3 days ago
Actor Stifyn Parri finds peace in his garden near Wrexham
Stifyn Parri, from Rhos, near Wrexham, now living in St Fagan's, Cardiff, finds solace in his garden.
He shared his love for gardening with presenter Meinir Gwilym on S4C's series, Garddio a Mwy.
The episode featuring Mr Parri will air at 8.25pm on Monday, June 2.
The actor, who starred in Brookside, began posting pictures of his flowers during the pandemic to lift the spirits of "friends, family, and strangers."
He said: "The reaction was so positive I took another photo the following day and I've been posting images on Instagram and Facebook every day since then.
"They have become so popular if I haven't posted by eleven o'clock in the morning people have been known to phone up and check I'm alive and well."
(Image: Supplied) Despite having no formal gardening training, Mr Parri enjoys experimenting in his garden.
He said: "I love pottering in the garden.
"I plant things intuitively and if they don't like where they're growing plants will let you know just the same as if they do like their spot."
His garden, which backs onto woodland, is filled with seating areas, a barbecue area, and a hot tub.
He said: "It isn't the largest garden but I've taken advice from Monty (Don) and created lots of areas.
"I think lawns are a waste of time, and space."
His favourite flower is Lunaria annua, commonly known as Honesty.
He said: "I just love the simplicity of the flower.
"It reminds me of home because just about every parlour in Rhosllannerchrugog during my childhood had a display of dried Honesty plants."
Mr Parri began his acting career on S4C's Coleg and later joined Channel 4's Brookside as Christopher Duncan, where he made headlines with the first openly gay relationship on British TV.
His theatre work includes starring as Marius in Les Misérables in the West End.
In 2001, he set up an agency called MR PRODUCER and has produced some of Wales' most prominent live events.
He also launched the Welsh ex-pat society, Social Welsh and Sexy (SWS).
Two years ago, he presented his BAFTA-nominated documentary, Paid a Dweud Hoyw (Don't Say Gay) for S4C.
Later this summer, Mr Parri will play a prominent part in the National Eisteddfod in Wrexham.
Garddio a Mwy presenter Meinir Gwilym said: "It's a garden with character!
"Not only is it full of colour and shapes and textures, the garden is also full of life - reflecting Stifyn perfectly."
Series producer Euros Wyn added: "You don't need a degree in horticulture to enjoy some gardening, and I think that the series reflects that."
