I've enjoyed watching Toby Buckland presenting gardening programmes for years since he was on UK Style with his wife Lisa and do think he is a good choice, but like most other people thought Carol would have got the job
I was delighted to find that one of the names I'd put forward ,Toby Buckland,(the other being Cleve West)to Gardener's World for the vacant Main Presenter post has actually been chosen for the job .Well Done Toby , we can all look forward, once again ,to some actual Gardening on Gardener's World.
Can I also reiterate that whilst Carol Klein is a marvellous co-presenter , Joe Swift is still too lightweight,self-obsessed,and so-obviously not a practiced or dedicated gardener that he should be removed at the soonest instance.
Once again , I'd like to suggest that we see the re-introduction of Rachel De Thame,Pippa Greenwood,Ann Swithinbank,Christine Walkden,and not forgetting Chris Beardshaw or the aforementioned Cleve West as Guest/Co-Presenters . But ,most definitely, JOE MUST GO ! !(I suspect his mother-inlaw ,wife and children , apart from visitors and other friendly gardeners did the allotment upkeep ,more than he ,in any case,as he was away preparing for and cack-handedly presenting the Various RHS Flower Shows on TV ...)
I really hope the only reason Carol didn't get the job is because she didn't want it. Her passion and enthusiasm are so infectious and she really knows her stuff. I'm sure Toby will do a good job but it should have been Carol.
I'm not worried whether the new presenter is a woman or a man and didn't immediately warm to Monty Don after Alan but then did enjoy Monty's style and was sad to see him go as the team with him, Carol and Joe was enjoyable.
I am a great admirer of Carol and would have been delighted to see her lead the programme. She has infectious enthusiasm and friendliness along with the professionalism to back it all up. Whether in her own garden or at Berryfields her love for what she does makes you feel as if she is having as much of a personal conversation with you as she does with the family she has been helping on the programme. I would like to assume she isn't heading it because she's far too busy!
I thought with Tony guest presenting on Gardeners' World Live and then on the programme he was being shown as a possible contender. I didn't like the woodland patch but that was something for one programme and I am willing to see how he progresses with his ideas for long term projects over the coming months and wish him luck.
This is not about a "male or female" presenter.... it is about who will do the best job and get the public interested in gardening. I have watched Toby Buckland on Sky tv for years and he has everything a lead presenter on Gardeners World needs. I am delighted he was chosen.... I am a woman and I am afraid Carol Klein gets on my nerves a bit. Toby is a fantastic choice.
I too am surprised that Carol Klein is not the new presenter. My husband - a long suffering 'garden widower'(but then he has astronomy for his hobby) now watches Gardeners World just because she is so enthusiastic, clear in her presentation and will admit to any mistakes. I know each presenter will be different, but....P.S I've got a soft spot for Alan because he presented me with my degree at Writtle College 3 yrs ago, and he is just a great but normal person.
Not all of us are in a position to redesign our gardens. I, and many others, enjoy learning about plants, how to propagate, what goes where etc. and Carol, Joe and Alys convey this information with enthusiasm. So for us, the presenter must have the love of plants as their priority. I hope that those who held the fort will still be there on Friday evenings sharing their infectious enthusiasm.
I have seen Toby recently on GW and over the years on a few other gardening programmes and was totally disappointed by his appointment as the main presenter. He comes across as very pleasant but in no way an inspirational gardener. I dont think the lead presenter is about gender but about being talented in terms of horticultural knowledge and having the ability to make people want to use the information given in their own gardening. I would have been happy with Carol but also Chris Beardshaw or Andy Sturgeon, so please Toby prove me wrong and good luck
Posts
Can I also reiterate that whilst Carol Klein is a marvellous co-presenter , Joe Swift is still too lightweight,self-obsessed,and so-obviously not a practiced or dedicated gardener that he should be removed at the soonest instance.
Once again , I'd like to suggest that we see the re-introduction of Rachel De Thame,Pippa Greenwood,Ann Swithinbank,Christine Walkden,and not forgetting Chris Beardshaw or the aforementioned Cleve West as Guest/Co-Presenters . But ,most definitely, JOE MUST GO ! !(I suspect his mother-inlaw ,wife and children , apart from visitors and other friendly gardeners did the allotment upkeep ,more than he ,in any case,as he was away preparing for and cack-handedly presenting the Various RHS Flower Shows on TV ...)
I am a great admirer of Carol and would have been delighted to see her lead the programme. She has infectious enthusiasm and friendliness along with the professionalism to back it all up. Whether in her own garden or at Berryfields her love for what she does makes you feel as if she is having as much of a personal conversation with you as she does with the family she has been helping on the programme. I would like to assume she isn't heading it because she's far too busy!
I thought with Tony guest presenting on Gardeners' World Live and then on the programme he was being shown as a possible contender. I didn't like the woodland patch but that was something for one programme and I am willing to see how he progresses with his ideas for long term projects over the coming months and wish him luck.
I dont think the lead presenter is about gender but about being talented in terms of horticultural knowledge and having the ability to make people want to use the information given in their own gardening.
I would have been happy with Carol but also Chris Beardshaw or Andy Sturgeon, so please Toby prove me wrong and good luck