0:00:31 > 0:00:36It's a popular National Trust garden attracting 160,000 visitors a year.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39But with annual running costs
0:00:59 > 0:01:02It's been a passion of mine to try and make autumn join hands
0:01:02 > 0:01:05with spring and create lots of
0:01:08 > 0:01:11I would love to try and develop
0:01:13 > 0:01:17It will benefit the finances and it will give more pleasure to
0:01:17 > 0:01:20members of the public, and that's actually a lot of what we're about.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34Bodnant is stunning in winter,
0:01:34 > 0:01:38and work here can enjoy it.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44Head gardener Troy Scott-Smith
0:01:47 > 0:01:52He's keen to open the garden
0:01:54 > 0:01:57For me, gardens are more than just about the time visitors usually
0:01:57 > 0:02:03They are a 12 months' experience.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06I'm extremely fortunate, as are all the gardeners, in that we see
0:02:06 > 0:02:11Bodnant all through the year in all its different guises, in snow and frost, in wind and gales.
0:02:11 > 0:02:16And for me, actually, you kind of become connected with it
0:02:16 > 0:02:18in a much sort of deeper way.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27The National Trust took over Bodnant Garden 60 years ago
0:02:27 > 0:02:32but the hall is still home to
0:02:32 > 0:02:36London-based Michael McLaren manages the garden for the Trust
0:02:36 > 0:02:40and shares the family passion
0:02:40 > 0:02:42My father said he preferred the
0:02:42 > 0:02:45because you don't have the leaves,
0:02:45 > 0:02:48the architecture of the garden and I think it's quite an important point
0:02:48 > 0:02:51because if you do come off season
0:02:51 > 0:02:54to see the garden without the
0:02:54 > 0:02:55of the leaves and the flowers.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02But opening the garden in winter would inevitably create problems.
0:03:04 > 0:03:09slopes and terraces and it could be a health and safety minefield.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11There are all sorts of things we need to take into account.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15garden we couldn't open to the
0:03:15 > 0:03:18For example, the terraces would be too slippery and icy and so on.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22So it will probably only be a relatively small part of the garden
0:03:22 > 0:03:26but, conversely, if one opens it as a winter garden then one ought to
0:03:30 > 0:03:40The plan is to create a winter walk
0:03:40 > 0:03:52I think we should be bold really.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58I was wondering that. But how many do you think you'll plant in the
0:03:58 > 0:04:12Well, these gardens are not
0:04:25 > 0:04:29the owner, who is passionate
0:04:29 > 0:04:32donate two different varieties
0:04:37 > 0:04:39It was very popular in Victorian times to take a stroll in your
0:04:39 > 0:04:43wood and see the magnificent displays of snowdrops there.
0:04:43 > 0:04:48So they must have really amassed into big colonies now. 150 years.
0:04:50 > 0:04:55increasingly fashionable. But they're not native to Britain.
0:04:57 > 0:05:02are prepared to pay staggering amounts for the rarest bulbs.
0:05:02 > 0:05:07Some bulbs go for sort of £60 or £70 each, just for one single bulb.
0:05:07 > 0:05:12So that's why it's even more generous of George, really, to
0:05:12 > 0:05:16we may have a few plants that Hodstock may like in return.
0:05:18 > 0:05:25Let's go and have a look over here cos we've got a lovely collection here which we can dig up for you.
0:05:25 > 0:05:26Which are these ones, George?
0:05:26 > 0:05:31These are all doubles. These are the ones which will be showing en masse at this time of year.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34Really lovely variety here.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38we're very happy to transplant
0:05:38 > 0:05:44I think there is mixed feeling about when's the best time to move snowdrops or indeed any bulb.
0:05:44 > 0:05:49what we call in the green, so when
0:05:54 > 0:05:57into smaller little clumplets and put
0:05:59 > 0:06:03If you can get them in quick enough then there's no shock and the bulbs
0:06:05 > 0:06:08So let's have a look at this.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11So from one bulb several years ago,
0:06:13 > 0:06:16they are quite congested, so
0:06:16 > 0:06:20probably doing it a favour, really, aren't we, lifting and splitting.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27I've always liked snowdrops,
0:06:27 > 0:06:32of course they are one of the first plants that flower in the spring.
0:06:32 > 0:06:38a real added attraction to Bodnant once we get them back there.
0:06:38 > 0:06:45best possible start, planting has to take place the following morning.
0:06:45 > 0:06:50Here we are then, all the way from
0:06:50 > 0:07:01Warrell to oversee the volunteers.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05I mean, eventually we want them
0:07:05 > 0:07:19But first we'll have to split them,
0:07:37 > 0:07:41beautiful and ancient trees.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45are concerned about the oldest oak.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48It's 300 years old and dying.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51They may be forced to cut it down.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56Well, I think we've already
0:08:04 > 0:08:09It's as simple as that! I love the mosses on some of those branches.
0:08:13 > 0:08:18and many years ago my husband and I made a garden overlooking the Dell
0:08:18 > 0:08:24and this was the sort of focal point of the garden and the whole thing was arranged so it was in a direct line.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27So it's very, very important,
0:08:30 > 0:08:36I think it's got enormous presence hate it if they had to take it.
0:08:50 > 0:08:55the enemy at Bodnant this winter.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05Well, this year particularly we've had a real problem with moles so
0:09:05 > 0:09:09we've started trapping them, which is not something you really want to do
0:09:09 > 0:09:12but it's something you really have to do for a number of reasons.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16It will damage the mower if we don't do it and they look a bit unsightly.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19We've a lot of daffodils and they'll damage the bulbs and if we don't
0:09:19 > 0:09:22stop them, they'll get into the
0:09:26 > 0:09:32OK, we'll come back in a few hours
0:09:37 > 0:09:41Deputy head gardener Adam Salvin has called in an expert to scan
0:09:41 > 0:09:45much to the family's dismay.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48Using sophisticated sonar equipment,
0:09:48 > 0:09:53scans the diseased tree trunk
0:09:56 > 0:09:59In Bodnant, trees are of great importance to us and certainly
0:09:59 > 0:10:03this one, amongst another couple on this lawn, are very important.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06They're close to the Hall so they're highly valued to the family.
0:10:06 > 0:10:07So, Steve, how's the tree looking?
0:10:07 > 0:10:12I don't think it's too bad, you know, I think the results are
0:10:12 > 0:10:16I think compared to last year,
0:10:16 > 0:10:20Right, that sounds promising. I was a bit...this morning.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24If you'd condemned it then we might have to take it down, which would be a sad thing to see.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28If it's looking good then that's
0:10:28 > 0:10:30And it's good news for the family.
0:10:30 > 0:10:49The oak lives to fight another day.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53it's seen a dramatic increase
0:10:57 > 0:11:01plant expert, Alison Clarke.
0:11:01 > 0:11:06map out their vision for Bodnant.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10This stunning winter garden was established 11 years ago.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13It's built around a winding path,
0:11:16 > 0:11:20is keen to share his secrets.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24Well, I've been working here now for just over 35 years and without doubt
0:11:25 > 0:11:29and continuing to do the winter garden is the best thing I've ever done in my whole career.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36a tremendous success story.
0:11:36 > 0:11:41to this. We just came through a very dark green entrance,
0:11:41 > 0:11:46absolute spectacular colour, and it doesn't matter where you look.
0:11:52 > 0:11:57that's what I love about the winter.
0:12:06 > 0:12:11Fantastic, cos you just can't resist wanting to touch it, all this lovely shiny bark.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13And if you ever have any at Bodnant,
0:12:13 > 0:12:16you need to put it close to the path so they can do that.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19And the other great thing about
0:12:19 > 0:12:22shining through it, because it's
0:12:22 > 0:12:29got some flaky bits of bark, they
0:12:29 > 0:12:32telling people what to see.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40There are many treats in store
0:12:40 > 0:12:44and the highlight is a magical group of silver birch trees.
0:12:52 > 0:12:57That lovely blue sky sets it off,
0:13:00 > 0:13:05What I want to know is what do
0:13:05 > 0:13:10We've been using a bucket of water and a brush, scrubbing away.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17Certainly does the job - they're beautifully white and clean.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27We often get people say to us,
0:13:27 > 0:13:29"I've got to sit and write a poem.
0:13:29 > 0:13:35something like that - that sense of inspiration. The power of plants.
0:14:02 > 0:14:15For us they do. Our visitor is really enjoying this and I think
0:14:15 > 0:14:21on the right tracks by starting
0:14:26 > 0:14:29Of course, you know, fashion can change, but I think snowdrop
0:14:29 > 0:14:33fanciers are a pretty stalwart group
0:14:36 > 0:14:41It's given me a lot of motivation as well, and energy. I think winter
0:14:41 > 0:14:47very beautiful thing to make.
0:14:47 > 0:14:52I would like to think that we can come to an agreement about the space
0:15:00 > 0:15:04Anglesey Abbey? Very good - it is really just one long space,
0:15:08 > 0:15:11I haven't been to Anglesey Abbey for quite a number of years.
0:15:16 > 0:15:21again, I'm not sure whether it really applies directly to us,
0:15:25 > 0:15:30Hard to believe, but I think he said something like 80,000 visitors in the
0:15:30 > 0:15:33winter opening, 16,000 in one week.
0:15:37 > 0:15:42centres of population, but even so, that's a terrific amount.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44He said it's just been phenomenal.
0:15:44 > 0:15:50The interest, people wanting
0:15:55 > 0:15:58We don't have that problem cos we've got a large car park,
0:15:58 > 0:16:01although the car park is not normally used in the winter hours,
0:16:01 > 0:16:05so when it becomes icy, it's a skating rink on a steep slope.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13Bill and Graham have come to check the traps they set for the moles.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15Let's have a look at this one then.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19I think we have, haven't we?
0:16:27 > 0:16:32the moles could wreak havoc on their beautifully manicured lawns.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35Oh, dear, yep. Sorry, Mr Mole.
0:16:40 > 0:16:50That's the second this week, isn't it? And the seventh overall.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11time to clear up the ever-growing
0:17:11 > 0:17:23months a year clearing up before
0:17:23 > 0:17:26so Bodnant has lots of free help.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30Graham Williams and Barbara Bennett first volunteered two years ago.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33They thrive on the challenge.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35People think you're absolutely potty
0:17:37 > 0:17:42we're just guiding them round
0:17:49 > 0:17:52I am barking mad, but it's lovely.
0:17:52 > 0:17:56your wet weather gear on and you know what you are doing.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00Graham and Barbara are part of a team of 20 volunteers.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07I was a physiotherapist and worked for the National Health
0:18:11 > 0:18:16spread my wings and do lots of things that I'm interested in.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23People pay to come in to see this garden and we get it for free
0:18:23 > 0:18:25every day, every time we come in!
0:18:27 > 0:18:31The garden wouldn't look as good as it does without their help.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37keeping the standards up visually,
0:18:37 > 0:18:42whereas the gardeners have been doing perhaps more of the skilled
0:18:44 > 0:18:48Right, guys, it's that time of the year again, river clearing.
0:18:48 > 0:18:54If we start upstream, work our way down, bringing it into the water
0:18:58 > 0:19:03Down in the lower woodland section of the garden, Dave Larter and his
0:19:03 > 0:19:06team are preparing to clear the
0:19:06 > 0:19:08with fallen leaves and other debris.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16One team works its way downriver, raking the debris into the water.
0:19:18 > 0:19:25The current carries it downstream,
0:19:28 > 0:19:33I mean, we've found lots of plastic bottles and, you know,
0:19:37 > 0:19:41pretty awful, but, you know, you've got to get rid of it.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45Clearing the river in February is a cold and slippery job.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55I think ahead. Unfortunately,
0:20:03 > 0:20:07I keep meaning to get myself
0:20:07 > 0:20:23wear them that you remember.
0:20:32 > 0:20:49waders are a must next year.
0:20:49 > 0:20:56It's an area, really, at the moment that doesn't do a lot.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59The rockwork is really nice,
0:20:59 > 0:21:02It's just really got a mountain of these azaleas and other shrubs on.
0:21:02 > 0:21:07As you can see, it does have a
0:21:07 > 0:21:12But we're still in discussion with the family about this area
0:21:15 > 0:21:19so it's by no means certain that this is the chosen area.
0:21:19 > 0:21:24Garden manager Michael McLaren
0:21:26 > 0:21:28has also agreed to the plan,
0:21:28 > 0:21:31and she hopes it will culminate with a carpet of snowdrops.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33They are not the ordinary snowdrop
0:21:33 > 0:21:37that is in everybody's back garden,
0:21:37 > 0:21:42But you need masses, I mean,
0:21:42 > 0:21:46They want the Hodstock snowdrops to provide a fitting climax
0:21:49 > 0:21:51And there's talk of bluebells.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53..You're not allowed to dig them up.
0:21:56 > 0:22:01We do have some bluebells on the bank there. I love bluebells.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05I think they are so protected, you can't dig them up and move
0:22:05 > 0:22:09place in your own garden to another?
0:22:09 > 0:22:12I don't know. Being a lawyer,
0:22:12 > 0:22:15so not quite sure what one's allowed to do and what one isn't!
0:22:15 > 0:22:19They hope to plant the winter garden in the coming months,
0:22:22 > 0:22:25the start of the new season.
0:22:25 > 0:22:30It's February. The garden is about to reopen after its winter closure.
0:22:32 > 0:22:36there are lots of last-minute preparations to get Bodnant ready.
0:22:49 > 0:22:54Stephen Anderton was scathing.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57I think Bodnant has needed a bomb under it for a long time.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01Beautiful though it is, you know, it's been dying on its feet.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04It was an old man's garden.
0:23:08 > 0:23:14He's worked hard to give Bodnant a facelift, with a £2 million
0:23:17 > 0:23:23And now, he's inviting the Times
0:23:23 > 0:23:27The team have worked so hard over the last year in all areas of the garden,
0:23:27 > 0:23:30and I'd be very surprised if he
0:23:30 > 0:23:33Some of them were very scathing and
0:23:33 > 0:23:39some of them were quite personal towards the garden, as well, and
0:23:39 > 0:23:46so I'd like to question him
0:24:07 > 0:24:10And you know what it says -
0:24:10 > 0:24:13It says capital expenditure.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18and that takes a lot of doing,
0:24:18 > 0:24:21but no, I think you've done well.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25Yeah, it's consistent work, isn't it? It doesn't happen overnight
0:24:25 > 0:24:29happening after a few years.
0:24:29 > 0:24:34I mean, I've committed myself mentally for 20 years and I
0:24:34 > 0:24:36Long may you remain committed!
0:24:38 > 0:24:42Thanks for that. The official seal of approval at long last.
0:24:44 > 0:24:50It's the first day of the new season and Bodnant is looking good.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54ten months behind schedule.
0:24:54 > 0:24:58embarrassment last year when Prince
0:24:58 > 0:25:02Charles opened the then unfinished
0:25:02 > 0:25:04scaffolding and plastic sheeting.
0:25:04 > 0:25:10The whole project has been delayed for causes which lie with others.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13Best put tactfully like that.
0:25:13 > 0:25:17Today, this splendid building, with its distinctive Welsh stone, blends
0:25:17 > 0:25:20in perfectly with its surroundings.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23is delighted with the result.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29there are one or two things
0:25:29 > 0:25:32one might have done slightly differently, but in fairness
0:25:32 > 0:25:35they're fairly minor things and most people are delighted with it.
0:25:35 > 0:25:39the gates open to the public,
0:25:39 > 0:25:43Lady Aberconway is confident the hard work has paid off.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46I think they've got a lot to see.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50you've got a place like this,
0:25:50 > 0:25:55And my father-in-law, who was the creator of the garden, used to say,
0:25:55 > 0:25:58"The garden looks much more alive
0:26:18 > 0:26:21to have people coming round
0:26:21 > 0:26:25of the garden is to share it
0:26:25 > 0:26:29people the enjoyment of going round it, so it's great that it's open.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39It doesn't look quite so neglected as it did in March last year.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43And I think there's been an awful lot of work done during the winter.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46Whether you come in here rain,
0:26:50 > 0:26:54It is an absolute work of art!
0:27:07 > 0:27:11as they get older, but then also of course potential gardeners.
0:27:28 > 0:27:34The hard work has paid off, and visitor numbers are on the increase.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38head gardener and thrilled to
0:27:38 > 0:27:42is thank you so much, you've done a
0:27:43 > 0:27:49you've done a fantastic job.
0:27:57 > 0:28:03He's got a fresh eye, yet he's very sensitive to the whole tradition and
0:28:03 > 0:28:06history of Bodnant, and I think
0:28:06 > 0:28:09There's been a lot going on.
0:28:12 > 0:28:16It's been my belief ever since I
0:28:16 > 0:28:19For me, it's the greatest thing
0:28:22 > 0:28:24as head gardener and having
0:28:24 > 0:28:29the opportunity to work here with the family and a team of gardeners,
0:28:29 > 0:28:33transforming Bodnant once again into this real horticultural masterpiece,
0:28:49 > 0:28:52Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd