Ah, well I think it's just a matter of what some like others will not. We can not please everyone all of the time but you can please some of the people some of the time. I happen to enjoy watching ANY of the garden shows. I don't always agree or like what they do but often get ideas on what is good or not so good. As for Alan's gardens I think it's fantastic that they can provide dream gardens for those in need. Anything has to be better than what they have in the beginning! The other shows where clients provide a budget are often just out for some free labour to make their garden better for cheaper. Garden makeovers can be horrifically expensive if you can't or won't do it yourself, so ii think it's great there are shows that do this! If people don't like it or complain every time they watch it my question would be why do you even bother to watch it if you hate it so much, or maybe some people just like something to moan about! Gardening and garden shows help me unwind and relax so I would hate them to disappear. I'm sure there are plenty of others who enjoy it too regardless of others opinions!
My heart bleeds every time I see the state of the grass the workers leave behind. What a mess. Am not that impressed with the designs either.
The Rich brother designs are - tree's (or large shrubs) perennial (or wildflower) under planting, posh paving, not actually listen to what the people want, but design what they think the people want.
At least all of Charlie's designs are different, depending on what people actually want
I totally agree with what you said Bagpuss57. I to get a lot of inspiration from watching different gardening programmes, and also reading the gardening magazines as well. Visiting gardens also helps me with ideas. And the most important thing of all, is that we are providing lots of love and care to our gardens. Bringing nature back, when we live in a society that is so built up now, hardly room to move. Traffic noise and fumes, everyday work life and duties. When we can then relax in our own tranquilty, have it the way we want it. Planting a tiny seed and watching it grow into a beautiful plant. Doing our bit for the birds, bees, butterflies and other beautiful animals and insects. Giving them food and a safe environment to live in. And more importantly giving us peace and well being.
I agree with Bagpuss57 too. I enjoy any gardening program, whether just to relax or gain inspiration from. I love all Charlies designs and although I think the Rich brothers drawings are harder to envision in the flesh, because they do look a bit samey on paper, I'm usually pleasantly surprised. I think they do listen to the garden owners and try to implement what they want in their designs. I have sometimes wondered where all the budget was spent but things like timber, paving and mature trees aren't cheap these days I suppose. Alans Love Your Garden has a massively bigger budget (whether donated or not) for their gardens which is probably why they look more established with bigger plants, structures etc. Anyway I love them all, including the autistic gardener and, what's that other one? Small space, big dreams or something.
I enjoyed the ones I did watch but it's on at odd times and, increasingly, I find the designs are not relevant to anything I am planning or need to solve here. I generally like Charlie's designs, especially when she gets to do a water feature. The brothers are a bit too "contemporary" for me and I don't like it when they go jungly or tree ferny.
Quite a good show for explaining why things are done too.
Can't be doing with the emotional aspect of AT's shows these days either KT tho I still think his How to be a Gardener series was one of the best ever garden shows on TV.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
Well today, they laid what appears to be a yellow sand path. This in a town known for red Bunter sand, I was screaming for a slabbed path to be laid on top. No edges to the path to contain it either. The old fencing panels needed a coat of paint too.
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Quite a good show for explaining why things are done too.
Can't be doing with the emotional aspect of AT's shows these days either KT tho I still think his How to be a Gardener series was one of the best ever garden shows on TV.