formal garden - but also a beautiful kitchen garden.
0:22:18 > 0:22:23- There's no telling what you might - find hiding amongst the vegetables!
0:22:25 > 0:22:29- There's a dark and magical forest - in front of the house.
0:22:29 > 0:22:34- It's full of wonders and - allows you to be a child once again.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11- In a world - that is full of technology...
0:23:11 > 0:23:16- ..it's wonderful to enjoy something - that pre-dates all that...
0:23:16 > 0:23:21- ..when everything was made by hand - during the Arts and Crafts Movement.
0:23:21 > 0:23:26- It's also the perfect backdrop - for exhibiting some modern art.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38- Thanks to the dedication - of the owners and the gardeners...
0:23:38 > 0:23:43- ..Tipping's vision and the Arts - and Crafts designs are protected.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45- It's a place to forget about life...
0:23:46 > 0:23:50- ..and enjoy an innocent, - colourful and playful garden...
0:23:50 > 0:23:52- ..in this corner of Wales.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26- S4C Subtitles by Tinopolis
0:24:26 > 0:24:27- .