A GANLLWYD gardener is to appear on primetime TV tonight (Saturday) discussing his work fighting alien plants.

Iestyn Jones, who owns Japanese Knotweed Removal Wales, is appearing on BBC 2’s popular show Gardeners’ World at 7.30pm.

Iestyn, 42, met with TV personality Nick Bailey in a Cardiff garden to discuss his work removing Japanese Knotweed - a scourge in the UK’s green spaces.

Japanese Knotweed is a tenacious plant species that grows vigorously at a rate of up to a metre a month.

Its roots can spread up to 7 metres horizontally, even through tarmac and concrete, causing damage to foundations and buildings and it is estimated to cost the British economy £166 million annually, according to the former NRW worker.

Iestyn was looking forward to his appearance.

“I went and met up with the presenter Nick Bailey in Cardiff,” he explained.

“It was quite nerve-wrecking!

“He asked me about six questions and we filmed for about three hours.

“I think the item will be about 6 minutes in length but we’ll see.

“I’ve told all my friends, customers and family - I’m really looking forward to it.”