0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:02 > 0:00:04- Konichiwa.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10- What we have here - is a pair of false teeth.
0:00:10 > 0:00:11- A brewery in the corner.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14- A brewery in the corner.- - We can run around here.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17- What a view! It belongs more - to Africa than West Wales.
0:00:18 > 0:00:19- Costa del Betws.
0:00:21 > 0:00:23- Everyone loves it.
0:00:23 > 0:00:25- Be kind to me, lads.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28- It's in the Good Food Guide - for molluscs.
0:00:40 > 0:00:45- Cefn Cribwr is on top of a hill, - between Bridgend and Port Talbot.
0:00:48 > 0:00:52- The area was closely bound - to the iron and coal industries...
0:00:53 > 0:00:55- ..during the Industrial Revolution.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00- These rows of terraced houses - are a reflection of that time.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05- In Trem-y-waun, at the end - of this particular terrace...
0:01:06 > 0:01:11- ..John and Carole Mason have created - a wonderful haven in their garden.
0:01:21 > 0:01:26- We moved here when we got married - and we've been here ever since.
0:01:27 > 0:01:29- We planted everything - in this garden.
0:01:29 > 0:01:31- We're the garden in...
0:01:31 > 0:01:35- .."Hurt no living thing - ladybird, - butterfly or moth with dusty wing."
0:01:36 > 0:01:37- We are, aren't we?
0:01:37 > 0:01:39- We are, aren't we?- - There's a place for everything.
0:01:42 > 0:01:47- Everything finds its place perfectly - in this wonderful garden.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50- John and Carole, - two former teachers...
0:01:51 > 0:01:56- ..expanded the garden to reflect - their personalities and interests.
0:01:56 > 0:02:01- We had an opportunity to buy - a strip of land alongside...
0:02:02 > 0:02:06- ..and more land at the back, - the old allotments.
0:02:07 > 0:02:12- The expansion has provided them - with a perfect garden to enjoy...
0:02:13 > 0:02:17- ..and a place where their grandsons - can run free in the open air.
0:02:24 > 0:02:29- It's important to John and Carole - as nature lovers.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34- We started to develop paths.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37- We developed the paths - for the children...
0:02:37 > 0:02:41- ..to discover parts of the garden - on their scooters and bikes.
0:02:42 > 0:02:43- Hide-and-seek is fantastic!
0:02:43 > 0:02:45- Hide-and-seek is fantastic!- - Playing hide-and-seek.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51- Carole, tell me more - about this part.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55- We call this the Italian garden - but it's not really Italian.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58- It's more of a fern...
0:02:59 > 0:03:01- ..castor oil plant and ivy garden.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05- Those are the plants - that grow in the shade.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09- You have many interesting stones.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13- This stone came from - the Siloam graveyard...
0:03:14 > 0:03:16- ..the chapel halfway down the road.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20- John tends to collect bricks - whenever he finds them.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23- He used them to build the wall.
0:03:23 > 0:03:29- I like it, the sound of the water - gives it a tranquil atmosphere.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36- About two years ago, when we opened - the garden to the public...
0:03:36 > 0:03:39- ..we closed the garden one day - at 5.00pm.
0:03:39 > 0:03:44- We were walking around the garden - at the end of a hot day.
0:03:44 > 0:03:49- We came down here and a woman - was fast asleep on the bench.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52- She was just enjoying herself.
0:03:53 > 0:03:59- Isn't that lovely? - Someone felt so relaxed in a garden.
0:04:01 > 0:04:06- There's no way of not relaxing - as you wander around this garden.
0:04:06 > 0:04:11- You can enjoy the numerous artworks - which peer around every corner.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16- They include sheep!
0:04:16 > 0:04:18- That's Carole's handiwork.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21- She made these.
0:04:21 > 0:04:22- At one time...
0:04:23 > 0:04:26- ..Picasso went through - his Blue Period.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29- I went through my Sheep Period!
0:04:31 > 0:04:34- You also keep hens.
0:04:34 > 0:04:39- The hens - are a natural part of the garden.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41- We only have four right now.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44- Each one lays eggs every day.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46- They're fantastic.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48- You also use the garden.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51- I noticed you had - your own little corners.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54- Different sheds.
0:04:54 > 0:04:59- I call them kingdoms. - My kingdom is my shed.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04- Carole's work can be seen - in the garden...
0:05:04 > 0:05:07- ..while John's work - can be found in his kingdom.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11- There are sheds and there are sheds.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14- You could sleep in this one. - if you had a fireplace.
0:05:15 > 0:05:16- It's wonderful.
0:05:16 > 0:05:21- I've spent the night down here, - with a fire.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24- I do a lot of painting here.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27- There are a lot of paintings - of plants.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31- Evidently, the garden inspires you.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34- Nature inspires me. Butterflies.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36- Sheep, of course.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39- Sheep are part of the natural world.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43- From sheep to dogs - to characters from Dylan Thomas.
0:05:44 > 0:05:45- It's a real cross-section.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48- What's the next step - - an extension?
0:05:48 > 0:05:52- There was talk of a small brewery - in the corner.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55- Don't tell the wife!
0:05:57 > 0:06:02- While John enjoys his shed, - Carole's Cwtch is far more feminine.
0:06:08 > 0:06:13- I fill it with objects that came - from John's parents' house.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18- Plates, mugs, commemorative mugs. - I remember those times.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22- Yes, they're so important, - aren't they?
0:06:22 > 0:06:25- We keep things, - we don't get rid of them.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28- They'll be inherited one day.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37- I like this garden - because it's personal.
0:06:37 > 0:06:42- It's colourful, creatively quirky - with a heavy dose of humour.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46- It reflects the personalities - of John and Carole.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48- A toilet in the allotment!
0:06:48 > 0:06:49- A toilet in the allotment!- - Why not?
0:06:49 > 0:06:52- It makes a wonderful plant pot.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55- It's a lovely pot.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58- It's so effective.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00- With a bend down the back...
0:07:00 > 0:07:03- ..the water never becomes stagnant.
0:07:04 > 0:07:05- It flows out through the back.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07- It flows out through the back.- - But there's no flush!
0:07:09 > 0:07:14- You have a lot of large trees. Were - they here or did you plant them?
0:07:14 > 0:07:16- We planted them all.
0:07:16 > 0:07:20- You turn around, 10 years have - passed, and there's a tree there.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23- They give the garden - shape and structure.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26- They also produce little tunnels.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30- For me, trees are everything. - They're so important.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33- They create - a wonderful atmosphere.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51- As well as trees, poetry - is also close to John's heart.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55- He uses the walls of his sheds - to exhibit poems.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04- "Last night, I saw amazing an sight
0:08:04 > 0:08:09- "I saw a witch flying, - her hair hovering in the wind."
0:08:09 > 0:08:11- Cymylau by Rhys Nicholas.
0:08:11 > 0:08:16- I like the idea of being able - to recite some of the words...
0:08:17 > 0:08:19- ..like a song.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23- What interests you as gardeners? - What do you like growing, Carole?
0:08:24 > 0:08:27- I'm responsible for the vegetables.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30- I like coming out to plant seeds.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33- I plant them and sow the vegetables.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36- I like pottering.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38- I like every part of the garden.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41- What do you like about the garden?
0:08:41 > 0:08:44- To be honest, drinking a glass - of wine in the garden.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48- When the sun sets over there, - the light is fantastic.
0:08:49 > 0:08:50- It's spectacular.
0:08:50 > 0:08:54- I can't think of a better way - to enjoy this garden.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57- I'll bring a bottle with me - next time.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22- Every city is packed - with beautiful gardens.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24- Cardiff is no exception.
0:09:24 > 0:09:29- In North Cardiff, one colourful - garden can be seen from afar.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32- This is the garden - of John and Peta Davies.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35- John has certainly been busy.
0:09:35 > 0:09:41- When I was a boy, Dad gave me - a section of the garden.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45- He said, - "Right, you're in charge of that."
0:09:45 > 0:09:50- I planted salad seeds - - lettuce, onions and so on.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54- It was there right from the start.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57- What's your main interest?
0:09:57 > 0:10:02- I like Camellia bushes. - They bloom early in the year.
0:10:02 > 0:10:07- There are one or two in the front, - they can be in bloom in January.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09- In summer...
0:10:10 > 0:10:14- ..the flower we always have - is the Begonia.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16- There are different types - of Begonias.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19- What I call the bedding Begonia...
0:10:20 > 0:10:25- ..that survives, - water or not, hot or cold...
0:10:27 > 0:10:29- ..without any fuss.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31- Begonia is the best stock.
0:10:31 > 0:10:32- Begonia is the best stock.- - It's the gardener's friend.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35- It allows you to put your feet up.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38- Precisely.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- One thing is certain, - John seldom puts his feet up.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47- Every minute of his spare time - is spent...
0:10:47 > 0:10:49- ..on his obsession with the garden.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01- After retiring, - I had more time on my hands.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05- I enrolled at Coleg Pencoed...
0:11:05 > 0:11:08- ..to study a City and Guilds - in Gardening.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13- I learnt how and when to prune.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16- Once I'd learnt the skills...
0:11:16 > 0:11:22- ..I moved off the bedding plants - towards the perennials.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27- At the moment, - perennials are my main interest.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33- John's other interest is competing.
0:11:33 > 0:11:38- His membership of the Chrysanthemum - Society and Dahlia Society...
0:11:38 > 0:11:41- ..gives him the opportunity - to shine.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50- I've been competing for three years.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52- The first time - novice.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55- You can remain a novice...
0:11:55 > 0:11:59- ..until you win a first prize - two or three times.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02- I've passed that...
0:12:02 > 0:12:04- ..with the Chrysanthemums.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07- With the Dahlias...
0:12:08 > 0:12:10- ..I think I have another year to go.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14- Then, as soon as you're up - with the top boys...
0:12:14 > 0:12:16- ..they compete in Chelsea.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20- You need the desire - to do something like that.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- You must have that competitive edge.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25- Do you think it's in you?
0:12:26 > 0:12:31- I played cricket for years. - I was always competitive.
0:12:32 > 0:12:37- If I failed when bowling, - I'd make it up with the bat.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42- You're bowling - with the Chrysanthemums...
0:12:42 > 0:12:45- ..and batting with the Dahlias.
0:12:45 > 0:12:46- Yes, the fall back.
0:12:52 > 0:12:57- John not only bats and bowls - with two flowers in competition...
0:13:00 > 0:13:04- ..he's won the Cardiff in Bloom - competition more than once...
0:13:04 > 0:13:07- ..before the competition ended - in 2014.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13- About 10 years ago, - I received a note...
0:13:13 > 0:13:16- ..inviting me to enter - Cardiff in Bloom.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19- "Oh, right, I might as well."
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- Novice, the first year.
0:13:24 > 0:13:25- I won first prize.
0:13:26 > 0:13:31- Once you win, - there are standards to maintain.
0:13:31 > 0:13:36- You search for something new - each year.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44- Today, the garden gives pleasure - to passers-by...
0:13:45 > 0:13:47- ..and to friends who call by.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50- It gives John the chance - to share his knowledge.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53- What about the future?
0:13:53 > 0:13:58- Are there any additional plans - about how to change the garden?
0:13:59 > 0:14:01- Top secret!
0:14:02 > 0:14:04- Is my wife present?
0:14:06 > 0:14:12- I've promised to grow - less variety...
0:14:12 > 0:14:14- ..and do less of the detailed work.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20- You'll have more time - to dedicate to other things.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22- Precisely.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26- Can I have that on paper? - I'll pass it on to your wife.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33- Somehow, - I don't think John will do less.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- It is said that the garden - is a reflection of the soul.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41- If so, John has too colourful a soul - to put his feet up.
0:14:47 > 0:14:48- .
0:14:53 > 0:14:53- Subtitles
0:14:53 > 0:14:55- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:15:11 > 0:15:14- Not everyone would be brave enough - to design a garden...
0:15:14 > 0:15:16- ..around this rock behind me.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20- That's precisely what the owner - of Penmaen, Pwllheli, has done.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24- She's created an unique - and unexpected garden.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27- When Owena Jones - and her family moved to Penmaen...
0:15:28 > 0:15:30- ..their garden - was desolate, rocky land.
0:15:31 > 0:15:36- Over the decades, Owena's created - a home with a miraculous garden...
0:15:36 > 0:15:38- ..on difficult terrain.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41- The garden has been a focal point - for the family.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46- Daughter Karen has now assumed - the duty of maintaining the garden.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49- There were so many trees - and Rhododendrons.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53- There was so much clearing work, - we couldn't see the rock.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57- It was covered. If it's OK for me - to say, you were a busy woman.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02- After completing work on the house, - you started working on the garden.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06- It's been hard work - but work you've enjoyed doing...
0:16:07 > 0:16:11- ..with the intention of leaving - a return on the investment.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14- It's been important - for you to improve...
0:16:14 > 0:16:17- ..and move things forward.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21- We had the idea - of writing everything down...
0:16:21 > 0:16:23- ..and following the plan - to the letter.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27- We eventually came - to an understanding.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32- You came to understand nature - and nature came to understand you.
0:16:33 > 0:16:34- It all fitted into place.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38- There are a lot of roses here. - You like roses.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42- I've been fond of roses - for many years.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44- I still like them.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57- With this kind of landscape, it was - impossible to ignore the rock.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59- It had to be included in the plan.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03- The aim was to plant the heather - and the flowers you can see...
0:17:04 > 0:17:06- ..to allow them - to grow into each other...
0:17:07 > 0:17:12- ..to keep weeding to a minimum - and make it work with the landscape.
0:17:12 > 0:17:17- As the spring heather goes, - summer heather blooms.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20- The rock is colourful all the time.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23- This is the place to be - - what a view.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26- Wow.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29- On a lovely evening, - watching the sunset...
0:17:30 > 0:17:33- ..over the mountains - of Boduan and Nefyn...
0:17:34 > 0:17:37- ..the Lleyn Peninsula - is at its best.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40- How fortunate are we!
0:17:40 > 0:17:43- You can check the traffic - to Pwllheli from here.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49- Tell me about the tower.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53- The sea level used to reach - the bottom of the tower.
0:17:53 > 0:17:59- There are stories of boats sailing - up when the family imported wood.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03- When the boats came in, - a cannon would be fired here...
0:18:04 > 0:18:08- ..to alert workers in Pwllheli - to come and unload the cargo.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12- I'm not entirely sure - whether or not it's a true story.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15- You discovered a cannon here.
0:18:15 > 0:18:20- As it happened, Mam was weeding - and extending the garden.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23- She found the cannon - in the undergrowth.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28- We still have it - and it's been restored.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30- Ever felt like firing it at someone?
0:18:30 > 0:18:32- More than once!
0:18:51 > 0:18:56- Looking after a garden of this size - is too much for Owena and Karen.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00- They employ the expertise - of James Williamson to help them.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03- He's performed miracles - with the maintenance...
0:19:04 > 0:19:06- ..and restoration work.
0:19:06 > 0:19:07- James?
0:19:09 > 0:19:13- I've been here for six months - maintaining the garden.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16- Weeding, - removing the unwanted trees...
0:19:17 > 0:19:21- ..storing the trees ready - to replant them in the future.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25- There's a wide variety of plants - and colours.
0:19:25 > 0:19:31- Owena has been very busy making it - colourful with different plants...
0:19:32 > 0:19:34- ..growing here.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38- We've introduced more wild flowers - and long grasses...
0:19:38 > 0:19:42- ..to save time and money.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46- It also returns the rock - to the natural world...
0:19:46 > 0:19:48- ..for bees and insects.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51- What do you think of Owena's vision?
0:19:51 > 0:19:55- It's a bit far-fetched! - It's incredible what she's created.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59- I don't think she was thinking of me - when she planted them.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02- Fair play, her vision is great.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04- It's a vast garden.
0:20:04 > 0:20:10- This one and the one at the top, - they're different types of gardens.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13- Every part of it is different.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17- You need different ways - to manage the land...
0:20:17 > 0:20:19- ..and different gardening methods.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22- I'll let you get on with it.
0:20:22 > 0:20:23- I'll let you get on with it.- - Thanks!
0:20:23 > 0:20:25- Off you go!
0:20:28 > 0:20:29- You've missed one.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31- You've missed one.- - Thanks for that.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41- Penmaen is a family estate.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44- Karen, her son - Morgan, - and Solomon the dog...
0:20:44 > 0:20:46- ..live in a barn on the estate.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49- They have a very different garden.
0:20:49 > 0:20:55- We live in a house - which has a lot of glass in it...
0:20:55 > 0:20:59- ..so it made sense to design - a garden that worked with the house.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- We've tried to be different - to Mam's garden.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07- It's a garden for the future - with unique plants...
0:21:07 > 0:21:10- ..almost dangerous in some ways.
0:21:10 > 0:21:15- If you look around you, you'll see - different shades of green.
0:21:15 > 0:21:20- They almost look like fruit flies - that could catch and eat you.
0:21:21 > 0:21:22- That was the idea.
0:21:23 > 0:21:28- It was challenging because - there was no soil here at all.
0:21:29 > 0:21:35- Over 200 tonnes of earth - have been moved here...
0:21:35 > 0:21:38- ..to give the plants - something to grow in.
0:21:38 > 0:21:43- We couldn't plant everything here - - we worked with what we had.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46- Is the garden an important part - of your life?
0:21:46 > 0:21:50- It has been an important part - of my life.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53- Most of the plants - have grown with me.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56- As I've grown up, - the plants have grown up with me.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- It's a great place to run around, - I can run free.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02- Which part do you like the best?
0:22:02 > 0:22:03- Which part do you like the best?- - I like the woods.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07- That's where my swings and dens - are located.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09- That's my favourite part.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13- We often light a fire here - late at night...
0:22:14 > 0:22:17- ..and we sleep outside - under the stars.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19- Morgan has a tree house.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22- On the first night he climbed up...
0:22:22 > 0:22:26- ..we had a cosy night - sleeping in the trees...
0:22:26 > 0:22:30- ..listening to the leaves - rustling in the wind.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33- Would you like to add - something to the garden?
0:22:33 > 0:22:37- Well, I'd like to add a zip wire.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41- From my bedroom to the woods.
0:22:41 > 0:22:42- To the school?
0:22:42 > 0:22:44- To the school?- - No, the woods!
0:22:45 > 0:22:47- I'd get to school early!
0:23:07 > 0:23:10- Mam has certainly been - an inspiration to me.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14- I've personally learnt - through osmosis...
0:23:14 > 0:23:19- ..how to be a gardener and how - to understand and respect plants.
0:23:19 > 0:23:24- I've experimented - and tried things...
0:23:24 > 0:23:28- ..to see how they work - before moving on.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32- I enjoy sitting here in the evening.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35- It's a wonderful time for us all.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37- It gives us great pleasure.
0:23:37 > 0:23:42- Everyone experiences that pleasure - and I enjoy seeing that.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45- That's the impression I have too.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47- Everyone who lives and works here...
0:23:48 > 0:23:51- ..is glad to be part - of Penmaen's history.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:24:17 > 0:24:18- .