Who found a crack-proof lens to FINALLY take a photo of this rough and ready reviewer?!?
Who found a crack-proof lens to FINALLY take a photo of this rough and ready reviewer?!?
Member since:17.07.2004
Reviews:55
Members who trust:12
OK, so I am pleading for a garden makeover, and now that Ground Force is no more, I have to do it the hard way, with my time, my own efforts and my money. So when I first saw this programme emerge on BBC2, a lifeline was thrown for my overgrown plot disguised as a back garden.
QUICK BACKGROUND -------------------------------- Alan Titchmarsh, self-styled Yorkshire God of the sod (Soil and turf kind!) delves into his vast knowledge of all things horticultural to aid wannabe gardeners (that includes me) in telling them what a plant looks like! Well, not as basic as that but he does explain what types of plant do what, which are best in what soil, the different types of soil etc.
BORING BY HALF? --------------------------- Not at all my dear sceptic! Mr Littleswamp (That's my nickname for Alan) goes through all aspects in the Queen's english in his typical Northern manner in a way that a two year old would gurgle their understanding and if they could, would toddle into a garden, identify if not say 'Rhododendron' and go and plant one in soil that the plant would love. Aswell as showing how a garden can be aesthetically pleasing to the eye, you are also shown how practical a garden can be with vegetables and herbs, and how these also enhance your horticultural experiences! Anyone, and I mean absolutely anyone, would understand the message coming across from their goggle box.
SOUNDS A GREAT PROGRAMME ----------------------------------------------- It is and it should, in my opinion occupy a better slot than the backwater of BBC2. The first series really deals with the basics to gardening, whilst the second series shows example of various plots and various styles of garden, from traditional to very modern!
The downside is that, not through any fault of the programme, it does not actively encourage someone out into their garden. How come? Let me explain. The main season that this is shown is Autumn/Winter. The typical time that the amateur gardener sits inside and let nature do its worst until April time when the first job is to wade through the jungle called a lawn and mow it. Alan does his best to get people to plan ahead, but if I am any guide, most will pick plants because they like them not thinking they may not grow due to wrong soil or too much shade. I am an artistic idiot and cannot draw or colour code for toffee! So my best plan is to go out, do it and change it later if it doesn't look right. Just t look at the current state of my plot would tell you that I take many ideas from other gardens, throw them together and hope for the best! It never works like that, believe me!
BLOOMING SUCCESS OR SODDEN FAILURE ---------------------------------------------------------------- The programme itself is a blooming success. I would rank it in a similar vain to Ground Force in that it encourages people to get into their garden and potter about in their own time to establish their own magnificent English Country Garden. The BBC are also cashing in on the success of garden programmes and Alan's popularity by bringing out a companion book called , funnily enough, 'How to be a Gardener'. Be warned though. If you intend to buy the book, it was initially published as two volumes, one for each series, but is now available as a complete set.
The programme is now enjoying re-runs on satellite channel UKTV StyleGardens. If you have yet to sample this horticultural golden nugget, feast your eyes on this channel sharpish. All Alan fans will be watching and re-watching, me included. REMEMBER - if you are not greenfingered, a light lime tinge will appear on your hand after viewing Mr T, even if you don't have as much as a window box!
Thanks for reading - Happy Gardening!
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