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Post by Spruance on Oct 6, 2006 22:05:59 GMT
Having endured yet another episode of Gardeners' World, in which Monty Don has dug up even more plants at 'Berryfields', I am beginning to wonder why I even bother to watch the programme at all. As for the owners of Berryfields, all I can say is that they have my deepest sympathies.
Gardeners' World used to be the highlight of the week as far as TV Gardening was concerned. Now, it's more like something out of The Benny Hill Show.
Why would anyone want to shell out for a huge roll of hessian to lay across their garden paths, so that they can dig up all of their plants. This seems to be Monty Don's favourite pastime.
I only watch the programme now on the off chance of seeing something even vaguely interesting. Instead we just have the same old routine of digging up plants that are 'in the wrong place'. Now why would that be Monty? Who put these plants 'in the wrong place' in the first place?
I know this topic has been covered on the Beeb boards, but I just wanted to have a grouse about it, because Friday evenings are just not the same without the old style interesting and informative Gardeners' World.
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Post by 4pygmies on Oct 7, 2006 6:52:31 GMT
Morning Spruance, I'm SO sorry but I have to disagree with you..........I think it's quite useful for a lot of gardeners to watch them digging up plants and moving things. I am slightly aggrieved that they are moving everything on such a scale, and you're right - maybe they shouldn't have planted some of them where they did originally. And I really enjoy the broadband blogs about behind the scenes - much more honest about what goes on. (Also I went to school with one of the cameramen and I keep looking out for him to see how he's aging - he was GORGEOUS 30 ish years ago!). The pond stuff is a bit daft but they had problems right from the start with it and if they have the manpower, budget and will, why not change? I do wonder too how much say the owners have - maybe they have asked for a few changes as they don't like the views from their kitchen! At least they're actually doing some proper gardening and not obsessing about fancy pots and design styles at the moment. I'm enjoying the programme at the moment! Sorry!
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Post by Dr Bill on Oct 7, 2006 9:06:32 GMT
Gardener's World is somewhat variable. Last evening's programme was not particularly interesting (although lets not lose sight of the fact that the bed was being cleared for a good reason - the plants were suffering because of the pan of compacted subsoil underneath - a valuable lesson - prepare your beds properly before planting them) but other programmes have been interesting and informative.
It is inevitable that the programme is gong to repeat itself from time to time. We have heard how to split perennials times many, but new gardeners may not know how to do this.
The programme has the difficult task of appealing to new gardeners and old hands alike, and to please many different tastes. This is almost impossible, particularly in half an hour per week.
Perhaps it is time to look at diferent ways of presenting things. The programme really isn't long enough to fulfil all its intentions. Maybe it should be sub-divided - beginners, edible gardening, indoor gardening, etc. Or perhaps a new regular series for new gardeners (like AT's series but on a contiunuing basis).
Don't scrap gardener's world, but perhaps time to rethink the format.
I think the presenters are fine. The producers and advisers need to look at things carefully before next season, perhaps taking note of some of the comments by viewers (but I hope not assuming we are all as offensive as some have been on the BBC boards).
I wonder if any of them look at these boards?
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Post by Deleted on Oct 7, 2006 16:16:52 GMT
Hi Spruance
I'm with you on the subject of Gardeners World, I do think that it's current format it's perhaps abit 'past it's sell by date'. I don't watch it much these days.
I used to feel I learnt something from the show in the days of Geoff Hamilton and Alan Titchmarsh, but I don't feel I learn much now - I just wonder if this is because I am a more experienced gardener now and I find the show abit basic.
BTW....the same goes for the magazine!!
GH
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Post by Spruance on Oct 7, 2006 18:03:44 GMT
I should point out that I have nothing against Monty Don, or any of the presenters. I would say however, that each appears to work better on their own rather than in the current 'Blue Peter' style team.
Monty used to have a fantastic little programme on Channel 4, I think, called Fork to Fork, which as I recall was set in his own garden.
I was disappointed when AT decided to step down as lead presenter on GW, but thought that Monty would be a worthy replacement. It started off well but now it's as though they are running out of ideas.
Since MD, Joe Swift & Carol Klein are all very experienced gardeners and television presenters, perhaps it comes down to the production team. If so, I hope they get some new ideas soon, otherwise I will be watching something else on Friday evenings.
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Post by jlottie on Oct 7, 2006 18:05:49 GMT
Can't remember the last time I watched it, and as for the mag, after buying the October issue I remembered why I stopped buying it - what a waste of money.
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Post by toonia on Oct 7, 2006 18:48:45 GMT
It's like a drug, though! It has to be watched just in case something has happened or improved!
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Post by Cheerypeabrain on Oct 7, 2006 19:49:06 GMT
Well I like it. I agree that all of it isn't relevant to me..but I'm so hungry for gardening programmes I watch it avidly.
I'd never heard of the 'hard-pan' problem before...it's just not something I'd considered....now he's mentioned it ...I've had a 'DOH' moment!
The hour long programmes are better I think, I like it when they're up to their earoles in soil and plants talking about what they're doing, what they hope to achieve etc. OK the 60,000 ft Hessian carpet looked a bit silly...but the idea's sound isn't it?
What do other people want from GW? Maybe there should be 3 levels of GW...level 1 the 'How to be a Gardener' crowd, level 2 advanced skills, interesting facts and the like. Level 3 for dead clever master-craftspersons. Me I'd watch all 3 even if levels 2 & 3 might be completely over my head...
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Post by netherfield on Oct 8, 2006 14:13:59 GMT
I must admit I only watch it in the hope of something new and interesting happening,and i.ve only ever bought one GW mag and that was to see what Plocket looked like.
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Post by oldmoleskins on Oct 8, 2006 14:47:17 GMT
While I find I agree with much of the comment here about GW - and it's been losing it's appeal to me recently - I wonder if the comparison with GQT on radio4 might be useful:
on the one hand you have a tv "docusoap" about life at the GW garden - and yes, there are only so many permutations of the seasonal themes to depict... on the other, GQT is a bit like here, it's a forum for an exchange of ideas (and sometimes conflicting advice) and consistently provides a nugget or two of useful chat.
The question the producers/presenters of GW must address is: has their 'vehicle' run out of puff?
OM.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2006 17:18:20 GMT
I have to say, I find it a little dull at the moment and I think some of the planting areas (such as the jungle for example) are........well........sh*t, to be perfectly honest.
However, I still keep watching because a) it's a gardening programme on telly and b) just occasionally they show a plant or a planting combination that I just love.
I'm still one of the "I don't really know what I'm doing in the garden" brigade so any inspirational plants or planting combinations are always very welcome !
FA x
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Post by madonplants on Oct 9, 2006 9:14:46 GMT
I have to say, I find it a little dull at the moment and I think some of the planting areas (such as the jungle for example) are........well........sh*t, to be perfectly honest. However, I still keep watching because a) it's a gardening programme on telly and b) just occasionally they show a plant or a planting combination that I just love. I'm still one of the "I don't really know what I'm doing in the garden" brigade so any inspirational plants or planting combinations are always very welcome ! FA x I agree Andy, with most of what you say. I am not sure about the jungle garden. I think it will need to be regulary hacked back, but the viewers asked for a jungle garden........or did they? In such a small place! The bit with the hard pan made me laugh my head off. Every gardener knows you should only need to double dig once in the life of a border. Then single digging comes in, if need be. There are always exceptions, I know! They are supposed to be the experts, or were they told just to plant it up. I will carry on watching it, as it is sort of habit, but I will always hope to see something that makes me say, oh I could try that scheme or that plant looks nice and would go in my garden! It is like someone from a tv survey said once, he only watches Coronation Street through habit, he doesn't think he even likes it anymore. Just keeps doing it, because he always has done! Can't comment on Cory, as I have only seen it about twice and that was a sa kid and my Grandparents came to stay and they couldn't miss it!! I do still enjoy GW to an extent, just not in the same way as I did when AT or the great GH did it. Or is this just because I am more experienced now, having learnt most of what I need to know. Take note of the 'most' there, as we can all learn, even so called experts. Look at that hard pan!! They learnt, and they are supposed to be experts! Keith |
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Post by beejay on Oct 9, 2006 11:40:42 GMT
Well I still enjoy GW on the whole. I treat it a bit like a magazine: sometimes there are bits I like, other times not. It's still good to be able to relax with a bit of gardening & there isn't much else on sadly.
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Post by Plocket on Oct 9, 2006 16:01:51 GMT
I don't bother to watch it any more - it just doesn't inspire me now. That doesn't mean that my garden is perfect, but as I read GW Magazine I get what I need from that. I'd watch if I wasn't busy or watching something else, but I'm not as eager as I was ;D
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Post by Deleted on Oct 10, 2006 6:45:02 GMT
I loved the program when AT was in the chair, so much so that I would set the video to tape it if we were going out  I can take it or leave it now I'm sorry to say. I liked it in the days of Geoff Hamilton - I liked the way his huge garden was sectioned into smaller themed gardens as they were of a scale more on a par with the average garden.  I could only dream of having a garden as large as Berryfields with a pond that should IMO be referred to as a lake ;D |
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Post by 4pygmies on Oct 10, 2006 6:53:39 GMT
I actually think they are doing their best to please as many viewers as possible. I remember the wonderful Geoff and the way I used to absorb every word he said - I was a beginner then. Maybe that's really the problem. We (most) have all been gardening for many years. GW still has to try and inform and encourage the learners whilst keeping more experienced gardeners interested. That's a tall order for only 30 minutes a week! And I respect them for having the courage to start again with some of their projects - they must have known they would get some flak. No garden is static or even finished and they are not there just to create a show place are they? Their brief is to use Berryfields as a teaching resource. I'm just jealous of their budget!
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