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0:00:03 > 0:00:08- Our journey has taken us to - a variety of gardens across Wales.
0:00:09 > 0:00:14- They've been big, small, - pretty, formal, wild and wooded.
0:00:14 > 0:00:19- Each garden is a perfect example - of the wealth on our own doorstep.
0:00:20 > 0:00:23- During this episode, - we follow a different path...
0:00:23 > 0:00:27- ..and visit two gardens - only a few miles apart.
0:00:27 > 0:00:29- Welcome to Gerddi Cymru.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47- Welcome to a garden...
0:00:47 > 0:00:51- ..that is the most stately - Edwardian garden in Wales.
0:00:52 > 0:00:57- The Vale of Glamorgan is one of - the most fertile counties in Wales.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01- It's no surprise that such - a striking garden can be found here.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04- You won't get - a better garden than this!
0:01:12 > 0:01:18- Dyffryn Gardens is situated - in a rural area near Cowbridge.
0:01:24 > 0:01:28- You'll find a number of beautiful, - colourful gardens here...
0:01:29 > 0:01:33- ..and every one - has a different style.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45- Forget the garden for a moment...
0:01:46 > 0:01:49- ..and take a look - at this wonderful house.
0:01:49 > 0:01:51- It's quite the show stopper!
0:01:53 > 0:01:58- Dyffryn House as it stands today, - dates back to the late 19th century.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03- This is one of the final grand, - country homes built in Wales.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06- It represents the ambition...
0:02:06 > 0:02:11- ..of one of Wales' most prosperous - families of that period.
0:02:11 > 0:02:16- The wealthy owners who put their - stamp on the house and gardens...
0:02:16 > 0:02:18- ..were the Cory family.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22- The family had great influence - over the coal industry...
0:02:22 > 0:02:25- ..during the Industrial Revolution.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31- John Cory - was the head of the family...
0:02:31 > 0:02:35- ..and he was quite the entrepreneur.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39- The historian, Catrin Wager - knows a lot about John Cory.
0:02:41 > 0:02:46- John Cory was ten years old - when he came to Cardiff in 1838.
0:02:46 > 0:02:51- Cardiff was a small town with only - 10,000 residents but it was growing.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54- By the time of John Cory's death...
0:02:55 > 0:02:59- ..it had developed into - a city of 180,000 people.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02- John Cory played a major role...
0:03:03 > 0:03:06- ..in the growth and development - of Cardiff.
0:03:06 > 0:03:11- They started as coal merchants - with only one ship in Cardiff...
0:03:11 > 0:03:15- ..but grew to be a company with - 80 coal depots across the world.
0:03:15 > 0:03:20- They sold coal to the Empire and - used the profit to build this house.
0:03:21 > 0:03:26- During the 20th century, a number - of stately homes were demolished...
0:03:27 > 0:03:30- ..as a result of the death duties - and taxes.
0:03:30 > 0:03:36- However, this was a wealthy family - thanks to the coal industry.
0:03:38 > 0:03:44- After renovating the house, - they set their sights on the garden.
0:03:44 > 0:03:46- It wasn't your average garden...
0:03:47 > 0:03:52- ..but one that made an impact - and was groundbreaking.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56- Within the 55 acres of land - that surrounds the house...
0:03:56 > 0:03:59- ..there's a number - of smaller gardens.
0:03:59 > 0:04:04- Each has a variety of colour, - interesting architecture...
0:04:04 > 0:04:08- ..trees and flowers - of all shapes and sizes.
0:04:08 > 0:04:14- In its heyday, this garden was - very innovative and experimental.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21- They employed the landscape - architect, Thomas Mawson.
0:04:21 > 0:04:26- The original plans show that he - wanted a variety of small gardens...
0:04:26 > 0:04:28- ..in the format of rooms.
0:04:28 > 0:04:33- This was a typical feature - of the Arts and Crafts Movement.
0:04:38 > 0:04:43- The gardens we see today - are the vision of Reginald Cory...
0:04:43 > 0:04:45- ..one of John Cory's sons.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48- He was part - of the family business...
0:04:49 > 0:04:54- ..but had a keen interest - in botanical gardens.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57- Carys Whelan knows all about him.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02- Reginald Cory was very eager to have - a garden that created an impact.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06- He was also a man who loved plants.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09- You'll find a lovely array - of borders here.
0:05:09 > 0:05:14- The series of gardens have - different combinations of plants.
0:05:14 > 0:05:19- There's also many ponds - and even a theatre area.
0:05:19 > 0:05:24- You can imagine people enjoying - an outdoor performance in the area.
0:05:24 > 0:05:29- There's a Mediterranean garden.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32- The gardens feel - like a variety of rooms.
0:05:32 > 0:05:37- Reginald had the idea - of creating a Pompeian Garden...
0:05:37 > 0:05:39- ..following a trip to Italy.
0:05:39 > 0:05:44- They could travel across the world - on their ships that carried coal.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48- This garden is Grade I listed...
0:05:48 > 0:05:51- ..and the house is only a Grade II.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54- The garden is very special.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58- This is one of the - most exceptional gardens of its era.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- It doesn't matter - where you go in this garden...
0:06:10 > 0:06:13- ..there's always something - interesting to see.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21- A garden this innovative - was bound to attract attention.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24- The artist, Edith Aide - came here in 1923...
0:06:25 > 0:06:28- ..to paint eleven watercolour images - of the gardens.
0:06:29 > 0:06:34- The images are a reminder of how - the gardens looked 100 years ago.
0:06:42 > 0:06:47- Edith Aide's images were used - in the renovation of the garden.
0:06:47 > 0:06:52- The workers used one painting - to recreate the pond garden.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57- This pond is home to lizards...
0:06:57 > 0:07:01- ..and to any hedgehogs - which fall in.
0:07:01 > 0:07:06- The ramps at the sides help them - to climb out after a swim!
0:07:09 > 0:07:12- As Reginald travelled the world...
0:07:13 > 0:07:19- ..he returned with exotic plants - and trees to plant in his garden.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33- The potting shed is where - Reginald kept his records.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- You could say that this - is where he pottered about.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41- When you see the amount of pots, - you'll realize how much he did!
0:07:46 > 0:07:52- Reginald was constantly searching - for ways to develop the garden.
0:07:52 > 0:07:57- A glasshouse was erected so that - he could experiment with new plants.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06- This glasshouse has two purposes.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10- The National Trust...
0:08:10 > 0:08:15- ..is restoring the site - to how it was a century ago.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19- Reginald organized everything - in this garden.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24- This glasshouse would have been used - to grow exotic fruits.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28- Apricots, peaches and grapes were - grown on the south facing wall.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33- The grapes would have been used - to make their own wine.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38- This is where he stored - his various collections...
0:08:38 > 0:08:42- ..of plants from different climates - including cacti.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46- At one time, he had the best - cactus collection in Britain.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52- This is the garden - of a professional collector.
0:08:53 > 0:08:59- Dyffryn is famous throughout - the world for their dahlias.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06- Between 1913 and 1914...
0:09:06 > 0:09:11- ..Reginald Cory - planted 7,000 dahlias.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14- I'm sure that took more than a day!
0:09:17 > 0:09:19- The work was pioneering...
0:09:19 > 0:09:25- ..and Reginald was awarded by - the Royal Horticultural Society.
0:09:25 > 0:09:29- In 1923, the Cory Cup was founded.
0:09:29 > 0:09:34- The award is given to mark the - Corys' contribution to horticulture.
0:09:37 > 0:09:42- Who'd have thought that an - industrial family like the Corys...
0:09:42 > 0:09:45- ..would also be well-known - for their dahlias?!
0:09:45 > 0:09:48- You would never put them together.
0:09:48 > 0:09:54- Dyffryn is full of surprises and - that is what makes it so special.
0:10:14 > 0:10:19- Dyffryn is also known for - its collection of striking trees.
0:10:21 > 0:10:26- Are there any remaining plants - from the Reginald Cory period?
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- Yes, many of the trees - are still here.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33- These are also Champion Trees - and are the best in Britain.
0:10:34 > 0:10:39- Reginald would have brought - them back from the Far East.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41- In this area of the garden...
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- ..you'll find an old vine - that has survived.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49- This area has been restored - to how it was a century ago.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54- The framework from Reginald Cory's - period is still here.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58- They've kept the surviving vines...
0:10:58 > 0:11:04- ..and planted new ones - to restore it to its former glory.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07- I can imagine Reginald - and his friends...
0:11:07 > 0:11:12- ..wandering around this area with - the grapes maturing above them.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16- In the background, - you see this wonderful house...
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- ..and the great views of the lawn.
0:11:20 > 0:11:21- It's incredible.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24- Yes, there's a great variety here.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29- The coal of South Wales - gave the Corys their wealth.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32- The coal mines have long gone...
0:11:32 > 0:11:35- ..but this gem - remains for future generations.
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0:12:08 > 0:12:12- The Vale of Glamorgan has - a successful, agricultural history.
0:12:12 > 0:12:17- The town of Cowbridge sits a few - miles away from Dyffryn Gardens.
0:12:17 > 0:12:22- The busy, market town - dates back to the Roman era.
0:12:22 > 0:12:27- This thriving town - is full of boutiques and cafes.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31- You need a penny or two - to live in this area!
0:12:33 > 0:12:38- As I stroll along the pavement - and gaze at the shops and traffic...
0:12:38 > 0:12:43- ..you would never believe that - there's a public, medieval garden...
0:12:43 > 0:12:45- ..only a few hundred yards away.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49- That's where I'm going next!
0:13:20 > 0:13:26- The garden is hidden behind - the old Norman walls of the town.
0:13:37 > 0:13:38- Size doesn't matter...
0:13:38 > 0:13:43- ..when you have a garden as neat, - well-kept and perfect as this one.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47- Everything has been planted - in confined spaces...
0:13:47 > 0:13:50- ..to squeeze it into - this half an acre of garden.
0:13:50 > 0:13:56- They've managed to put - a quart into a pint pot.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07- This isn't a grand garden.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10- It has been designed - for a purpose...
0:14:11 > 0:14:15- ..and volunteers are responsible - for maintaining the garden.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19- It differs to other gardens - as you don't need to pay to enter.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26- The garden hasn't always - been this pretty.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32- Ten years ago, - the garden looked very different.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42- Carys Whelan - is one of the main volunteers.
0:14:48 > 0:14:53- A group of those interested - in historical gardens got together.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57- We knew that there was - a spare area of land here...
0:14:57 > 0:15:01- ..so we decided to create - a community garden for the town.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04- There has always been - a garden on this site.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09- It was a vegetable garden - for the grammar school...
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- ..and it provided food for 40 years.
0:15:12 > 0:15:17- The pupils would come - to work in the garden.
0:15:18 > 0:15:23- I'm not sure if it was detention or - something to do in their spare time.
0:15:23 > 0:15:28- Later, the council decided - to make it a tree nursery.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30- They wanted to plant trees...
0:15:30 > 0:15:35- ..for Plant a Tree for Jubilee - in 1977.
0:15:35 > 0:15:40- However, they went away - and forgot about them.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43- The trees and land were left.
0:16:03 > 0:16:09- They designed a garden that was - atmospheric and old-fashioned.
0:16:09 > 0:16:14- A Tudor garden would usually - have a fountain in the middle...
0:16:14 > 0:16:17- ..paths to walk along...
0:16:17 > 0:16:21- ..shaded seating areas - and fruit trees.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24- However, - you wouldn't find many flowers.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28- All these elements - are found in this garden.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33- The Old Hall Garden has existed - since the 18th century...
0:16:34 > 0:16:37- ..when it was owned - by the Edmonds family.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40- The family were notable landowners.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48- They lived in the mansion house - next to the garden.
0:16:48 > 0:16:53- The Italian architecture suggests - it once was a very grand home.
0:16:58 > 0:17:04- This is all that remains - of the family home, the Old Hall.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07- This area was their back garden...
0:17:07 > 0:17:12- ..and the walled kitchen garden - was an integral part of it.
0:17:23 > 0:17:29- Traditionally, every kitchen garden - had a vital function.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33- Every plant would be used - within the house.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- They would have grown vegetables...
0:17:37 > 0:17:41- ..fragrant and decorative flowers...
0:17:42 > 0:17:44- ..and many fruit trees.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48- Grapes would have grown - along this wall.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51- At one time, - they also had a glasshouse...
0:17:52 > 0:17:54- ..where they grew exotic fruit.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58- They also had flowers - that were used for dying materials.
0:17:58 > 0:18:04- Fabrics have only been dyed - using chemicals for a century...
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- ..because they used plants - in the past.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16- It's claimed that the family - avoided the common folk...
0:18:17 > 0:18:20- ..by walking along the path - through the herb garden.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24- They would fill their lungs - with sweet scents...
0:18:24 > 0:18:27- ..before venturing - onto the dirty streets.
0:18:28 > 0:18:33- The herb garden was more than - just a place full of fine aromas.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37- Before antibiotics were discovered - in the 20th century...
0:18:37 > 0:18:40- ..herbs were used - to treat illnesses.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44- This age-old tradition - dates back to Ancient Greece...
0:18:45 > 0:18:48- ..and The Physicians of Myddfai - in Wales.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52- Every village had a herb doctor...
0:18:52 > 0:18:56- ..who knew the benefits - of every herb.
0:19:00 > 0:19:06- Culpeper's Complete Herbal - is like the Bible of all herbs!
0:19:06 > 0:19:08- It dates back to 1653.
0:19:09 > 0:19:10- This is incredible.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14- It contains all the remedies - that people used.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- Do you have any Stinking Gladwin?
0:19:17 > 0:19:19- Do you have any Stinking Gladwin?- - I don't think so.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21- We do have some mace.
0:19:22 > 0:19:26- Today, many use Mace - to help lower their blood pressure.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29- We also have marigolds.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33- Marigolds are used - for skin and blood.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37- Culpeper says "it strengthens - the heart exceedingly."
0:19:38 > 0:19:40- If you use the leaves - with vinegar...
0:19:40 > 0:19:45- .."any hot swelling - bathed in it instantly gives ease."
0:19:45 > 0:19:49- When I was younger, - I would use to lighten my hair.
0:19:49 > 0:19:54- I placed marigold in the water - to lighten the hair.
0:19:54 > 0:19:55- Did it work?
0:19:55 > 0:19:57- Did it work?- - No, obviously not!
0:19:58 > 0:20:00- There's also Echinacea here.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05- This is the same as you buy - in a chemist or herbal stores.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09- The Greek definition for Echinacea - is "hedgehog."
0:20:10 > 0:20:12- This is because of the cone centre.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16- People treat colds with Echinacea.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19- It's an antiseptic and very useful.
0:20:19 > 0:20:25- It reduces the duration - and the severity of the cold.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28- Echinacea has no scent.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32- No, and they use - the leaves and flowers.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35- You can smell the lavender - throughout the garden.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38- There are many - varieties of lavender.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41- Yes, and lavender has many benefits.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45- It's great for aching muscles - and aids with relaxation.
0:20:45 > 0:20:49- Many put lavender oil in the bath - to help them relax...
0:20:50 > 0:20:53- ..and others put lavender - on a pillow to aid with sleep.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57- However, - you need to use it sparingly.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00- Yes, and I have bad news for you.
0:21:00 > 0:21:05- Culpeper says that the oil is - "fierce and piercing in quality."
0:21:05 > 0:21:07- Oh, goodness!
0:21:07 > 0:21:11- "Some few drops either for inward - or outward griefs."
0:21:11 > 0:21:14- You wouldn't take it as a medicine.
0:21:14 > 0:21:20- He says to use it for "inward or - outward griefs" so it does a lot.
0:21:24 > 0:21:28- The garden doesn't have - as many plants as the book...
0:21:28 > 0:21:33- ..but the group of volunteers work - tirelessly to maintain the garden.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39- But what are the plans - for the future?
0:21:42 > 0:21:48- We don't have much scope to expand - as we're confined by the four walls.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51- The volunteers are always working...
0:21:51 > 0:21:54- ..to keep everything - in the best condition.
0:21:54 > 0:21:59- Occasionally, they realize that a - plant isn't suitable for its bed...
0:21:59 > 0:22:01- ..and they remove it.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04- Do you struggle to find volunteers?
0:22:05 > 0:22:08- Last year, - we had a waiting list of volunteers.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11- People wanted to help on - a Thursday...
0:22:11 > 0:22:17- ..with the weeding, pruning - of the box hedges and planting.
0:22:17 > 0:22:22- These are weeds or plants - that are native to Wales...
0:22:22 > 0:22:28- ..so they wilt in September, October - and November and need to be removed.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31- I'm a dab hand - at killing and burning!
0:22:32 > 0:22:34- I don't think they would like that.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38- They treasure this hidden gem - in the middle of their town.
0:22:52 > 0:22:57- This is a great example - of a community garden in a town.
0:22:57 > 0:23:03- Who wouldn't want a garden like this - in their own town?
0:23:03 > 0:23:08- Who wouldn't want something - like this in their own garden?
0:23:42 > 0:23:44- S4C Subtitles by Tinopolis
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