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0:00:03 > 0:00:07- Did you know that there are - 400 registered gardens in Wales?
0:00:07 > 0:00:11- They can be big, small, - formal or wild.
0:00:11 > 0:00:16- Every garden gives pleasure to the - thousands who visit them every year.
0:00:16 > 0:00:22- I'm visiting a few of our gardens - to see the wealth on our doorstep.
0:00:22 > 0:00:26- It's the golden age of the garden.
0:00:26 > 0:00:29- Welcome to Gerddi Cymru.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45- This garden is a feast of colour.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49- You'll find a variety of statues...
0:00:50 > 0:00:53- ..and elements of - Italian architecture.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03- You probably think - that I'm in Portmeirion.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07- You're not far wrong and - I'm not far from Portmeirion either!
0:01:07 > 0:01:12- The turquoise colour - is a bit of a clue...
0:01:12 > 0:01:15- ..as both sites are connected.
0:01:26 > 0:01:30- Plas Brondanw Gardens - are in Llanfrothen...
0:01:30 > 0:01:33- ..a few miles outside Porthmadog...
0:01:33 > 0:01:36- ..in the shadows - of the Snowdonia National Park.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42- Few people know about Brondanw...
0:01:42 > 0:01:48- ..as most associate the area with - the Italian village of Portmeirion.
0:01:48 > 0:01:50- The location is world famous...
0:01:50 > 0:01:54- ..and attracts thousands of visitors - every year.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59- Some collect stamps - and others walk dogs...
0:01:59 > 0:02:04- ..but this was the hobby of one - architect in the early 20th century.
0:02:05 > 0:02:11- He wanted an Italian village - on a headland in Eifionydd.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15- His vision stretched - to a nearby mansion and garden...
0:02:16 > 0:02:18- ..known as Plas Brondanw.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22- Brondanw was the home - of Clough Williams-Ellis...
0:02:22 > 0:02:24- ..the creator of Portmeirion.
0:02:25 > 0:02:27- This was his back garden.
0:02:28 > 0:02:33- He had an evident, childish delight - in creating hidden, personal coves.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38- These make the garden - even more personal.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59- Plas Brondanw was built in 1550.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04- For over 400 years, the estate - was owned by the same family.
0:03:04 > 0:03:10- It changed over the years but the - main transformation came in 1908...
0:03:10 > 0:03:14- ..when Clough Williams-Ellis - inherited the estate...
0:03:14 > 0:03:17- ..and started developing - the gardens.
0:03:18 > 0:03:23- He was a creative, ambitious - and slightly eccentric man.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26- But what inspired him - to create such beauty?
0:03:29 > 0:03:32- Seran Dolma - is a trustee of Plas Brondanw...
0:03:32 > 0:03:35- ..and a descendent - of Clough Williams-Ellis.
0:03:36 > 0:03:41- A variety of elements - influenced his style over the years.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45- These are evident in Portmeirion - and other locations.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48- He had a long and productive career.
0:03:48 > 0:03:54- His architectural design stemmed - from the Arts and Crafts Movement...
0:03:54 > 0:03:59- ..and he used traditional materials - and local methods of building.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04- There was also some - classical elements...
0:04:04 > 0:04:09- ..such as concentrating on symmetry, - columns and arches.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12- These were much grander.
0:04:13 > 0:04:19- One of the main inspirations here - was the surrounding landscape.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23- He used elements of the garden - to frame the views...
0:04:23 > 0:04:27- ..and guide the eye - to the top of the mountain.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31- The garden's design is very playful.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34- Did he have a playful personality?
0:04:34 > 0:04:39- Yes, he had a great sense of humour - and was very interesting.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42- He had the freedom to be that way.
0:04:42 > 0:04:47- This was his home - and it is where the family lived.
0:04:47 > 0:04:53- He put his heart and soul - into this site.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59- You get full enjoyment - out of a garden.
0:04:59 > 0:05:04- The point of gardens - is to start absurdly young...
0:05:04 > 0:05:08- ..and live to be absurdly old - to get your reward.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12- The gardens as you see them now...
0:05:12 > 0:05:16- ..are the result - of just over 60 years...
0:05:16 > 0:05:20- ..of my planning, - planting and tending.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33- Very little has changed - over the years.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45- The chief gardener, - Dylan Williams...
0:05:46 > 0:05:50- ..is responsible for keeping - the garden as Clough designed it.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59- You're the only - full-time gardener here.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04- I suspect most of your time - is spent trimming the yew trees.
0:06:04 > 0:06:09- It takes eight to ten weeks - to trim all the hedges...
0:06:09 > 0:06:12- ..and some of them - need trimming twice...
0:06:12 > 0:06:16- ..but the yew trees - only need trimming once.
0:06:16 > 0:06:17- There's plenty to do.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19- There's plenty to do.- - Yes, that's right.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22- You have an array of flowers here.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24- Are some harder to grow than others?
0:06:24 > 0:06:29- Yes, and the hardest - is the Tropaeolum or flame creeper.
0:06:29 > 0:06:35- This isn't the easiest flower - to grow and prefers to be sheltered.
0:06:35 > 0:06:41- It's growing in our yew hedging and - getting further along it each year.
0:06:41 > 0:06:47- It has seeded itself under our yews - and prefers dry and acidic soil.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49- Our visitors love it.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52- It's striking against the green.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56- Yes, it entwines itself - through the tree.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01- The garden is also well-known - for its hydrangeas.
0:07:01 > 0:07:06- There are many of them - and the blue ones look spectacular.
0:07:06 > 0:07:11- Hydrangeas are old-fashioned - but you have a garden full of them.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13- Yes, these were Clough's favourite.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18- The exceptional soil enables us - to grow a variety of hydrangeas.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23- We're lucky to have blue, - white and pink hydrangeas.
0:07:23 > 0:07:28- The blue hydrangeas were planted - as a reminder of the sea...
0:07:28 > 0:07:32- ..which was replaced by the Cob - 200 years ago.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- Is there a specific design - or do you decide what to plant?
0:07:37 > 0:07:42- The garden designer and trustees - tell us what we can and can't do.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44- Everyone works together...
0:07:45 > 0:07:50- ..to recreate the garden - that Clough always wanted.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52- Would you choose the hydrangeas?
0:07:52 > 0:07:54- Would you choose the hydrangeas?- - Yes, I would.
0:08:19 > 0:08:24- The architectural characteristics of - Clough Williams-Ellis are apparent.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26- He uses a lot of slate...
0:08:26 > 0:08:30- ..along with iron work, - mostly painted in turquoise.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34- There are also - many classical forms...
0:08:34 > 0:08:38- ..all within the boundaries - of the Arts and Crafts Movement.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59- The Arts and Crafts Movement - was led by architects...
0:08:59 > 0:09:03- ..so Clough designed - a building for the garden.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06- This orangery is a perfect example - of the period.
0:09:07 > 0:09:12- It's a combination of traditional - materials, fantastic craftwork...
0:09:12 > 0:09:16- ..interesting design features - and breathtaking views.
0:09:18 > 0:09:23- Peter Hill is responsible - for protecting Clough's vision.
0:09:23 > 0:09:28- He's a retired architect - who is now a volunteer at Brondanw.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31- This garden is listed as a Grade I.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36- Is that because of the plant-based - architecture or stone architecture?
0:09:37 > 0:09:39- It's a combination of both.
0:09:39 > 0:09:44- Sir Clough was settled - with this estate in 1908...
0:09:44 > 0:09:49- ..in the Arts and Crafts period, - when it was red hot design.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53- He developed a garden that's come - down to its original condition.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58- It's unthinkable that we should - change the hard landscaping...
0:09:58 > 0:10:02- ..because it's so iconic - of the Arts and Crafts Movement.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07- The planting again forms part - of the structure of the garden.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11- The yew hedges - are as important as stone walls.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15- Sir Clough didn't have - a great interest in plants.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19- They did a job in the garden - and give contrast of colour.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21- Camellias, Magnolias, Azaleas.
0:10:22 > 0:10:27- He started with small plants and - put them in when he could afford it.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31- This garden - took many years to develop.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- Clough didn't always - conform to the period.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48- Wherever you look, there are - features that raise a smile.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51- This was a reflection of his humour.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56- The garden and nearby forest - are full of these features...
0:10:56 > 0:10:59- ..like this cute, little shelter.
0:11:03 > 0:11:08- In 1955, a watch tower was built at - the highest point of the garden...
0:11:08 > 0:11:12- ..as an anniversary present - to his wife.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14- That's what I call a view!
0:11:20 > 0:11:25- Yes, Clough Williams-Ellis - certainly had vision.
0:11:27 > 0:11:32- "Cherish the past, adorn the present - and construct for the future."
0:11:33 > 0:11:36- That was Clough Williams-Ellis's - favourite saying.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40- It's great to see the same - enthusiasm and love...
0:11:40 > 0:11:44- ..being shown in his own - personal garden today.
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0:12:04 > 0:12:04- Subtitles
0:12:04 > 0:12:06- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:17 > 0:12:19- During this series...
0:12:19 > 0:12:24- ..we've seen stately, historical, - formal and even wooded gardens...
0:12:24 > 0:12:27- ..but our next garden - is very unusual.
0:12:28 > 0:12:33- There's no other garden like this - in Wales or even the world.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41- At first glance, - it's like any other garden...
0:12:41 > 0:12:45- ..with colourful flowers - and attractive lakes...
0:12:45 > 0:12:49- ..but things aren't always - as they seem.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04- Dewstow Gardens are located - near the town of Chepstow...
0:13:05 > 0:13:07- ..on the banks of the River Severn.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15- The Dewstow Estate has been - on this site for many centuries.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18- Dewstow means - St David on the Hill...
0:13:18 > 0:13:23- ..as it housed a church - dedicated to St David.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32- At the turn of the 20th century...
0:13:32 > 0:13:36- ..the house and gardens - were owned by Henry Oakley.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39- This successful businessman...
0:13:39 > 0:13:43- ..lived on the estate - and sold land in Newport...
0:13:43 > 0:13:46- ..but he was a gardener at heart.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50- He had the vision to create - this unique garden.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04- What makes this garden so unique?
0:14:11 > 0:14:16- As you step from the traditional - garden to the underground tunnel...
0:14:17 > 0:14:20- ..the splendour of Dewstow - becomes apparent.
0:14:29 > 0:14:34- This underground paradise is - reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland.
0:14:42 > 0:14:47- Henry Oakley had a keen interest - in all varieties of fern.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55- This network of dark and moist - underground tunnels...
0:14:55 > 0:15:00- ..with its waterfalls and ponds - is perfect for these plants.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10- These caves - aren't made of natural rock...
0:15:10 > 0:15:14- ..but the creation of James Pulham.
0:15:14 > 0:15:19- This is a Pulhamite garden which - takes its name from Pulham himself.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22- He designed - this special type of rock.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25- It isn't rock, but concrete.
0:15:25 > 0:15:30- This concrete forms the foundations - and gives the garden its structure.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36- Pulhamite is easier to treat - than common rock...
0:15:36 > 0:15:39- ..but it is just as effective.
0:15:41 > 0:15:46- The work of Pulham can be found - at Highnam Court, Sandringham...
0:15:46 > 0:15:48- ..and Buckingham Palace.
0:15:48 > 0:15:54- Dewstow is the showstopper of all - the Pulhamite gardens in the world.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58- Believe it or not, - the work took 25 years to complete.
0:16:05 > 0:16:10- Sioned Rowlands is just as - astounded by Dewstow as me!
0:16:13 > 0:16:18- How would you summarize - what this garden has to offer?
0:16:18 > 0:16:19- There's so much here.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22- It's full of history...
0:16:22 > 0:16:27- ..as it's one of the most important - Pulhamite gardens in Wales...
0:16:27 > 0:16:29- ..and in Britain and the world.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32- There's so much to see.
0:16:32 > 0:16:37- The outdoor garden - is a complete contrast to this one.
0:16:37 > 0:16:42- This could be the set for Jurassic - Park and yet it feels so natural.
0:16:42 > 0:16:47- Yes, you feel as if you're walking - through natural caves.
0:16:47 > 0:16:52- This garden - also brings out the child in you.
0:16:52 > 0:16:58- You want to discover more - with every step that you take.
0:16:59 > 0:17:04- The biggest surprise is that - there's a garden here at all.
0:17:05 > 0:17:10- The death of Henry Oakley in 1940 - and the onset of World War II...
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- ..meant that James Pulham's garden - became obsolete.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18- The tunnels and ponds - were filled with soil...
0:17:18 > 0:17:23- ..and this is how it remained - until the turn of this century...
0:17:23 > 0:17:29- ..when the Dewstow Estate - was bought by John and Lisa Harris.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37- They were shocked with what they - found in the clean-up operation...
0:17:38 > 0:17:41- ..so they decided - to take a closer look.
0:17:44 > 0:17:50- In the early days of winter 2000, - as we were finding new tunnels...
0:17:50 > 0:17:54- ..there was a curiosity - and excitement to keep digging...
0:17:55 > 0:17:57- ..to find out what was there.
0:17:57 > 0:18:02- After months of digging and piles - of soil and rubble everywhere...
0:18:02 > 0:18:06- ..we did say, - "what do we do with everything now?"
0:18:06 > 0:18:09- Around that time, Cadw came along...
0:18:09 > 0:18:14- ..and told us that it was - a Pulham garden of historical value.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18- The point of filling it in was gone.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22- We employed a gardener - and started landscaping it.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26- Twelve years later, we have - visitors and coaches coming here.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29- It was largely by accident really.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34- Thousands of visitors flock here - every year...
0:18:34 > 0:18:40- ..to admire Pulham's creation and - enjoy all the garden has to offer.
0:18:58 > 0:19:03- This is completely different - to the cave that we saw earlier.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07- He's created another dimension - with this balustrade.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12- It's like some kind - of overgrown underworld.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16- It's more like a typical garden - with a lot of colour.
0:19:16 > 0:19:21- The flowering plants thrive in the - sunshine under this glass roof.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24- It's extremely moist in here...
0:19:24 > 0:19:28- ..so the ferns - and other plants love it.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31- It's very strange.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35- It feels more surreal - than the manmade caves.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38- Yes, and it feels very natural...
0:19:39 > 0:19:43- ..unlike this section - with the concrete balustrades...
0:19:43 > 0:19:45- ..and the lions behind us.
0:19:45 > 0:19:46- This area is much warmer.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49- This area is much warmer.- - Yes, the sun's shining down on us.
0:19:49 > 0:19:55- These are plants that you would find - in a typical garden.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58- Yes, there are begonias - and fuchsias.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00- These flowers are full of colour.
0:20:01 > 0:20:06- I think that this garden is meant - to resemble a very colourful room.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10- We also have - the fantastic palm trees...
0:20:11 > 0:20:15- ..as well as some climbing plants - such as the ivy and passion flower.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20- It gives the feeling of being - at the heart of these plants.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24- This vision - is something very unique.
0:20:24 > 0:20:29- Many people think of having - different rooms within a garden...
0:20:29 > 0:20:32- ..but this goes one step further...
0:20:33 > 0:20:39- ..by burying a garden underground - and creating this strange world.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42- Yes, this is very odd.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44- Yes, it is.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25- If we'd come here first...
0:21:25 > 0:21:29- ..I would never have believed that - there was a garden underneath us.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32- Yes, but this is also manmade.
0:21:32 > 0:21:37- These lakes and plants - have been placed here...
0:21:37 > 0:21:42- ..to create perfection - and imitate the Garden of Eden.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46- The two gardens - are very different to each other.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48- That's where we were earlier!
0:21:48 > 0:21:50- That's where we were earlier!- - Yes, it is.
0:22:02 > 0:22:07- Dewstow Gardens is a combination - of natural stone and Pulhamite.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11- It's difficult to tell - the difference between them.
0:22:23 > 0:22:29- This priceless classic fills a gap - in the history of garden design.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32- Dewstow is the only one - of its kind...
0:22:32 > 0:22:36- ..and is the perfect example - of the work of James Pulham.
0:22:45 > 0:22:49- My journey around Wales - has come to an end.
0:22:50 > 0:22:55- It has taken me to familiar - and unfamiliar gardens...
0:22:56 > 0:23:00- ..that offer a variety of things - for us to discover.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03- It certainly is the - golden age of the garden.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23- S4C Subtitles by Tinopolis
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