Moans about GW
I see there have been letters in the Radio Times moaning about GW, specifically its failure to cater for experienced gardeners. I think this falls into the "you can't please all the people all the time" category but it is reminiscent of the letter writing campaign which ended up in the ousting of Toby a few years ago. I'm not a conspiracy theorist but wonder at the apparently random timing of this letter. Is there something afoot?
I find that with national broadcasting of Beechgrove the focus is not so intense on GW. I often enjoy Beechgrove more but it's good to have both. My main complaint is not about content but the irritating disruption of GW (and to a lesser extent Beechgrove) by sporting events. Surely in the era of multiple channels and red buttons something could be sorted so everyone gets to see what they want.
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I started gardening when Toby was presenter, so maybe 4 years ago. I had no experience or knowledge of anything that grows in the garden. Because of Toby and Alice, I started dabbling. The first year I dug out a big grass bed, and planted potatoes. They grew! I was astonished lol
From then on, I've never missed an episode. I was disappointed when Toby and Alice went. I thought it was very unfair. Monty and Carol are growing on me, and I love how passionate Carol is (although she gets on my hubby's wick
). So many things to learn 
I agree with you, canning GW for sports is a bit naff. You can tell Monty doesn't appreciate it either lol
I don't see why one of the channels can't be BBC sport, and leave the gardening programmes alone. As an experienced gardener, I find Beechgrove a bit basic. (I still watch it.)When I was a newbie I used to watch Percy Thrower avidly.
When Carol Klein did her "plants for free" programmes some years ago, I am sure that a lot of people learnt how to do basic propagation. The whole series could be repeated. With new gardeners coming along all the time, and new methods of propagation with a scientific basis, then it could even be part of the schools science package.
There is also a place for aspirational gardens, paradise gardens here and abroad. I will never be able to achieve the jungle garden of Trebah, but I can fantasise on a cold winters night with a lottery ticket clutched in my grubby little hand.
Even through the winter months, surely the odd programme could be shown, say new introductions by the seed companies, new varieties of plants etc, while we are clutching sheaves of garden porn (glossy catalogues promising the earth), and salivating over new veggies and fruit for next year.
We can only dream......
I love GW, I do sometimes watch Beechgrove but I have to admit I have trouble understanding what they are saying (being a born and bred Londoner
)
I cannot praise GW enough, yes it does repeat itself and may tell you what you already know but we had to learn somewhere. It is so lovely to sit down and watch a programme with no shouting, swearing, police sirens etc, just an easy prog to chill out with. I love Monte Don and I love Carol and most of all I love Nigel.
I agree that it should not be moved for sporting events and if they move it then why can't it be fitted in later in the evening or over the weekend like the do with Corrie or the other soaps when Football is on. We are all being encouraged to get more exercise why not promote gardening as much as cooking and buying antiques.
Agree with all the above - its a great programme and I never miss an episode. An hour a week, with no diversions for sport, would be perfect.
Like Beechgrove too, and even A-Z was a welcome diversion in the winter's months (and that MUST have been cheap TV) - we need them all, and more please
I like all gardening programmes! Alan Titchmarch's ones on ITV, the ones on BBC and the odd one on SKY. My favourite programme is from the US on HGTV (http://www.hgtv.com/) as the Americans really do know how to landscape well.
I like Beechgrove. It's packed with interesting info without seeming rushed and crowded and I like the mix of presenters. Some of their plants and schemes are a bit old fashioned but since Chris Beardshaw arrived this season we've had some lovely ideas and info about old and new techniques for doing things plus the whys and wherefores.
I find GW isn't challenging enough nor is it relative to the vast majority of urban and suburban gardeners and their small plots. Monty's garden is interesting and has some gorgeous plants but is too far removed from the norm in form and content.' I can do with less of NIgel and the arty (time wasting) strolling shots and more actual gardening too.
GW is so relaxed and laid back that I find myself falling asleep and it can take me four or five goes to watch a 30 minute programme through to the end. Having said that, I strongly disapporve of it being pushed aside for sport or anything else. 30 minutes a week is surely not too much to ask for in a whole week's schedule. If they absolutely must they could air it earlier in the day in place of a repeat of one of the daytime progs on its 3rd or 5th time round. At least then we can record it and watch it when we can instead of doing without completely.
as I have got more and more I to gardening gardners world is a must on a Friday gone are the days that time was spent applying make up and planning what shoes to wear.... I am deflated when its not on wondering what to do this week.... I ha e penstemon cuttings ( don't even really like the plant!) as monty has instructed, my wisteria was trimmed on time and my lawn scarified to within an inch of its life... The mower blades highered... Plants that carol talks about identified mysteriously growing in yet untamed recesses of my garden.....I feel like they are gently guiding me through the seasons in my garden helping me to get the best out of it.... I don't care if a football player who earns 50k a week gets an owie on his foot..... I don't like my 30 minutes of tuition and guidance being taken away by screaming " who ate all the pies"
(Hit send in my fury!) I like to relax and be inspired, delighted and motivated. I don't even mind Nigel .... tape the football put it on 30 mins later bbc..... Please listen to your license payers I don't know what the figures are ( probably not as much as rio ferdinands salary!!) but gardening is a growing industry that generates a lot of ££££££ so please cater for it!!!!!
I love GW.
I was sad when Toby & Alice left,but was not that keen on some of the items they had introduced like "whats hot or not"......tooo much of a gimmick,gardening only please.
An hour episode each week (without interuptions for sport) would be brilliant.There are so many cooking programmes now (which I also enjoy) it should be realised how many people are gardeners and more programmes considered.
I can,t see why GW could not be on for most of the year,after all there is always something going on /to do in the garden.
I enjoy watching GW, but i agree half hour is not long enough. Having maybe lest programmes and each an hour long will provide a programme that would cater for both amateurs and the more experienced. One project or issue could be looked at a little more in depth each week
I even dont mind it switching to another night so it doesnt get moved for anything else. But what would i relax to at the end of a hard week with a nice brew.