WELSH punk legend Rhys Mwyn says his allotment has become a lifeline as he undergoes treatment for stage three prostate cancer — and he’s even growing wildflowers from seeds gifted by the Sex Pistols’ sleeve designer.
The former Yr Anhrefn bassist, originally from Llanfair Caereinion, but now 63 and living in Caernarfon, will share how gardening is helping his recovery in the new series of S4C’s Garddio a Mwy. Speaking from his plot in Groeslon, he describes the space as a “sanctuary of peace” during a gruelling two‑year treatment plan.
Rhys was diagnosed last autumn after a PSA test, MRI and biopsy. “It is Stage 3, a serious but treatable cancer,” he said. “I was lucky in that it was found before it had spread. If I had left the test until later I might not have been so lucky.”
He is currently undergoing hormone therapy and will begin radiotherapy this summer, which will mean daily trips to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.
“The allotment will be my sanctuary,” he said. “Somewhere I can go to for some peace and quiet. Being on the allotment is very beneficial to my mental health and wellbeing… I’m definitely an advocate of the benefits of gardening.”
Rhys has tended his Groeslon plot for years, growing vegetables, flowers and even seeds given to him by artist Jamie Reid — the man behind the Sex Pistols’ iconic album covers.
“Gardening is much more rock and roll than you'd imagine,” he said.
“On the allotment I have a pot of flowers grown from seed which were given to me by Jamie Reid.”
He’s now urging men over 50 to get tested. “Get your PSA tests done all men of a certain age,” he said, adding that he’ll help promote local testing at Copa in Caernarfon on June 11.
The episode featuring Rhys will air on Monday, April 27, as part of the new Garddio a Mwy series produced by Caernarfon‑based Cwmni Da. Presenter Meinir Gwilym visits him on the allotment to talk about nature, recovery and the grounding power of growing things.
Rhys, who also presents on BBC Radio Cymru and leads historical tours, says the allotment community has been a huge support.
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“I can go there and sit and chat all afternoon and get nothing done… It’s a good balance.”
The new series continues every Monday at 8.25pm through the summer, exploring sustainability, biodiversity and the stories behind Wales’ gardeners.
Has gardening or another hobby helped you through a difficult time? Let us know in the comments.
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