A COUPLE has built a six-foot (1.83-meter) replica volcano in their back garden — which “erupts” with plumes of smoke every 15 minutes.

    The miniature volcano takes pride of place in Brian and Faith Butler’s half-acre (0.2-hectare) garden and is powered by a smoke machine.

    Brian, 64, came across the idea after visiting some gardens in the Loire Valley, France, and his creation will be on show to the public as part of the National Gardens Scheme.

    “The mountain is made chiefly from soil, stones and yellow sedum plants which thrive on a heap of rubbish soil,” he said.

    “My view is that gardening shouldn’t be taken seriously — it should always be about a bit of fun. You will leave our garden with a smile.”

    The garden in Bideford, Devon, will be open to the public from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

    Faith, 60, added, “It is a bit weird I suppose but it is a good thing to have and Brian is very proud of showing off his creation to people. He spends a couple of hours most evenings and weekends working on the garden.

    “We were in the Loire Valley last year at a garden festival and Brian saw one that had a volcano. He started showing an interest — and my instant reaction was just ‘oh dear’.”

    “I knew then that we would be getting one at home. He built it throughout the winter and it was finished in April.

    “But this is the first time it has been on show to the public and we are looking forward to seeing people’s reaction to it.” (SD-Agencies)