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Alan Titchmarsh - Brilliant Programme!
This discussion has been closed.
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Message 1.Â
Posted by girlgardener (U14297749) on Tuesday, 9th November 2010
A thoroughly enjoyable and informative hour of gardening TV!
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Message 2
Posted by happytobyfan (U13663471) on Tuesday, 9th November 2010
Completely agree. Even my OH watched it and enjoyed it - and he's not a gardener
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Message 3
Posted by Palaisglide (U3102587) on Tuesday, 9th November 2010
´óÏó´«Ã½ what have you done.
How on earth can we now go back to the very mundane weekly ration of GW.
This was Informative, with hints and tips, shown how, more information in one hour than we have had in a year of GW.
An affable presenter who knows his trade and how to get it across, explanations history and magnificent views, have i left anything out?
I never took my eyes off the screen a change from falling asleep as I watch GW, there must be a lesson in there somewhere.
Frank. -
Message 4
Posted by PenylanSue (U13901201) on Tuesday, 9th November 2010
I have to agree totally about the programme. Thoroughly enjoyed it too.
BUT, I also realise that this episode alone probably took weeks, and possibly months over the season to film and isn't something that we could have produced every week. And I haven't even mentioned the production cost.
Incidently, I have visited the Holly Grove garden and it is smaller and more homely than it looked on the screen. They do it all themselves too.
Sue -
Message 5
Posted by happytobyfan (U13663471) on Tuesday, 9th November 2010
BUT, I also realise that this episode alone probably took weeks, and possibly months over the season to film and isn't something that we could have produced every week. And I haven't even mentioned the production cost.Â
Valid point, but it could have been presented by someone else, and not been nearly so enjoyable. He just makes his gardening programmes SO watchable.
Well I think so.
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Message 6
Posted by David K (U14115317) on Wednesday, 10th November 2010
Valid point, but it could have been presented by someone else, and not been nearly so enjoyable. He just makes his gardening programmes SO watchable.Â
Like a good wine, these things can't be rushed.
A riveting hour’s enjoyment, delivered by the master. -
Message 7
Posted by hypercharleyfarley (U7444019) on Wednesday, 10th November 2010
Have just looked to see how many comments have been made so far on the P.O.V. Board - 18 so far, yet relatively few here. For me it's a sad indictment of how TV has become totally personality-driven these days, as many of the comments on that board are about the presenter rather than the content.
I agree with everything Frank says - the best gardening programme of the year! Loved all of it and am looking forward to seeing the rest of them.
If the cost of gardening programmes is such a serious issue, then I'd prefer the hour to have been split up and broadcast in three separate programmes - thus the whole series could then replace the whole of GW - and that way those concerned about the budget would have their fears allayed and we'd have something truly watchable each week. Well done Alan & the team. Cheers! Ma. -
Message 8
Posted by Rainjustlearning (U12861332) on Wednesday, 10th November 2010
Wonderful programme with great tips on how to make a garden look bigger, certainly gave me some idea's, roll on the next one, I will watch it again when it crops up on ´óÏó´«Ã½ 3 or 4, well done Alan and the team
Rain -
Message 9
Posted by David K (U14115317) on Wednesday, 10th November 2010
Hi, Ma
I don't think too much can be read into the fact that more comments have been voiced on the POV board than here. The amount of members posting here is infinitesimal compared with those of the POV board.
However, it does need to be recognised that many knowledgeable posters were driven away from these gardening boards by the heavy handed behaviour of the powers that be, a couple of years ago. -
Message 10
Posted by Rainjustlearning (U12861332) on Wednesday, 10th November 2010
Please, what is the POV board ?
Rain -
Message 11
Posted by Palaisglide (U3102587) on Wednesday, 10th November 2010
However, it does need to be recognised that many knowledgeable posters were driven away from these gardening boards by the heavy handed behaviour of the powers that be, a couple of years ago.Â
David how sadly true that statement is, we had experts on almost every aspect of gardening at that time, I was learning something new all the time from them.
Alan can make a programme interesting because of his experience coming up through Parks departments, he learned his trade from crusty old chaps and chapesses who knew gardening from A to Z.
He not only kept me awake but glued to the screen, now it is a long time since that happened with any GW programme.
If it had been broken into half hour programs I would have been on tenterhooks waiting for the next as I am now for the next full hour.
´óÏó´«Ã½ you did great., you woke us up.
Frank. -
Message 12
Posted by hypercharleyfarley (U7444019) on Wednesday, 10th November 2010
Hi DK - don't think any of the POV posters were on the gardening boards before, but not sure as of course they could have changed their nicknames. What bothers me, however, is that so many comments - both here & elsewhere - seem to be a criticism of the presenter's personality rather than the content of the programmes. I'm an AT fan - in case you hadn't guessed! - but for me it's the content that's the most important thing.
I don't feel comfortable about posting anything I wouldn't actually say to the presenters or producers themselves - & that goes for any criticism I might make too - as you know, I've been disappointed and somewhat irritated (like lots of people) by much of the current GW programmes' content. I really get the feeling that as the adverse criticisms are made from the comfort of an armchair (or the equivalent) in the privacy of one's own home, those posters wouldn't be brave enough - or be nearly so rude - if they were speaking to the presenters face-to-face. Cheers! Ma. -
Message 13
Posted by Palaisglide (U3102587) on Wednesday, 10th November 2010
Points of View Rain.
Frank. -
Message 14
Posted by Palaisglide (U3102587) on Wednesday, 10th November 2010
Ma,
I know you of old and it is true you do not criticise presenters. Your views were always valid and yourself an asset to the board.
I would say everything I say on here to the people concerned and probably in much harsher words than I write.
If we do not voice our concerns then it will only be taken as consent for even worse abominations to be classed as entertainment.
As you know I loved dancing, now it has been downgraded into entertainment and my viewing spoilt, they had the foresight to remove the boards so the screams from such like minded people as I, have gone unheard as I cannot be bothered with the silly thing they put in place of the board.
The GW has been dumbed down as it seems it has to be "entertaining" well I do not remember my tutors being too entertaining as they smashed Maths into my head.
A teaching, learning or information programme does not need to be entertaining nor does it need trendy presentation, fluffy camera, strange angles, or soft focus, plus duff information and misuse of tools.
GW has had the lot this year, though I keep watching forever hopeful it may at least reach the base level of what we once did have.
Not managed it up to now though.
Last night was certainly a shock to the system please more more more.
Frank. -
Message 15
Posted by David K (U14115317) on Wednesday, 10th November 2010
Frank - I mentioned 'the past' because I thought it relevant to the message I was replying to.
I know we can't live in the past forever and (for what it's worth) I'm encouraged by caring & constructive attitude of Jennifer Redmond, Daisy and others that oversee these boards. -
Message 16
Posted by hypercharleyfarley (U7444019) on Wednesday, 10th November 2010
Hello again DK & Frank - yes, thanks to the current hosts things aren't nearly so woeful as I'd thought they might be when the recent changes came about, so thanks to them for that.
I loved last night's programme, as - to me at least - it did everything I want as far as a gardening programme goes. It answered the sort of questions I was wondering about - even to the point where I thought (when AT produced that arch/trellis thingy) " what about birds flying into the mirror?" & "how on earth's he going to make it look as though the path leads right through it". Now I know - a statue or tall shrub in a pot + PVA glue & gravel!
On a less trivial note, it really made me want to go & see those gardens & to try out a couple of things for myself - I learned things about the development of grand gardens and their histories & also saw what more modest gardens can be like where people look after the whole lot themselves. I reckon the ultimate test of almost any programme is to make the viewer want to see the next one in the series, so - More Please! Cheers! Ma. -
Message 17
Posted by Trillium (U2170869) on Wednesday, 10th November 2010
Countryfile is an excellent example of a programme which is highly informative, treats it's viewers like adults with plenty of industry detail, shows professional techniques and hasn't resorted to an 'infotainment' style.
The viewing figures for it suggest that this is what viewers want. I certainly do. -
Message 18
Posted by Sparky (U6716422) on Wednesday, 10th November 2010
Like most folks, I loved seeing Alan back where he belongs, fronting a gardening program. I loved the mix of history, tips and practical advice - can't wait for the next one.
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Message 19
Posted by Palaisglide (U3102587) on Wednesday, 10th November 2010
Trillium,
That is my must see programme and the only one where the TV does not go off if we have visitors although they know better than to be here when it is due on.
Brought up among farming and small holding stock I see in Adam the old ways, look after the animals to the best of your ability but remember there is an end product.
The whole programme keeps my attention even the long weather forecast and is a feel good factor that makes you realise ´óÏó´«Ã½ still make some very good programme's.
Alan and some other presenters give you an instant feeling of confidence, they know their job, you are not looking only for the mistakes you know are coming, you can relax and enjoy, that is what it is all about.
Frank. -
Message 20
Posted by JADEVINE (U14671401) on Wednesday, 10th November 2010
Oh no I missed it! I wonder if it is available on the iPlayer?
I always find AT so informative and he explains things in 'lay terms' -
Message 21
Posted by Stressed out (U11163734) on Wednesday, 10th November 2010
Brilliant programme, could not agree more
A master class in how to present a program, make you realise what we are missing each week -
Message 22
Posted by janerowena (U10782401) on Wednesday, 10th November 2010
I loved it too - and I nearly didn't bother to watch it. I'm so glad I did.
I also watch countryfile, and always have done, for years and years! It's still very enjoyable, despitechanges of presenters, so i assume it's down to sensible producers. -
Message 23
Posted by gone with the fairys (U14602461) on Wednesday, 10th November 2010
fantasic program, ireally enjoyed it. glad i read this post now as i dont get to watch tv that much so didn't even know it was on lol. brought up lots of very interesting things and has given me some more ideas for my garden, ireally like that cube thingy i think i will be trying that in the front i cant wait
GWTF -
Message 24
Posted by Lowena (U14575314) on Wednesday, 10th November 2010
Don't watch Countryfile, did watch SCD ( when it was a dance competition) will always watch AT on gardening ( not chat shows or music)
Thoroughly enjoyed last night's programme and glad it wasn't dumbed down ...like everything else seems to be. Laughed at the lady who seemed knowledgeable about her topiary, said "my gardener says".... -
Message 25
Posted by happytobyfan (U13663471) on Wednesday, 10th November 2010
I'm an AT fan - in case you hadn't guessed! - but for me it's the content that's the most important thing. Â
Surely the content was down to the presenter. It was the 'old Alan' back to doing what he does best. -
Message 26
Posted by little-ann (U12937473) on Wednesday, 10th November 2010
i enjoyed the program but was disappointed that although the topiary gardens at Levans Hall in Cumbria were shown they were not given a mention, i believe they are one of the finest examples in this country.
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Message 27
Posted by happytobyfan (U13663471) on Wednesday, 10th November 2010
topiary gardens at Levans Hall in Cumbria were shown they were not given a mention, i believe they are one of the finest examples in this country.Â
Yes, they are. We went a couple of years ago. Definitely worth a visit. -
Message 28
Posted by Twiggy (U3854938) on Thursday, 11th November 2010
Mr Titchmarsh's presentation makes the show. Thoroughly enjoyed it. My only problem is the camera work, or is it me getting old. I find it most disconcerting and it's what puts me off GW, apart from other things.
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Message 29
Posted by drwalter (U1365507) on Friday, 12th November 2010
I thought the show was going to be just a wander down history's lane but we got soime gardening. Obscure gardening, I grant you, but it's good to see AT getting down and dirty.
Looking forward to to the next ep. -
Message 30
Posted by Grajean (U13953712) on Sunday, 14th November 2010
I missed the programme! Is it repeated at all?
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Message 31
Posted by jungle_jane (U1807090) on Wednesday, 17th November 2010
I thought there gardening program was very vague. The history was interesting, but some of the projects were terrible I felt. Gardening is all about patience for me and seeing him saying things like "you don't have to wait years for.....", was cutting corners. I found the sequence with the wheelbarrow being played every 10 minutes very jarring after a while. Sticking gravel to wood with PVA too? I would like to see that would still be in place after winter. The sedum cubes were messy and I would rather wait for my boxes to grow than make a half effort quick fix.
I used to enjoy AT's programs. How to be a gardener contained so much information and he was much more hands on then I felt. But now I feel with his busy schedule of his chat show, promoting his "products" and his voice booming over the intercom at my local B & Q what to do this time of the year, like a scene from 1984. I've grown quite sick of him and could see the lack of effort on his part.
Toby Buckland's my favorite now. -
Message 32
Posted by David K (U14115317) on Wednesday, 17th November 2010
I enjoyed the first episode, but sorry to say I switched last night's off before the end.
The spiral thingy reminded me of something TB might try to pull off….and Allan, your turf merchants may be queuing-up to supply you with free turf, but we mere mortals may not be so fortunate. -
Message 33
Posted by Palaisglide (U3102587) on Wednesday, 17th November 2010
Gardening is all about patience for me and seeing him saying things like "you don't have to wait years for...Â
Jane,
I would agree with that statement, the rest of the posting is your opinion to which you are entitled, obviously a lot of us disagree.
As an older gardener I never would have thought of short cuts until around ten years ago when a new neighbour took down a low fence and erected a big ugly one in its place luckily it was quite short.
I used the Arch method from the first show with a mirror and a bit of my Daughters art with some instant climbers, lawn roll instead of gravel and it worked a treat.
There comes a time for us all when we have to put our pride aside and do something that goes against the will.
I loved last week and this week was even better, Alan is back in his comfort zone and it shows, he keeps me wide awake and watching for a full hour I am afraid GW has found me going to sleep and missing a lot of it, that is only half an hour?
The wheel barrow is the full stop at the end of a paragraph, new one coming up, in a top class programme like that one they are allowed a little quirkiness it does not distract me but makes me anticipate the next part.
I personally would not have put in the hump but many modern gardeners do not have the time we older ones have, they do need instant fixes, as long as it gets them out there gardening it is only doing good and in time they will mature as we did. At least Alan has given up on that blight (my opinion only) of Decking and around here I see some of it going into skips thank goodness.
Each to their own Jane and I would rather watch four very good hours of AT than sixteen hours of GW at the moment.
I suppose you did notice Alan plant his tree correctly, telling you why that particular size, exactly how to water it in and finishing off, when did GW last do that.
Frank. -
Message 34
Posted by ArtemisH (U14261033) on Wednesday, 17th November 2010
The spiral thingy reminded me of something TB might try to pull off….Â
I had to smile at this, David, as it reminded me of that incredible water feature...
However, turf garden seats were in even in Chaucer's time, though I imagine they were, probably, not quite of the same shape; so, he is not really responsible for the idea!
I enjoyed AT's presentation. His performance is confident, does communicate clearly and his Yorkshire ironic humour is endearing.
Moreover, it was free of affectation; and that's something where our AT is concerned as he seldom manages not to attempt to show off his non-existent "Latin" when referring to plants .
For me, presence, communication and ability to hold my interest are important.
I'm sure the self-proclaimed "real" gardeners of these boards judge the presenters by their clothes (MD's "expensive corduroy", Carol's "designer jeans", not to mention her earrings that put some "off" their "soup") and even their age: "fast fading, eh Rache".
I'm a mere amateur and my criteria are simple: give clear, CORRECT information in tones that are engaging and don't grate on the ear; but I'm easily pleased! -
Message 35
Posted by Palaisglide (U3102587) on Thursday, 18th November 2010
Moreover, it was free of affectation; and that's something where our AT is concerned as he seldom manages not to attempt to show off his non-existent "Latin" when referring to plants Â
"Aye" ArtimisH "tis a tad owkt'ward thaa knaws" see we did learn some Latin up int tould county but only t funny bits.
No sooner had we auld uns got all t names of t plants then the gans and changes em.
I did notice that the Garden centres are now grouping the plants in their old fashioned names that we all once knew even though the Latin tag is still on the pot.
Bilberry one of our favourite fruits for pies probably known as whortleberry to any one but us woad covered Northerners is Vaccinium myrillus, Daisy is Bellis, Lads Love or Old Man is Artimisia abrotanum. They do nowt but confuse us northern amateurs hoo talks proper by the way tis tt'other lot what talks funny.
Sorry folks just my ire showing when we get put into boxes.
Alan is a down to earth craftsman who knows his trade having come through the mill as we say. He says it as it is which is plain and simple, why embellish things with many words when two will do.
As ArtemisH does say, he holds your interest where as GW finds me wandering often wondering which tool will be trashed next.
Keep them coming I say.
Frank. -
Message 36
Posted by ArtemisH (U14261033) on Thursday, 18th November 2010
Frank
I appear to have offended you and I am sorry. It was the last thing on my mind.
What I was referring to, actually, was AT's foolish habit of referring to the botanic names of plants as "Latin" names, so very often when they're nothing of the sort.
I am obviously guilty of miscommunication!
However, I do enjoy his Yorkshire humour. My bestEST friend, since university days, is from Harrogate; her very special brand of humour has brightened my life for years and thus my liking for and appreciation of it.
Artemis -
Message 37
Posted by Palaisglide (U3102587) on Thursday, 18th November 2010
I appear to have offended you and I am sorry. It was the last thing on my mind.Â
ArtemisH ( why wormwood?)
Not offended in the least, it amuses me that people tend to put us in boxes though.
The Northeast area down through Yorkshire does tend to breed a certain sense of humour and hard headed sayings. My Mother was a Yorkshire Lass and Father from Newcastle area, I was born in-between, Durham County as it then was, the name has changed so many times I have no idea where I live at the moment, Government policy not us I may say.
Brought up from one side with Yorkshire saws and the other side hard headed and often brittle humour I suppose gives some of us a sharp tongue and rapid response. We also had very thick skins which did help when stationed with a Company of Londoners, we had to get in there first with the quick quips.
I did reply tongue in cheek, nothing personal, to old for that now.
Frank. -
Message 38
Posted by ArtemisH (U14261033) on Thursday, 18th November 2010
ArtemisH ( why wormwood?)Â
I'm no herb, Frank, I'm a Goddess!
I did reply tongue in cheek, nothing personalÂ
It's good to know.
Artemis
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Message 39
Posted by Palaisglide (U3102587) on Friday, 19th November 2010
I'm no herb, Frank, I'm a Goddess!Â
Of which I have no doubt AremisH although she was the Greek goddess of hunting well known for her chastity?
As an engineer I do know you never assume and I assumed instead of assessing all the facts and coming to a correct conclusion.
On top of that I was Miss Rowbothams star pupil in a study of Greek Myth and Legend though she did try to get me to study Esperanto as well.
If as Actaeon I see you bathing please dont turn me into a stag and set the dogs on me, I cannot run as fast as I once did.
So not Artemisia frigida then but Artemis goddess of the Moon or as the Romans called her Diana.
Frank. -
Message 40
Posted by ArtemisH (U14261033) on Monday, 22nd November 2010
I'm sorry about the delay in replying to your cheerful message, Frank. Unfortunately, these last few days have been hectic. AND Christmas is on its way too!
I do promise to be a good girl when you catch me bathing...
Artemis -
Message 41
Posted by Palaisglide (U3102587) on Tuesday, 23rd November 2010
Dont forget folks Alan is at Biddulph tonight at eight ´óÏó´«Ã½2.
I do promise to be a good girl when you catch me bathing...Â
Artemis, you would only have to run slowly, my zimmer frame only does 3 Mph.
Frank. -
Message 42
Posted by girlgardener (U14297749) on Tuesday, 23rd November 2010
"he seldom manages not to attempt to show off his non-existent "Latin" when referring to plants "
Having studied and gained the Kew Diploma in Horticulture (as Alan did) and worked alongside him, I can assure you that his latin knowledge of plants surpasses most.
He would be criticised for always saying plant names in latin - and most people would be baffled by it. By saying the odd plant name in latin, it familiarises those without any knowledge, but at the same time doesn't dumb it down too much for the knowledgable gardener.
Gardening audiences are a difficult bunch to please! -
Message 43
Posted by Palaisglide (U3102587) on Tuesday, 23rd November 2010
Gardening audiences are a difficult bunch to please!Â
Girlgardener,
You can say that again although I was well pleased with tonight's programme.
Well presented, informative, good camera work, great get your hands dirty projects and informative views of other gardens.
I do not know about planting with the moons phases but that garden looked healthy enough.
I think Alan should be back behind his wheel barrow once more, having watched some of his daytime programmes I feel he is out of his comfort zone but give him gardening and nobody tops him.
Frank. -
Message 44
Posted by Paul N (U6451125) on Tuesday, 23rd November 2010
I didn't think this series could get any better but tonight's was superb. I really enjoyed Tom Hart Dyke's contribution on orchids - I've met Tom a few times and have visited his World Garden each year since it opened. But the whole programme was quite exceptional. Well done! This is what a gardening programme should be like.
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Message 45
Posted by ladynovicegardener (U5368058) on Wednesday, 24th November 2010
I agree, last night's was the best programme yet as far as I'm concerned. What a joy in these dark and cold days to see AT's cheery smile.
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Message 46
Posted by Summerchild (U14187397) on Wednesday, 24th November 2010
What a lively and interesting thread and I'm sorry to say I didn't catch any of the programmes so far.
What a mistake to make.
Summer -
Message 47
Posted by Paul N (U6451125) on Thursday, 25th November 2010
All is not lost Summer, will will almost certainly be able to view some of them on ´óÏó´«Ã½ iPlayer.
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Message 48
Posted by Miss-polly (U14402803) on Thursday, 25th November 2010
I watch it sunday morning on the iplayer, when the family are all still in bed.
Its a lovely well made programme, really enjoyed the two I've seen so far.
Is'nt Alan good at gardening programmes - make me go all warm and fuzzing just thinking about it. ahhh. just a reminder at what a good presenter he is - just seems to get the right balance of information but not too simple (if i'm making any sense) -
Message 49
Posted by Colin Ward (U14702556) on Friday, 26th November 2010
Hi there
As a plantaholic who incidentaly runs a nursery (That show how addicted I am) I am pleased that Alan has returned to our screens. However Two mistakes in the programme stood out to me. Firstly he described a begonia as Begonia Rex, it looked more like Begonia Beni Tochiba to me as it had deeply indented leaves. Also when he planted up his permanent bed he described the variegated cordyline as being hardy. I wish it was but it does require some protection especially from winter wet.
I do realise that a program of this caliber takes a lot of research and Alan cannot be expected to know everything that he is presenting on the program off the top of his head but misinformation can harm our industry so please double check information that is being put out. We are only just recovering from harm done by the likes of MD.
On the whole loving the program and finding customers starting to talk about gardening on the telly again. -
Message 50
Posted by ArtemisH (U14261033) on Saturday, 27th November 2010
Artemis, you would only have to run slowly, my zimmer frame only does 3 Mph.Â
I'll try my best, Frank!
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