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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 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.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37- North-East Wales.
0:00:37 > 0:00:42- This lovely area attracts - visitors from across the globe.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45- They visit the historic town - of Llangollen.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51- Take a leisurely trip - along the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57- And visit the small town of Chirk.
0:01:10 > 0:01:12- It's like heaven on earth.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15- And yes, - that's England in the distance.
0:01:15 > 0:01:21- The view should be admired and shows - Chirk's proximity to the border.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32- This is a great and clever location - to build a castle...
0:01:32 > 0:01:35- ..but we must remember - that we're on a hilltop.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40- It means - that there will be strong wind...
0:01:40 > 0:01:42- ..rough weather and unfertile soil.
0:01:43 > 0:01:47- It isn't the best combination - for a wonderful garden...
0:01:47 > 0:01:50- ..but somehow, they managed - to accomplish just that.
0:01:52 > 0:01:57- Chirk Castle
0:01:58 > 0:02:02- Its early history - dates back to the Middle Ages.
0:02:02 > 0:02:07- This was a period of constant war - between the Welsh and English...
0:02:07 > 0:02:12- ..when King Edward I - attempted to rule the wild Welsh.
0:02:13 > 0:02:14- Roger Mortimer.
0:02:14 > 0:02:16- SPITS
0:02:17 > 0:02:20- The land around Chirk...
0:02:20 > 0:02:24- ..was given to Rog' - by Edward I to build a castle...
0:02:24 > 0:02:29- ..for his role in the murder of - Llywelyn Our Last Leader in Cilmeri.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33- The castle remained - a symbol of oppression...
0:02:33 > 0:02:36- ..to keep the Welsh under the thumb.
0:02:41 > 0:02:46- Certain areas of the castle - have remained the same for years...
0:02:47 > 0:02:52- ..and house relics that remind us - of the period before its renovation.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59- By the end of the 16th century, - in about 1595...
0:02:59 > 0:03:03- ..the general belief was that - defences were no longer needed...
0:03:04 > 0:03:06- ..so castles became homes.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10- Sadly, nobody had noticed Cromwell - galloping over the hill!
0:03:10 > 0:03:13- We'll have more about him shortly.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20- New homely rooms were added...
0:03:20 > 0:03:24- ..and areas of the castle - were redesigned as living areas.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28- Today, there are fantastic gardens - surrounding the building.
0:03:39 > 0:03:44- Dedication and passion have been - thrown into these gardens...
0:03:44 > 0:03:47- ..for them to be in the condition - that you see today.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55- The history of the castle - is as colourful as the gardens...
0:03:55 > 0:03:57- ..as Catrin Wager explained.
0:03:57 > 0:04:02- Chirk Castle has a chequered past.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04- Yes, a long and chequered past.
0:04:04 > 0:04:09- The castle dates from Edward I's - reign and has always been occupied.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13- The other castles - aren't homes like this one.
0:04:13 > 0:04:19- No, and the castles at Caernarfon - and Beaumaris are ruins.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23- This castle is a house and - it has been a home from the start.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26- In 1595, - the castle enjoyed a conversion...
0:04:26 > 0:04:29- ..when it was purchased - by Thomas Myddelton.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34- Thomas Myddelton was the son - of the governor of Denbigh Castle.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38- He was one of nine sons and had - to find his own way in the world...
0:04:39 > 0:04:42- ..and became the apprentice - of a London grocer.
0:04:42 > 0:04:46- How does a grocer's apprentice - buy this place?
0:04:46 > 0:04:49- He was a founder - of The East India Company...
0:04:49 > 0:04:52- ..that traded with the Far East.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55- This is how he made his fortune.
0:04:55 > 0:05:00- He bought the castle for 5,000 - which is 11 million today.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04- The second Thomas Myddelton was - in residence during the Civil War.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07- When the Civil War broke out...
0:05:07 > 0:05:11- ..he was one of the few - Parliamentarians in the area.
0:05:11 > 0:05:15- The king's supporters - successfully seized the castle...
0:05:16 > 0:05:18- ..but he regained the castle - by bribery.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22- The Civil War - continued for a long time.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26- Thomas disliked - the military methods of Cromwell.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29- Cromwell was a dictator...
0:05:29 > 0:05:34- ..so Thomas opened communications - with Charles II who was in exile.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37- As a result of this, - his castle was attacked.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41- The Parliamentarians - he had supported at the start...
0:05:41 > 0:05:45- ..demolished two towers - and made it uninhabitable.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48- Stick with one side!
0:05:48 > 0:05:49- Yes, that makes sense.
0:05:50 > 0:05:55- The castle taught us the lesson of - not betraying the ones we support.
0:05:55 > 0:06:00- From that point, it grew into - the noble home that we see today.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04- The interior is more like that - of a country house than a castle.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12- This is the castle's eastern side.
0:06:12 > 0:06:16- It sustained the most damage - by Cromwell during the Civil War.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19- When this room was rebuilt...
0:06:20 > 0:06:24- ..they added portraits to show - their wealth and connections.
0:06:24 > 0:06:30- They also wanted to exhibit the wild - exterior via these large windows...
0:06:30 > 0:06:34- ..and showcase the garden - for the first time.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37- But it wouldn't be - a traditional garden.
0:06:37 > 0:06:42- They employed the 18th century - landscape architect, William Emes...
0:06:42 > 0:06:45- ..to transform the land - around the castle.
0:06:45 > 0:06:50- He didn't just plant - a few pansies or dahlias!
0:06:52 > 0:06:56- The floral designer, - Sioned Edwards knows his story.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58- Isn't this avenue wonderful?
0:06:59 > 0:07:03- You wouldn't usually associate - this kind of feature...
0:07:04 > 0:07:06- ..as being part of the garden - but it is!
0:07:06 > 0:07:11- This is typical feature - of the designs of William Emes.
0:07:11 > 0:07:17- He came here in 1764 and wanted to - transform the garden and the park.
0:07:17 > 0:07:23- This is the perfect path from the - house through the entire garden...
0:07:23 > 0:07:25- ..to the spectacular view.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28- This was very important in his work.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32- There's a fantastic picture - of the garden as he designed it.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36- It's massive and looks like - a piece of patchwork of trees...
0:07:36 > 0:07:40- ..and has walkways - to guide you around the garden...
0:07:41 > 0:07:46- ..that ensure the stunning views - can be enjoyed from the house.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49- When that section of the house - was rebuilt...
0:07:50 > 0:07:54- ..they added large windows - to savour the views from the house.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58- Yes, and they needed large windows - to see all of this.
0:08:02 > 0:08:07- After 150 years - of the smart designs of Mr Emes...
0:08:07 > 0:08:10- ..they got fed up - and planted these hedges.
0:08:10 > 0:08:12- Yes, that's exactly right.
0:08:12 > 0:08:17- They wanted smaller gardens - that were more like rooms.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21- There's a tennis court - surrounded by yew bushes.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25- They planted the enclosed - Rose Garden during that period...
0:08:25 > 0:08:28- ..and the Laundry Garden.
0:08:28 > 0:08:29- Well, well.
0:08:31 > 0:08:37- The weird and wonderful shapes - of the shrubs are now iconic.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41- It's one of the reasons why so many - visitors flock to the gardens.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02- By the onset of the 20th century, - the Myddletons needed money.
0:09:03 > 0:09:04- They sold some of the land...
0:09:05 > 0:09:09- ..and the house was rented - by the Scott-Ellis family...
0:09:09 > 0:09:11- ..or the eighth - Lord Howard de Walden.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15- The new tenant was an eccentric.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18- He was raised in London - but was an honorary Welshman.
0:09:19 > 0:09:24- Gwyneth Craft is a castle guide - and knows all about the family.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31- Why did he rent this house - when he had many other homes?
0:09:32 > 0:09:34- He had many homes - and another castle.
0:09:34 > 0:09:39- He liked the idea of the castle - more than the place itself.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42- It was a great location - near Wrexham.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45- Why was he interested - in the language?
0:09:45 > 0:09:48- He loved North Wales...
0:09:48 > 0:09:51- ..and promoted Welsh culture - and learnt Welsh.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54- How did he promote the culture?
0:09:54 > 0:09:57- How did he promote the culture?- - He wrote short Welsh dramas.
0:09:57 > 0:10:02- They established the first national - Welsh drama company in Llangollen.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06- Howard and his wife - were the founders.
0:10:06 > 0:10:07- Yes.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10- He was also linked with - the Gorsedd of Bards.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12- He was a member of the Gorsedd.
0:10:12 > 0:10:13- What was his bardic name?
0:10:13 > 0:10:15- What was his bardic name?- - Tommy o'r Waun.
0:10:15 > 0:10:16- Tommy o'r Waun.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20- It doesn't sound like - the name of a man who owns a castle!
0:10:20 > 0:10:23- EISTEDDFOD FANFARE
0:10:27 > 0:10:32- Norah Lindsay was a friend - of the family of Tommy o'r Waun.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36- She became a well-known garden - designer by the mid 20th century.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40- Her work was revived - by Lady Margaret Myddleton...
0:10:41 > 0:10:45- ..when the family returned to the - castle after the Second World War.
0:10:45 > 0:10:50- We've reached the 20th century - and the work of Norah Lindsay.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- She was a very famous - garden designer.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57- She designed this section - as a vegetable garden.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01- After the war, things were difficult - in the garden...
0:11:01 > 0:11:04- ..and they struggled to get staff...
0:11:04 > 0:11:07- ..so Lady Margaret transformed it.
0:11:07 > 0:11:13- She retained the vegetables but also - chose to plant some perennials...
0:11:13 > 0:11:17- ..so that it was easier for them - to tend to the garden.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21- She changed a lot of the garden...
0:11:21 > 0:11:24- ..and did a lot of - the gardening herself.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29- But let's return to Norah Lindsay - for a moment.
0:11:29 > 0:11:34- Norah often stayed here and - that is when she started gardening.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- She enjoyed coming out - into the garden...
0:11:37 > 0:11:41- ..and decided to start - charging people for the gardening.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45- Norah wouldn't just help friends - but started charging for her work.
0:11:46 > 0:11:51- She became well-known and worked in - many famous gardens across the UK.
0:11:52 > 0:11:57- At the age of 70, she would get up - at 5.00am to work in the garden.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01- There must have been - something wrong with her!
0:12:08 > 0:12:12- The castle - is the main attraction of Chirk...
0:12:12 > 0:12:17- ..and the Myddleton family made it - their home for so many centuries.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21- As a result, - there are wonderful gardens...
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- ..that deserve their moment - in the spotlight.
0:12:29 > 0:12:29- Subtitles
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0:12:37 > 0:12:39- The coast of the Lleyn Peninsula...
0:12:39 > 0:12:43- ..has a diverse landscape - that is full of seaside towns...
0:12:43 > 0:12:47- ..that overflow with visitors - during the summer.
0:12:47 > 0:12:52- It's no surprise as it has glorious, - golden beaches around every corner.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54- Some are the best in Wales.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06- Aberdaron is the most western - village on the Lleyn Peninsula.
0:13:06 > 0:13:11- Leave the village and cross the hill - to find our next garden at Rhiw.
0:13:14 > 0:13:18- I haven't seen such a fantastic view - from a garden before.
0:13:18 > 0:13:24- The view is just as important - as the contents of this garden.
0:13:24 > 0:13:29- I doubt the garden would be as - successful were it not for the sea.
0:13:41 > 0:13:45- Since the Iron Age, the sea - has attracted people to this area.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48- The archaeological remains...
0:13:48 > 0:13:52- ..give an idea of life - over 1,000 years ago.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54- In Medieval times...
0:13:54 > 0:14:00- ..pilgrims travelled along the coast - to St Hywyn's Church in Aberdaron...
0:14:00 > 0:14:05- ..before crossing to Bardsey Island - where 5,000 saints are buried.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14- It's no surprise that someone - chose this breathtaking area...
0:14:14 > 0:14:20- ..to build a house and - develop a glorious garden around it.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33- Plas yn Rhiw - dates back to the 16th century.
0:14:33 > 0:14:38- It was once a grand building but it - fell into ruin over the centuries.
0:14:39 > 0:14:44- In 1939, the Keating sisters from - Nottingham purchased the house...
0:14:44 > 0:14:47- ..and life was restored.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57- When the sisters bought the site...
0:14:57 > 0:15:01- ..the garden was nothing more - than trees and brambles.
0:15:01 > 0:15:06- It was impossible to see the door - so they climbed through a window!
0:15:07 > 0:15:11- With the help of the architect - and friend, Clough Williams-Ellis...
0:15:11 > 0:15:14- ..the sisters - started to restore the house.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19- At first glance, the work would have - been too much for most normal men.
0:15:20 > 0:15:21- That's a rule.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24- A house falling to pieces.
0:15:24 > 0:15:28- Sapling trees thrusting up the slabs - of the terrace.
0:15:28 > 0:15:32- Ivy growing in through - broken windows and plaster.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35- An altogether very sad sight indeed.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38- But the potentialities were clear.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43- Mary Thomas - is the curator of Plas yn Rhiw.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46- She told me about its history.
0:15:47 > 0:15:53- I'm sure the Keating sisters would - enjoy afternoon tea on the lawn.
0:15:53 > 0:15:54- Yes, I agree.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56- Why did they come here?
0:15:56 > 0:15:59- The youngest sister, - Honora Keating...
0:15:59 > 0:16:03- ..was a student at the - Slade School of Fine Art in London.
0:16:03 > 0:16:08- She became friends with someone - who had connections with Aberdaron.
0:16:08 > 0:16:13- Honora came here on holiday in 1914 - and fell in love with the location.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17- She encouraged her mother - and sisters to come here.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20- The house had been empty - for 20 years.
0:16:21 > 0:16:26- They paid 500 for the house and - 57 acres which was mainly woodlands.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35- We just bought the property - to save these woodlands.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38- We never thought we could restore - the house.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41- We had to get rid of all the scrub.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44- The whole garden - was given up as lost.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53- With elbow grease and dedication...
0:16:53 > 0:16:59- ..they restored the gardens at - Plas yn Rhiw with stunning results.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- They have used this box hedge...
0:17:10 > 0:17:14- ..as a border around the smaller - gardens within the large garden.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18- It means that there's a surprise - around every corner.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22- There's a quarter of a mile - of box hedging in the garden...
0:17:23 > 0:17:25- ..so the surprises - come thick and fast!
0:17:34 > 0:17:36- This is one surprise.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42- If you have a stream - running through your garden...
0:17:43 > 0:17:45- ..you can put a toilet above it!
0:17:46 > 0:17:50- But there's two holes here - so I should call it a two-let.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54- They would come here - to do their business.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56- "The water runs to the hollow."
0:17:56 > 0:17:58- And not just the water!
0:17:59 > 0:18:01- TOILET FLUSHES
0:18:07 > 0:18:13- The organic tradition continues - but not as literally as before!
0:18:16 > 0:18:21- This is the only organic - National Trust garden in Wales...
0:18:21 > 0:18:23- ..and one of three in Britain.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28- The plants are flourishing - but there's another reason for this.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31- If you shiver - in a hoodie in Pwllheli...
0:18:31 > 0:18:34- ..you'll be sweating in a vest here.
0:18:34 > 0:18:39- There's a microclimate in the area - so even the rain is warmer.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43- Everything here develops faster - than it would in other gardens.
0:18:58 > 0:19:03- Today, the head gardener, - is Llifon Jones
0:19:05 > 0:19:08- You're the only gardener here, - Llifon.
0:19:08 > 0:19:09- Yes, that's right.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12- Is it a lot of work - to tend to the garden?
0:19:12 > 0:19:15- This is a full-time job - over five days a week.
0:19:16 > 0:19:21- Do you feel that you're maintaining - the heritage of the Keatings?
0:19:22 > 0:19:23- Yes, I think so.
0:19:23 > 0:19:28- It's important to use the same - method of management as the sisters.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31- We grow wild flowers - and allow wildlife to thrive.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35- They put in so much effort - so we should do the same.
0:19:35 > 0:19:40- I've noticed that it's much warmer - in this area...
0:19:41 > 0:19:42- ..than it is at Rhiw.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44- Yes, that's right.
0:19:44 > 0:19:49- In the winter, you can usually see a - difference of four or five degrees.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52- Does that affect the plants - that you grow here?
0:19:53 > 0:19:56- The best example we have - is the tree fern...
0:19:56 > 0:19:59- ..which is originally - from New Zealand.
0:19:59 > 0:20:04- In North Wales, they are packed in - bubble wrap or hay for the winter.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07- We leave them out and they thrive.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13- Little has changed - since the days of the sisters...
0:20:14 > 0:20:17- ..as the garden remains true - to their vision.
0:20:17 > 0:20:22- The same is true for the mansion - where time has stood still.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32- The house is displayed - as if the sisters never left.
0:20:32 > 0:20:37- You can see their shoes, clothes - and furniture all over the house.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41- It feels as if - they've just popped out.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44- The practical items speak volumes.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47- There's good quality, - expensive furniture...
0:20:48 > 0:20:50- ..and practical items - in the kitchen...
0:20:51 > 0:20:53- ..such as the iron and toaster.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57- You knew two of the sisters - so what were they like?
0:20:57 > 0:21:00- I came here as a child - and they were kind.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04- They were very determined - in all of their campaigns...
0:21:05 > 0:21:07- ..but especially in conservation.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10- They opposed any developments...
0:21:10 > 0:21:15- ..that would ruin the view and - the coast of the Lleyn Peninsula.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19- The sisters were at the forefront - of protecting rural Wales.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24- They opposed the building of a - nuclear power station at Cwmistir...
0:21:24 > 0:21:28- ..on the northern coast - of the Lleyn Peninsula.
0:21:28 > 0:21:33- They would stop any plans to build - a caravan park or a wind farm...
0:21:33 > 0:21:39- ..or anything - that would ruin the view.
0:21:39 > 0:21:45- They were ahead of their time in - their conservation of the landscape.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53- Llifon and the National Trust - are looking to the future.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56- There are no plans - to develop the garden...
0:21:57 > 0:22:01- ..but the next field was transformed - into an orchard of fruit trees...
0:22:02 > 0:22:04- ..with the help of local children.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- A tenant - was using the field for grazing.
0:22:12 > 0:22:17- We wanted to make it traditional, - like the orchards of the past...
0:22:17 > 0:22:22- ..and grow Welsh fruit.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25- All these trees - were sourced in Wales.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30- Last year, we had 15 types of apple.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33- The Bardsey apple - grows very well here.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38- The Anglesey Pigs Snout and - Pig Skin apples also grow well here.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- A garden doesn't have to be big - to be wonderful.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54- The small gems are often - the most beautiful.
0:22:55 > 0:22:56- And think about it.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01- Nothing beats glorious weather - and a special garden.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04- It's a place for the soul - to be at peace.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21- On my journey - around the gardens of Wales...
0:23:22 > 0:23:26- ..I've seen aristocratic, - small and personal gardens...
0:23:26 > 0:23:29- ..as well as majestic gardens.
0:23:29 > 0:23:34- Every one has its virtues - and is a feast for the eyes.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38- It only confirms that this is - the golden age of gardens in Wales.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56- S4C Subtitles by Tinopolis
0:23:56 > 0:23:57- .