What's hot and what's not
The hot topic for this week's show is you the viewer! We're all extremely impressed with the number of responses we've had, especially with all the pictures and stories about your gardens - some of which will eventually feature in our Me and My Garden and Me and My Shed slots in the programme.
This week's not so hot topic is birds. Not all birds of course but those pesky rooks that are the main culprits that have been attacking our vegetable garden. As a deterrent we got ourselves a model owl for Greenacre. Although rooks aren't naturally predated on by owls Toby feels it's worth a giving it a go.
As a more 'tried and tested' method, Alys and Joe are also using protective netting supported by the wooden stakes which Toby luckily incorporated into his original design for the raised beds.
Have you had any success with bird-scarers or protection? Let us know and add your pictures to our Flickr page - and don't forget to share what's hot and what's not in your garden here on the blog.
Enjoy the weekend in your garden.
© MMIX~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~24~RS~)
Comments
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Two minutes into the programme and I am upset. A 180cm Chusan Palm will cost £169.99. Ok, you can get a 10cm one for £23.99, but that was not what we saw planted. Also, better comments could have been found from the internet.
"One of the most popular and suitable palms for the UK. The Chusan or Windmill Palm from China tolerates temperatures down to -17°C without problem, looking equally good in summer or winter. Trachycarpus fortunei should not be planted in very windy locations as the leaves will look tatty."
Toby's comments included the last phrase verbatim.
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I love Gardeners world and have been a viewer for many years. I'm concerned though by two of the current presenters. On a positive note, Carol is superb and her enthusiasm is genuine and welcoming, likewise Joe's down to earth guy next door approach is very engaging.
I don't doubt the expertise of Toby and Alys, but there is an odd dynamic between these two which can make viewing them tricky. I worry that Toby is a bit misogynistic and Alys is very flat as a presenter and often appears stroppy; it seems as though she doesn't enjoy what she's doing. There are moments when I cringe with the delivery and snappiness of their communication. The two of them also come over as really competitive which also makes for difficult viewing.
Maybe they're just settling in, I hope so!
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Having caught the last episode of Gardeners World and the Mystery of the disappearing vegetables, my wife I were struck by how the team suddenly replicated an episode of Scooby Doo.
My wife suggested the following roles as -
Scooby - Joe
Shaggy - Carol
Fred - Toby
Velma - Alys
Daphne - Rachel?? - Although no sign of her yet - there's a mystery....
It ended up with the mystery being solved using an odd solution of an owl, where clearly netting would have sufficed (as suggested by clever clogs Velma). Shame there was no comment from the magpies with ' I would have gotten away with it if it hadn't been for those pesky kids!!'.
Can't wait for next weeks episode..
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I have seen this evening on BBC2 a documentary about the plight of the honey bee (and bee-keepers), not just in the UK but around the world. As gardeners we should assist the bees and beekeepers - find out if your garden is a suitable site for a hive by contacting your local beekeepers association. To assist the pollenation in your own garden by the wild Red Mason Bee, make and put up a nest box. The following is a link to a site that tells you how ... http://www.redmason.net/red_mason_bee_nests_diy.html
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Thought it may be of interest theat garden bees have taken over my tits nesting box and are using it as a hive. they are very busy in the garden and it is good to see what with the declining bee population, However I am not sure if there is any danger of swarming and causing problems to the grandchildren etc? any advise would be apreciated
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I'm really enjoying Gardeners' World's new format - even my 10 year old will watch it with me! - please keep up the good work.
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Please! - I don't mean to be rude but this programme is dreadful. My husband is a professional gardener and I am a keen amateur - the last series (Monty Don) appealed to both of our abilities whereas this reaches neither. The only person who stands out with any integrity is Carol - the other parts are dumbed down beyond belief (Gound Force springs to mind). Also where is Buryfields? What is the point in this programme if every series you start again in a new location. The potting shed is laughable with a 'cool wall' theme taken from Top Gear but without the humour and originality - its just a gimmick. The '30 min' section - I feel like I'm watching cbbies; certainly not what I pay my license fee for. I believe the first/second episode showed Joe doing a teracotta pot with spring bulbs for about £60 as a cheap and easy option for these credit cruch times - what nonsense - I'd spend less on my allotment to feed my family for the season. Why oh why have you ruined a good programme? As gardeners we have many friends in the industry and all of them feel that this series is a joke. The only part worth watching is Carol's - combining real plant knowledge with economy - the others make me feel like I'm on the Homebase bandwagon.
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What is not hot! Just watched episode 3 on i Player and to see Joe using a spray can to mark out the vegetable patch made me seethe. Waste of money, terrible environmentally, and what was in the spray for the veggies?
As for the gnome article, complete waste of time.
Not meaning to be completely grumpy, apart from that I enjoyed the program generally, some interesting pointers, but could do better.
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I agree with Florentinafrittata. Why oh why was Carol not chosen to present this programm? I do not enjoy the programme at all now - projects are not fully explained and the end results scantily shown. The gnome article was rubbish, the potting shed banter reveals their dislike of each other and why has Carol's slot been so drastically reduced?
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I really enjoyed tonight's programme. Plenty of info for everyone and I like the idea of the Community garden project. Carol Klein's gardening school is excellent but I wish we could see her do other things too as she is so knowledgeable and enthusiastic too. Maybe she is going to have another series of her own? I do hope so.
I always wanted to know what that pungent weed was that pops up everywhere in my garden and now I see that it is called Herb Robert, mentioned twice this evening. Thanks!
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Loved Gardeners World this week. However one thing appears to be becoming more hot - that's the budding relationship between Toby and Alys! Every other word from Toby is about Alys, no wonder Carol stays out of it in Devon. I bet Joe feels like three's a crowd (he's great by the way!).
Can't wait for next weeks instalment......
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The new series of gardeners world is great - the children love it! Our eight year old son loves the potting shed and following Joe's progress on the allotments. Our five year old daughter likes watching Alys. The banter between Toby and Alys is fun, not competative! Although I have watched Gardeners world for years, the children love seeing a garden built from scratch. We're not keen on the 30 minute fix (not hot!). You've captured the imagination of the next generation of gardener's - great family viewing!
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I am new to blogs, fairly new to gardening but not so new to Gardener's World.
Having read a few posts I felt compelled to have my humble say.
The current format of the show I think is excellent. It clearly tries to balance all interests, tastes & levels of understanding / appreciation of gardening. The presenters too are an inspiring mix of knowledgeable & encouraging "real" people. As a viewer I am educated & informed without being lost in the sea of Latin verbosity or talked down to.
Monty Don, a lovely man & infectiously enthusiastic, did seem a little snobbish toward us little people at times. Kind of reminded me of the class barriers (& soul shattering Latin classes) I have encountered throughout the years. (Still love him)
I have faced personal & financial troubles these past few years but my garden has saved my sanity. In two years it has gone from Wildland to Wonderland & I LOVE it. I'll never be expert - I forget as quickly as I learn - but I love it. So much is thanks to Gardener's World.
So before I witter on ad infinitum (....euurrgh! ....Latin) I wish to return to the purpose of this post by voting "Gardener's World" as HOT.
The format, timing & especially the presenters. All of you - Toby, Carol, Joe & Alys (especially Alys!) you are ALL hot!
Thank you.
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I think gardners world should be on the CBBC channel, the common theme for these blogs is that the viewers children enjoy watching it. Put it on the childrens channel and make a proper gardening programme for adults. The only reason to watch it now is for the comedy factor, in fact its the funniest programme the BBC have made in a long time.
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Re the dynamic between Alys and Toby, it strikes me as being contrived. Programme makers generally seem to imagine that what viewers want is conflict. It's supposed to add 'interest'. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who absolutely loathes it - one of the many reasons why I hardly watch any TV nowadays.
Another grave misapprehension on the part of the programmers is that we all have attention spans of a millisecond, hence the hoppity format of Gardener's World and just about any other informative programme you care to mention.
Incidentally, why is the spell checker on this forum set to American English? It keeps telling me that programme is wrongly spelled. Don't wish to seem xenophobic but this is a British site, so let's have British spelling please.
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The only Gardeners World Flickr group I can find says that it's for pictures of your garden in reflective moments, and says to read the Berryfields blog - I'm confused - is this the right group that just hasn't been updated, or is there another group that I haven't found? Help would be appreciated!
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I have grown up with GW. I was introduced to gardening and the programme by my Grandfather when I was around 4. I used to watch Percy Thrower and not really understand what he was talking about - Then the allowed him on to Blue Peter and all became clear. I loved Geoff Hamilton and cried buckets at his untimely death. Alan Titchmarsh also inspired and made things seem possible even for beginners and unknowledgeable but willing triers at gardening. When Monty took over the programme changed for the worst in my opinion it became all pompous with Latin Names to the fore. Only Carol with her down to earth style and knowledge brightened the otherwise dull, snobish attitude that prevailed. Anyone who gardened outside of the home counties was ignored and when they tried a "down to earth allotment" they cheated and grew silly things like Gogi berries!
Toby is like a breath of fresh air! He is doing things from the ground up, showing you HOW to do things. My husband refused pointblank to watch GW with Monty because he felt put off and excluded by the show because he wasnt a knowledgable amatur. He is now watching again.
There is new life in the programme, children, first-timers and even just keen blundering aroung gardeners feel welcome again and what is more important inspired! So well done Toby and team keep it up and ignore the grumpy stuff-shirted snob gardeners who would take away our fun!
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Hi
I enjoyed the programme this week, and always prefer the contribution of the female presents, Alys and Carol Klein. I enjoy their enthusiasm and it is just what I need to get me out in the garden on a cold wet Saturday.
It was good to see Alys putting Toby right about the planting level of the palm, (I enjoy the banter) and as always there is not enough of Carol. Seeing as though there was a segment on palms, it would have been nice to have learnt about the propagation of palms. I have tried to germinate some palm seeds over the last year with zero success, but what about other forms of propagation?
I also enjoyed the community garden idea, something which is very along the lines of my way of thinking, as a user of freecycle and LETS (Local Exchange Trading Scheme)
I would also like to add that I have only just started watching Gardener's World again, after a period of approx 10 years, having started gardening in 1988. Initially I was a Geoff Hamilton fan and couldn't really take to the two following presenters. Although the program is now an hour long, both myself, and particularly my mother, object to the late start of the new series (my mother is sure it used to start in February), the summer break/summer specials and the interruption by sporting events, and too much emphasis on the gardening shows. What we want is practical gardening.
Thanks for listening.
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This latest episode once again shows the fundamental flaws in the format of the current program. By dumbing it down to the current extent and making it a magazine style show means that keen gardeners have to overlook the majority of the show to find something stimulating in it. How wonderful it would be if content took president over style and if they had nothing to say in the cool wall slot, they would just dump it for a week. The same applies to all of the segments. The current formulaic production method seems to be strangling the show.
One of the things I know about problem solving is that the trick is to break the big problem up into lots of small problems and solve them one at a time until the big problem is solved. The BBC producers of GW clearly read the same book as me and they carefully break up their objectives which include to entertain, educate and inspire and tick them off one at a time, or try to....
This week and once again, the jolly banter between the presenters was as forced as was the laughter. Even the growing of a tropical garden in the GW field was dull and uninspiring. Contrast this with the breathtakingly inspiring and beautiful garden at Henstead and Andrew Brogan's gentle yet informative presentation of his garden and underlying ideas. Even the bench he sat on had me thinking "now where can I get a slice of tree to make such a bench for my woodland garden from?"
Alys's coldframe kind of missed the real point which seems to me to be that you only need a cold frame for a short while each year and you don't want to blow a load of money on it. The trick is to knock one up from whatever materials you can find. So bricks are one solution if you have some laying around but an old draw or some other junk might just as well be pressed into service. The use of a salvaged secondary glazing pain of glass was a good idea but she did not say what it was. There must be hundreds of these being skipped in these days of doing up and UPVC double glazing of houses and I am sure local tips would save them for us if we asked: I know our local one would.
Carol's root cutting piece was well done and shows that she is still the best and most credible of the current "key talent". This way of presenting a basic horticultural techniques works well and makes far better television than the Toby and Alys do schoolteachering one used elsewhere.
Joe's garden design made easy was for me dire. The issue of moving existing shrubs was ineptly handled and why do such a small part of the job in one show? Surely if they continue at this rate it will be winter by the time they have done all the hard landscaping.
I have though, to say that I thought Joe came into his own this week with his hanging basket which though not for me was a triumph, being original and hugely effective playing that old trick to putting a mirror behind your flowers to double the impact. We always like to set vases of flowers in front of mirrors in the house and here Joe took the idea into the garden with great success. I also felt his point that you should work to finish the job well in gardening, not dash through your garden tasks against the clock. So I say (for what it's worth) well done Joe, innovation is what we want from you, not just design.
Taken together the show was a mixed bag of the dire and the wonderful with a spade full of mediocre. What''s hot is learning from excellent real world gardens, what's not is flogging the dead horse that is the field in Birmingham and the presenter cum teacher didactic approach of Toby and Alys.
One last thing. Safety in the garden is important and Alys's secondary glazing panel had a nice safe aluminium frame round it to prevent her cutting herself on a sharp edge, a point note made by her. We all know that the safety people on TV are amongst the anal elite and unerringly risk averse. So how on earth did Joe get away with cutting his metal sheets without wearing appropriate gloves and pointing out the potential risk from cut sheet metal edges. And whilst on that subject, the rough metal edges of their raised veg' beds look set to cut a few hands during their lifetime when people are planting near the edges, something quite likely considering the popularity of planting say marigolds at the edge of beds with carrots as a defense against the dreaded carrot root fly!
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not hot are the ants which have taken my compost bin over for the 3rd year as a nest and are farming aphids in the garden
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A great show as always. Alyce's thrifty gardening segments are especially good. What about a segment on viewer gardening and allotment blogs? I have started my own allotment blog - www.walnuttreeallotment.blogspot.com - with links to DIG In, Gardeners World etc. As a psychotherapist, I am many of my colleagues recognise the immense therapeutic and mental wellness value of gardening and allotments. Perhaps there could be also benefits for many people in writing about and sharing their gardening experiences on the web?
Go well Toby, Alyce, Caroland, Joe and the rest of the GW team.
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Very sad about the new programme. Look forward to it every week; then am left disappointed.
Carol's part is the only useful section, showing us how to actually garden and not spending a lot of money to do so.
It does appear that everything back at Greenacres is money orientated, which in the present climate does not help gardens who are working to a tight budget.
Feeling very sad...
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It's good to see that the GW team have rallied their friends and family and had them write supporting the dreadful show. If indeed it WAS shown on CBeebies, I'm sure my kids wouldn't watch it. Trite, middle of the road and lacking in any inspiration. And actually, lacking in any diversity and culture.
You're trying to appeal to a new generation of gardeners whilst ignoring the needs of your strong and very devoted albeit certainly ageing existing audience.
As for Alys and Toby, I tend to think that their relationship really is somewhat strained - wouldn't yours with either of them?
It is not without note that Alys has been removed from actually 'gardening' and is concentrating on 'presenting'. Give it up, you should be following your passion for gardening, isn't that why you're there?
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I enjoyed this weeks programme. Carol's bit from her gardening school was very informative as I've been curious as to how root cuttings are taken so I'm very thankful for her contribution to this week's programme. One thing that her advice led me to think is that, why doesn't she have more time during each show? If it's possible for her to be featured more, I think your viewers would appreciate it greatly. (It seems I'm not alone in feeling this way judging from the other comments.)
The rather extended tropical garden section was a bit counter-intuitive in my opinion. Teaching people to plant a very large palm which probably costs over £100 at the very least, when GW this year proudly announces week-on-week that they're using shallow pockets this year when it comes to spending, seems a bit silly. This is all well and good for GW if you're reclaiming plants from Berryfields, but what about the humble viewer who doesn't have access to such a resource of plants for free? All the more reason to spend less time on it or not feature it at all.
Showing us how to take cuttings from Dahlia's and bedding plants is all well and good, but promising inexperienced gardeners 5 plants from 1 is a bit optimistic as not all cuttings take.
Regarding the Rooks that have been ruining the vegetable garden, were they not considered a threat to start with? Although I can't speak from experience, it seems to me that it was unprofessional to overlook the threat that birds can pose to various vegetables. And if Toby built the raised beds with the netting in mind, why didn't it go on in the first place?
Joe showed true flare and creativity in the 30 minute-fix this week. Utilising both design and knowledge to create an unusual and effective hanging planter. Toby's was less impressive from a design point of view but it was good that he tackled the traditional/common hanging basket. I'm not too sure what the grass-cuttings were about though...
On the subject of Joe, it seems that the progress with his design project with the couple is too staggered for my liking.
I feel that if you're going to feature them at all, at least feature it every 2 weeks or something, so that we can see some effective progress rather than the odd little bit each week, giving other features more air time on the programmes either side.
Regarding the Dig In seeds, I ordered them the week after you began to advertise them on your show. This was because I had to convince my parents to allow me to grow vegetables in what is a thoroughly ornamental garden. After getting permission, I ordered the seeds the following week; however they ended up arriving as late as last Friday, the 9th of May. The website said allow up to 28 days for delivery, but I didn't actually expect it to take as long as that.
All Gardener's know that 4 weeks/a month is the difference between plants being ready for the right time and not. My main interest was the Tomato seeds which despite sowing as soon as I got them, I very much doubt that I will have a well-established plant by the time that others might be in mid-fruit which is a shame. I hope that we have a mild September so that I might keep growing right through and out of the summer months.
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I have been an on and off GW watcher for years now, but never really warmed to Monty or Carol over the last series, (they had a tough act to follow after Alan T)
I have to say that Toby has been a breath of freash air and now I make a point of seeing the show or watching it on the website "i'player".
I must admit that I dont like the "Hot or Not" section as its just too naff, but I enjoy the rest of the show immensely.
I am amazed at some of the vitriol that has been expressed on the message board over the last couple of weeks and the lack of understanding that this is a new garden and new team who need some time to bed in. I can only assume that those expressing these views are Monty diehards, who have not yet experienced "closure".
Move on, its over!
Finally can I make a plea to the producers not to give in to those who have asked for Carols section to be extended, please show us some mercy and keep her in Devon, and restricted to about 5mins per week. Ta!
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I know what's top of my 'what's not hot' list - municipal flower beds!We've all winced at those garish clashes of reds,pinks,yellows and purples, painstakingly planted in perfect symmetry (or even worse, in the shape of butterflies, hearts and the like!). They look awful and are such a waste of good plants and good gardeners.
Let's get some of our talented gardeners, garden designers and plantsmen and women to provide some truly inspirational planting for our town centres and roadside verges. I'd be happy to provide a critical eye to help them get it right.
[PS- love the new format of GW]
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
I have watched and enjoyed Gardeners' World for years. However, this series I find is barely watchable. Several have commented that their children enjoy it and yes I would agree that's where it belongs now, on children's television. I have always found Carol too gushing, Joe has never been a favourite and as for Toby and Alys, well , words fail me. Who was the bit about gnomes aimed at, ridiculous idea, so is the shed, reminds me of Bill Oddie and Kate Humble in their shed on Springwatch, but not so enjoyable. Let's hope it improves and becomes more like the good old days.
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Thank you Moonstarer - in my view you have encapsulated perfectly what Gardeners World is all about. Everyone has different points of view and skill levels. This programme is meant to encourage people to start gardening by making it fun and easy, not a stuffy 'old boys' club when you feel that your not really welcome just a privileged onlooker.
Keep up the good work!!
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Really very confused about some of the negative comments above. For example: How can you complain the shw is dumbing down then complain that ALys didn;t point out that the peice of glass for the cold frame was salvaged glass. I was watching from my sick bed, in and out of sleep and even I knew that's what it was!
Am getting very sick of being told that Gardener's world is dumbing down. I absolutely loved watching Monty and the gang at Berryfields, bit disctracted by all the walking around camera stuff and never really understood it all. Felt a bit 'oh I'm just a crappy gardener' and saw it as something to drool over on a friday night.
However I LOVE the new format. My husband is now happy to watch with me and though he is a latin loving biology graduate he, like me, is very new to the practical stuff. I don;t think the show is dumbing down it is taking gardening apart and showing little bits one by one. I have been so inspired and empowered as we think "we could do that" rather than "that would be nice if we could do that"......
Its a shame Carol feels over looked. Personally I think she comes accross as passionate, knowledgable and wise. But I wouldn;t have enjoyed her as much as a presenter. She does the plant showcase - perfect for an expert in plants who obviously loves telling people about them - and the 'teaching others' bit which, obvious as she's a trained teacher, fits her well too.
Alys is fab! She's obviously a gardener first [beofre presenter/teacher] and I;m really pleased that she's come intot he limelight and can share her practical stuff with us.
Jo - well! Monty said at Gardeners' world live once [promted by an audience question] that Jo was no side kick and that he would like him to take on a bigger role as the show needed a bit more 'how to design'. Well loks like that has happened. Design bit not relelvant to my concrete patch covered in pots but has been intresting. Also his basket was, unexpectedly, GORGEOUS and adds a bit of unobtainable aspiration to my friday evening.
Toby- Well poor chap. Filling Monty's wellies must have been daunting! I think he's JUST what many veiwers needed. If he worked at our local nursery he would be the friendly, non patronising chap I'd ask all my many plant queries and know I could trust him and not feel stupid. I honestly think that is the point of this new show.
SO in the style of the 'hot wall' I think the new show is hot. I love the thrifty tips, basic how to do stuff bits as well as drooling other other people's gardens, Carol's 'in bloom' bit and am looking forward to a good reveal int hat couples garden. I do love a good reveal. On that note, could we se more of bits planted in previous episodes please?
P.s. I hate gnomes but thought that bit was a nice bit of tongue in cheek. Get a sense of humour. Its friday night! Even gardeners' question time has a bit of humour!
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I look forward to gw every Friday pen and paper in hand to make a list of the things I should do. First thing Saturday before the rain stopped play I had built an Alys cold frame. We've had the builders in and one of them suggested that I keep the secondary glassing for a cold frame. Wasn't sure how! So now I've made use of the pile of bricks left by the previous occupiers. fantastic. Could you please not chop articals in two. Six ten minute slots is better and the time taken for recapping could be used for something else. Other wise great.
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I love the new show. I am fairly new to gardening and have been really inspired to start growing my own veggies thanks to the team. Alys's thrifty tips are great and I make notes while watching the programme. Keep up the good work!
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I think one of things missing in GW for me is the lack of garden ownership and the feeling that Greenacres is someone's pride and joy. The same was true for me of Berryfields. Prior to that the presenters had some stake in the gardens that they worked in - they belonged to the main presenter. The last two gardens just don't have the personal touch.
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We were really anoyed to read that no more dig in seeds will be sent to viewers who had requested them as they had all run out. We requested our seeds the day after the seed offer was announced. How ever they are still being given out to people at garden shows such as chelsea. we are unable to go to chelsea this year and are not going to any other shows. It seems unfair as we are really keen gardeners and were looking forward to recieving our seeds and growing them. It seems unfair that the people that requested seeds are going to lose out,and people who are able to pay to go to shows will benefit.
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Whats hot; I am new to gardening. Untill about 4 weeks ago i knew nothing and had never grown anything. Then we began growing lots and lots at the nursery where i work. It was such good fun with the children that i decided to do some of my own at home. Thanks to Gardeners world i am now confident enough to grow lots and lots of things. I really enjoy watching the show and i love toby, joe and alys. These guys work really well together and have a very good and sometimes even comical rapour. You can tell they like working as a team. I know alot of people who are my age (20) who now watch the show as it seems more up beat and....well,cool. I think its great that its attracting a younger audience.
Whats not hot;
Its a bit of a shock to read all the support for carol. why do people want to see her more? Honestly, i watch the show on iplayer and fast forward all of her bits. Her voice i slike nails on a chalk board!!! Please people dont ask to see more of her, or i will have to stop watching!
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I am so so very dissapointed in this new programme. There is nothing about gardening. It is aimed at an audiance that isnt interested in gardening. The comments on this blog are enthusiastic because their children are watching. This is meant to be an informative programme for adults. I have loved GW for over 20 years. I know that it is important that the next generation are encouraged. but the show is so short on actual How To that no-one will learn anything.It is the horticultural equivilent of Hello magazine,all froth and no substance. It is embarrasing to watch really cringe making it's all crash bang wallop let's bung this plant in or create a hanging basket and NO information. Where is the advice about compost or water retaining gel? it's so sad to see the nations pemier gardening programme reduced to this. All my gardening friends regard this programme as a big joke now. For goodness sake please will the producers take on board the complaints from the ever decreasing fan base and put this programme back to it's prvious form. You are losing viewers by the truck load.
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We have been trying hard to be positive about the change in Gardeners World - for us the most upsetting thing was why the BBC did not appoint the first woman presenter for this fantastic programme. Carol Klein has such a great following due to her ease in front of the camera, her infectious enthusiasm, un-equalled knowledge of plants and finally just the way she is with people, which will no doubt show through again at Chelsea this year (if she does present any of it).
We are not sure whether it is the fault of the new presenters or the Production Team that the programme now seems to have 'dumbed down' to resemble an episode of Blue Peter - especially when doing the 30 min challenge.
The subject matter no longer seems to be covered in any depth and whilst there is still some handy tips it is often the case of sorting the wheat from the chaff.
I am all for encouraging young and new gardeners which may be the new target audience for Gardeners World. However, as a more experienced gardener I feel totally alienated by the new format.
Alys and Toby need to learn more from both Carol, Joe and the other great presenters of the past.
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Whats hot - The 30 minute challenges are awesome!! I think it just shows you that not all gardening chores need to take forever. These are simple and easy ways to spruce up the garden! Thank you guys! Its also a little infectious, i now try and see if i can get jobs done in half an hour. Most the time its quite do-able :)
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sky uk gardens chanel 248 has now gone into really channel and tv gardens has now gone to channel to 246 which is now called home checked channel listings to find only ground fource showing at moment no gardeners world no christines garden and all other gardening related gardening programmes avaliable very disapointed with sky as i was very keen to learn some tips and i think this should become aware on your whats hot and whats not im looking forward to my visit to chelsea flower show on friday m davies
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Sorry bestbill1 - nobody seems to have answered your question. Suggest you look up the British Beekeepers' Association online and seek expert advice on what should be done about the bees to be on the safe side. Good luck.
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Take-away, Beer and Gardeners World that used to be what Fridays nights were all about but like many other avid fans of the show its not that interesting to keen gardeners anymore. I am not a gardening expert but over the last three years I have built my own vegetable garden at home and using the great tips the gang used to give out its now flourishing. Sadly I like many other enthusiasts am disappointed with the new gang: Carol and Joe are great and I also think Toby will come into his own over time (Monty is a legend so very big shoes to fill) but I am sorry to say as I have tried to give her a chance over the first few episodes but Alys should be on a childrens program I find her irritating to watch and very annoying and its not just an age thing (suggested by other GW fans), I am only 24 years old and unfortunately I feel Alys can sound patronising and I have to turn over when she is on screen.
I also tend to agree with some of the other comments about the new format I feel that some of the tips are aimed at children and not keen gardeners wanting to learn from the program. Please bring back the old format and stop treating us all like idiots.
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What's hot? Am really surprised that Joe's hanging basket turned out so well - was very sceptical when he started, but think the result was stunning.
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Have to say, I agree with most of the comments below, re Alys & Toby, just a little irritating, Carol is a very nice lady, I've spoken to her many times years ago when she & her husband had stalls at various flower shows, but yes, her voice is a bit annoying. Joe - interesting but not enough time is spent on the ordinary people who are changing their garden. Also I feel very strongly that the amount of money that's obviously being spent on the garden is not in keeping with the usual thrifty format of the show. We don't all have unlimited funds, workforce & materials. I defy anyone to manage to create even one area of the new garden is such a small space of time without the mighty force of the BBC & our licence fee behind them.
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Does anyone else leave the room to make a cup of tea when Joe Swift comes on?
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Thank you xplanter, good advise, seems what I have is a bumble bee nest and they are endangered, these do not swarm and are a benifit to all us hopeful gardeners. I will enjoy them with the kids and try to educate them that not all insects have to be frightening and intent on stinging. Thanks again.
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I'm not convinced by the new GW. Carol as ever is superb. Her enthusiasm, knowledge and warmth make watching the programme really worthwhile. Joe's great. He brings a different dimension to the show as a designer with plants-man's knowledge. I'm a designer myself and know how important it is to have the kind of rapport he demonstrates.
I'm struggling with Toby. I know he needs to find his feet, but he sometimes appears to push himself as 'leader' without listening and without due regard for team-work. I don't wish to sound harsh, but I also struggle with Alys, experienced though she may be. She appears quite lost with the GW format and I'm not convinced she's a TV person. I just find her completely uninspiring.
I also struggle with the dynamic between them both. The snappiness and barely concealed tension is awful to watch. They just don't seem to either like or respect each other. It's such a contrast to when Carol and Joe are together - as evidenced on Monday nights Chelsea Flower show - when their easy chatter and mutual respect just shines through.
I agree with previous comments about the 'dumbing down' of GW. I understand it needs to have broad appeal - and that's fine - but it does feel like planting by numbers and as yet doesn't seem to have a coherent flow. For experienced gardeners it's too 'Noddy' and for new gardeners there's just not enough information. I know it's a difficult balance to strike, but creating a new garden should have afforded an excellent opportunity; an opportunity which sadly feels squandered.
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I am reassured that others also seem to find the hour-long programme banal and tedious.
The superficial, charmless and desperate presentation makes Blue Peter appear comparatively sophisticated
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My big What's Not in the garden is the use of mirrors. A reflection of the garden may increase the perception of space but it's a deadly hazard to our precious garden birds. OK, so they can be pests if you don't protect your newly planted veggies (!) but they certainly don't deserve to perish this way. Let's ask all garden designers and home gardeners to ban mirrors in their gardens.
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I have been watching GW for about five years now, and I would like to say that I really like this years show. The new format is much more enjoyable to watch, and the new presenters - Toby and Alys - are just what the show needed ... they are a breath of fresh air.
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Last weeks show was to much to take. Alys Fowler a former researcher for the show if im not mistaken. correcting Toby Buckland the naughty shcool boy about the size of his hole! The same Alys Fowler who last year demonstrated how to cut a hedge with power cutters having long hair and loose clothing billowing in the wind.
The chemestry between the two of them makes you cringe to the point of being unbearable to watch.
We have gone from the style and class of Mr T,s Garden and presentation to the also ran Berryfields and on to the thirifty pound shop that is green ache!
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As an avid gardener and allotment holder I used to look forwarg to Friday night. I am so saddened by what I see.I am sure Toby is a nice chap but has as much personality as a fish! Alice adds absolutely zilch.I cannot understand why four presenters are needed.Carol is a national treasure and would tempt anyone to have a go. Joe is fast emerging as a budding horticulturist in his oon right. Joe and Carol are hot Toby and Alice are not.Most schools now include gardening for children so come on we are passed seeds and potting on tomato plants.Please,please,please listen to the viewers.Credit crunch-cut down on the two weakest staff.
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need some help please. Have a cordyline which is now 14 years old. The leaves have all gone yellow and brown and are dropping badly. The top looks as though it is developing a flower spike. Whole plant looks really poorly. Do you think it will be ok - should I do anything. It is in a pot, fed and watered
Many thanks
Loraine
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I too am disappointed with the new series. Perhaps I would have enjoyed it when I first started gardening, but it doesn't seem to offer anything for me now that I've been doing it for a couple of years. I think a mix of advice for beginners and more advanced stuff too would be better than the current childish format. (Showing the nation how to tear the top off a packet of seeds? Please....! Does anyone over the age of ten really need to be shown that?)
I've stopped watching now and have deleted the series link. Very sad to have done so as I was really looking forward to the new series this year. :(
Oh well.....
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i am new to gardening, i have just got an allotment and its in a right state, are there any tips you can give me or any ways i can get it to a point where i can grow stuff on it soon?
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Apologies if this is not the right place to comment on Chelsea but I'm one of the people who doesn't own a computer, doesn't have ready access to the internet, hasn't got a red button and doesn't have a fortune to spend so can't afford to go, and I'm feeling a bit left out.
There were hours of coverage of Chelsea and I didn't see the afternoon shows because I am out at work. However, I really don't feel as if I saw much of the exhibits at all. I'm really not interested in looking at Alan Titchmarsh and his friends, charming as they may be, because I want to see the gardens, what they look like, what plants they've used, and I don't want a documentary of someone wandering around a nursery etc. Also the scenes of presenters chasing after entrants with medals was pointless. We've seen it all before. Announce who won what by all means, but I don't really need to see how happy they are to have won.
I have a tiny garden and would have loved to look at the small exhibits, but scarcely saw them at all. I must have missed the point of the flooded front garden which struck me as totally impractical and an excellent place to drown small children and the neighbour's cat. Perhaps I'm nit-picking, but where were the flowers?
I'm a little depressed that gardening television, which was one of the highlights of my week, seems to be on a downward spiral. No doubt tonight we'll be treated to pictures of the Dig In Van handing out packets of seeds for people to grow their own veg. Yawn. We don't need to see it every week. Bring back Pippa Greenwood and someone who can tell us something we don't know.
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Hi
It seems that the more experienced gardener doesnt get as much out of GW as they used too, I know one person who refuses to watch it now having watched it from the beginning.
Personally I like the fun side to the show, however more technical advice would be appreciated for the more experienced gardeners such as myself.
The main thing I miss is when Geoff used to show us where his plants died, suffered from disease and the mistakes he made. It showed us that the professionals also get things wrong making it a little less dishartening for us gardeners. It seems that GW now tends to hide this side of the programme more which is a shame - please keep this area of the programme in.
Also, whilst I can understand that you are trying to appeal to a wider audience especially younger people and children please dont forget your old loyal audience and that you need to cater for their needs too otherwise you may find your dependable viewers stop watching and those who watch because "home-grown is fashionable again" who ultimately are not dedicated die-hard gardeners will eventually drift away once the novalty wears off.
Overall an enjoyable programme but please keep articles in for us more experienced gardeners.
Thanks
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I have watched with my young daughter the last episode of GW(05/06/09)and could not believe how silly the program has become especially the part where we were shown how to lay a path to the front door as I have never seen so far a new house with just rubble leading to the front door and as a matter of fact we've had affordable housing just built in our village and all houses have had paving slabs laid out, even my daughter was commenting on it and to tell us we can dismantle it if we come to sell or if we are renting takes the biscuit, this has turned into a diy show and not what it used to be, bring back Alan Titmarch and get a new production team!
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Hi, Can I just say that I cannot believe people complain so much about the content of the programme. I am an enthusiastic amateur gardener and love the show, I have just made up some 30min hanging baskets from a couple of weeks ago and looking forward to the front garden features, as there is not enough about front gardens in any other programme i watch.
I would love to post the pics of my new edible hanging baskets, but cannot find a way to do this.
I will endeavour to try and replicate Joe's silvery baskets another time.
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I think the show seems to be developing nicely. It's always hard for people to adjust and losing the totally amazing Monty Don was a blow to us all but to be fair, since starting at the new site I feel Toby has settled in well.
What's not hot....Greenfly! Has anyone else got swarms of the little blighters this year or is it just here in South Derbyshire. They are everywhere and not a ladybird in sight!
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