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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.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36- Cardiff - the capital city of Wales.
0:00:36 > 0:00:41- A bustling, cosmopolitan city - with strong industrial roots...
0:00:41 > 0:00:45- ..that are now - an attraction for city visitors.
0:00:45 > 0:00:49- Five miles from the city centre - towards the countryside...
0:00:49 > 0:00:52- ..lies a very special place.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58- St Fagans village - is on the outskirts of Cardiff.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01- There's a church, - The Plymouth Arms...
0:01:01 > 0:01:04- ..and half a dozen - picturesque cottages.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07- It's home to - the National History Museum...
0:01:08 > 0:01:10- ..in the heart of the village.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13- ST FAGANS - NATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM
0:01:22 > 0:01:26- St Fagans Castle is a fine example - of a manor house from Tudor times.
0:01:27 > 0:01:31- In 1946, it was donated to - the National Museum of Wales...
0:01:31 > 0:01:34- ..for it to be preserved.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38- The Welsh Folk Museum - opened on the site in 1948.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41- A museum that stretches - over 100 acres of land...
0:01:42 > 0:01:46- ..and home to more than - 40 important Welsh buildings...
0:01:46 > 0:01:49- ..that were transported here - stone-by-stone.
0:01:57 > 0:02:02- The only building that hasn't moved - to St Fagans is the castle.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07- Built on the site of - an earlier Norman castle...
0:02:07 > 0:02:12- ..the manor house was home - to an influential family.
0:02:17 > 0:02:23- The Windsor-Clives of London - were successful entrepreneurs.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26- Their second home at St Fagans - was used in summer.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31- The historian, Catrin Wager - knows more about them.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34- Big changes occurred - at this site in 1852.
0:02:34 > 0:02:39- Robert Windsor-Clive - married Lady Mary.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43- The wedding was a big community - celebration held at the castle.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47- This terrace dates from that period.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52- The couple had an early influence - on the gardens that are here now.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56- Unfortunately, - Robert died six years later.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59- Two women were left in charge...
0:02:59 > 0:03:03- ..namely his mother, - Lady Harriet Windsor...
0:03:03 > 0:03:05- ..and his wife, Lady Mary.
0:03:05 > 0:03:09- Rather than sitting at home - grieving for her son...
0:03:10 > 0:03:14- ..Lady Harriet - invested her family's fortunes.
0:03:15 > 0:03:20- She established Penarth Docks - to compete with Cardiff Docks.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23- She developed Penarth - as a seaside town...
0:03:24 > 0:03:27- ..and built Grangetown - in the heart of the city.
0:03:27 > 0:03:31- She took advantage of this - exciting growth in the city.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34- With land around Cardiff - and the docks...
0:03:35 > 0:03:38- ..this family became - very influential and wealthy.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54- What better way to exhibit - this wealth than through gardens...
0:03:54 > 0:03:57- ..that were floral - and model masterpieces.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02- Nobody knows flowers better than - floral designer, Sioned Edwards.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08- Stately homes from this period...
0:04:08 > 0:04:13- ..have formal areas, like a mini - Versailles in front of the house.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16- Yes, it's incredibly formal here.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19- As you gaze from the windows - and house itself...
0:04:20 > 0:04:24- ..the shapes look - very striking and colourful...
0:04:24 > 0:04:28- ..with these statues - dotted around the place.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30- It's extremely formal.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33- There'll be more flowers - after they've replanted.
0:04:34 > 0:04:39- Yes, it will be very colourful with - strong shapes and extremely formal.
0:04:40 > 0:04:41- It isn't my cup of tea.
0:04:42 > 0:04:47- I'm not quite posh enough to have an - area like this in front of my house!
0:04:48 > 0:04:50- Not yet, maybe.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54- I think I might be posh enough!
0:05:12 > 0:05:16- The castle gardens look majestic - and opulent from here...
0:05:17 > 0:05:19- ..and almost Italian.
0:05:20 > 0:05:26- The Italian influence was introduced - in the late 19th century...
0:05:27 > 0:05:30- ..when Lady Mary's son - inherited the estate.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32- Robert George Windsor-Clive...
0:05:32 > 0:05:37- ..was a prominent figure - in this history of Britain.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41- The government appointed him - as Commissioner of Works.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45- His most celebrated developments...
0:05:45 > 0:05:49- ..is the famous mall that - approaches Buckingham Palace.
0:05:49 > 0:05:55- He won this role because of his - passion for art and architecture.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57- This is evident in the garden.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01- It's been influenced by someone - who makes the best of a place...
0:06:01 > 0:06:06- ..and creates a feeling of - flowing from one place to another.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- His wife, Lady Windsor - had an influence on the garden.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12- She had a socialite background.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- Her father was an ambassador - in Italy...
0:06:15 > 0:06:18- ..and her mother lived in Florence.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- This is where - the Italian influence came from.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24- Most of her upbringing was in Italy.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28- She and her new husband - also spent a lot of time there.
0:06:28 > 0:06:34- Hugh Pettigrew was appointed - head gardener in 1900.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38- Lady Windsor required him - to create an Italian-style garden.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41- A garden that's quite wondrous.
0:06:56 > 0:07:01- The garden was originally designed - back in 1902.
0:07:01 > 0:07:07- But since then, it's been redesigned - twice back in the 1970s and in 2003.
0:07:07 > 0:07:13- I wonder if they had the design for - the garden when they redesigned it.
0:07:13 > 0:07:18- No, they couldn't find - the original design.
0:07:18 > 0:07:24- Staff searched meticulously through - old diaries, cards and photographs.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29- In the end, - Hugh Pettigrew's son, Andrew...
0:07:29 > 0:07:35- ..created a sketch from memory of - what was here in Lady Windsor's day.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39- It needed to include - these lawns, pools...
0:07:40 > 0:07:43- ..herbaceous borders - to create a romantic theme.
0:07:43 > 0:07:48- She enjoyed enamelling - and composing poetry here.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51- The garden meant a lot to her.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53- The walls make it intimate.
0:07:53 > 0:07:58- You wouldn't know it existed - if it wasn't for the open door.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00- It's a secret garden.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04- It's quite different - to everything else that's here.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07- Everything is confined - into one square space.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12- They claim it's nicer at 5.00pm - when the sun is at its best here.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16- It reflects on the water, - so let's return at 5.00pm.
0:08:28 > 0:08:34- Many gardens surround the castle - and form a patchwork quilt effect.
0:08:36 > 0:08:42- The Thyme Garden is captivating - and is now a sea of wild flowers.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48- Well, have you ever seen anything - so beautiful?
0:08:49 > 0:08:50- It's fantastic.
0:08:50 > 0:08:51- It's magnificent.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55- It's so colourful.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59- It's perfect and you want - to touch it. It's wonderful.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02- This is just one of many rooms.
0:09:02 > 0:09:07- These various areas were referred to - as 'garden rooms' by Lady Windsor.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11- It's laid out in - an arts and crafts style.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15- There's an emphasis on - architecture and gardening...
0:09:15 > 0:09:19- ..and both are combined.
0:09:19 > 0:09:25- She wanted all these walls - made from stone and yew hedges.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27- She introduced nature...
0:09:27 > 0:09:32- ..and made it look convincing - even though it wasn't natural.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36- A large stone was laid to look like - it was naturally positioned.
0:09:36 > 0:09:41- A similar notion - applies to this room.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44- Wonders lie behind each hedgerow.
0:09:44 > 0:09:45- Wonders lie behind each hedgerow.- - Yes, definitely.
0:10:03 > 0:10:08- It's difficult for us to comprehend - the amount of wealth that funded...
0:10:08 > 0:10:11- ..a greenhouse of this capacity - just to grow grapes.
0:10:12 > 0:10:17- Some of the vines have been here - since the turn of the last century.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20- They all mature at the same time.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24- It means you'll have a lot of - grapes for one month a year...
0:10:25 > 0:10:30- ..but for the other eleven months, - these grapes have to be maintained.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35- The vines are still looked after - meticulously today.
0:10:36 > 0:10:41- A dedicated team trim and prune to - achieve a perfect bunch of grapes.
0:10:44 > 0:10:50- The similar level of care - is required in the Rose Garden.
0:10:57 > 0:11:02- The garden is currently being - restored to its former glory.
0:11:03 > 0:11:09- A century ago, a rose garden would - have been highlight at St Fagans.
0:11:09 > 0:11:14- These roses were precious - to Lady Windsor.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17- There were 68 rose beds - dotted around the garden.
0:11:17 > 0:11:21- Ten beds were used for - experimental purposes...
0:11:21 > 0:11:25- ..to grow the best roses.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28- In a copy of Country Life - from 1902...
0:11:28 > 0:11:34- ..there's a twelve-page spread - about the garden...
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- ..and the Rose Garden.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42- Today's garden looks similar - to the images in the magazine.
0:11:42 > 0:11:48- The roses aren't at their best now, - but we can see how it used to look.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51- What does Country Life - say about the Rose Garden?
0:11:51 > 0:11:55- 'The rosary has been formed - by the present Lady Windsor.'
0:11:55 > 0:11:58- 'A perfect dream of loveliness.'
0:11:58 > 0:12:02- 'An ideal home for - the queen of flowers.'
0:12:02 > 0:12:03- Oh, that's you!
0:12:03 > 0:12:04- Oh, that's you!- - Yes, of course!
0:12:04 > 0:12:06- Queen of flowers.
0:12:06 > 0:12:07- Isn't it nice?
0:12:16 > 0:12:18- In the second part...
0:12:18 > 0:12:23- ..we visit the cottage gardens - on the other side of the castle.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27- Gardens for the common folk - and for you and me.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29- A total contrast to these gardens.
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0:12:38 > 0:12:38- Subtitles
0:12:38 > 0:12:40- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:49 > 0:12:54- St Fagans National History Museum is - popular among visitors of all ages.
0:12:55 > 0:13:01- An average of 500,000 visitors - walk through those gates every year.
0:13:08 > 0:13:13- The cottages and houses - are main attractions here.
0:13:13 > 0:13:19- Beyond these buildings lie some - glorious and important gardens.
0:13:19 > 0:13:24- They boast a more interesting - history than these buildings.
0:13:25 > 0:13:31- We have already witnessed the style - of garden the wealthy could produce.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35- But what style of garden - was kept by the hoi polloi?
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- I'm not sure what these are.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40- Either potatoes or tomatoes.
0:13:40 > 0:13:45- Abernodwydd Farmhouse was one of the - first buildings to reach the museum.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50- The stately abode dates back to the - 17th century from Llangadfan, Powys.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55- It's typical of the - timber-framed houses of Mid Wales.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59- As Head Garden Conservator - at the museum...
0:13:59 > 0:14:05- ..Juliet Hodgkiss' role is to ensure - that historical details are correct.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- What era does this garden date from?
0:14:08 > 0:14:11- What era does this garden date from?- - It dates back to 1720.
0:14:11 > 0:14:13- Who occupied the home?
0:14:13 > 0:14:18- An affluent family - lived in the house.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20- They grew a lot of produce.
0:14:20 > 0:14:25- I notice that they grew a lot - of different varieties of onions.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27- What are these ones?
0:14:27 > 0:14:30- What are these ones?- - They're shallots and garlic.
0:14:30 > 0:14:31- What else did they grow?
0:14:31 > 0:14:35- What else did they grow?- - Leeks, peas and a lot of cabbage.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39- What isn't here and is seen - in most gardens is potatoes.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42- There aren't any potatoes here...
0:14:42 > 0:14:46- ..because they were introduced - to Wales in the late 18th century.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49- What happens to this produce?
0:14:49 > 0:14:53- It's taken to the restaurant - and turned into soup.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56- Do you keep some of it here?
0:14:56 > 0:15:00- Some of it will provide seeds - for next year.
0:15:04 > 0:15:09- There are enough crops to feed - the five thousand for many years.
0:15:12 > 0:15:17- There is also a fruitful crop in - the next garden from a later era.
0:15:18 > 0:15:23- We've moved forward by 200 years to - a prefab house from 1950s Cardiff.
0:15:23 > 0:15:28- But what does this garden have - in common with the previous garden?
0:15:28 > 0:15:31- Shallots and cabbage are grown here.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33- But we also grow potatoes.
0:15:34 > 0:15:35- Finally, some potatoes!
0:15:36 > 0:15:38- Red currants and blackcurrants.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42- And runner beans - were grown for the first time.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46- Food rationing still existed - during this period.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50- Therefore, families had to grow - as much food crops as possible.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53- Yes, growing your own food - was imperative.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57- This productive garden - is also a colourful one.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00- Flowers added a splash of colour.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02- What grew at the front of the house?
0:16:03 > 0:16:06- They planted hydrangeas - and popular flowers.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08- Yes, especially hydrangeas.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10- They're popular now.
0:16:19 > 0:16:24- One of the museum's most interesting - attractions is Rhyd-y-Car Terrace...
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- ..that arrived here - from Merthyr Tydfil.
0:16:28 > 0:16:33- It's inclusion at the museum - was almost revolutionary.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37- Up until this point - the only houses that came here...
0:16:37 > 0:16:42- ..were from rural areas in south, - north, east and west Wales...
0:16:42 > 0:16:44- ..and situated - in the fields around us.
0:16:45 > 0:16:50- For the first time ever, workers' - houses were viewed as an attraction.
0:16:50 > 0:16:55- It was an insight into - their gardens and homes.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58- Over 200 years compact - into one street...
0:16:58 > 0:17:03- ..starting from 1805 - and finishing at 1987.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20- The Estate Manager, Andrew Dixey...
0:17:21 > 0:17:24- ..knows every nook - and cranny of this place...
0:17:24 > 0:17:28- ..and how each garden reflects - a different period in history.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35- Our first house is from 1805.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39- It appears quite primitive and bare.
0:17:39 > 0:17:45- But the inhabitants originated - from Nant Wallter near Llandeilo.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49- They left West Wales - for bustling Merthyr Tydfil.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53- This house was fantastic - compared to their previous home.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58- Having an upstairs - was extraordinary for them.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02- The large windows - also threw in plenty of light.
0:18:02 > 0:18:06- Did West Walians - grow anything different?
0:18:06 > 0:18:10- West Wales inhabitants - remained as West Walians...
0:18:10 > 0:18:12- ..despite living in Merthyr.
0:18:12 > 0:18:17- They still made 'cawl erfyn', - a swede and potato Welsh broth.
0:18:17 > 0:18:22- We reach 1855, - which is the house next door...
0:18:22 > 0:18:28- ..and the West Walians start - to make the local leek stew.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32- What period have we reached now?
0:18:33 > 0:18:37- This is 1895 - at the end of the Victorian era.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39- I assume that's a toilet.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41- I assume that's a toilet.- - It's the first of its kind.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44- What did they use before it?
0:18:44 > 0:18:48- There was a patch of land - around the corner.
0:18:48 > 0:18:54- Cholera, typhus and typhoid - were rife in those days.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57- An outhouse was the solution.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04- Which era is this garden from?
0:19:04 > 0:19:06- This is 1987.
0:19:06 > 0:19:11- The houses moved from Merthyr - after this date.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13- This reflects the final period.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15- This reflects the final period.- - Exactly.
0:19:15 > 0:19:20- It shows what people were able to do - with a house like this back in 1987.
0:19:20 > 0:19:26- This garden differs to the others - as there isn't a vegetable patch.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30- The aim was to have - a more leisurely way of life.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34- Greenhouses - were introduced to gardens.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38- They weren't affordable - in previous years.
0:19:38 > 0:19:44- Tomatoes aren't staple foods - like potatoes and swede.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46- They decorate your plate.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48- They decorate your plate.- - Yes, they're like a decoration.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51- We also have a rockery.
0:19:51 > 0:19:52- We also have a rockery.- - Yes, we do.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55- And some paving slabs.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58- There'll be furniture here soon.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01- There'll be furniture here soon.- - We should have plastic seats.
0:20:02 > 0:20:03- And a gin on the table.
0:20:03 > 0:20:05- And a gin on the table.- - I was going say a few pints!
0:20:14 > 0:20:17- Rhyd-yCar gardens - are a patchwork of plants...
0:20:17 > 0:20:21- ..reflecting over 150 years - in the history of common folk.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25- The formal gardens are a patchwork - reflecting periods...
0:20:25 > 0:20:29- ..in the history of the area's - most wealthiest families.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32- It's quite a responsibility - for Andrew.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40- How do you maintain - all of these gardens?
0:20:42 > 0:20:45- We've got great staff members.
0:20:45 > 0:20:49- We aim to maintain the gardens...
0:20:49 > 0:20:52- ..in the way - we think they were kept...
0:20:53 > 0:20:57- ..when the estate and house - were at their peak...
0:20:57 > 0:21:01- ..from the late Victorian era - to the start of the Great War.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03- There's never one story.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07- You've got to have your - own interpretation of it.
0:21:07 > 0:21:13- How easy has it been for you - to preserve the gardens?
0:21:13 > 0:21:17- A historical garden - doesn't usually stay in one place.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20- But here, the house doesn't move.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24- Therefore, we try to stop time.
0:21:24 > 0:21:28- It's not quite pickling in aspic, - but it's that sort of thing.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32- And unlike others, - we don't follow conservation styles.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- What does the future hold - for the gardens?
0:21:36 > 0:21:41- We'll make use of what we've got and - maintain them for as long as we can.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44- If there wasn't a museum here...
0:21:44 > 0:21:47- ..it would be - one of our best gardens...
0:21:47 > 0:21:50- ..that people would - happily pay to visit.
0:21:50 > 0:21:54- But because the museum - settled here...
0:21:54 > 0:21:57- ..the gardens - blend into the background.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02- One thing I've tried to do is not - make it part of the background...
0:22:03 > 0:22:06- ..and make it - an integral part of the museum.
0:22:06 > 0:22:11- I think the cottage gardens are - as important as the castle gardens.
0:22:11 > 0:22:16- They reflect the lives of the people - who lived in those houses.
0:22:16 > 0:22:21- The wealthy could buy plenty of food - unlike the Nant Wallter folk.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29- The dedication from the - small team of gardeners...
0:22:29 > 0:22:32- ..covering this large area - is remarkable.
0:22:33 > 0:22:38- Their work ensures - that a legacy continues.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43- It's possible to learn a lot - about our past at St Fagans.
0:22:43 > 0:22:48- The gardens make it possible to - learn about a Welsh way of life...
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- ..whether its rich or poor.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54- It's easy to recognize - our forefathers...
0:22:54 > 0:22:58- ..by inserting a shovel - in their borders.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27- S4C Subtitles by Tinopolis
0:23:27 > 0:23:27- .