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GW's lost 500,000 viewers so far this season

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Messages: 1 - 50 of 70
  • Message 1.Ìý

    Posted by Colin (U2252951) on Saturday, 1st October 2011

    Official viewing figures show this series began with 2.5M viewers but has had a run of weeks less than 2M in August.

    I don't suppose the 'gap weeks' for sports will have helped, nor the 30 Sep video pre-pack edition.

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  • Message 2

    , in reply to message 1.

    Posted by Obelixx (U2157162) on Saturday, 1st October 2011

    Nor people with kids being away on hols. Let's see how autumn goes.

    Any figures for Beechgrove?

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  • Message 3

    , in reply to message 2.

    Posted by happytobyfan (U13663471) on Sunday, 2nd October 2011

    Any figures for Beechgrove?Ìý

    No, BARB (which anyone can Google/access) doesn't cover Scotland.

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  • Message 4

    , in reply to message 3.

    Posted by Obelixx (U2157162) on Sunday, 2nd October 2011

    I found this -

    Based on a Scottish population of 5million, this means almost 9% of its population was viewing Beechgrove as of March this year. Given a total UK population of 62 million, GW viewing figures come in at about 4%.

    Even as a percentage of just England and Wales it's still a low figure so maybe GW needs to think about more regional variation in its topics and advice features.

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  • Message 5

    , in reply to message 4.

    Posted by Joe_the_Gardener (U3478064) on Monday, 3rd October 2011

    ...............almost 9% of its population was viewing Beechgrove as of March this year............

    Do you know how dark and cold it can be in Scotland?

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  • Message 6

    , in reply to message 5.

    Posted by nooj (U13729031) on Monday, 3rd October 2011

    I'm sure a lot of the loss of viewers is because of the on/ off nature of the programme.
    If it's not in it's regular slot, or worse , cancelled, you sort of lose interest.

    The Beeb used to be so good at that reliability as well.,

    Report message6

  • Message 7

    , in reply to message 5.

    Posted by Obelixx (U2157162) on Monday, 3rd October 2011

    Yes Joey - but they watched gardening rather than any of the 100s of other channels they can get on their satellite and cable TV.

    Nooj - chopping and changing doesn't help but most freeview and stellite systems have automatic recording features to ensure you dn't miss a favourite programme. I think this is more a case of viewers voting with their feet (or handsets) because they can't relate to Monty and his garden.

    As I've said before, Monty and his garden are fine for people who know what they're doing and can glean tips or adapt something from his GW but it's no good for beginners and can seem especially irrelevant to inexperienced gardeners with normal suburban plots surrounded by neighbours or with children who need play areas.

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  • Message 8

    , in reply to message 7.

    Posted by Derek Pig (U14833635) on Tuesday, 4th October 2011

    Hi Obelixx

    one of the best things on GW over the past few years was Joe on his allotment- precisely because he admitted he didnt have a clue what he was doing. What do you think of my idea of having a novice gardener to co present with Monty- I have suggested Brian Blessed as a possibility- to provide something interesting for all viewers?

    Blessed might know naff all about gardening but he is a great presenter, would up viewing figures and his mad hatter style would compliment the brilliant Montys gentle approach to life.

    Me, i think its a winner.

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  • Message 9

    , in reply to message 8.

    Posted by Pumpkin_Patch_Paul (U14565900) on Tuesday, 4th October 2011

    Joey you have not thought this out,Brian is to LOUD! the sound man and the wildlife would suffer and Monty would need to wear hear defenders,he would be a good bird scarer though.

    Pheraps a children in need thing though. LOL

    PPP.

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  • Message 10

    , in reply to message 9.

    Posted by nooj (U13729031) on Tuesday, 4th October 2011

    Didn't Brian Blessed do some wildlife thing?
    I'm sure he can be quiet at the right moments.
    I suspect he may be a gentle giant.
    I'd quite like him to boom around my garden and scare all the mice up into the field.
    Now I think of it - have we ever had a mouse pest segment on GW?
    A lot of us suffer from mice.

    Report message10

  • Message 11

    , in reply to message 10.

    Posted by Obelixx (U2157162) on Tuesday, 4th October 2011

    Joey, you are an idiot.

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  • Message 12

    , in reply to message 11.

    Posted by David K (U14115317) on Tuesday, 4th October 2011

    This is all beginning to sound like something that has visited these boards before!!!

    Report message12

  • Message 13

    , in reply to message 11.

    Posted by Derek Pig (U14833635) on Wednesday, 5th October 2011

    Thanks for that Obelixx!!

    the point i want to make is that it is good presenters that are needed and its combinations that work. I said Brian Blessed because I like him, I'd watch it and its something very different

    i also said that Joe Swifts allotment was great because he openly admitted he hadnt a clue

    why not get a great presenter in, who no one can dislike, and have them back up a knowledgable gardener like Monty? It doesnt have to be Brian Blessed- why not Jane Horrocks? Everyone likes her as well.

    Why wouldnt that work? Surely not just because the sanctimoniuos would find a self confessed amateur harder to pick on and criticise? Monty is great but look at all the horrible abuse he gets on these boards..

    People who have nothing to be angry about are angry about nothing

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  • Message 14

    , in reply to message 13.

    Posted by the cycling gardener (U2350416) on Wednesday, 5th October 2011

    Joey - with the best will in the world there is never going to be a presenter "who no-one can dislike".

    Report message14

  • Message 15

    , in reply to message 14.

    Posted by Obelixx (U2157162) on Wednesday, 5th October 2011

    Ok Joey, i'll elaborate. You wouldn't expect anyone who only ever eats take-away to present a top cookery show and demonstrate recipes either simple or intricate. same goes for gardening.

    I cannot believe there are no highly qualified gardeners out there who are not also capable of presenting a top gardening show on TV and we certainly don't need to be shouted at by the likes of Brian B. Alan T and Chris Beardshaw both have what it takes to present and can talk with authority in an engaging manner about stuff horticultural stuff they know intimately. Beechgrove has a team of gardeners who can present and also acknowledges the work of the behind the scenes gardeners.

    GW and its audience need and deserve someone with a broad background in horticulture and communication skills.

    Report message15

  • Message 16

    , in reply to message 15.

    Posted by Derek Pig (U14833635) on Wednesday, 5th October 2011

    Hi Obelixx

    You didnt get my point. This thread is about GW losing viewers- I've said that having a novice- like Brian Blessed - co presenting with someone who does know their carrots from their marigolds - like Monty Don - sounds fine to me

    Dont we learn from watching others learn? Dont those taught ask the questions we want to ask? Wouldnt that encourage learning?

    As I've said before, I dont think I could get any higher qualifications in horticulture but I couldnt present a TV programme due to my general dislike of people and lack of concern for their education. I also souynd "thick" as I have a strong regional accent. Some perky attractive well spoken nipper who only JUST didn't get the Blue Peter gig would be much better than me.

    I've never watched a cookery programme in my life- i think they are posh - but if Surya, the guy from my local Indian or Sam from the Chinese takeaway went on telly to show us their secrets, might not suit the snobs and might have to be on ITV, but it would have massive viewing figures.

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  • Message 17

    , in reply to message 16.

    Posted by Obelixx (U2157162) on Wednesday, 5th October 2011

    I rest my case.

    I want presenters who are capable of pitching their explanatins at us all working with producers who realise that you can teach an old dognew tricks so they fill the programme with nbasic stuff for new gardeners, middling stuff for the masses and reminders and top tips for the more experienced.

    No Brian Blessed or his ilk anywhere near the place.

    And how can you judge cookery shows as pos if you've never watched one? There's plenty of range for beginners, inexeprienced and good cooks alike. It ought to be the same for gardening.

    Report message17

  • Message 18

    , in reply to message 16.

    Posted by ArtemisH (U14261033) on Wednesday, 5th October 2011

    I've never watched a cookery programme in my life- i think they are posh Ìý

    Bligh me! Have you ever seen, and, MUCH worse, heard Gordon Ramsay?

    Report message18

  • Message 19

    , in reply to message 16.

    Posted by Mycowaz (U14848091) on Wednesday, 5th October 2011


    Joey, For me Brian Blessed would be brill! but i have a beard phobia so that rules him out. The talking sweet chesnut tree from Richmond Park would get my vote and I could also live with Horrocks.

    .....how about Tony Robinson of Blackadder and Timeteam fame, im sure he could turn his hand to gardening.

    Zam

    Report message19

  • Message 20

    , in reply to message 8.

    Posted by Braidman (U11753668) on Wednesday, 5th October 2011

    .

    Novice gardeners as presenters, what a terrible thought!

    As for Joe on his allotment it was excruciating to watch while it lasted, hopefully we will never again be subjected by such a dire idea and drivel!

    I would suggest that most viewers of GW are at least competent and don't need to be shown how to sow seeds aka Carol, every few programmes!

    New varieties of vegetables, flowers etc, which I have never heard of and possible will never see, is what I would like to be informed of, not little Gem lettuce or Moneymaker or Shirley tomatoes as seems to be the presenters motto.

    Let the novices look and learn, please don't drag GW down to the infant stage, raise the bar!

    Report message20

  • Message 21

    , in reply to message 17.

    Posted by Derek Pig (U14833635) on Wednesday, 5th October 2011

    Hi obelixx

    I'm not convinced- TV gardening is about entertainment. People who want to learn anything need to go to college and do a class.

    gardeners world shouldnt just be for those too tight fisted to fork out for a night class of something. For this reason, I'd like to see a range of novelty presenters, who are good presenters and will get people interested.

    Anyone who really wants to develop as a gardener can then go and learn properly.

    And if Michael Barrymore is looking for a way back onto TV then I for one would welcome him on GW- with Monty of course!

    as for cookery programmes being posh, of course they are, look who eats at Gordon Ramseys. Certainly no working gardeners, not on the pittance we get.

    And Hello Zamiaceae- Tony Robinson- what a great idea!

    Report message21

  • Message 22

    , in reply to message 21.

    Posted by ladynovicegardener (U5368058) on Thursday, 6th October 2011

    As is often the case I am in agreement with Obelixx.

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  • Message 23

    , in reply to message 22.

    Posted by Obelixx (U2157162) on Thursday, 6th October 2011

    Joey - The Hairy Bikers are not posh but they inspire people to cook simple, nourishing food using local produce and traditional recipes, sometimes tweaked to make them simpler for modern cooks pressed for time.

    Dlia Smith wasn't posh when she started and she isn't posh now, even though she's made millions form her books.

    I watched Gordon Ramsay once but didn't last a whole programme - all that shouting and swearing and making people feel small and stupid.

    Not everyone has the time to go to evening classes or even has evening classes available. I certainly don't. I learned about gardening from watching GW with Geoff H and then AT. They inspired me to read more, visit gardens, join the RHS and so on.

    I also learn from TV about science, nature, ecology, politics, art, music, history, geography and much more from a wide range of informative documentaries on offer.

    I don't want gardening for idiots with dumb stooges.

    I want intelligent, informative programmes about how to garden, when to garden, how, when and why to plant, sow, prune and guest spots and visits to cover design, new plants, new products and treid and tested methods and products too. I want to know about what works for amateur gardeners who don't have vast greenhouses or sophisticated misting equipment for cuttings. I want to know what plants look good together and which should never be planted together. I want to see projects started and completed. i want to see successes and failures and I want it all to be timely.

    And in winter, I want programmes to inspire me for the next growing season like w eused to have with GH's specials on Paradise Gardens and Ornamental Kitchen Gadens and AT's How to be a Gardener. Carol's series last year waqs good and good be repeated and developed but they also need to find some younger blood t take us forward. A series doing detailed coverage of great gardeners such as Beth Chatto and her garden would be welcome too and there are many more such gardeners.

    There's far too much dumbed down dross on TV already and Tony B's deliberately populist series of GW was a significant and dismal failure. Let's keep it out of gardening.

    Report message23

  • Message 24

    , in reply to message 21.

    Posted by Ariadne Knickerbocker (U4534559) on Thursday, 6th October 2011

    Psst... Joey... didn't want to interrupt Obs when she was in full flow... but Michael Barrymore is going to be on Celeb Coach Trip next week! Enjoy.

    Esme

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  • Message 25

    , in reply to message 23.

    Posted by Mycowaz (U14848091) on Thursday, 6th October 2011


    Blimey Joey....you certainly know how to cause a stir don't you!

    But hey, nothing like the cut and thrust of good honest debate! That's what I say!

    I still think Tony Robinson would be a good choice! ...or how about Tony Blair, I'll throw that one into the mix as well.

    Hope your all having a bloody good afternoon!

    Zam

    Report message25

  • Message 26

    , in reply to message 23.

    Posted by Derek Pig (U14833635) on Thursday, 6th October 2011

    We will have to agree to differ Obelixx.

    Most people interested in gardening- i mean really interested that thats their job-can and do make the sacrifices to go and train in horticulture for a job that never pays much more than a paltry salary from which they have to pay their bbc licence fee- as I'm sure you do.

    What you'll learn about science and nature and ecology from a documentary isnt really any more than you'll learn about being a doctor from watching a hospital documentary. Sorry, but if you really want to learn then you'll have to do a course or three. is there no college near you?

    Today the bbc are announcing huge job cuts and slashing programmes. For everyone working in whatever bit of the Beeb that includes gardeners world and the like, they must be looking at viewing figures and hoping they arent for the chop. I think its selfish to say that you want a minority interest programme for people like you who cant do night classes or courses- such programmes should be subscription only and you should pay for them yourself.

    For the people whio might lose their jobs at the Â鶹Éç, I'd be happy for them to have Ant & dec presenting GW if it was popular and increased the viewing figures- it is entertainment. and I hope it keeps people in jobs.

    So we have to differ- i get what you are saying but it is too much of a minority position to justify. Education is provided elsewhere, at a fee. And of course we're all in it together..

    Report message26

  • Message 27

    , in reply to message 24.

    Posted by Derek Pig (U14833635) on Thursday, 6th October 2011

    Hi Esme

    thats great news! Once I've finished watching it I'll aply for a job as a coach driver.

    And hello Zam- i've got the afternoon off, started at 6 this morning and I'm walloped. Working weird shifts at the moment.

    dont you think though that GW is entertainment, you can learn more elsewhere- i mean, no one keeps their children at home and self teaches them by showing them re-runs of Grange Hill do they- and i am more concerned about peoples jobs. Anything that keeps viewing up must be a good thing- and if Brian Blessed, Tony Robinson, Jane Horricks or Michael Barrymore helped then I'd be happy for the staff that make the programme.

    have a good afternoon yourself. I'm off to the tub.

    Report message27

  • Message 28

    , in reply to message 26.

    Posted by Obelixx (U2157162) on Thursday, 6th October 2011

    Get real Joey. GW isn't aimed at professionals. It's aimed at amateurs with gardens to look after in their spare time. Plenty do go on to study for horticultural qualifications at evening class or with the RHS but most just want to know how to make their gardens grow, usually with least effort.

    I learn enough from intelligent documentaries for me to know what I want to research or read about more. I don't want to become a professional gardener or anything else..

    Report message28

  • Message 29

    , in reply to message 7.

    Posted by Joe_the_Gardener (U3478064) on Thursday, 6th October 2011

    .................Yes Joey - but they watched gardening rather than any of the 100s of other channels they can get on their satellite and cable TV............

    Do I detect sense of humour failure? And a confusion of Joes?

    Anyway Joey S has pretty much said all I would want to say. TV gardening is showbiz/light entertainment/eye candy - call it what you like. If you want technical instruction or garden aesthetics you need much bigger formats, such as a book or visits to gardens or, as Joey says, a night class.

    For my licence money, the Monty format is pretty good.

    Joe

    Report message29

  • Message 30

    , in reply to message 29.

    Posted by Mycowaz (U14848091) on Thursday, 6th October 2011

    ....So Joe....who do you think would make a good showbiz combination with Monty Don....do you advocate beardy Brian Blessed??

    anyone else think of any good shopwbiz partners??

    so far we have in order of priority;

    Brian 'the beard' Blessed
    The talking Sweet Chestnut Tree in Richmond Park
    Jane Horrocks
    Michael Barrymore
    Tony Robinson
    Tony Blair

    Zam

    Report message30

  • Message 31

    , in reply to message 30.

    Posted by Joe_the_Gardener (U3478064) on Sunday, 9th October 2011

    Desmond Tutu

    Report message31

  • Message 32

    , in reply to message 31.

    Posted by Derek Pig (U14833635) on Tuesday, 11th October 2011

    As lomng as Monty is at the forefront then I'm happy- but with Blessed backing him up and if the Â鶹Éç do opt for an inanimate object or mythical being as the co-presenter, then i would welcome Archbishop Desmond Tutu as a voice over.

    Report message32

  • Message 33

    , in reply to message 32.

    Posted by the cycling gardener (U2350416) on Wednesday, 12th October 2011

    Joey, I'm completely with Obs on this one. TV programmes are littered with Z list celebs trying their hand at anything to get a bit of self promotion, prop up their failing careers and earn a few quid in the name of "entertainment". GW is a haven of tranquility away from all that. While I admired Brian Blessed climbing Everest and strutting his stuff in I Claudius I shudder at the thought of him throwing his bearded weight and thunderous voice around GW.

    Report message33

  • Message 34

    , in reply to message 32.

    Posted by Mycowaz (U14848091) on Wednesday, 12th October 2011


    Joey...'thinking outside the box' here...but .what a about a virtual computer aminated version of Jabba the Hut from The Return of the Jedi to accompany Monty and Brian??

    Just a thought...

    Zam

    Report message34

  • Message 35

    , in reply to message 33.

    Posted by Derek Pig (U14833635) on Wednesday, 12th October 2011

    hello fellow cyclist

    all TV is full of Z listers and they attract the viewers. I dont see why GW should be any different- its not as if the presenters are the greatest horticulturists in the world- they are presenters. That is their job and Monty is damn good at it.

    If Blessed or the use of holograms or anyone else mentioned put the figures up then i'd be pleased for the production team. Anyone who wants to learn should go to college.

    Report message35

  • Message 36

    , in reply to message 35.

    Posted by the cycling gardener (U2350416) on Thursday, 13th October 2011

    Perhaps getting some celebrities on board would attract some new viewers but I think GW would lose its core audience so over all viewing figures wouldn't increase. A superb programme dedicated to helping amateur gardeners get the best from their gardens would be sacrificed on the alter of ratings. Part of the Â鶹Éç remit is to educate, not just to entertain. I'm always picking up new tips on GW and I've been gardening since I was a child. I worry that what you are suggesting is dumbing down - moving back to the Greenacres approach. Most amateur gardeners don't need or want an RHS horticultural qualification - just some straight forward, timely advice and ideas to help them make sense of their gardens.

    Good to learn you cycle as well Joey. I've just been told my rear shock is a write-off. Facing a £300 bill for a new onesmiley - sadface and my bike is off the road 'till I get it fixedsmiley - sadface

    Report message36

  • Message 37

    , in reply to message 36.

    Posted by Obelixx (U2157162) on Thursday, 13th October 2011

    I have to agree. No gardener I know watches the midday offering of Chelsea coverage because it's hosted and presented by the numbskull Nicky Campbell. She's been doing the job for years now and still knows nothing.

    I want GW to be in the educate and inform remit of the Beeb too and, when it is, find it very entertaining and absorbing so it hits the spot all round. When it was dumbed down under Toby it just irritated.

    They can do a whole series on inspirational gardening for complete beginners with bare plots, and old ones, but please, not like the dreadful programme on ITV recently. Let them assume the target audience knows nothing but is at least interested in how to do it right so that plants survive and all the effort, creativity and money isn't wasted.

    Report message37

  • Message 38

    , in reply to message 37.

    Posted by Pumpkin_Patch_Paul (U14565900) on Thursday, 13th October 2011

    How about Julian Clarey,Ken Dodd as assistants to Gene Hunt played by Philip Glenister from Life On Mars......Should be good for a bank holiday special.

    Report message38

  • Message 39

    , in reply to message 37.

    Posted by Lowena (U14575314) on Thursday, 13th October 2011

    It's Nicky Chapman Obs, and I watch her every day ( embarrassed smiley)
    I wish Joey S and Zam whoever would stop harping on about the same old things.It never was amusing and is now just tedious.
    They have dumbed down these boards and now want to do the same to GW.I can't stand MD's presenting style but at least he purports to be something of a gardener.

    Report message39

  • Message 40

    , in reply to message 38.

    Posted by Mycowaz (U14848091) on Thursday, 13th October 2011


    Outstanding suggestions Mr jack o lantern. Love the idea of a bank holiday special with Philip Glenister!!

    ....The Beeb could do themed special editions with the fantastic Monty Don and guest presenters!

    For example:

    Fantasy epsode: Monty, Xena Warrior Princess, Bagpus
    Essex girls episode: Monty, Abbi Titmus, Jordan
    Old school Comedians: Monty, Jethro, Jasper Carrot
    Football epsiode: Monty,Wayne Rooney, Gary Lineka

    This way the presenters are always different and everyones happy!!

    I donate this fantastic idea to the Beeb....no thanks required.

    Zam

    Report message40

  • Message 41

    , in reply to message 36.

    Posted by Derek Pig (U14833635) on Thursday, 13th October 2011

    Hi Cycling gardener

    i dont agree with the knocking the presenters get- they are just presenters presenting. The boards are just full of people slagging presenters ( i like the comment about me just going on about the same thing when so many people just get realy nasty and go on and on and on about people they dont even know). so, get some new presenters- Blessed, Chegwin,- is Bernard Cribbens still alive?- one of the spice girls. i bet the viewing figures would go up if Dr Alice Roberts presented it in a burlesque nightgown...

    i'm not bothered about dumbing down as it should entertain- education is better done at a college, entertainment by Tom & Jerry. You'll learn more in a term on a national certificate than you will in a lifetiime trying to learn from TV. It just costs money thats all. You cannot have a minority clique of latent narcissists who pour over GW waiting to pounce on the 1st mistake the presenter makes and thinking they have some right to call the tune on how a TV programme should be pitched- that just really isnt fair, and I bet the bbc know their audience..

    Bring on Ginger Spice I say.

    I dont see why people get so wound up. monty is a great presenter- i hate soft furnishings, for example, but I reckon if Monty did a programme on them I would be able to watch it because of his enthusiam. Hes a great presenter.

    I have a 38 year old racer- just older then me- and it does 80 miles in proper hills every week. i crash it every year or so but just paste stuff back on. Think it'll do me a lifetime...

    Report message41

  • Message 42

    , in reply to message 41.

    Posted by the cycling gardener (U2350416) on Friday, 14th October 2011

    You'll learn more in a term on a national certificate than you will in a lifetiime trying to learn from TV. It just costs money thats all.Ìý

    Too simplistic. It doesn't just cost money Joey (and there isn't so much disposable money around at the moment to spend on gardening courses). It also costs time. The colleges around here don't offer an RHS evening course. The majority of people are committed to full time work and can't take time out during the day to attend college in a subject that has no relevance to their job.

    I mountain bike, 30 to 40 or so miles off-road with friends at the weekend and evening rides in the summer when time allows. Its a great way to connect with the countryside. During the last 5 years or so we've noticed a substantial increase in the number of Red Kites and Buzzards (I'm wedged in a rural oasis between Luton, St. Albans and Stevenage) which I suspect are the result of local farmers embracing wildlife stewardship schemes.

    Report message42

  • Message 43

    , in reply to message 42.

    Posted by Obelixx (U2157162) on Friday, 14th October 2011

    My thoughts exactly CG - except for the cycling. I walk the dog instead.

    Round here on my one hour circuit I get to see pheasants, partridges, sky larks, lapwings, roe deer, hares, buzzards, kestrels, woodpeckers, swifts, swallows, house martins, chaffinches, herons, greater and lesser egrets, field mice and so on according to season and then all sorts of wild flowers and native trees growing in the verges and between fields and small woodlands.

    On the longer circuits there are more woodland birds I hear but don't see so can't identify and also some lakes for ducks kept as game birds but accompanied by Egyptian geese and Canada geese. I love watching the changing seasons and even enjoyed ploughing through snowdrifts and along frozen lanes and tracks last winter though that did start to pall after a couple of months of it. Hard work.

    We have a horticultural school in my local town that teaches 12 to 18 yr olds everything from floristry to tree surgery with plant growing and propagation for market gardeners and nurserymen in between and landscape architecture for those who want to carry on to degree level. They do occasional weekend courses in conjunction with the local horticultural society of which I am a member but I'm never free. Family commitments come first and we are always busy with something at weekends - and evenings come to that..

    Report message43

  • Message 44

    , in reply to message 3.

    Posted by Tom D (U15006412) on Monday, 17th October 2011

    I am relatively new to gardening but quite keen to learn, and I have to say that the current GW is one of the most deadly dull programmes on free to air television. 20 mins + of a bloke doing his own garden is fine for one week, but to build a whole series around it is unimaginative and frankly uninspiring. I turned over and watched Ray Mears who manages to be un-patronising and makes a subject like walking around the Highlands fascinating and gripping. Beechgrove is current, witty and has a variety of subject way beyond what GW is producing at the moment. I live in the Home Counties but have learnt far more from the great Jim McColl than I am ever going to learn from the current set-up.

    Why would anyone who is not a very keen gardener watch the current version of GW. It needs to have more variety and a warmer less patronising host, in my opinion.

    Report message44

  • Message 45

    , in reply to message 44.

    Posted by Don Kidick (U13987773) on Monday, 17th October 2011

    I thought Beechgrove was only broadcast in Scotland?

    I live in the north west (of England) can get it here? If so how when etc.

    As for GW I like it, I like MDs relaxed approach and also the features like visiting other gardens ect so how you can say it’s 20 mins + of a bloke doing his own garden, is quite baffling to be honestCheers. Don. smiley - ok

    Report message45

  • Message 46

    , in reply to message 45.

    Posted by thedogcody (U14659366) on Monday, 17th October 2011

    Don

    It is on i-player for 7 days-or Â鶹Éç 1 Scotland on a Monday at 7.30-if you have a satellite dish you may be able to pick it up.

    On the downside it is off-air until next year.

    Geoff

    Report message46

  • Message 47

    , in reply to message 46.

    Posted by Don Kidick (U13987773) on Monday, 17th October 2011

    Thanks Geoff.

    I'll have to keep my eyes open for it.

    Are there any other Gardening programmes to watch, besides GW?

    Cheers. Don smiley - ok

    Report message47

  • Message 48

    , in reply to message 46.

    Posted by Obelixx (U2157162) on Monday, 17th October 2011

    Unfortunately Beechgrove has a short season and starts later and ends sooner than GW.

    I too enjoy GW but do agree that it isn't generally suited to beginners. Having said that, I don't remember GH spoon feeding me when I was a novice in 1982. He did, however, have many varied fetaures and sub gardens in his huge plot and all deliberately set up for TV so he could do simple projects and basic plants and techniques suited to beginners as well as more complicated and advanced projects and plants for the experienced gardener.

    Monty's garden is definitely a private family space which is now being used for TV so is much more personal and very much removed from the average suburban garden in size, features, use and taste.

    We do need something more for novices but, please, not an idiots' guide with idiot presenters.

    Report message48

  • Message 49

    , in reply to message 47.

    Posted by thedogcody (U14659366) on Monday, 17th October 2011

    Thanks Geoff.

    I'll have to keep my eyes open for it.

    Are there any other Gardening programmes to watch, besides GW?

    Cheers. Don smiley - ok
    Ìý
    Sarah Raven has got a programme coming up-Chris Beardshaw had a series on Â鶹Éç NI earlier in the year-sattelite or i-player job again-just a matter of looking out
    Now if you want a cooking,moving house antiques,or diy programme then you are in luck!!!

    smiley - biggrin

    Report message49

  • Message 50

    , in reply to message 1.

    Posted by sunnyD (U10341818) on Friday, 21st October 2011

    I used to watch but now do not. i watched tonight and it was worse than ever

    Report message50

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