First thoughts
Hello! I've only been here a week but it's clear to me there are two main problems I think that we have at Gardeners' World. The first is how on earth in 26 shows a year can we possibly squeeze in everything there is to say about gardening? What do you leave out, when there are so many good ideas, beautiful plants and new things to try?
I might have to get back to you on this one, but the second problem is, how can we stop the camera crew damaging the lawns at Berryfields? In my own garden at home, I have a tiny bit of lawn and even though it's well-trodden by children - and me when I get the swingball out - it never has to take a bruising like the green runway between the long borders. The driving rain didn't help but I should imagine the fields at Glastonbury don't look much worse than after we'd finished our day's filming. You could see all our footprints almost fossilised in the mud and track marks from the camera, like cat-scratches down a leather sofa. All round us were visible bare patches and a thick layer of mud over the sward.
At dispiriting times like this I always draw on the wise words of Christopher Lloyd who when asked what to do when your lawn gets bare, said 'Look at something else.' But you can't do that forever, and even if I look away you can be sure that millions of viewers won't. So, after filming we pricked over the grass with a garden fork, pushing the tines in at a depth of just a couple of inches to allow air back into the compacted roots. Then - and I know this sounds mad - we used the old landscapers' trick of fighting water with water and hosed the mud from the sward. With a gentle rake it all comes away and you don't run the risk of the mud drying on the grass and killing patches of lawn. Do you know what? This has the making of a brilliant item. But where we'd fit it in the schedule I've no idea!
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~25~RS~)
Comments
I'm sure that Toby is a nice guy, but to be honest I don't think he is suited to head a flagship programme like Gardener's World. He comes across as a bit of a know-it-all and condescending at times.
I'm sure that Joe, Carol and Aly were more than capable of doing the job between them, in fact, they have proved they can as they have been doing exactly that since Monty was taken ill.
You have to ask yourself "would I go out for a drink with this guy" and the definitive answer is a resounding "no".
It will be interesting to hear other viewer's views.
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give the guy a chance
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I'd share a glass of red on the patio with Toby, give him a break !!
Well done Toby ,we enjoyed it,see you next week!!
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I agree Toby is, very likely, a very nice man. However in Carol Klein the B.B.C. have, or rather had, the perfect replacement for Monty - what on earth were they thinking ? It is high time a woman was the lead presenter.
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I was quite ready to give any new chap a chance, though agree that the existing team, perhaps most ably headed by Carol, would have worked perfectly well. But to not even say hello! I found Toby Buckland's first programme disappointing, to say the last. But that's detailed in my own blog...
Good luck to him, but some sensitivity would be welcome.
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I see that some people keep wondering why there shouldn’t be a lead female presenter.
I was very sad when Monty left, then I was pleased to see that Carol and Joe covered Monty’s work with Alys. They have been wonderful!
Now, we have Toby.
I believe that by Toby joining the team, the other three presenters can explore their own projects more and may even be inspired by him.
Because they are a team, a very good team, I would say it does not matter who is the main presenter, because they are all special for us and for the program.
What I am sure is Carol, Joe, and Alys will enjoy sharing Toby’s knowledge.
There is no need to be negative!
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In response to all the previous six comments:
1: 'I'm sure that Toby is a nice guy, but to be honest I don't think he is suited to head a flagship programme like Gardener's World. He comes across as a bit of a know-it-all and condescending at times.' He is. I've stopped iPlayer a few times as he is annoying.
2: Happy to but he'll need to by week four (allowing for prod schedules).
5: Sensitivity seems not to be part of the deal.
6: 'I believe that by Toby joining the team, the other three presenters can explore their own projects more and may even be inspired by him.
Because they are a team, a very good team, I would say it does not matter who is the main presenter, because they are all special for us and for the program.
What I am sure is Carol, Joe, and Alys will enjoy sharing Toby's knowledge.
There is no need to be negative!'
It did seem that all three usual presenters were 'on best behavior' when Toby was around and there was an obvious tension. Hopefully this will go as the production days go on...
But he does come across as a know it all - it may have been the wrong time to have a "At this time of year lots of things need fixed" type of episode - which is v annoying.
He seems obsessed with using a spade for everything.
There was a chemistry between the previous group of presenters - yes it had become a team programme, even before MD's departure - which is obviously lacking now. I suspect the current line-up will not remain in place beyond this series.
I'm not at all convinced by Toby as the lead presenter, or the need to have one. Surely the direction of the programme comes from the producer? (I know she appointed Toby).
On a different-ish topic, what is it with A's 99% reluctance to film a head shot (the 1% being the v uncomfortable segment this evening)?
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Great start Toby, good confident style, and straight into the gardening.
Keep doing what you do best!
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Toby Buckland did a lovley job of presenting the programme. However we were promised information regarding the recent wet weather and it's effect on our gardening.
My wife and I waited and waited and; great! Tomato problems! my neighbour and I have lost all of our Toms due to blight. I was looking for advice on prevention and treatment. The advice, pull them up and put them in the council compost bin. How about prevention? What about next years plantings? What is the answer?
We visited cambridge, planted bulbs and dug up trees; all very well but not fulfiling what was promised. What about the rain!
I would like to hear something about using the greenhouse for the winter, growing veggies, etc. What can we plant now that will feed us over the winter or give us EARLY veggies. There was plenty about flower and bulbs.
I realise that the programme has to cover a wide range and it was done very well.
Please can thought be given to the points raised?
Many thanks. Mike
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Thank heavens,at last we have a PRACTICAL man on the programme who shows us what to do and how to do it.
This guy seems to be a natural in the Geoff Hamilton mould.
Well done to whoever chose him over the "airy fairy" Carol Klein and lightweight
Joe Swift .
Perhaps real gardeners can now start to enjoy our Friday evenings.
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I can't understand the negativity. In our house we had given up watching Gardeners' World because of the superior, almost sneering, presentation of Monty Don. We were adamant that Carol and Joe would make a better job of it and feel they proved this after Monty's unfortunate illness.
So, we'd have been happy to see the exisiting crew continue on their own and are pleased to see that they are still all contributing. We can,however, see the benefit of a link man and were very happy with Toby's first programme.
Yes, he could have said 'Hello' as his first word, but he stated his awe at stepping into the limelight. He then showed us some simple things, like dead-heading and edge trimming that had subtleties we appreciated. Very different from Monty Don's I-talk-down-to-you-because-you-are-probably-stupid approach.
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Welcome to Toby Buckland - he needs more than one programme before we dare to comment on him.
I loved the tip about making a seed tray of grass - I'll give it a try. Joe Swift should have waited for the plants before he put the bulbs in, or he'll be digging them up again as he puts the plants in!! Surprised to see kniphofia being deadheaded, I thought birds like to eat the seedheads.
Congrats to all the team for a great programme - keep up the good work.
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For myself I would much rather have had Carol present the program.
It is not that I have any particular problem with Toby, or his approach - it is after all a very difficult situation for him to be in - it is simply that Carol is the better presenter.
(As an aside I take some small issue with the 'airy fairy' comment of poster No10 - a more down to earth, realistic and sensible person that Carol I find hard to imagine.
As for Monty 'talking down to the stupid people' poster No 11- I am really sorry you feel so defensive. Monty, Carol and no doubt Toby are intelligent people - but there again, so am I, so I never felt patronized)
I wish the program all the very best for the future
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It never ceases to amaze me how much angst gets put into these comments - gardening is supposed to be a relaxed past time! It must be soul destroying for everyone involved to hear all the moans. I've watched GW since I got into gardening through watching "ground force" so was gutted when Alan left. wasn't sure about Monty at first but he taught me a lot and inspired me in a different way and was equally gutted when he left. I thought last night was a strong start and if Toby Buckland reads this you hit most of my buttons with the idea of not being wrong, spending few pennies and definately the thought of pottering around! Good luck I enjoy getting to know you and learning from you. and for all the unhappy gardeners stop moaning, watch something else and enjoy your own garden instead. You clearly need to relax more!
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I think Toby probably has a lot to contribute to Gardeners World, he made a great start on Friday night filling us in on lots of basic jobs and tips for completing them, Carol and Joe, Rachel and Sarah are great and Toby will fill the gap and lead us novice gardeners by the hand.
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Dear Toby
the answer to you lawn question is simple. You prevent deep foot prints in the grass by using. Are Large bamboo floor mats and crossing them, then covered by weed cloth.
A similar method was used once to build a road over a permafrost swamp.
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I remember that when Monty first came online, it was hard to let go of the memory of Alan. But after a few months, Monty seemed to fit the bill perfectly. And now it's time again for a new presenter. It's a bit like replacing your favourite sweater - you don't really want a new one, but you have to.
So I'm reserving judgment until a few months are over and Tobby has acquired that "been here forever" feeling. And yes, I also do think he came across as condescending but on the other hand he seems to be a hands-on, practical kind of guy so looking forward to what tips he's got to offer.
PS: can't be bothered about straight lawn edges though - life's too short!
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I must admit that I never"took" to Monty although I really hope he makes a speedy recovery. Toby is much more to my liking and I'm sure he will be really good once he's settled in. I've always liked his style of gardening. Carol (in particular) and Joe have been brilliant and I hope we won't see too much less of them. I agree I'm not sure a single main character was needed
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A totally refreshing programme from Toby where it felt as if we were back to basics in the style of Geoff Hamilton's no-nonsense approach with something for everyone, and therefore not just for the experts. More of the same please!
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Hi Toby,
I just wanted to say well done on your first broadcast. I was so pleased when you got the job and as a novice (but very keen) gardener I think the "back to basics approach" is a great idea! I have so many things still to learn!
I really like your style of presenting and I'm really looking forward to seeing how you make your mark on the programme.
Congratulations and looking forward to next week!
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I enjoyed Toby's first programme, and, much as I like and admire the others and enjoyed Monty and Alan's programmes, I feel that this is the first person who I would be happy to have visit my mess of a garden and wouldn't make me feel small.
Maybe Toby will be the one to actually get me gardening.
tod
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I agree with some of the comments that a female may have been a better choice to add a new direction to the show?
I found the show to be a bit lackluster, no fault of the new presenter; it just didn't seem to gel.
I would have been in favor of guest gardeners such as Andy Sturgeon, Dan Pearson, Sarah Ravencroft, Clive West etc doing a stint for say a quater of the year (or a number of shows) and leaving the team as is, Carol appeared to take the lead and did a cracking job!
I'm sure things will get better as the weeks go on but a change of direction would have been good. Don't like the over poncey theme tune either. Adds to the contrived feel.
Gardening is now enjoyed more and more by the under 30's (such as the boom in allotments, modern garden design...) but I feel we are heading backwards towards the blue rinse brigade...
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The other presenters make Toby fantastically dreary. Winter pansies. Diseased bizzie lizzies. Hyacinths? Alys shows how exciting gardening can be Carol shows how creative it can be. Joe is wonderful. Any of them could lead this programme to new brilliant futures .... and should.
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Test post
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I am glad to have Toby Buckland as presenter as I felt that Monty had strayed too far from the "good old days" of Geoff Hamilton.
In last weeks programme he promised to show us what to do with pernicious weeds that couldn't be composted and I waited all week for that, but nothing on last night's program. Come on Toby! At least tell us in the blog if not on the program.
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Hi Toby
Just wanted to welcome you to the programme - really enjoy the new format of the show much better than having one presenter.
Thanks for your tips, have just planted my teasel heads so fingers crossed for next year.
Love your relaxed way of presenting - more like talking to a fellow keen gardener than 'an expert' full of latin names and gardening terms that switch me off. Nice to see more of Alys and the wildflower gardens.
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Saw Toby Buckland for the first time last Friday and first impressions are very promising. He obviously has the knowledge that Monty totally lacked – but he must be his own man and not do stupid things because the director tells him to – in fact the structure of the programme was dire. Toby showed very well and clearly how to take pansy cuttings – but this shouldn't have been at the top of the programme, if on it at all. How many gardeners are interested in doing that? Nor should he agree to make ridiculous remarks like "If you only do one job this week, plant up hyacinth bulbs". With lawns, weeds and hedges and all the other autumn tasks needing attention, hyacinth bulbs would come about Number 100 on most people's lists of priorities. Planting teasels at the edge of the lawn was completely daft and he shouldn't have agreed to do that. Not should he have indulged in the silly bit of play acting with Alys. People want to see real, relevant gardening not what some clueless director thinks they should be doing. Carol was Carol and you either like her or loathe her. But Joe Swift and his allotment was a completely joke and the sooner he is shunted off the better. Any real allotment holder would have squirmed with embarrassment at the condition of it all and the ridiculous talking off camera just didn't work. He is totally dull as a presenter even when he talks about garden design but when he pretends to be a gardener, he is toe curling. Someone said recently that the BBC needs to find a decent director before they even think about presenters and this proved it. Toby, don't let them make you look silly.
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No gardening programme will satisfy everyone.Toby has made a good start as lead presenter, so glad to see Carol is still heavily involved, and I absolutely love it when the programme comes from her own garden.As far as I am aware the plan for this season was for her to be based down there, Joe at his allotment while Monty was based at Berryfields. When Monty was taken ill everything had to change suddenly and well done everyone for keeping everything going. Toby seems to be a good, practical gardener and hopefully will continue to give his own perspective, as all previous presenters have done.
My only real complaint is that its only half an hour a week!
Glad to hear that the recycling theme will be evident. As an allotment holder and member of freecycle I will be glad of any creative suggestions for recycling (although I think most gardeners -and particularly allotmenteers- are very good at it anyway)
Maybe a weekly slot on the prog...viewers ideas etc?
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Thank goodness for Toby and a real gardening programme at last. He is a lovely man and having watched the first two shows, I am relieved and delighted that GW has returned to the format that started us watching it 40 years ago. I am very impressed and only hope he continues to present us with practical gardening tips for those of us who have large gardens but not large finances. Geoff Hamilton and Alan Titchmarsh gave us no end of fantastic money saving tips for both the beginner and the seasoned gardener and I am sure Toby will do the same. But as someone has already mentioned - please, please can we have cameramen who are also gardeners, able to show us exactly what Toby and Carol are doing and not concentrating on their faces. We need to see as well as hear their demonstrations. The camera work is appalling for a gardening programme, especially when Carol is working in her own garden - the camera is everywhere except where it should be. This is not the programme to show off their artistic skills, we just need to see what is going on!!!
Please continue to keep GW for the ordinary gardener and not for the super rich.
Well done Toby, you have a great team with Carol and Joe, but can we have less of Alys. I can now look forward to 8.30 on Friday nights again.
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I'm not very often moved to comment on blogs, but just wanted to say how great I think Toby and the current Gardeners World team are. I've found the two programmes this season really user friendly and practical. I think it's really hard pitching a programme like this to all levels, but the approach is neither intimidating or condescending. I feel like I'm really learning some useful tips and picking up practical and realistic ideas. They feel like a group of friendly experts to me who wouldn't judge my level of knowledge or abilities.
Lets not turn gardening into an elitist activity like so many things. More power to your spades - all of you and good luck Toby -I think you're bringing gardening back to the people!
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Re message 7 - the direction of the programme does come from the producer and that has been one of the main problems for some time with inappropriate assignments, dodgy camera work and intrusive sound tracks.
I'm very pleased to see the more practical and realistic approach to gardening taken by Toby so far and hope it continues in this vain as he gets to know the garden and its various areas and micro-climates. With reference to his blog, I'd like to know why the Beeb/producers/schedulers think gardening is only a 26 week activity. There is something going on all year and plenty of important jobs to be done in the down period - preparing, clearing, lifting, dividing, planting, seed ordering and some sowing to be done.
How are novices to know about all this and what and when to do it if the series starts after and ends before this active period? More experienced gardeners need reminders and can benefit from new techniques and research.
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Excellent start by Toby. The programmes feel much more relevant and I love his non - preachy style. Good luck with the rest of the series :)
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After being avid Gardeners' World viewers for many years, we gave up on the series last year through utter boredom. Suddenly, along comes Toby Buckland and we're captivated again by his enthusiasm, energy, easy rapport with the other presenters, ideas and common sense. He treats the viewers as fellow gardeners to whom he's passing on a few hints and tips. He's a real star!
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Delighted with your friendly approach - very encouraging for those who dont know everything ( or profess to!)
Would like to see more on greenhouse gardening, but appreciate this cannot always be squeezed into GW half hour.
In previous years, we saw Geoff and his take on Cottage Gardens/ Victorian Gardens,/ Kitchen Gardens - couldnt a new programme be started just for Greenhouse gardens?
This could be spread across the seasons, and cover grow-your-own veg/ flowers etc etc.
It could also cover options for budget and more expensive kit - maybe DIY for those who are so inclined!
I am sure there would be keen interest from newbies to Greenhouses like me, to those more seasoned gardeners.
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It may have taken me a little while - but I wanted to congratulate Toby. He's the best thing that's happened to Gardeners' World in years.
Toby has made the programme worth watching again and long may it continue.
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well totally dissappointed in gardeners world since Toby has taken over, it's lost it's gel together feel about it which shows with the other presenters as well.
when i watched the programme with all the other presenters, i was there in berry fields and the presenters were just talking to me as if i was walking along side them, carol, joe.alys,rachael etc:and now it's as if i am in a classroom getting taught by the teacher (Toby)it's boring,he knows his stuff alright but his presenting is smug,boring and a matter of fact approach,why didn't BBC just leave things alone they had it perfect as it was.I have stopped watching it now , but i am hoping that Carol and co. make a programme spin off show and that Christine's garden comes back Reg from christines garden is more interesting than Toby.When Toby and his wife presented another gardening show that was boring as well, god forbid if she pops in to berryfields as well.It's not just about the knowledge you have about gardening, it's how you get it across so viewers are absorbing the imformation without knowing it, making it interesting and fun.
Carol why don't you have a programme from glebe cottage and invite joe and the gang along on a weekly basis.
Sorry Toby but you send me to sleep.
Rather just read my gardening books now.
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I always used to watch Gardeners World every Friday evening but I'm afraid Toby Bucklanmd is a right turn off - talk about no personality! Why on earth wasn't the most obvious person given the job of being the main presenter - Carol Klein?
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Moderated followi posting of blog
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I have found it very interesting to read the various comments regarding Toby taking over as main presenter of GW. It just shows how we are all different! I have to say that having been an avid viewer since the days of Geoff Hamilton I have stopped watching. Whilst I appreciate that Toby is obviously very knowledgeable, I think to present a flag ship programme such as GW you need to coin a phrase have "the X factor" - you need to engage your aduience; Geoff, Alan and Monty did that in spades (I am disappointed to read the negative comments about Monty) but I just don't think Toby has that. Joe and Carol are great but I would have liked to see a return of Chris Beardshaw to the programme I have to say - perhaps that will happen one day! I think Toby would be great doing occasional slots like Sarah Raven or Gay Search have done in the past with mini series within the programme about a particular subject.
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What is going on?
I am not sure how many minutes we were given of Carol's experience and knowledge this week (less than 5 minutes I would guess).
Compare this with how many times we were told by Toby how to plant bulbs in a pan?
Carol shows us how to do things that can best be learned by watching. Toby told us how to do things which, in this case, will have been written on the bulb package anyway!!
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My warm feelings about Toby Buckland have completely evaporated. Yes, he does appear to have the knowledge and I had hoped that his rather dull first appearance was down to nerves. But plainly it isn't. He has absolutely no personality and is simply boring so let us at least hope he is only contracted for one series. And as I wrote initially, he being dreadfully served by the Director. The content of the programme is plainly and totally wrong and just doesn't relate in any way to real gardening and real gardeners' priorities. And of course, Joe Swift is as awful as he has always been. Of all the fine gardeners and communicators in the country, how did we come to be saddled with this bunch. Oh dear, back to the drawing board.
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Well done Toby....what a breath of fresh air!
I think you have brought Gardeners' World back to it's roots! I have followed you and Lisa, your garden knowledgeable wife, for many years through magazines and TV.
I think you are more attuned to gardeners who need basic information, and you are not afraid of 'getting down and dirty' and displaying a lot of common sense without distributing any air of superiority!
I think you are by far a better sucsessor to Alan Titchmarsh than Monty ever was!!!
I feel much more relaxed and attuned to your presentations than I have been since Alan left!
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In response to no.41.....
Sorry, where are you coming from.?.....
I found Toby to be informative without being patronizing - which is more than Monty ever was.
I have found his information to be clear, concise, accurate to the point and informative.
What is dull about his dialogue? This, I feel is nothing new, and addresses many peoples' points aout the issues mentioned.
What do you regard as 'real gardening?
Sorry, but what Toby covered today wasn't real gardening????
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Tonight's programme about peat extraction included an interview with a professional gardener who told us what we know - peat is a self-regenerating plant resource like any other. It is currently growing faster than it is being harvested, and there is no justification for a ban on its use.
Toby had no reasoned arguments against this man, so he constantly interrupted him and, of course, gave himself the last word. Toby has clearly been employed because of his politically correct environmental credentials (his original interview would undoubtedly have placed his devotion to the Environment above any other qualifications) - and he was certainly not employed because of his good manners, or his ability to think for himself. The 'Off' switch called.
Right On, BBC! As usual. Never let boring facts get in the way of fashionable prejudices!
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Toby,
Great programme this evening on not using peat. It would have been good to include "Biochar" in the discussion, which has been used for 100s of years as a soil conditioner (Terra Preta) and has been put forward at the environment summits as a carbon fixing strategy.
So gardeners could leave the peat where it is, and actually put microporous carbon back in the soil, which has great water and nutrient retention characteristics, as well as sequestering carbon. The generation of biochar also has the potential to generate energy through the pyrolysis process (heat to electricity). See the following for details: http://www.biochar-international.org/
Just a quick note to the previous poster - it is not "fashionable" to conserve the biosphere - it is critical to the future of mankind! Did you know that we are on track to consume the same resources in the next 20 years as we have collectively used in the past 200 years - yes, 200 years! Exponential squandering of natural resources is not sustainable! And that is another boring fact that many are ignoring in the relentless pursuit of growth and wealth.
Sorry, wasn't very quick . . . . . .
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What a terrible new format for GW. Talk about dumbing down!
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I am a very keen gardener with not much time, energy and hardly any experience.
I loved Monty's passion and calm.
I love Carol's contributions (her voice can set me on edge sometimes but her enthusiasm blows me away). I have enjoyed all of her other work too.
I think Joe is smashing. He inspires me and keeps my interest.
I reckon that Aly's lovely, full of energy, great ideas and I can't get enough of her.
I was keen to see the new guy on his first show and I thought he did an admirable job. It's no mean feat to fill the shoes of those before him @ GW and it must be quite daunting and maybe a little intimidating (especially when people are so quick to throw mud). I like Toby and I think he's got a lot to offer the viewers. I've just watched the latest show and I think that he knits the team together very well.
I am absolutely delighted that the show is sort of "wiping the slate clean" and starting afresh. It caters for my lack of experience very well. I think that this country desperately needs to have young and enthusiastic gardeners and not just good old hands. We'll be up the creek if we don't get our young'uns interested and knowledgable about gardening for pleasure and produce. I'm happy to think that the recent format as catering for this.
Keep up the good work GWers!
xx ChrisP
(spread the love)
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I'm sorry. I have tried. But the new GW should really be moved to CBBC, it is so childlike and in such small, almost pointless, segments.
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Vitriol seems to be in plentiful supply.
Those expressing ire might consider three things that have not been mentioned anywhere, in any of the foregoing comments.
1) Before launching the new format, the Beeb did quite a lot of market research about the potential new presenters. A large group of "regular viewers" was surveyed, and shown demo tapes of several "possibilities". Those potentials were then scored against different criteria, such as friendliness, information content, style, credibility, and so-on. There were three different presenters "up" for the job, which only one could get. My wife was a part of the survey group, and I looked over her shoulder as she completed the survey on line. So it is reasonable to assume, I think, that the decision about the new front man was an informed one.
2) None of the complainants refers to any knowledge about whether or not "their" candidates were available, or willing, to take on the task of fronting the show. Indeed, I would expect that established top flight professionals like Carol, Alys, and Joe would have probably had heavy commitments for the next few months at least, gardening, and "showing" being what it is.
Maybe it didn't suit any of them to take on the job of leading the programme. Maybe they live too far from the new garden to spend more time there. I don't know, and I don't suppose the complainants do, either, so they should not assume that they have been wronged. The viewers do not own the presenters, so have no right to demand that someone be given the heaviest workload.
3) The majority of blogs come from the moaners. Maybe we could call them the Luddites. Possibly they hanker for the return of Ken Burras (1968 – 1969), or Percy Thrower(1969 – 1976), or Arthur Billitt (1976 – 1979), or Geoff Hamilton (1979 – 1996), or Alan Titchmarsh (1996 – 2002), or Monty Don (2003 – 2008). In any event, they are out of luck, because things move on. People come, and people go. Someone fresh has come. The show has moved on, and perhaps some of the viewers should learn to, too. They complain about the appearance of a 9 or 10 year old in the programme. Perhaps they should ask their grandchildren whether the inclusion of a youngster would make the programme more or less attractive to the under 'teens. And perhaps they should also ask themselves who they think is going to tend their plot, when they too have become part of the rich brown sod.
A new garden, a new front-man, a new style, a new format. In my opinion, a brave experiment, similar to the one that the new wives of these moaning old curmudgeons undertook when they married them. But that worked, didn't it. And if it didn't, who was stuck in the rut then I wonder? Change happens. It's called Life.
Give it a chance, it's early days. Look for the positives.
Quod Erat Demonstrandum.
And if you still can't hack it, maybe you should be watching Blue Peter instead!
Yours
Inspiredandreinvogorated licencepayeraged59
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Friday 17th's GW was of little interest to three viewers, aged 58,61 and 87. The gnome item was inappropriate and either whimsical or just poorly made. The gnomecam, the feature with children and the project with Carol Kline were all rather dull, slow and disapppointing. The programme has always had real strengths for new and committed gardeners. Carol and Alys and Joe are excellent communicators who appear to understand what is appropriate in the long and valued tradition of GW. Perhaps the editor needs to have a serious rethink?
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Many thanks to licencepayeraged59 for his comments on the latest incarnation of Gardener's World. I particularly liked his final paragraph: "And if you still can't hack it, maybe you should be watching Blue Peter instead!"
Judging by the content of last Friday's programme, I think I was..!!!
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