Well surprise surprise - I really enjoyed The Instant Gardener today - as Cathy said it was focused so much more on the plants ( low allergen) and I learned some things. The series is growing on me. Still not too much of a fan of the presentation style but the programme is showing some merit!
Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
I agree Topbird. Even I learned something today as regards low allergen plants, something that has never been covered in any other gardening programme to my knowledge. I like the fact that they are doing different styles of planting - we have had bog garden, prairie, woodland and now low allergen. I am def warming to it.
'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
Can I just say, coming across this thread, I applied for the show and got on. The presenters and everyone behind the scenes worked soooo hard. I agree it doesn't come across the best on TV- I'm only watching it to see my garden but for us folk who have no idea on where to start it is a god send. I now have a garden which I can sit in, be proud of and have a go at myself!
AJ - that's exactly the point I was trying to make. It's easy to mock or be cynical, but gardeners come in all shapes and sizes and everyone has to start at the beginning. If it makes you happy, and encourages you to have a go, that's what really matters.
I hope you continue to enjoy your new plot and perhaps learn a little more about this great hobby
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
7.50am Friday here. I wish I could join in and see the show just to be able to give an opinion, but suppose it will get to Oz eventually. funny about criticising Carol and Alan on these types of shows, but there is a sort of comfort about feeling as though you know them like friends.
I can't let myself get into cottage style gardens because I need to be able see the ground well enough to see lurking snakes, but I've seen Carol spend lots of effort teaching people to propagate from seed and cuttings, which I enjoyed.
Alan makes me laugh in his column in GW magazine - particularly when he talled about waking up grumpy and the various things that happened for the rest of the day.
I'm such a novice at all these computer type things, that I'd have to get hubby to do it for me. I might suggest it and see what happens. I hate to disturb him in his computer room with whatever he us following! probably more genealogy. I'm so glad I've discovered all these gardening threads - it keeps me occupied with my biggest interest without having to venture outside. Snow predicted again for 3 days -oh joy!
Hey! This YouTube stuff is GOOD! I've just watched the first episode with the fellow suffering from bowel cancer and wife with knee replacements. I can't help wishing my minuscule IPad had a bigger screen and the voices a little less tinny.
I'm impressed. Really enjoyed the information about bog plants and am thinking I might be able fence off a part of the contour bank below the house. (the contour banks were created to slow down run off on our hill and to direct rain water to the stream that feeds into the river.)
On the occasions that we get rain (groan! and snow), the contour bank has a habit of holding moisture for longer than my usual garden beds. I've already got an Arum Lily which struggles in a fairly dry bed, also some varieties of my Irises would prefer moister spots and I might shell out on some primulas when I see some in the garden centre.
just had a phone call from a friend who wants to come down for a visit so will have to delay watching the next episode until he's got through se ra mugs of coffee and biscuits. drat!
I've watched 2 episodes (missed the 3rd) but found myself saying "get on with it" several times! Thought that the purple rubber chips seating area for the mum with 5 kids a bit off, that stuff will be all over the garden and inside the house in no time.
I was a bit concerned about planting Foxglove in a children's space, otherwise, yes OK mostly. I personally don't like the artificial stuff, but realise that it is a practical solution for busy people.
Posts
I agree Topbird. Even I learned something today as regards low allergen plants, something that has never been covered in any other gardening programme to my knowledge. I like the fact that they are doing different styles of planting - we have had bog garden, prairie, woodland and now low allergen. I am def warming to it.
Can I just say, coming across this thread, I applied for the show and got on. The presenters and everyone behind the scenes worked soooo hard. I agree it doesn't come across the best on TV- I'm only watching it to see my garden but for us folk who have no idea on where to start it is a god send. I now have a garden which I can sit in, be proud of and have a go at myself!
AJ - that's exactly the point I was trying to make. It's easy to mock or be cynical, but gardeners come in all shapes and sizes and everyone has to start at the beginning. If it makes you happy, and encourages you to have a go, that's what really matters.
I hope you continue to enjoy your new plot and perhaps learn a little more about this great hobby
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
7.50am Friday here. I wish I could join in and see the show just to be able to give an opinion, but suppose it will get to Oz eventually. funny about criticising Carol and Alan on these types of shows, but there is a sort of comfort about feeling as though you know them like friends.
I can't let myself get into cottage style gardens because I need to be able see the ground well enough to see lurking snakes, but I've seen Carol spend lots of effort teaching people to propagate from seed and cuttings, which I enjoyed.
Alan makes me laugh in his column in GW magazine - particularly when he talled about waking up grumpy and the various things that happened for the rest of the day.
Happy viewing everyone!
Only seen the first episode SK far but agree its better than most rubbish on TV so will give it another go, annoying presenter yes but nice gardener
First episode is on YouTube Pat if you want to check it out, sorry can't do a link from here.
I'm such a novice at all these computer type things, that I'd have to get hubby to do it for me. I might suggest it and see what happens. I hate to disturb him in his computer room with whatever he us following! probably more genealogy. I'm so glad I've discovered all these gardening threads - it keeps me occupied with my biggest interest without having to venture outside. Snow predicted again for 3 days -oh joy!
Hey! This YouTube stuff is GOOD! I've just watched the first episode with the fellow suffering from bowel cancer and wife with knee replacements. I can't help wishing my minuscule IPad had a bigger screen and the voices a little less tinny.
I'm impressed. Really enjoyed the information about bog plants and am thinking I might be able fence off a part of the contour bank below the house. (the contour banks were created to slow down run off on our hill and to direct rain water to the stream that feeds into the river.)
On the occasions that we get rain (groan! and snow), the contour bank has a habit of holding moisture for longer than my usual garden beds. I've already got an Arum Lily which struggles in a fairly dry bed, also some varieties of my Irises would prefer moister spots and I might shell out on some primulas when I see some in the garden centre.
just had a phone call from a friend who wants to come down for a visit so will have to delay watching the next episode until he's got through se ra mugs of coffee and biscuits. drat!
I've watched 2 episodes (missed the 3rd) but found myself saying "get on with it" several times! Thought that the purple rubber chips seating area for the mum with 5 kids a bit off, that stuff will be all over the garden and inside the house in no time.
I was a bit concerned about planting Foxglove in a children's space, otherwise, yes OK mostly. I personally don't like the artificial stuff, but realise that it is a practical solution for busy people.
I'm happy to keep watching. some nice ideas.