The BBC should make a special tribute programme on Geoffrey Smith, which could be followed by a repeat of some of his programmes.He had great enthusiasm and we deserve to see his presence on screen once more. http://jonathansmyth.wordpress.com/
Like Adam Pasco, I too had the supreme honour of a conducted tour of Geoffs Kettlesing garden on two occasions. We swopped plants, as gardeners do, and my garden is still blessed with his offering of a rare sprirea. On a personal level, when my wife of 38 years died, his letter of condolence gave me hope and istreasured still. When oh when will the BBC realise that dedicated gardeners of all ages have become tired of new age horticultural trends. Give us back the Geoff Smith style (Mr Smith's Veg garden etc). Why not include a clip of his broadcasts to back up an item on Gardeners World, a sort of "then and now" highlighting old varieties still available, new composts, seed sowing techniques that still stand the test of time, etc ? If nothing else, what joy to hear Geoffs soft Yorkshire accent dispensing wise advice again.
My dad put me onto Geoffrey Smith when I was only 30ish. At first, I found him annoying but then slowly and surely found his enthusiasm and knowledge to be spellbinding. I taped many of his programmes (on VHS) and now I am 60 I am tracking down his much-loved programmes so I can enjoy them again. What a wonderful gardener and man he was - I was so sad to hear he is no more but his memory lives on. Can we have a Special TV prog. on him please?
Was looking through some old books in our library when I came across all 3 of Mr Smiths booklets we bought when we lived in England in the 70's.We thought of how we anticipated his TV program each week. Very sad news. His memory and teachings have been carried to Australia
I have just fulfilled a long-standing dream by visiting Harlow Carr. What a loss Mr Smith is to anyone who had the luck and honour to meet him. He came to judge my tiny garden here in Jersey many years ago and I took the day off work, so thrilled to think I would meet him. As our local Tourist Office could not find the house I did not do so, but he came the following day, talked to my husband about our minute patch, admiring some daboecia I had planted, and left me the most charming note. How I treasure it, and admire and miss him still.
I thought I saw on the internet that a statue had been erected in his memory, somewhere, but cannot find it. The only memorial at Harlow Carr is a large granite slab. A young member of staff, who had been on Radio Four with him, and told us how he had encouraged her in her nervousness, said he was so modest he would often come and sit quietly in the garden, unknown to passers-by. What a gentleman. Can anyone help me with the statue please?
When Geoffrey was Superintendent at Harlow Carr Gardens he visited our Horticultural Group in Cookridge, Leeds on many occasions. He always refused payment, and always delighted us with his warmth, humour and knowledge. If we visited the gardens he would never be too busy to escourt us and sharing his joy in the plants. When he left Harlow, he had no choice but to cancel his arranged talk to a joint meeting of three local societies. A year later he telephoned and said he wished to come to fulfil the booking he had cancelled. By that time he was in great demand by the TV and Radio. Naturally, as Chairman I was delighted. He spoke to a packed house and to my amazement, still refused to accept any payment. A truly wonderful man and outstanding gardener.
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he was a true gentleman..he was certainly my gardening idle....rest in peace.
dont think his videos are available any more,but i do have them,but had to transfer them too dvd has they was starting too degrade.
http://jonathansmyth.wordpress.com/
When oh when will the BBC realise that dedicated gardeners of all ages have become tired of new age horticultural trends. Give us back the Geoff Smith style (Mr Smith's Veg garden etc). Why not include a clip of his broadcasts to back up an item on Gardeners World, a sort of "then and now" highlighting old varieties still available, new composts, seed sowing techniques that still stand the test of time, etc ?
If nothing else, what joy to hear Geoffs soft Yorkshire accent dispensing wise advice again.
His memory and teachings have been carried to Australia
I thought I saw on the internet that a statue had been erected in his memory, somewhere, but cannot find it. The only memorial at Harlow Carr is a large granite slab. A young member of staff, who had been on Radio Four with him, and told us how he had encouraged her in her nervousness, said he was so modest he would often come and sit quietly in the garden, unknown to passers-by. What a gentleman.
Can anyone help me with the statue please?
Jackie Goldby (then Ramsay)