I've been around long enough to have watched the program in black and white in the 1960's with my Dad, I have always liked it, some presenters more than others. It began if memory serves me right as quite basic a "how to" kind of program. It then took the position that you now knew a bit and along came the "have a go at this" sort of style. I have to say as an old gardener in all the senses, I am unsure what it is now. Is it aimed at new Gardeners, showing them "how to" or is it for those more adept in the "have a go" style, personally it does neither, but is that an age related thing and I need to get "down" with the kids, or is it "up" these days.......................?
Good luck to the chap, the sheer amount of work needed for the gardens alone must be daunting and then there is the house to tackle, fingers crossed they pull it off.
I've not watched it, but because of the comments I see regularly on the G'sW threads each year, I've been saying for ages that there should be an item every week showing seed sowing, taking cuttings etc, and most importantly - a proper follow up. It doesn't have to be more than a few minutes. For example - sow seeds of various types - hardy annuals, half hardy annuals, veg, take cuttings of dahlias etc. The next week - look at those same pots or trays, and comment on how some seeds will have come through, some haven't, and the main reasons for that. Light, warmth, watering, site, time and so on. Also - factor in what happens afterwards. That's vital. Carry that on every week - even if nothing much has happened or changed, right through to the planting out etc. If you're an expert at it - fine, it's only a few minutes. Not the end of the world surely?
Look how any queries we get, at this time of year in particular. People concerned because of failing, leggy seedlings that have been sown too soon, in not enough light, or are knackered because they're too damp, and so on. Barely a few days go by without that sort of post. Not everyone knows how to do it, and it's about the follow up - not just sowing a tray of seeds and then that's it, other than a month or two later when they go out. How can we expect people to take up sowing and growing plants if the main gardening programme doesn't help encourage them and take them through all the steps, not just the beginning of the process? Surely that's more important than someone's random garden with dodgy camera skills and virtually no information, and surely it's of more worth if we want people to actually garden and have some success with it?
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I recognised the botanical garden instantly, I looked at it when it was on rightmove and told my husband I wanted to buy it 😆 if anyone is interested here is the link:
I totally agree, Fairygirl. It just seems so obvious to me that once a tray of seeds is sown we should be shown a picture of that tray every week until it is time for the seeds to be planted out. It takes just seconds to show that in week one just a few seeds have germinated, in week two around 80% of the seeds are up and the tray is being moved and daily turned. In week 3 etc.
Thanks for the link Eugenie. How fascinating. In my next house I will definitely look for a place with a huge maids’ room!
Posts
Geoff Hamilton & Ann Swithinbank's gardening tips-1980s - YouTube
For example - sow seeds of various types - hardy annuals, half hardy annuals, veg, take cuttings of dahlias etc. The next week - look at those same pots or trays, and comment on how some seeds will have come through, some haven't, and the main reasons for that. Light, warmth, watering, site, time and so on. Also - factor in what happens afterwards. That's vital.
Carry that on every week - even if nothing much has happened or changed, right through to the planting out etc. If you're an expert at it - fine, it's only a few minutes. Not the end of the world surely?
Look how any queries we get, at this time of year in particular. People concerned because of failing, leggy seedlings that have been sown too soon, in not enough light, or are knackered because they're too damp, and so on. Barely a few days go by without that sort of post. Not everyone knows how to do it, and it's about the follow up - not just sowing a tray of seeds and then that's it, other than a month or two later when they go out.
How can we expect people to take up sowing and growing plants if the main gardening programme doesn't help encourage them and take them through all the steps, not just the beginning of the process?
Surely that's more important than someone's random garden with dodgy camera skills and virtually no information, and surely it's of more worth if we want people to actually garden and have some success with it?
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/98504111#/?channel=RES_BUY
I’m looking forward to seeing the progress.
I’m still not fond of the viewers gardens but I do prefer the ones that are abroad, at least it’s seeing something different!
Thanks for the link Eugenie. How fascinating. In my next house I will definitely look for a place with a huge maids’ room!