00:00 Hello guys we're here at Butlane Farm Garden and it's at Ranton, that's right isn't it?
00:07 Not too far from the centre of Stafford, not a million miles away.
00:09 And you're getting ready to open for the NGS is that right?
00:12 That's right yeah.
00:13 How many years you been doing it then?
00:15 Five.
00:16 Yeah and it's a lot of work getting your garden ready isn't it?
00:19 Especially when you've got a bit of space here.
00:22 Yes, lots of work.
00:23 They call it the green gym, is that true?
00:25 Oh yes, it never ends.
00:27 So what can people expect from your garden and on the day?
00:31 I mean it's almost a mini one day feast isn't it?
00:34 Just fill us in then.
00:35 Well we've got over 20 arts and crafts stalls, some are doing demonstrations, flowers and
00:41 ceramics all sorts, a big variety of stalls.
00:45 We've got classic motors coming, we're doing homemade pizzas and a barbecue.
00:52 Claire will be doing teas and cakes.
00:55 Teas and cakes, coffee.
00:57 I've seen the little pizza ovens, so do you get time to chill out in the garden or are
01:04 you always either working or weeding?
01:06 We try.
01:07 There's always time for chilling out.
01:11 I've seen the ciders, I've had my eye on them.
01:13 So you've got a lovely pizza oven there, you've got quite a lot of nice sitting areas but
01:18 you use the garden a lot don't you?
01:20 You have quite a lot of groups come so it's quite often turning to a bit of a social area
01:24 is that right?
01:25 Yes.
01:26 We've got always neighbours round and we had seven garden events last year.
01:32 Seven yeah, it's full on isn't it for the season.
01:35 And you've won one or two awards along the way, just fill us in on those.
01:39 We had 13 trophies last year, we won 13 trophies last year at local competitions for the garden
01:46 and vegetable patch.
01:47 And we were also nominated to the last 28 in the English favourite garden competition
01:55 which is voted for by the public.
01:57 We were first in the Staffordshire Cottage Garden, first in the Aberdash's Horticultural
02:03 Show for vegetable garden.
02:07 We've won three local garden horticultural shows.
02:13 Aren't they just going to ban you from entering?
02:15 I think someone would like that.
02:21 But it's nice to get that pat on the back though isn't it?
02:23 Lots of hard work.
02:26 Well I mean it's a working farm as well, you've got plenty of sheep so we all know how hard
02:31 you guys have to work.
02:32 So what is it that you get from gardening?
02:35 Is it just like a switch off from the farming or is it in the blood?
02:40 Do you come from a gardening family or where does it come from?
02:44 My family had good gardens and Claire loves a garden.
02:48 I just like gardening.
02:51 I love growing for competition, vegetables for competition.
02:54 Well yeah the Veggie Patch, Claire was saying that's your kind of baby isn't it?
02:58 The pretty stuff's more yours.
03:02 Well thank you guys and if people want to come and enjoy your garden with you and all
03:06 the events with it, craft stalls and vintage cars, when are you open?
03:11 What's the date?
03:12 26th May, it's a Sunday.
03:14 It opens at 10 o'clock and will be open until 4 in the afternoon.
03:19 Great stuff.
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