A SINGER-SONGWRITER turned TV presenter from the Llyn Peninsula has invited viewers in to her garden this spring.

Meinir Gwilym’s garden, Pant y Wennol, is on the outskirts of Pwllheli and features in S4C’s new series, Garddio a Mwy.

The 35-year-old, who combines music with radio and TV work, has been talking about life on the Llyn, her garden and what viewers can expect to see over the next few weeks.

• How much snow did you get on the Llyn Peninsula? What effect did the winter have on the Pant y Wennol garden?

We didn’t get half as much snow as some areas further down the peninsula, and not the deep snow they had in Ruthin, thank goodness! But the changeable weather over the winter, especially the ice, has affected the garden – some of the bushes have had a shock, but above all else, everything is late!

There isn’t half as much colour as there was last April. But it will come – I’m hoping for a good spell of warm weather now.

• A little bird mentioned you’re investing in a greenhouse for the garden at the start of this series. Why?

A greenhouse can transform the way someone gardens – starting the season earlier in a way. Rather than planting seeds out in May, a greenhouse will allow me to plant months in advance. It’s a bit of an investment – they don’t come cheap these days, so a lot of thought goes into the purchase. I’m looking forward to growing peppers, aubergines and a few tomatoes.

• What can viewers look forward to this series?

There is so much variety, it’s hard to know where to start! There will be vegetables, flowers, DIY, cookery and a chance to get to know gardeners from around Wales, so there’s plenty see.

• How has being a part of Garddio a Mwy changed your way of life?

I have always appreciated nature, and have been gardening for some years. I think the nicest thing is being able to chat to other gardeners and to have realised there isn’t one way of doing things.

Growing things successfully depends on lots of different factors – every garden is different, and it’s important to do whatever’s best for your garden.

Working on the series has reinforced my belief that organic gardening, without the use of chemicals if possible, can enhance wildlife, be a feast for the eyes and grow food all at the same time.

• Share with us the best tips you’ve learned along the journey?

The most precious tip I’ve learned is that you can’t win against snails. The best thing to do is plant things they don’t like to eat, and make an effort to try and appreciate and empathise with the poor little thing that has to carry its house on its back. Fair play to the snail, it deserves respect...

• What would be your advice to those who want to start gardening, but feel it’s useless as there’s just too much to learn?

The thing is – gardening is easy! In a garden or pot, you just choose the things you like, and you’re bound to succeed. There is so much pleasure to be had from gardening, it really is worth giving it a go. But one thing I must warn people; it does get a hold on you, if you start – you won’t be able to stop.

Garddio a Mwy is on S4C on Monday nights at 8.25pm, and aims to help you inject new life into your garden after the long winter.

Although beautiful to look at, snow and frost can be a major problem for gardeners, damaging plant growth and killing tender plants. But it’s now time to enjoy your garden coming to life again, and the team of Iwan and Sioned Edwards and Meinir Gwilym will be there to offer support and inspiration.