0:00:02 > 0:00:04What a stonker of a red rose, with a beautiful perfume.
0:00:04 > 0:00:07The last time I set foot in that building, I was going to a Christmas party.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10It is, of course, the Dean Castle.
0:00:10 > 0:00:12I was with my Aunt Mary and my cousins.
0:00:12 > 0:00:14The family used to do some work for the estate -
0:00:14 > 0:00:16that's why we got invited.
0:00:16 > 0:00:20That same Aunt Mary's oldest son was Robert.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22He was in the war. He was much older than me.
0:00:22 > 0:00:25And when he came back, he started
0:00:25 > 0:00:28a market garden business - glasshouses and so on,
0:00:28 > 0:00:32about half a mile upstream from the Old Brig of Alloway,
0:00:32 > 0:00:35Brig of Ayr, Brig O' Doon.
0:00:35 > 0:00:39His name was Robert Burns.
0:00:39 > 0:00:40Think about it.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44In 1950, there was a Robert Burns gardening at Alloway.
0:00:44 > 0:00:45How's that for coincidence?
0:00:49 > 0:00:54You will recognise this is a statue of a much more famous Robert Burns,
0:00:54 > 0:00:55our national bard.
0:00:55 > 0:00:57Do you know, it's said
0:00:57 > 0:01:00that there are more statues around the world raised to this man
0:01:00 > 0:01:02than anybody else on earth?
0:01:02 > 0:01:06Remarkable. This one is located in the Kay Park,
0:01:06 > 0:01:08one of a number of parks
0:01:08 > 0:01:11that my dear old dad helped to manage several years ago.
0:01:11 > 0:01:12Decades ago.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16Well, many of you will have guessed
0:01:16 > 0:01:19I'm talking about my old home town of Kilmarnock.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22We're involved specifically in a project that's bringing
0:01:22 > 0:01:26a wee bit of direction and pride, as well as a garden,
0:01:26 > 0:01:28to the community of Knockinlaw.
0:01:40 > 0:01:42Jim's old home town, Kilmarnock,
0:01:42 > 0:01:44is an industrial town in East Ayrshire
0:01:44 > 0:01:47with a population of over 44,000,
0:01:47 > 0:01:49making it the second-largest town in Ayrshire.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58Here, in the town centre, is the Laigh Kirk,
0:01:58 > 0:02:00a church originally built in the early 13th century,
0:02:00 > 0:02:04which became the heart of the town as it grew up around about it.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06Jim was actually christened in this very church,
0:02:06 > 0:02:08but possibly not quite that long ago.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14This is the Knockinlaw area of Kilmarnock,
0:02:14 > 0:02:16where the BBC series The Scheme was filmed.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18At the end of the series,
0:02:18 > 0:02:22we saw the community campaigning to save their old community centre.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25'Last time on The Scheme,
0:02:25 > 0:02:29'one family, the Crees, were leading the fight to reopen the old community centre,
0:02:29 > 0:02:32'which their mum and dad had started,
0:02:32 > 0:02:35'and their family had been running as volunteers for two generations.'
0:02:35 > 0:02:38Despite the building eventually being torn down,
0:02:38 > 0:02:40this community never gave up.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44The story continues here, and is becoming much bigger and more positive
0:02:44 > 0:02:47than saving an old, dilapidated building.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51Around what will be a new state-of-the-art community centre,
0:02:51 > 0:02:53the people of Knockinlaw have gone one stage further.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56They're going to build a community garden to wrap around the building,
0:02:56 > 0:02:59to complement the building and welcome and involve everybody.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02It will be called The Central Gardens.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05However, there's still a lot of work to be done.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07All the community gardens this year are being supported
0:03:07 > 0:03:10by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland
0:03:10 > 0:03:12and Greenbelt Group.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15Both of these groups are supporting community initiatives like this
0:03:15 > 0:03:17throughout the whole of Scotland.
0:03:19 > 0:03:20SHE LAUGHS
0:03:34 > 0:03:37I'm in the first part of the garden to be completed -
0:03:37 > 0:03:39the patio, the paved area.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41It's looking beautiful.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44I have with me Janet and Marion Cree.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47There's always somebody that really drives these projects,
0:03:47 > 0:03:50and I think this is you two ladies.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53The Cree family have been involved with community initiatives for a long time?
0:03:53 > 0:03:56Yes, from way back in 1970,
0:03:56 > 0:03:58when Marion's parents and other members of the community
0:03:58 > 0:04:01kicked off Knockinlaw Community Association.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04They knocked the doors in of the old centre,
0:04:04 > 0:04:06got the Salvation Army to bring beds,
0:04:06 > 0:04:09and provided housing for
0:04:09 > 0:04:10folk that didnae have a house
0:04:10 > 0:04:13when there was severe flooding in the area.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16So this is our phase one, now,
0:04:16 > 0:04:18of two phases, possibly three.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20And we're getting really excited now.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24You must be so proud of yourselves. Marion, what's this going to mean across the community?
0:04:24 > 0:04:27It's going to mean quite a lot to the community,
0:04:27 > 0:04:31because we're going to have adults and children involved.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34When we get a centre, it's somewhere to go, cos there's nothing.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37The garden's going to give them experience how to do a garden.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40- It's going to really make a difference?- A big difference, uh-huh.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57You can see here, this is definitely still work in progress.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00The hall is going here, and the kids' play area.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04Marion and Alistair, you've been involved in the project right from the beginning,
0:05:04 > 0:05:06I believe congratulations are in order,
0:05:06 > 0:05:08because you've only recently got married?
0:05:08 > 0:05:12Uh-huh. We got married on the Saturday and we were out here on the Monday morning.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14Well, that's complete dedication.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16Why did you get involved in the first place?
0:05:16 > 0:05:20I got involved through friends and family and my wife here...
0:05:20 > 0:05:22Oh, that's nice to say your "wife"!
0:05:22 > 0:05:24SHE LAUGHS
0:05:24 > 0:05:28But it's mainly to see something good happening in the community.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30It will be a place where the children can come and play
0:05:30 > 0:05:33and go to different clubs and activities, and things like that.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36But just as much for the elder people, as well,
0:05:36 > 0:05:39there's going to be lots of different activities and things.
0:05:39 > 0:05:41So it's important for all ages, really?
0:05:41 > 0:05:43It's going to help everybody in the community
0:05:43 > 0:05:44to come together.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47Marion, what have you enjoyed so far?
0:05:47 > 0:05:49I've enjoyed working with everybody,
0:05:49 > 0:05:52getting out the house, seeing it actually come together
0:05:52 > 0:05:53from where it started.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55It started as nothing, and then it came to this.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58- Aye, we've done well.- Aye.
0:05:58 > 0:05:59You enjoy the hard work?
0:05:59 > 0:06:00I do so!
0:06:00 > 0:06:03- Getting your hands dirty, brilliant. - Getting in there!
0:06:03 > 0:06:05THEY LAUGH
0:06:17 > 0:06:19I'm here with Lynn Harris,
0:06:19 > 0:06:22our veteran Beechgrove Garden designer.
0:06:22 > 0:06:23George, I'm not that old!
0:06:23 > 0:06:25And don't look it, I have to say.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27This is a special project for you. Tell me why.
0:06:27 > 0:06:28It's hugely special,
0:06:28 > 0:06:31because this is where I was born and brought up.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33And I'm back to my roots.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36This is probably where my love of gardening started,
0:06:36 > 0:06:39helping my dad edge the lawn, plant daffy bulbs,
0:06:39 > 0:06:41potatoes, that sort of thing.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44I suppose this is where it all started for me as a gardener.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46So no way you could refuse to be involved?
0:06:46 > 0:06:49In actual fact, from my bedroom window,
0:06:49 > 0:06:50over there, when I was a little girl,
0:06:50 > 0:06:53I could look out and see the old community hall that used to be here.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55But there's no hall there at the moment.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57Ah, but very shortly there will be.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00There'll be a brand, spanking new hall in the middle of the garden.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02This is a very unusual project for all of us,
0:07:02 > 0:07:04because we're putting the cart before the horse here.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07We're actually building the garden before we build the hall,
0:07:07 > 0:07:09because it's going to be a modular build.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11OK. So what have we got?
0:07:11 > 0:07:14Well, the community... This is a very multi-purpose hall.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17They wanted a multi-purpose space surrounding it.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20So we've got lots of different areas
0:07:20 > 0:07:22for lots of different kinds of activities,
0:07:22 > 0:07:25surrounding what will be a brand-new community hall in the centre.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28- Can we go and have a look? - I think we should.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33So here we are finally in the garden, George.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36This area here, all the way round the perimeter here,
0:07:36 > 0:07:39is going to be a massive shrub border. Lots of mature trees,
0:07:39 > 0:07:42loads of wildlife-friendly stuff in the garden, as well.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45Coming round to this part, we've got a lawn,
0:07:45 > 0:07:47perfect for the kids.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49Nice, well-drained lawn.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51Leading on to an enormous patio!
0:07:51 > 0:07:53SHE LAUGHS
0:07:53 > 0:07:56You could do almost Shakespearian productions here.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00If they're having a wedding inside, they could have the photographs out here.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03And finally we come to the productive area,
0:08:03 > 0:08:05which is again a fair size.
0:08:05 > 0:08:06We've used this fantastic
0:08:06 > 0:08:08resin-bound gravel,
0:08:08 > 0:08:09which is really porous.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13- It's a product called Sudscape. - It's really good.- It's a fantastic surface.
0:08:13 > 0:08:14Quite free-draining?
0:08:14 > 0:08:15Very free-draining.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18So lots of raised beds here,
0:08:18 > 0:08:21lots of produce for all sections of the community
0:08:21 > 0:08:22to be able to grow things.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24There's a fair bit to do yet.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26- I know. I'm off to get on with some work.- We'll see you later.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28Meanwhile,
0:08:28 > 0:08:31Jim has been out and about,
0:08:31 > 0:08:33looking at some extraordinary gardens.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35Two of them. Extraordinary - why?
0:08:35 > 0:08:37Because they're full of bedding plants.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40You know the problems you've had with bedding plants this year.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43The first one he went to see was Billy McIntosh.
0:08:48 > 0:08:49Well, Mr Mac,
0:08:49 > 0:08:52we were advised to come and see this spectacle here.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55Absolutely tremendous. How long have you been at this game?
0:08:55 > 0:08:59I used to help my father. He was a kind of show gardener.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03He used to grow a lot of vegetables in they days after the war,
0:09:03 > 0:09:06and come on and develop 20 flowers on first show.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08Sell most of them, mind you, to pubs.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10- HE LAUGHS The sweet peas.- Did he really?
0:09:10 > 0:09:12He did, for his drink money.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14But it's remarkable, you know,
0:09:14 > 0:09:16how well this looks,
0:09:16 > 0:09:18considering everybody's complaining about the weather.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20Of course.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23I've saw it better, in better days, without this wind
0:09:23 > 0:09:26and the rain we've had, but, eh...
0:09:26 > 0:09:27We've got to take it as it comes.
0:09:27 > 0:09:32It's quite a good-looking bit of lawn, but I'm surprised to see it there. How d'you cut it?
0:09:32 > 0:09:34With great difficulty.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37I've got a sore back, every time I do it.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41Cannae sort your back, nor your lawn, but I find
0:09:41 > 0:09:43that it's pleasing, because it sets off...
0:09:43 > 0:09:44Aye, it does.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47Have you ever entered any competitions?
0:09:47 > 0:09:50Not really. An inspector came round and put my name in
0:09:50 > 0:09:53for the local East Ayrshire Northwest area,
0:09:53 > 0:09:56and I happened to win it.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58I hadn't even entered it, but there you are.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01I'm going away to see another prize-winning garden -
0:10:01 > 0:10:03Harry Cassidy. Do you know him?
0:10:03 > 0:10:04He's my cousin's husband.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07That cannae be a coincidence?
0:10:07 > 0:10:10Well, he's a dedicated gardener.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12He works hard.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14It's a lot of effort, I can assure you.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24Well, this has to be
0:10:24 > 0:10:27Harry's award-winning garden.
0:10:27 > 0:10:28How are you?
0:10:28 > 0:10:30- Hello, Jim. Nice to see you. - Good to see you.
0:10:30 > 0:10:31How d'you do it?!
0:10:31 > 0:10:33Everybody's moaning!
0:10:33 > 0:10:35So they may!
0:10:35 > 0:10:36THEY LAUGH
0:10:36 > 0:10:38The weather, it's shocking!
0:10:38 > 0:10:41- It's terrible.- This is fantastic. So what awards have you won?
0:10:41 > 0:10:46I won the Kilmarnock Northwest Area for private houses.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48Uh-huh? Is that the first time?
0:10:48 > 0:10:50No. I won it in 2010.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52Have you got any favourites?
0:10:52 > 0:10:53Begonias.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55- I like begonias.- Aye.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58But you have a huge range. Do you grow all the stuff yourself?
0:10:58 > 0:11:00Most of it from seed, yeah.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02With the exception of begonias, of course.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05I've got to buy them, and the trailing lobelia.
0:11:05 > 0:11:06Do you work with plugs?
0:11:06 > 0:11:07Plugs? Yeah.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10And when do you start the whole process?
0:11:10 > 0:11:12Usually my plugs in April.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15First week in April, and I take it from there.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17Just bring them on in the greenhouse,
0:11:17 > 0:11:18then into the cold frames,
0:11:18 > 0:11:21and then, first week in June, plant out.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23And when the judges come here,
0:11:23 > 0:11:26do they look at front and back, as well?
0:11:26 > 0:11:27Front and back, yeah,
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- I'd better have a look at the back then.- Aye.
0:11:41 > 0:11:42Wow!
0:11:42 > 0:11:45We're maybe coming to the end of the season,
0:11:45 > 0:11:47but you've still got a fantastic display!
0:11:47 > 0:11:50I suppose it's getting the right plants first time, eh?
0:11:50 > 0:11:53- Ah, well... - What are the most reliable?
0:11:53 > 0:11:57Well, you cannae beat them, Jim. The fibrous-rooted begonias.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00They do well in this weather up here, the climate.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03But the petunias are really fantastic just now.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05I had these last year.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07These are really good - great results.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10Yes, but everywhere you turn, you've got them.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13They're still flowering their heads off. D'you do much dead heading?
0:12:13 > 0:12:15- Oh! - HE LAUGHS
0:12:15 > 0:12:18- Maybe two hours a day. - As much as that?- Oh, aye. Anyway.
0:12:18 > 0:12:19At least two hours a day.
0:12:19 > 0:12:24The other thing that caught my eye was this aster here.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26It's a lovely purpley-blue.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28It's a bit big for my liking.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30On the packet, when I planted them,
0:12:30 > 0:12:32- it was supposed to be dwarf... - But it's no' quite as dwarf?
0:12:32 > 0:12:35No, they look about 15 inches high.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38I wonder if it's been up there, looking for more light?
0:12:38 > 0:12:39It's possible.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41It's drawn it a wee bit.
0:12:41 > 0:12:42But just everywhere you turn,
0:12:42 > 0:12:45you're doing fantastically well.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47So, all is not lost, and you'll be back at it again next year?
0:12:47 > 0:12:50- Oh, yeah.- More prizes?- Cannae wait.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52THEY LAUGH
0:13:23 > 0:13:25You'll see there's been a lot of progress at the site -
0:13:25 > 0:13:28the plants coming in, which is absolutely great.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30And willing helpers, too. Jim and Linda,
0:13:30 > 0:13:33you've been involved right from the beginning of the project,
0:13:33 > 0:13:35but also, Jim, a lot of family history here?
0:13:35 > 0:13:36Yes,
0:13:36 > 0:13:39my mother and my father's 41 years
0:13:39 > 0:13:40in the build that was here,
0:13:40 > 0:13:42before it was demolished.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44Big difference, isn't it?
0:13:44 > 0:13:47Big difference to see this that's coming on here, it's beautiful.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49Linda, you're fairly familiar with this area,
0:13:49 > 0:13:51because you've been digging this over?
0:13:51 > 0:13:53Aye, two or three times, we've dug it up.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56There's been more muck put on top of it, and more compost, and more muck.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58- That's important.- That's it. - I mean, it's worth it.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02It's well worth it. The place is beautiful, actually.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04Absolutely gorgeous.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06And I believe you've been keeping the women in order?
0:14:06 > 0:14:08Yes, I've been a whip-cracker.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11Well, I'm going to be the whip-cracker now.
0:14:11 > 0:14:13Perhaps you can bring in the rest of the plants, and Chloe, as well.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15- Right, that's lovely.- Coming?
0:14:15 > 0:14:17You'll see that there's a bit of a theme going on here.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19When you take a look at the fence,
0:14:19 > 0:14:21it's only a metre in height.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23Now that's quite important,
0:14:23 > 0:14:24because we're by a road,
0:14:24 > 0:14:27and that's all to do with being able to see when the cars
0:14:27 > 0:14:29come to the junction.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31The plants are exactly the same.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33These are all fairly dwarf.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35You have things like the Hebes here.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38They're evergreen, which will give us interest right through the season.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40But lovely flower colour.
0:14:40 > 0:14:44The yak hybrids, they only grow to about a metre in height.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48And we have things like the euonymus Emerald Gaiety.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50So they'll stay small,
0:14:50 > 0:14:53and you'll find Carolyn has a theme with her plants, as well.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56The theme for this area here is plants with spikes on them.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58So they're great for a security aspect.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00As you go back from the front of the garden,
0:15:00 > 0:15:02we can get a bit taller, so we have a tree here.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05This is a Crataegus, which had white flowers on it in the spring,
0:15:05 > 0:15:07and is going to be followed by these lovely
0:15:07 > 0:15:09orangey-red fruits, as well.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11Pyracantha is another great plant.
0:15:11 > 0:15:12Birds love it in the winter.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15This variety is Soleil d'Or,
0:15:15 > 0:15:17which will give us nice yellow berries.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19In front of here,
0:15:19 > 0:15:21mahonia. This is Charity.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23This has got yellow flowers in the winter.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25Very highly scented, a lovely plant.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29At the front here, some mass-planting of Rosa rugosa.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32You can see it has pink flowers, just about to come out.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35Large pink flowers, single blooms.
0:15:35 > 0:15:36Very highly scented.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39Followed by these gorgeous hips at the back of them.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42Bright red, almost cherry-sized hips.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44What I think will be nice behind that,
0:15:44 > 0:15:46we have a very nice hole being dug.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49This is a Berberis atropurpurea.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51That will have dark, pinky foliage,
0:15:51 > 0:15:53And in front of that, bright pink flowers.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55I think that'll have a nice colour combination to it.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58- How are you getting on with the hole? - Eh, good.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00Good!
0:16:00 > 0:16:01The bed which is going
0:16:01 > 0:16:03to surround the lawn,
0:16:03 > 0:16:04which is still to be laid,
0:16:04 > 0:16:05is a nice mixed planting.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09So it's got trees, shrubs and herbaceous.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12A lot of the plants in here are good for wildlife, too.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14Sorbus, or the mountain ash.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17This is Joseph Rock. It has yellow berries.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19Those are less favoured by the birds, so they will last
0:16:19 > 0:16:21a little bit longer.
0:16:21 > 0:16:22Buddleia, here,
0:16:22 > 0:16:26which has finished flowering, but will be brilliant for butterflies.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29But it doesn't matter that that's finished flowering,
0:16:29 > 0:16:31because the perovskia, Blue Spire, is still to come.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33This is important. If you're planting for wildlife,
0:16:33 > 0:16:36you need to have continuity of colour and food.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39It's no good having feast and famine.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41In amongst this bed,
0:16:41 > 0:16:43we've got Verbena bonariensis.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45It's normally much taller than this,
0:16:45 > 0:16:47with purple flowers on the top,
0:16:47 > 0:16:49and butterflies absolutely adore that.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51And this is sprinkled through the bed.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53Then, at the edge, there's Alchemilla mollis,
0:16:53 > 0:16:56which is going to be frothy, and it'll just foam over
0:16:56 > 0:16:59the edge of the patio here.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01Much more formal, at this side.
0:17:01 > 0:17:02This is going to be a hedge.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04It's lavender Hidcote.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06Bees will adore that.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08They're such good pollinators,
0:17:08 > 0:17:11which is going to work really well, because there's lots of fruit, just next door.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15Jean Brown, how are you?
0:17:15 > 0:17:16I'm well, thank you.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19You've been involved with this project from the beginning, almost?
0:17:19 > 0:17:22Yes, I chair East Ayrshire North Communities Federation,
0:17:22 > 0:17:24and the group are one of our members.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26We've been helping them in their aspiration
0:17:26 > 0:17:28to have their community facility restored...
0:17:28 > 0:17:31- Right.- ..With an add-on in the form of a garden.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34Well, here is the garden.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37We've tried to make use of this south-facing wall.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40Lesley talked of pollinating insects - we're make use of it here.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42We've put in espalier trees.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45They'll take up the space along the wall.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47They're not going to be huge and bulky.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50So, lots of trees in a small space. Great for that.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52- Ideally suited to the space available?- Absolutely right.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55Then, in the corner, you recognise that one, don't you?
0:17:55 > 0:17:58- Victoria.- Good old Victoria plum.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01- A great plum for the Clyde Valley, wasn't it?- Absolutely.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04- We're not far from the Clyde Valley.- It does well in this area. - Absolutely.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06Along the back, loganberries.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08Along the front, blackcurrants.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10And then, some raspberries.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13That's one of these new-ish varieties - that's Glen Ample.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15So that should do well here.
0:18:15 > 0:18:16A goosegog in the corner...
0:18:16 > 0:18:18- Absolutely great.- ..for jelly.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21Plenty jams and jellies now for the community.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24- No reason not to get on with it. - Right!
0:18:24 > 0:18:27Margaret, I can see you've done this before.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29You're a bit of a gardener?
0:18:29 > 0:18:31I enjoy my garden, yes, Jim.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33And we are in the productive area, I suppose.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36All these beds will be filled up with fruit and vegetables...
0:18:36 > 0:18:38- That's right.- ..And herbs.- Yes.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41- Here we've got sage, parsley... - Parsley, chives.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45And the other troops out here, they've got rosemary and thyme...
0:18:45 > 0:18:47- Some thyme, yeah.- Strawberries. - Good for the soup.
0:18:47 > 0:18:51- You are in the same organisation as Jean?- That's right, yes.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53She's explained the outline of it, but tell me,
0:18:53 > 0:18:55do you actually give money?
0:18:55 > 0:18:57No, we don't give money.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59I'm the project development person,
0:18:59 > 0:19:01so I help develop the projects,
0:19:01 > 0:19:04and to find funders that will give them money for their projects.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- So you stay with them and see them through the project?- Yes.
0:19:07 > 0:19:08We're planting into lovely compost.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12- Yes.- This bag here, is something the local people can have,
0:19:12 > 0:19:13to get recycled compost.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15They buy a bag for two quid.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17They can take it back and fill it as often as they like.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19- We'd better get this job finished. - OK.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21We'll never get hame the nicht, otherwise.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23SHE LAUGHS
0:19:23 > 0:19:26Now, our Georgie Boy has to wheech off pretty quickly,
0:19:26 > 0:19:29cos he's going down to Hillhead Primary School,
0:19:29 > 0:19:31which is Lynn Harris' old school, by the way,
0:19:31 > 0:19:32and it's still standing.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36They have an absolute cracking little children's garden.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38We're going to meet the principal teacher, Emma Beattie.
0:19:44 > 0:19:45So, Emma, what's all this about?
0:19:45 > 0:19:47This is Hillhead Primary's
0:19:47 > 0:19:48Outdoor Learning Environment.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51It's taken us three years to get to this stage that we're in today.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55A lot of hard work from our children, our staff and our parents
0:19:55 > 0:19:57to create this learning environment for our children.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59But you've got an Eco flag?
0:19:59 > 0:20:00We do, yes.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02Flying proudly, so well done.
0:20:02 > 0:20:03A lot of hard work for that.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06These are the folks that have been involved in the garden, is that right?
0:20:06 > 0:20:09- ALL: Yes.- All worked in here? - ALL: Yes.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12What did you do, Derrie? What did you sew?
0:20:12 > 0:20:15- Peas and carrots.- And Morgan?
0:20:15 > 0:20:16Peas and carrots.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18What was your bed?
0:20:18 > 0:20:20That one over there.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22Everything looking OK? Kudzai,
0:20:22 > 0:20:24any questions for me?
0:20:24 > 0:20:26How would you stop the peas from getting damaged
0:20:26 > 0:20:27when it starts to rain?
0:20:27 > 0:20:30Sometimes it's because they've finished cropping,
0:20:30 > 0:20:31other times, because they're too wet.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33So keep the ground hoed. Sarah?
0:20:33 > 0:20:35Is there any fruit and vegetables
0:20:35 > 0:20:36that survive the winter?
0:20:36 > 0:20:39Oh, yes. Carrots will survive the winter,
0:20:39 > 0:20:41but also turnips
0:20:41 > 0:20:44and cabbage and sprouts and leeks. Do you like them?
0:20:44 > 0:20:46- Yes.- Good.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49Why do you have big sunflowers and small sunflowers?
0:20:49 > 0:20:52We have them both here, haven't we?
0:20:52 > 0:20:54I think these are just dwarf sunflowers.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57If you remember the packet they were in,
0:20:57 > 0:20:59it will have told you they were dwarfs.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01Charlotte, you've got a question?
0:21:01 > 0:21:03How tall can an apple tree get?
0:21:03 > 0:21:05Because you have an apple tree there,
0:21:05 > 0:21:08and worried you couldn't reach the fruit at the top.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10I think it will just grow up to about
0:21:10 > 0:21:13nine feet, or two metres, or something like that.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16- Do you all like working in the garden?- ALL: Yes.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18What do you like best?
0:21:18 > 0:21:20- Being outdoors?- ALL: Yeah.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22- Having your wellies on? - ALL: Yeah.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24Lots of enthusiasm here.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26Lots of youngsters starting off in gardening here, as well.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29But Jim's somewhere else.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31He's away with a younger group of people.
0:21:31 > 0:21:32More enthusiasm!
0:21:32 > 0:21:36He's away with the Avenue Childcare Services, and he's with...?
0:21:36 > 0:21:38ALL: Pauline Barbour.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40There you are.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49The Avenue Childcare Services is a local voluntary sector organisation,
0:21:49 > 0:21:51based in the Northwest area of Kilmarnock,
0:21:51 > 0:21:55providing quality care to children in East Ayrshire.
0:21:55 > 0:21:56We have two main services.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59There's the daycare of children aged zero to five,
0:21:59 > 0:22:01and a sitter service,
0:22:01 > 0:22:03care of the children aged zero to 16.
0:22:03 > 0:22:04Today, we're in the nursery.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07The nursery provides childcare for children
0:22:07 > 0:22:09aged six weeks to five years.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11Now then, Pauline, you have a lot of tyres lying about here.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13What do you plan to do with them?
0:22:13 > 0:22:14Our plans for the tyres was to make
0:22:14 > 0:22:17flower planters with them for the children.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19And vegetable planters,
0:22:19 > 0:22:21so the children could get involved in planting.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24Seeing the process of planting the seed,
0:22:24 > 0:22:26and seeing how it grows up to the final flower.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28Planting their vegetables.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30Seeing that they turn into the foods that they eat
0:22:30 > 0:22:32during their snack time.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34And actually produce some for them to eat?
0:22:34 > 0:22:35Yes, we're hoping.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37Well, you've made a good start,
0:22:37 > 0:22:39because you have a cracker of a greenhouse there.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42Yes. We've just finished the greenhouse. It's took us a wee while.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44Lots of staff and volunteers helping.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47These are amongst the best sunflowers I've seen this summer.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49I know.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51That's special thanks to Sonia, in the upstairs room.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53She's our resident gardener.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56We're here for a wee while. I want to help you get started.
0:22:56 > 0:22:57We'd better get the sleeves rolled up.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59Aye, that's great. Thanks.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07The ploy here was to use
0:23:07 > 0:23:10a range of small containers for small people,
0:23:10 > 0:23:12so it's easy for them to reach into them, and so on.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15We've used planter bags that are readily available
0:23:15 > 0:23:17off different companies.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19And we've done recycling by using old tyres.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21We've wired them together
0:23:21 > 0:23:22and the wires are all inside,
0:23:22 > 0:23:24so the kids can't get caught with the wire.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26And we've put a bit of landscape fabric in the bottom,
0:23:26 > 0:23:29to prevent the material from going through.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31They are mobile - you can move them about to suit yourself.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33There's plenty space there.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38Now here come the troops,
0:23:38 > 0:23:40armed with a whole range of plants.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43At this time of the year, the planting has got to be limited.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45It's quite late, but we've tried a few herbs,
0:23:45 > 0:23:48so we're going to put in some sage and marjoram,
0:23:48 > 0:23:49and basil.
0:23:49 > 0:23:53'We have a few vegetable plants, and a few vegetable seeds to put in,
0:23:53 > 0:23:55'like broad beans, which will come up, and so on.'
0:23:55 > 0:23:59Is that nice? Look at that pretty face it's got.
0:23:59 > 0:24:00SHE LAUGHS
0:24:00 > 0:24:02Isn't it? Add a bit of colour - some pansies.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04'Just for late colour, and it goes
0:24:04 > 0:24:07'with the old sunflower theme, of course, in this wee garden.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09'I think that'll keep them going,
0:24:09 > 0:24:12'and hopefully it will encourage them to try and do a bit more.'
0:24:12 > 0:24:13Mucky!
0:24:17 > 0:24:19I think you've done a fantastic job here,
0:24:19 > 0:24:22so let's have a big cheer for the gardeners. Yes?
0:24:22 > 0:24:25Yes! Come on! Gie's a cheer! Come on!
0:24:25 > 0:24:27THEY CHEER
0:24:27 > 0:24:29They're not impressed!
0:24:29 > 0:24:31But they have done a great job.
0:24:31 > 0:24:32A new race of gardeners here.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35It's time I was away back to the other garden. See you later.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06THEY APPLAUD AND CHEER
0:25:08 > 0:25:10Meanwhile, back in the garden, the plants are going in.
0:25:10 > 0:25:15This is the area where it's a metre or under, and it looks great, doesn't it?
0:25:15 > 0:25:17And it is. It's now all about the finishing touches.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19So mulch is going down.
0:25:19 > 0:25:20It's a gorgeous colour,
0:25:20 > 0:25:22and it will help suppress the weeds,
0:25:22 > 0:25:25which will make looking after this garden a little bit easier.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27Looking after the trees, we have good stakes in, and tree ties.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31That's really important, because it can get a bit windy here.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34Oh, I think George is getting a bit of a lesson here!
0:25:34 > 0:25:35How's it going, George?
0:25:35 > 0:25:37Wonderful, it's just like icing a cake.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39But it's super stuff.
0:25:39 > 0:25:40It's porous.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43- Water goes right through this! - And it sets in, what, a few minutes?
0:25:43 > 0:25:45- It's resin-bonded, so... Yes. - I can't stop.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48- I think it's great.- Don't get your hands on there.- Don't stand on it!
0:25:48 > 0:25:50- I won't!- I really like the colour.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54And the grass really sets off a garden, doesn't it?
0:25:54 > 0:25:56- Doesn't it just?- We're standing on boards.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59We're on boards here, so we don't stand on that and hurt it.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02It's like when you decorate a room and you finally put the carpet back.
0:26:02 > 0:26:03It just finishes it off.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05It looks fantastic!
0:26:05 > 0:26:08Yeah. This paved area, I think, is absolutely beautiful.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11But a real feature... John and his team there
0:26:11 > 0:26:13have got the arch going in,
0:26:13 > 0:26:15and that came from the old community hall,
0:26:15 > 0:26:17so that's beautiful, isn't it?
0:26:17 > 0:26:19It's very significant. That's what this is all about.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21Rebuilding here.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24And these stones are going to be used for benches,
0:26:24 > 0:26:26which will be a real attractive feature...
0:26:26 > 0:26:28And that came from the old community hall, as well.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30Rosemarys. A bit of scent there.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33Nice sentinels, just at the entrance of that part of the garden.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36And then over here, rose beds.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38Lots of pretty things, and productive.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41Yeah, there's some seeds that have been sewn.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44The children have really enjoyed planting that.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46It is a hive of activity.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48That's the point. There's things here for old and young.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50It's bringing everybody together.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09This is another fine example
0:27:09 > 0:27:11how a community can get together,
0:27:11 > 0:27:13and if they're of a like mind, they can work wonders.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16Because when we arrived a couple of days ago, apart from a bit of land-forming,
0:27:16 > 0:27:18there was nothing here - it was bare.
0:27:18 > 0:27:19Just look what can be done
0:27:19 > 0:27:22with a great pile of volunteers.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25This is a very special project for all sorts of reasons,
0:27:25 > 0:27:27but also because it's slightly topsy-turvy.
0:27:27 > 0:27:31We've got a beautiful, useful garden created now.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34It's just waiting for that all-important community centre.
0:27:34 > 0:27:35That'll be great when it comes, too.
0:27:35 > 0:27:39Obviously, our play area for the children will go at the front of the garden.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42We've mocked that up to let them see what it will look like.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44But I think you'll enjoy that when it's in, won't you?
0:27:44 > 0:27:46Yep!
0:27:46 > 0:27:47THEY LAUGH
0:27:47 > 0:27:48I think so.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51While the children are playing, the adults can have a well-earned rest
0:27:51 > 0:27:53on this picnic table, which is wonderful.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56And, when they're working on the productive area here,
0:27:56 > 0:27:58they'll get their feet wonderfully dry,
0:27:58 > 0:28:01because that SUDS material just lets all the water flow away.
0:28:01 > 0:28:02So it's really impressive stuff.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04Well, apart from the people
0:28:04 > 0:28:07that brought it together, there's a whole host of others
0:28:07 > 0:28:09who have given materials in kind and so on
0:28:09 > 0:28:11to bring this to fruition.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14And it's been a great delight, being back in my home town.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17And speaking my own native language.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19THEY LAUGH
0:28:19 > 0:28:22Next week, we're back in the garden but until then, from all of us here
0:28:22 > 0:28:24at the new Central Gardens in Knockinlaw...!
0:28:24 > 0:28:27ALL: Bye!
0:28:45 > 0:28:48Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd