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0:00:20 > 0:00:25- Sir Clough Williams-Ellis built - Portmeirion on his private land.
0:00:25 > 0:00:29- The village was built - between 1925 and 1975...
0:00:30 > 0:00:32- ..yes, a whole 50 years to complete.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36- Sir Clough developed a site - of natural beauty...
0:00:38 > 0:00:40- ..without disfiguring it.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44- He combined great architecture - with suitable landscape planning...
0:00:45 > 0:00:49- ..and wanted to protect - the Welsh countryside.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53- He battled for beauty - - 'that strange necessity'.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01- Everyone is familiar - with Portmeirion the village...
0:01:01 > 0:01:05- ..but few know about - its gardens and woodland.
0:01:07 > 0:01:12- Until recently, the gardens - have almost been a secret.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16- People have stumbled - across them on occasions.
0:01:16 > 0:01:21- Experienced and professional - gardeners have come here...
0:01:22 > 0:01:27- ..amazed by the wealth of plants - which can be found in the Gwyllt.
0:01:27 > 0:01:32- There are tropical plants, - Rhododendrons, Camellias...
0:01:32 > 0:01:36- ..Magnolias, Azaleas - and many others.
0:01:36 > 0:01:38- Several of these plants - are unique...
0:01:39 > 0:01:43- ..as a result of the mild - climate we get here.
0:01:44 > 0:01:50- A few miles inland they could - only be grown- in glasshouses.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16- Coloured posts mark the walk - from Portmeirion to the Gwyllt.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21- I'm the Head Gardener - here at Portmeirion.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26- I'm responsible for the village - gardens, the Gwyllt gardens...
0:02:26 > 0:02:28- ..and the wooded gardens.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33- You could say, everything - that grows in Portmeirion!
0:02:33 > 0:02:38- I was trained at Kew Gardens - and at Windsor back in the '60s.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45- I spent most of my time - working in south-east England...
0:02:45 > 0:02:49- ..before coming here - to Portmeirion in 1995.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53- We are currently developing - the gardens...
0:02:54 > 0:02:58- ..and providing more information - for visitors and guests...
0:02:58 > 0:03:02- ..by means of a leaflet - showing the wild paths...
0:03:02 > 0:03:07- ..and a booklet about - the gardens' history.
0:03:27 > 0:03:32- We're standing alongside - the largest lake in Portmeirion.
0:03:32 > 0:03:37- This was re-opened - in the early '80s.
0:03:37 > 0:03:41- The bridge behind me - and the pagoda over there...
0:03:42 > 0:03:47- ..were designed by Susan - Cooper-Willis, Robin's mother.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51- There are a number of lakes - in the Gwyllt...
0:03:51 > 0:03:56- ..including Temple pond, which - is filled with fish, such as carp.
0:04:01 > 0:04:07- Further up into the Gwyllt, - there is a natural pond...
0:04:07 > 0:04:09- ..in Eucraphia Hollow.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21- The gardens and the Gwyllt - contain many sculptures...
0:04:21 > 0:04:25- ..some are evident - but others are hidden by the trees.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31- We're standing in Salutation Square - at the moment...
0:04:31 > 0:04:36- ..where you can see along the path - to the shaded area at the far end.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41- This was one of Clough's - favourite places.
0:04:42 > 0:04:47- It draws you into the Gwyllt - - this is where it begins.
0:04:49 > 0:04:55- The Gwyllt is a natural garden - with some tropical plants.
0:04:55 > 0:05:00- They were originally planted - here in 1865.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09- Keeping the gardens in good - condition is an all year round task.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16- This is some of the work we do.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19- We trim these yews - - the Taxus Baccata.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24- The main problem is that - they lose shape quite quickly...
0:05:25 > 0:05:28- ..so we tie them using strong wire.
0:05:28 > 0:05:33- The wire is waterproof - so it lasts quite a long time.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37- We tie them to keep them in shape.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44- Many of them are long and thin, - like these.
0:05:45 > 0:05:50- They could look out of place - if they lost shape.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54- The growth will actually - come through the wire...
0:05:55 > 0:06:00- ..so we have to trim them back - in about August and September.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05- There's plenty to do...
0:06:06 > 0:06:11- ..as there are about 60 trees - in total.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19- In order to draw more children - to the Gwyllt...
0:06:19 > 0:06:23- ..we decided to build - this play area.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26- There used to be a ditch here.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31- When we built the new - infrastructure in Portmeirion...
0:06:31 > 0:06:35- ..we brought the rubble here - to fill the hole in.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39- We then created the play area.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43- We filled the sides with soil...
0:06:44 > 0:06:47- ..and planted Rhododendrons - to provide a screen.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51- This spring, - we will be installing...
0:06:51 > 0:06:55- ..a miniature wooden railway - and a castle.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59- That is sure to attract - more children to the Gwyllt.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04- Some trees are unique - to Portmeirion...
0:07:04 > 0:07:07- ..and named after the Gwyllt.
0:07:07 > 0:07:12- I'm standing alongside the Gwyllt - King which has been bred here.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17- They crossed two Rhododendrons - to create this plant.
0:07:19 > 0:07:25- It received the Gold Merit - from the RHS in 1938.
0:07:26 > 0:07:31- It's a very interesting plant - as the back of the leaves...
0:07:31 > 0:07:33- ..are the colour of velvet.
0:07:35 > 0:07:40- One of the Gwyllt's most interesting - areas is the Dogs' Cemetery...
0:07:40 > 0:07:43- ..established by Mrs Adelaide Haig.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47- The elegies she wrote - can still be read here.
0:07:54 > 0:07:59- I'm standing beside a young - Maintenous Arbora plant.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04- It comes from Chile - and is rather special.
0:08:05 > 0:08:10- Alan Mitchell says that this - is the best example of this tree...
0:08:10 > 0:08:12- ..in this country.
0:08:14 > 0:08:21- Roy Lancaster said the same thing - in 'The Gardener' - the RHS book.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26- These are young trees - that are growing.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32- The climate here is ideal - for this plant...
0:08:32 > 0:08:39- ..as there is plenty of rain - and warm air from the Gulf Stream.
0:08:45 > 0:08:50- Each gardener is responsible for - a different part of the garden.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55- Careful planning is needed - to ensure that the garden...
0:08:55 > 0:08:57- ..is colourful - throughout the year...
0:08:57 > 0:09:02- ..with a range of hothouse and wild - flowers in every nook and cranny.
0:09:12 > 0:09:17- I've been working here for ten - years and I love gardening here.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20- There's a good group of staff.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24- We went to the Chelsea Flower Show - last year for two weeks...
0:09:25 > 0:09:28- ..and it was the first time - we'd competed.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34- We won the Big Gardens Award - so we were very proud...
0:09:35 > 0:09:37- ..of what we achieved there.
0:09:37 > 0:09:42- We met Charlie Dimmock, - who is a gardener of sorts...
0:09:43 > 0:09:48- ..and many other stars, - on one of the days.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51- We had a good time.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55- We cultivate the lawns - during the summer...
0:09:55 > 0:09:57- ..along with the yew trees.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03- We keep the gardens - neat and tidy...
0:10:03 > 0:10:07- ..and look after the lawn - in front of the hotel.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11- It becomes very busy - over the summer.
0:10:11 > 0:10:16- We get up to 4,000 visitors - during the week, in August...
0:10:16 > 0:10:18- ..so it can get very busy.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22- It's quieter - at this time of year...
0:10:22 > 0:10:26- ..but it's pleasant - with fewer people around.
0:10:26 > 0:10:31- It's hard to work around - too many people!
0:10:37 > 0:10:42- We are standing in the village - centre, beside the Piazza.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46- Years ago, - this was a vegetable garden...
0:10:48 > 0:10:53- ..but we now grow other plants - here, such as Suzanna palms.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57- The Irish Yews are cut like - Italian Cypress...
0:10:58 > 0:11:00- ..just as Clough liked them.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02- There is Euphorbia growing here.
0:11:03 > 0:11:08- This is one of the succulents - I talked about earlier.
0:11:08 > 0:11:13- This Arricium is native - to the Scilly and Canary Isles.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19- They are quite happy here - and are even self-seeding.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31- I was doing this job - for the council in Porthmadog...
0:11:31 > 0:11:33- ..from midnight until 8.30am...
0:11:34 > 0:11:36- ..as that was the only time...
0:11:36 > 0:11:40- ..it was quiet enough - to clean the streets.
0:11:41 > 0:11:46- In 1992, I heard they needed - someone here part-time.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49- I got the job and was delighted.
0:12:01 > 0:12:06- This is Cornus Capitata - that bears a delicious fruit...
0:12:06 > 0:12:09- ..which tastes similar - to strawberry.
0:12:12 > 0:12:17- It must be very red - before you can eat it...
0:12:17 > 0:12:20- ..as it's very sour - unless it's ripe.
0:12:21 > 0:12:26- It grows very well here and has - a yellow bract when in flower...
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- ..and it fruits - at this time of year.
0:12:30 > 0:12:35- It adds colour during the winter - when little else is flowering.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49- Of the Gwyllt paths that - weave their way along...
0:12:49 > 0:12:53- ..one leads to a lighthouse - designed by Sir Clough.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16- I can't see how they've done it.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20- It must be like a 3D mirage - or something.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24- The most incredible thing - is that they've taken a part...
0:13:25 > 0:13:30- ..of this little fairy land and - stuck it in the middle of London!
0:13:30 > 0:13:34- The way that he did things - has such a charming effect on you.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40- The Chelsea Flower Show - was one the main events of 1999...
0:13:40 > 0:13:43- ..for the Portmeirion gardeners.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45- Months of careful planning ensued.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50- As far as the gardens are concerned, - all is going according to plan.
0:13:50 > 0:13:58- The tower is being built in East - Anglia and will be shipped over...
0:13:58 > 0:14:03- ..about two weeks before - the completion of the garden.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09- To complete the steps - and walls in Chelsea...
0:14:09 > 0:14:12- ..Welsh slates had to be prepared.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16- All the plants were grown - in Portmeirion's nursery...
0:14:16 > 0:14:20- ..before being moved - to their temporary new home.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31- The hard work paid off - one hundredfold...
0:14:31 > 0:14:34- ..and the garden - was a complete success.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38- Doesn't it look wonderful - - just like Portmeirion?
0:14:38 > 0:14:41- I go there regularly - and love the place.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45- It's one of the best places - in Wales.
0:14:45 > 0:14:49- I can't believe the way they've - recreated the atmosphere.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52- It looks and feels - like Portmeirion.
0:14:52 > 0:14:57- As you walk through the garden - you see the Gwyllt in Portmeirion.
0:14:58 > 0:15:03- They've also conveyed the height, - as Portmeirion is multi-level.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07- They've managed to convey - that in Chelsea!
0:15:07 > 0:15:09- What a way to promote Wales!
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- Everyone will visit - Portmeirion now!
0:15:18 > 0:15:22- Stars from television - and the gardening world...
0:15:22 > 0:15:25- ..have all been to see the garden.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30- Bob Geldof is here - with his girlfriend.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- Jools Holland is in the garden - at the moment.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39- Everyone is astounded - - it's the best garden in Chelsea.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53- I love Chelsea because - of the Garden Party atmosphere.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57- There are loads of ideas as well...
0:15:57 > 0:16:01- ..and it's summer even if - the weather doesn't think so.
0:16:05 > 0:16:10- The garden was officially opened - by Sir Clough's daughter, Susan.
0:16:10 > 0:16:15- Musician, Jools Holland is one - of Portmeirion's biggest fans...
0:16:16 > 0:16:19- ..and he did his best to help Susan.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37- A little detail - a simple hitch!
0:16:42 > 0:16:46- My love affair with Portmeirion - began when I was a child...
0:16:46 > 0:16:49- ..and I saw The Prisoner programme.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52- That was what introduced it to me.
0:16:52 > 0:16:57- I wondered why he was trying - to escape from this beautiful place.
0:16:57 > 0:17:02- Why doesn't he say "Hey, this is - the nicest place I've ever been"?
0:17:02 > 0:17:07- It looked enchanting and beautiful - but I had no idea where it was.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10- It wasn't until The Tube...
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- ..that we decided - to go to Portmeirion...
0:17:14 > 0:17:17- ..to film an episode - based on The Prisoner.
0:17:32 > 0:17:37- What is this place? Where am I?
0:17:41 > 0:17:43- You, Number 7.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47- Yes, you, Number 7 - up here.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53- I'm not a number, - I'm a television personality.
0:18:01 > 0:18:03- Very good, number 7.
0:18:04 > 0:18:09- Now come up here and join me - for something to eat.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12- I realised The Prisoner thing - wasn't important.
0:18:13 > 0:18:19- The important thing was Portmeirion - itself, its gardens and buildings...
0:18:19 > 0:18:23- ..and the views of its creator, - Clough Williams-Ellis.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30- We worked with Wyevale...
0:18:30 > 0:18:34- ..Portmeirion Pottery - and the Welsh Tourist Board.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40- Bunny Guinness and Peter Eustence - were the garden designers.
0:18:40 > 0:18:45- Six gardeners from Portmeirion - have done all the planting work.
0:18:48 > 0:18:53- I've copied the Unicorn building - myself for a recording studio.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57- I've looked at the way - he's worked...
0:18:58 > 0:19:03- ..and used him as an inspiration - to design things for myself.
0:19:03 > 0:19:08- My job is playing the piano - or going out with the band...
0:19:08 > 0:19:12- ..so if I go and see - a Ray Charles concert...
0:19:12 > 0:19:16- ..I come away and I'm charged up - with all the ideas.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18- It's the same with Portmeirion.
0:19:19 > 0:19:24- When I go there, it is relaxing - but also a case of being inspired.
0:19:27 > 0:19:32- After all the planning and hard work - Russell Sharp was quite content.
0:19:34 > 0:19:39- I'm pleased with all the work that - shows Portmeirion as it really is.
0:19:40 > 0:19:45- An event like this also attracts - a number of tourists to Wales.
0:19:45 > 0:19:46- An event like this also attracts - a number of tourists to Wales. - - It's wonderful.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51- Coming here and talking about it, - really is second best.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53- You can say "That is it"!
0:19:53 > 0:19:58- That's the absolute feeling and I - think they've done it brilliantly!
0:19:59 > 0:20:04- Some of it's cultivated, the ponds - and the Japanese part...
0:20:04 > 0:20:06- ..and then the natural beach.
0:20:06 > 0:20:11- Some people cut grass but - Portmeirion don't always cut it.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25- I think it's wonderful - beautiful!
0:20:25 > 0:20:30- The more of Portmeirion we have - transported, the better!
0:20:30 > 0:20:32- A piece of Wales in England...
0:20:33 > 0:20:36- ..but what was the main purpose - of Chelsea?
0:20:36 > 0:20:41- The idea behind Chelsea was - to recreate the atmosphere...
0:20:41 > 0:20:44- ..of Portmeirion and Plas Brondanw.
0:20:45 > 0:20:50- For that, the designers created - a three-quarter sized model...
0:20:53 > 0:20:57- ..of the Watch Tower - down on the seashore.
0:20:57 > 0:21:02- I think that the Chelsea Flower - Show did bring people to Wales...
0:21:02 > 0:21:05- ..and to Portmeirion in particular.
0:21:05 > 0:21:10- These are people who have - an interest in the gardens.
0:21:11 > 0:21:16- We distributed over 10,000 leaflets - about the gardens in Portmeirion...
0:21:16 > 0:21:18- ..and other gardens in Wales.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22- In 1999, we noticed - that more people than ever...
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- ..were taking a stroll - through the Gwyllt...
0:21:27 > 0:21:32- ..and using the paths - marked with coloured posts.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- But what does the future hold - for the gardens and the Gwyllt?
0:21:37 > 0:21:40- But what does the future hold - for the gardens and the Gwyllt? - - Change is intrinsic to gardens.
0:21:40 > 0:21:45- The idea is to maintain - the atmosphere we have here...
0:21:45 > 0:21:50- ..in addition to nurturing - and developing the rare plants.
0:21:51 > 0:21:56- We still have work to do - to develop the gardens.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00- We do not intend to create - a formal garden...
0:22:00 > 0:22:05- ..but to keep it wild - so that it looks natural.
0:22:05 > 0:22:10- There are plants here from - all corners of the world...
0:22:12 > 0:22:16- ..and they're flourishing - because of our mild climate.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31- Next week, we'll take a look - at another part...
0:22:31 > 0:22:35- ..of the Portmeirion Trust - - the Brondanw Estate.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39- The mansion was - Clough Williams-Ellis' home...
0:22:39 > 0:22:42- ..and inspired his architecture.
0:22:44 > 0:22:49- The estate includes houses, - farms and a magnificent garden.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13- Subtitles by AGENDA