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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.
0:00:08 > 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.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21- Yes, it's the golden age - of the garden.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24- Welcome to Gerddi Cymru.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38- The glorious valley - of the River Wye.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41- This rural area - is steeped in history...
0:00:41 > 0:00:44- ..and home to Tintern Abbey...
0:00:44 > 0:00:49- ..that has stood in South-East Wales - since the twelfth century.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56- A stone's throw from Tintern...
0:00:56 > 0:01:00- ..nestled on the edge of a forest - of pine trees...
0:01:00 > 0:01:02- ..is a very unique garden.
0:01:17 > 0:01:22- Veddw House has one of the smallest - and most unusual of gardens...
0:01:22 > 0:01:24- ..that we've ever visited.
0:01:24 > 0:01:29- It's in an agricultural valley - in Monmouthshire's rolling hills...
0:01:29 > 0:01:32- ..and next to a traditional - Welsh cottage.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36- There's nothing traditional about - the two acres that surround it.
0:01:40 > 0:01:42- Visitors are left awestruck...
0:01:43 > 0:01:47- ..because it's modern - and unlike anything you'd expect.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51- This garden was designed - in the late 20th century.
0:01:51 > 0:01:56- Gardens often follow - a specific style or fashion...
0:01:56 > 0:02:00- ..but in this case, the owners - have created their own rules.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07- Due to the location - of the cottage...
0:02:08 > 0:02:12- ..most gardeners would have made - a series of terraces...
0:02:12 > 0:02:15- ..with a different feature - on each level.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19- But the owners have gone - for something completely different.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31- The main feature of the garden - is its hedges.
0:02:31 > 0:02:36- We've already seen that hedging - gives a garden its form and shape...
0:02:37 > 0:02:41- ..but it can also make a garden - look more than what it actually is.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43- At Veddw House Garden...
0:02:43 > 0:02:48- ..it has the added element - of creating intentional confusion!
0:02:54 > 0:02:59- I'll discuss all that - Veddw House Garden has to offer...
0:02:59 > 0:03:02- ..with the artist, Nia Wyn Jones.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07- There's a real artistic flair - to this garden.
0:03:07 > 0:03:11- The feeling that I get - when I see this garden...
0:03:11 > 0:03:15- ..is that it wasn't created - by traditional gardeners.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17- It's like the work of a sculptor.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21- You could argue - that it's like growing art!
0:03:21 > 0:03:26- I admire any artist who devotes time - to working with the world of nature.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29- I think it's quite challenging.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33- There's a variety - of textures, colours and styles.
0:03:33 > 0:03:38- Some elements are very geometric, - solid and specific...
0:03:38 > 0:03:42- ..whilst others are organic, - free and Bohemian.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44- It's also quite playful.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48- There's a large pool - in front of us...
0:03:48 > 0:03:52- ..that gives a reflection - of what's on the other side.
0:03:52 > 0:03:57- Yes, and there's black dye in the - water to help create the reflection.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00- It adds depth to the reflection.
0:04:00 > 0:04:01- Yes, and it's like tar.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03- Yes, and it's like tar.- - Yes, it is.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06- It's a strange and weird experience.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10- You expect to see fish - but it's just a reflection.
0:04:10 > 0:04:11- It's almost like a mirror.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14- It's almost like a mirror.- - It's perfect. A perfect mirror.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31- The husband and wife team - of Anne and Charles, own the garden.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33- Anne is a garden writer...
0:04:33 > 0:04:37- ..and Charles is a social worker - and garden photographer.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40- People often come to us and say...
0:04:40 > 0:04:44- .."I love your garden. - We don't like formal gardens."
0:04:44 > 0:04:47- They don't realize - that this is a formal garden.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49- I really like lines.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52- I like my lines to be straight...
0:04:52 > 0:04:56- ..and my topiary to be tidy - and consistent.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59- It's a Sissinghurst model...
0:04:59 > 0:05:03- ..which is formal hedging - to frame wild, chaotic planting.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06- We're not overly focussed - on the plants.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09- The plants are there - to create pictures.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14- As a photographer, I take pictures - of individual plants.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17- This is like an outdoor studio.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21- But we've also created views - which are very bold.
0:05:30 > 0:05:36- This garden deals with pattern, - colour, shape, drama and structure.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39- But it also deals with history...
0:05:39 > 0:05:41- ..not just the local history...
0:05:42 > 0:05:45- ..but the history of its inhabitants - over the years.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48- It's so much more than just plants!
0:05:56 > 0:06:00- If you take a bird's-eye view - of these hedges...
0:06:00 > 0:06:05- ..you'll notice that their outline - mimics a tithe map of the area.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09- It reflects the pattern - of the fields in the 19th century.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13- We should applaud Anne and Charles - for their efforts.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15- There's also some ruins.
0:06:15 > 0:06:20- That was a one-night-house or Ty - Unnos which is steeped in history.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23- In the far corner...
0:06:23 > 0:06:28- ..there's a collection - of agricultural and domestic items.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30- It's almost like a museum.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34- You get this feeling - of walking through history.
0:06:34 > 0:06:35- Yes, you do.
0:06:37 > 0:06:42- It's interesting to see an array - of words in every nook and cranny.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46- They are on stones, - the backs of benches and gates.
0:06:46 > 0:06:52- Each word sings the praises of - the area that surrounds the garden.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54- They look like gravestones...
0:06:54 > 0:06:57- ..but they refer lost local names.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01- This garden is close - to the Wales-England border...
0:07:01 > 0:07:06- ..so you will notice changes to the - names of the rivers and garden...
0:07:06 > 0:07:08- ..to suit each period.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12- The names of the owners - are also found on a stone.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16- I doubt Charles and Anne - feel like they own this land...
0:07:16 > 0:07:19- ..but merely watch over it - for a specific time.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24- They don't see it as a possession - and I admire them for that.
0:07:38 > 0:07:43- The front garden has - a wild and romantic flavour to it.
0:07:44 > 0:07:45- It's a stark contrast...
0:07:45 > 0:07:49- ..to the formality of the hedges - in the back garden.
0:07:57 > 0:08:02- This is a glorious meadow of flowers - - nothing more, nothing less.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06- It's another experience - that this garden has to offer.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08- It's perfect for contemplation.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12- It's proof you don't have - to work too hard when gardening.
0:08:13 > 0:08:14- Some things just happen.
0:08:15 > 0:08:16- It has always been like this.
0:08:28 > 0:08:29- As a photographer...
0:08:29 > 0:08:33- ..I'm there to flatter a garden - to make it look its best.
0:08:34 > 0:08:35- But as a gardener...
0:08:35 > 0:08:40- ..I do feel critical - when gardens are over-planted...
0:08:40 > 0:08:42- ..or over-sculptured...
0:08:42 > 0:08:45- ..or lacking in impact.
0:08:45 > 0:08:50- I come back and often think - that we've got something right.
0:08:50 > 0:08:55- We have a wow factor that I still - enjoy when I walk around our garden.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04- Veddw is obviously a garden - or we wouldn't be filming it...
0:09:04 > 0:09:07- ..but it's a collection - of experiences.
0:09:08 > 0:09:13- I'm sitting under a canopy and feel - like Moses parting the Rea Sea...
0:09:14 > 0:09:17- ..or I could be waiting for a bus - in a shelter.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21- The difference is that you wouldn't - mind if the bus didn't turn up!
0:09:31 > 0:09:34- What are your thoughts - about this garden, Nia?
0:09:34 > 0:09:40- I think this garden reflects the - personalities of Anne and Charles.
0:09:40 > 0:09:45- He likes to remain true - to the bounds of order.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47- He's geometric in his nature.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50- She's a free spirit - and more Bohemian.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54- It's a lovely marriage - and is reflected in this garden.
0:09:54 > 0:09:55- Yes, definitely.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57- There's contrasting forms.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01- You have order with neat circles - and trimmed hedges...
0:10:02 > 0:10:06- ..coupled with thistles - that are shooting out of everywhere!
0:10:06 > 0:10:10- I really liked the message - that's on the gate as you arrive.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12- "If weeds offend you...
0:10:13 > 0:10:17- "..we tend to embrace nature - rather than try and conquer it!"
0:10:17 > 0:10:19- There you have it.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21- It's a lesson for us all.
0:10:21 > 0:10:22- Cherish your weeds!
0:10:22 > 0:10:24- I do that in my garden.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28- Veddw is a garden of many layers.
0:10:29 > 0:10:34- A modern gem on the Wales-England - border that should be investigated.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44- The owner said it himself.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47- He steps through the gate - every night...
0:10:47 > 0:10:50- ..sees the garden and thinks "Wow!"
0:10:50 > 0:10:54- I'm sure you'll have a similar - reaction when you come here.
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0:11:14 > 0:11:14- Subtitles
0:11:14 > 0:11:16- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:11:19 > 0:11:24- The main attractions in the county - of Conwy include the castle...
0:11:24 > 0:11:28- ..and the Victorian seaside town - of Llandudno...
0:11:28 > 0:11:31- ..that houses - the longest pier in Wales.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40- The town has many hotels.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45- One hotel in the trees offers - more than just bed and breakfast.
0:12:04 > 0:12:09- The majority of people come here - for some five-star luxury.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12- Bodysgallen Hall is famous for it.
0:12:12 > 0:12:17- There's bedrooms full of interesting - features, a spa and sauna.
0:12:17 > 0:12:18- It's all here!
0:12:18 > 0:12:22- But there's one feature - outside the main hall...
0:12:22 > 0:12:25- ..that attracts visitors - year after year.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28- And here it is.
0:12:36 > 0:12:41- The gardens at Bodysgallen Hall - sit in 200 acres of parkland.
0:12:41 > 0:12:47- They are a beautiful combination of - historic formality and wooded areas.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03- At first, it looks like - a very green garden...
0:13:03 > 0:13:07- ..but there are explosions - of colour in every corner.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11- From this viewpoint, you can see - the use of the architecture.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15- They used the features - that were on the site...
0:13:15 > 0:13:20- ..but they also created - the steps to the various terraces...
0:13:20 > 0:13:24- ..to plant the formal, - structural hedges.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27- This is what gives - the garden its form.
0:13:27 > 0:13:32- Yes, you have the stonework, but - the planting is architectural too.
0:13:32 > 0:13:33- From this point...
0:13:34 > 0:13:38- ..you can see to the edge of the - garden and even to Conwy Castle.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44- This is the reason for the presence - of Bodysgallen Hall.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47- It is now a hotel...
0:13:47 > 0:13:52- ..but the Hall's original tower - dates back to the 13th century.
0:13:52 > 0:13:57- It was built as a watch tower - for Conwy Castle.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01- Over the centuries, - the Hall was a luxurious home.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05- There's no romance - in bricks and mortar...
0:14:05 > 0:14:10- ..but Bodysgallen Hall united two - influential families in North Wales.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12- They were the Mostyns and the Wynns.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16- They lived here together until 1969.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21- The Mostyns and Wynns - were very successful landowners...
0:14:21 > 0:14:25- ..who were also related - to Welsh royalty.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29- Catrin Wager specializes - in the elite families of Wales.
0:14:29 > 0:14:34- She knows everything you need - to know about the Mostyns and Wynns.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38- Bodysgallen Hall shows us - the importance of marriage...
0:14:39 > 0:14:43- ..to the noble families of Wales - and Britain over the centuries.
0:14:44 > 0:14:49- This Hall changed hands from the - Mostyns to the Wynns and back again.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53- These marriages - strengthened the estates.
0:14:53 > 0:14:58- Partnerships were made - and wealth passed back and forth.
0:14:59 > 0:15:04- We know more about the Hall's - history following the marriage...
0:15:04 > 0:15:09- ..of Margaret Mostyn - to Hugh Wynn from Berth Ddu.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13- The Wynn family of Berth Ddu is - related to the Wynns of Gwydir...
0:15:13 > 0:15:19- ..one of the most important families - in North Wales in the 16th century.
0:15:19 > 0:15:24- It was the first time for the family - to use it as their main home.
0:15:24 > 0:15:29- It marked the start of the major - investment in the house and gardens.
0:15:29 > 0:15:35- We know the date for each extension - thanks to the numerous datestones.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38- It's difficult - to find the original structure.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43- But this is the oldest section - of the original garden...
0:15:43 > 0:15:46- ..that is still standing today.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- The florist, Sioned Edwards...
0:15:51 > 0:15:54- ..is very familiar - with this historic garden...
0:15:54 > 0:15:58- ..because she uses it - for floristry demonstrations.
0:15:59 > 0:16:00- Well...
0:16:01 > 0:16:03- This is a real treasure trove.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06- Well, well, well, well.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09- Is this what they mean - when they refer to a knot garden?
0:16:10 > 0:16:12- Yes, and it looks just like a knot.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14- This is a parterre.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18- It's a design - that is typically Dutch or French.
0:16:18 > 0:16:22- This is one of the original parts - of the garden.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26- It was designed by Robert Wynn - in 1678.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31- There was a sundial in the centre - with the date inscribed on it...
0:16:31 > 0:16:33- ..but that's long gone!
0:16:33 > 0:16:38- The shapes are totally symmetric.
0:16:39 > 0:16:44- There's narrow paths with stones - or sand between the plants.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46- It reminds me of a tapestry.
0:16:47 > 0:16:52- Yes, it does and it could have been - designed as picture.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54- It's interesting to point out...
0:16:54 > 0:16:59- ..that you can't see the pattern - when you're standing in front of it.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03- But there is a path - that follows the wall...
0:17:03 > 0:17:06- ..and from that point - or the house...
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- ..you look down on it - and can see the complicated pattern.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- The colours in each section - are beautiful.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16- I think that's sage.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19- There's a curry plant, - fennel, rosemary...
0:17:20 > 0:17:23- ..and the lavender - gives an incredible aroma.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26- Each one is a bit different.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29- We can see the new growth.
0:17:29 > 0:17:34- It's such a strong shade of green - and stands out against the herbs.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37- It's worth coming here - just to see this.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39- And get lost in the narrow paths.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50- Every section of the garden - varies in style.
0:17:51 > 0:17:56- The Arts and Crafts garden - is full of romantic architecture.
0:17:57 > 0:18:03- There's a large area that's reserved - for growing fruit and vegetables.
0:18:08 > 0:18:13- You can escape the formality - by venturing into its forest.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22- This tranquil terrace - in the far corner of the garden...
0:18:22 > 0:18:27- ..was designed for admiring - Snowdonia in all its glory.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31- Many things have changed - as the trees have grown...
0:18:31 > 0:18:35- ..and the housing estates - have done nothing for the view!
0:18:36 > 0:18:39- The sound of the traffic - from the A470 underneath us...
0:18:40 > 0:18:42- ..does nothing for the atmosphere.
0:18:45 > 0:18:50- The contribution of both families - to North Wales was immense.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54- Wales would not have been - the same place without them.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02- Llandudno - is a Victorian seaside town...
0:19:03 > 0:19:06- ..that has been a popular resort - for over 150 years.
0:19:07 > 0:19:12- The Llandudno we know today would - be here if not for the Mostyns.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16- They had the vision - of developing the town...
0:19:16 > 0:19:19- ..and that was between - 1848 and 1859.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23- This was a period when people - started taking holidays.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27- Transport was improving - and you had day-trippers.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31- The late 1800s - saw the start of the railways.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33- It wasn't a new idea.
0:19:33 > 0:19:38- Many noble families built resorts - and especially in Southern England.
0:19:38 > 0:19:44- The Mostyns developed Llandudno - and it was a very expensive project.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48- They had debts mounting to 750,000 - by the end of the century.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51- As a result of the debt...
0:19:52 > 0:19:56- ..the futures of Bodysgallen - and Llandudno were in the balance.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00- Thankfully, one member of the family - had a head for business.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03- Her name was Lady Augusta Mostyn.
0:20:05 > 0:20:10- Due her skills in developing - the estate and the area...
0:20:10 > 0:20:12- ..Llandudno was saved.
0:20:12 > 0:20:17- It was a sensible investment for - the future of the Mostyn family.
0:20:18 > 0:20:23- It's thanks to her that they remain - an important family to this day.
0:20:23 > 0:20:27- Mam-gu would never have a holiday - if it wasn't for her!
0:20:28 > 0:20:32- Lady Augusta's legacy - continues to this day in the garden.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46- I don't think I've ever seen - such well-groomed peonies.
0:20:47 > 0:20:48- They are incredible.
0:20:48 > 0:20:53- It's great to see this collection - and each one is different.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56- Their perfume is beautiful.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58- There was a lot more at one time.
0:20:58 > 0:21:03- Yes, and this garden is based on - the vision of Lady Augusta Mostyn.
0:21:03 > 0:21:09- She wanted a garden full of feminine - pink, purple and blue tones.
0:21:09 > 0:21:15- After the war, they had less workers - so had to close this area.
0:21:15 > 0:21:20- The recreation of the style that - would have been here is more recent.
0:21:20 > 0:21:26- However, it's much simpler - and includes a croquet lawn.
0:21:26 > 0:21:31- You get more pleasure from croquet - than from peonies!
0:21:32 > 0:21:37- One of my favourite things is that - you find something different...
0:21:37 > 0:21:39- ..around every corner.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44- There's something different to see - wherever you look.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47- You can see so much of the garden - from here.
0:21:47 > 0:21:52- There's the pond in the distance, - the knot garden...
0:21:52 > 0:21:56- ..the forest with its trails - that lead to Bryn Pydew...
0:21:57 > 0:22:01- ..and there's a rose garden - directly in front of us.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04- It's believed - that Lady Augusta Mostyn...
0:22:04 > 0:22:09- ..gave the rose garden to her son as - a wedding gift when he moved here.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13- It was an orchard but the - rose garden is more attractive.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15- Yes, but you can't eat roses!
0:22:15 > 0:22:16- Yes, but you can't eat roses!- - No, that's true.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- There's apple trees - in kitchen garden.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23- That's an ancient part - of the garden too.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26- It's always been important - to the house...
0:22:27 > 0:22:31- ..for the residents - or the hotel guests.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38- This is a glorious garden...
0:22:39 > 0:22:44- ..that reflects the history of two - important families of North Wales.
0:22:45 > 0:22:49- It's a tribute to their presence - in the area.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54- I said that this is a public garden - but it isn't that public...
0:22:54 > 0:22:58- ..as you need to be a guest - in the hotel to enjoy it...
0:22:58 > 0:23:01- ..or come here for afternoon tea.
0:23:01 > 0:23:06- After eight scones, I'll need to jog - around the garden to work them off!
0:23:06 > 0:23:10- It's a tough job - but I'm the man to do it!
0:23:45 > 0:23:47- S4C Subtitles by Tinopolis
0:23:48 > 0:23:48- .