TV and RadioÌý permalink
New Gardener's World
This discussion has been closed.
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Message 1.Ìý
Posted by Homekath (U6118631) on Sunday, 20th March 2011
I have watched the first 2 new Gardener's World programmes as I thought there must be a good reason for the alleged fall in viewing figures reported by the ´óÏó´«Ã½ when Toby and co were at the helm.
I had always enjoyed Monty's version when he first presented the show and was sad to hear of his illness.
However, Toby's GW was very enjoyable and brought the kind of everyday weekly information and jobs that I wanted to learn about. I was amazed that he had been dropped by the show's producers.
Friday's show featured amongst other things, a Garden in Cornwall and pruning of fruit bushes. Today I watched a show on sky from the old Monty's GW and it had exactly the same two features, yes the very same garden!
I really hope that the show picks up, I used to look forward to Friday nights and Toby's down to earth presentation, sparkling, entertaining and interesting, frankly last Friday's show was boring and old hat!
D -
Message 2
Posted by TVG (U14145970) on Sunday, 20th March 2011
I couldn't agree more. If I wanted to watch an outdated preachy gardening programme I can do that any day on a sky channel showing 10 year old repeats of Gardeners World. I thought that at last the ´óÏó´«Ã½ had the correct format in the last series of Gardeners World. It was informative, entertaining and inspiring. I loved the idea of creating a garden from scratch. I thought Toby and Alys were infectious in their enthusiasm.
Now, for some bizarre reason, we seem to have stepped back in time. If the ´óÏó´«Ã½ wants to attract a younger generation of gardeners, it has to do better than this. The show was boring, and I do not think that a half hour show (which felt more like an hour) in a garden out of reach of most viewers is justifiable. Neither do I feel that Rachel is charismatic and enthusiastic enough. Her segments bring nothing to the programme. Heres hoping Toby and Alys are given their own show. They have been treated appalingly. I will no longer be watching Gardeners World. -
Message 3
Posted by clippings (U13465383) on Monday, 21st March 2011
Found your message interesting as I am one of the people who stopped watching GW 2 years ago. It and the presenters except Alys and Carol irritated me intensely and a lot of the programme was irrelevant to my actual gardening. I am delighted to see Monty Don back, working in a real family garden, (not the stage sets of last programmes) which has been created from nothing, with all the problems and niggles we all come across in our own gardens. This seems real to me, Toby's always seemed a bit like Blue Peter - "and here's one I did earlier". Just shows you can never please all of the people all of the time.
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Message 4
Posted by 1stClassAlan (U14795082) on Monday, 21st March 2011
[quote] Neither do I feel that Rachel is charismatic and enthusiastic enough. Her segments bring nothing to the programme [/quote]
Let me tell you that Rachel's lovely segments do quite a lot for me and I'm sure I'm not alone!
I would not like to see her prancing about and gabbling nineteen to the dozen - that kind of thing can be left to Carol Klein. -
Message 5
Posted by Oldends (U13875463) on Monday, 21st March 2011
I too am disappointed with the new series of GW. It's too much about Monty Don's garden and not enough about ours. What ever its faults, and Toby wasn't one of them, the previous series did show us things we could do in our gardens, however large or small. Last week's bit about Enid Blyton's garden was particularly disappointing, in fact it was boring. The only faintly remarkable thing about it was it was once Enid Blyton's.
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Message 6
Posted by David K (U14115317) on Monday, 21st March 2011
[quote] Neither do I feel that Rachel is charismatic and enthusiastic enough. Her segments bring nothing to the programme [/quote]
Let me tell you that Rachel's lovely segments do quite a lot for me and I'm sure I'm not alone!
I would not like to see her prancing about and gabbling nineteen to the dozen - that kind of thing can be left to Carol Klein.Ìý
Well, I wouldn’t want her pouting & smouldering around my cabbage patch! -
Message 7
Posted by lane (U14820109) on Monday, 21st March 2011
I also have just watched the second episode of the new Gardeners world with Monty Don with much disappointment . The content was old hat and boring, bring back Tony Buckland and his team.
Who really wants to watch someone gardening on his own estate, way out of reach for most real gardeners with average plots.
Rachel de Thane adds no interesting content, not like Alys did.
I really do hope the series pick up as my half hour on Fridays were sacred in our house but perhaps no longer!!!!! -
Message 8
Posted by Barry (U14820479) on Tuesday, 22nd March 2011
Hi D - I agree - I have to say I found the new series with Monty very dreary. For the first time after many year I was thoughly enjoying Toby and Alys's version of gardeners world. They realy inspired me again. I was watching the Geoff Hamilton DVD release of Cottage gardens and have to say I found Toby to be very much out of the same mould as Geoff, bags of enthusiasm and good practical advice, including construction ideas as well as good plant instructions.
I was very sad to see Toby and Alys relieved of duty, I would realy enjoy an "Everyday Gardening" program with them as presenters. With GW continuing in it's current legacy format, viewers will be able to make their choice as to which program they prefer. With ´óÏó´«Ã½ 3 and ´óÏó´«Ã½ 4 now available on digital it shouldn't be difficult to fit it into the schedule.
Here's hoping
Barry -
Message 9
Posted by Paul N (U6451125) on Tuesday, 22nd March 2011
I must say I find all this very puzzling indeed. We've just experienced two years on this forum where the overwhelming majority of contributors utterly hated the way their favourite programme had been dumbed down.
With Monty's health improving it seemed to me quite natural to invite him back to take the reins.
Now we have dozens of posters, almost none I heard from during the bad two year spell, all claiming the current programme is boring and Monty is dull. Well I disagree entirely. I LOVE the current programme neither do I find him DULL, not in the slightest. He calmly and sensibly presents the programme in a way the others can only dream about. I don't find him 'preachy', not in the slightest.
Those who are baffled why the last lot got the elbow must have been watching a different programme from the rest of us. He's back so GET USED TO IT. It won't be a disaster either. They swopped Blue Peter for Panorama. This is a gardening programme for GROWNUPS and if that makes me an old fart, so be it. -
Message 10
Posted by David K (U14115317) on Tuesday, 22nd March 2011
Nowt as queer as folk, Paul.
As was trying to say in message 6 of this thread.
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Message 11
Posted by tony field (U2429972) on Tuesday, 22nd March 2011
i couldnt agree more, toby`s garden was looking really nice, why oh why have the bbc gone backwards? is it cut or what? why dont the bbc say why there was there change? Monty Don Said in The Mail that gardeners where on average between 50 and 60yrs of age? i think that that is rubbish, im alot younger and friends of mind are.The older Gardeners World on over the weekend was alot more interesting that there new friday ngt slot?
If it is cuts then why not cut there endless soap east Enders etc,Total Bilge and i never watch any of it -
Message 12
Posted by Paul N (U6451125) on Tuesday, 22nd March 2011
"why dont the bbc say why there was there change? "
Tony, Tony, Tony, There's no need to, is there? It's as plain as a pikestaff why Toby was given the elbow. Two years of dreadful programmes was a clue. "What's hot this week" was a clue. Let's make a bamboo gate in ten minutes was a clue. Giggling JS with his Sarf Lunnun humour was a clue (yet he stayed). Literally hundreds of adverse posts crammed this forum during the last couple of years. Reading them will make it all clear if it's not already. -
Message 13
Posted by Homekath (U6118631) on Tuesday, 22nd March 2011
Hi Barry, Yes, Geoff Hamilton, the greatest influence to me from TV, so inspiring and knowledgeable; I still miss him. I felt that Toby was the same kind of gardener.
Toby used to be on a programme a few years ago with a lady who I think is his wife now. He always came across as a really nice bloke who took an interest in the people they were helping; it was a kind of makeover programme where they helped people with a problem area of their garden, some good ideas and helpful to new gardeners too.
I think the ´óÏó´«Ã½ have been very short sighted in getting rid of Toby and the new format of Gadeners world, I for one was really looking forward to the new series starting, sadly what has been offered so far has left me disappointed and at the moment I could take it or leave it; judging by the comments from the majority of viewers on here I'm not alone.
D -
Message 14
Posted by tony field (U2429972) on Tuesday, 22nd March 2011
"why dont the bbc say why there was there change? "
Tony, Tony, Tony, There's no need to, is there? It's as plain as a pikestaff why Toby was given the elbow. Two years of dreadful programmes was a clue. "What's hot this week" was a clue. Let's make a bamboo gate in ten minutes was a clue. Giggling JS with his Sarf Lunnun humour was a clue (yet he stayed). Literally hundreds of adverse posts crammed this forum during the last couple of years. Reading them will make it all clear if it's not already.Ìý Are you telling me that Monty Don`s garden inspires you ? box hedging and more box hedging, his now mellow tone patronising voice,telling every one what to do,but most expirienced gardeners have don weeks ago.if you want gardening for beginers go watch Blue Peter -
Message 15
Posted by the cycling gardener (U2350416) on Wednesday, 23rd March 2011
I must say I find all this very puzzling indeed. We've just experienced two years on this forum where the overwhelming majority of contributors utterly hated the way their favourite programme had been dumbed down.
With Monty's health improving it seemed to me quite natural to invite him back to take the reins.
Now we have dozens of posters, almost none I heard from during the bad two year spell, all claiming the current programme is boring and Monty is dull. Well I disagree entirely. I LOVE the current programme neither do I find him DULL, not in the slightest. He calmly and sensibly presents the programme in a way the others can only dream about. I don't find him 'preachy', not in the slightest.
Those who are baffled why the last lot got the elbow must have been watching a different programme from the rest of us. He's back so GET USED TO IT. It won't be a disaster either. They swopped Blue Peter for Panorama. This is a gardening programme for GROWNUPS and if that makes me an old fart, so be it.Ìý Yes Paul. I'm also baffled. I'm really enjoying GW at the moment having stuck with it through the last 2 years. Its back to sensible, relaxed gardening instead of the bish bash bosh style and production we've been subjected to of late.
I'm concerned that Rachel is wasted in her current role. I hope they use her garden visits to trouble shoot problems in gardens that viewers, who are struggling with Monty's box and limes, can relate to. So far she's come across a tad patronising, explaining techniques to gardeners who are probably more knowledgeable than her. The producers must keep it real. -
Message 16
Posted by Obelixx (U2157162) on Wednesday, 23rd March 2011
Horses for courses again. I loathed the TB and wife makeover programme even more than I disliked his tenure of GW in the last two years - far too many painted garage walls with fiddly bits and no real planting schemes in the first and too slapdash, temporary and inconsistent in GW.
For me, gardens are primarily about plants as individuals and in combinations and how to keep them healthy and looking good, preferably without spending a fortune as I don't have one. I like the return to relaxed, measured gardening and I can relate to the box hedging. If you find yourself with a large space to garden as Monty did you either divide it up with hedges and sort out one divided bit at a time or plant a huge lawn and gradually work your way in from round the edges creating beds as I have done. I even have one surrounded by box but at the front where there's no lawn.
People can surely see beyond the symmetrical hedges to imagine these divided areas in relation to their own smaller gardens. Seasonal tasks of pruning and division and replanting are the same whether a plot is big or small.
I hope and expect in time we'll see Rachel settle down to doing useful slots giving advice in ordinary gardens to less experienced gardeners and Joe can handle design problems as he's no plantsman. I'd like to see Carol doing hands on gardening as well as garden visits as she is a true plantswoman.
I hope we'll get other experts popping in to give advice on pests and diseases, wildlife, sensory gardens etc and regular appearances from RHS experts and slots for specialist areas such as alpines which seem to have been neglected for the last few years. I don't grow alpines myself, or jungley stuff or tender stuff but many do and should be catered for in a general gardening programme. -
Message 17
Posted by tony field (U2429972) on Thursday, 24th March 2011
I must say I find all this very puzzling indeed. We've just experienced two years on this forum where the overwhelming majority of contributors utterly hated the way their favourite programme had been dumbed down.
With Monty's health improving it seemed to me quite natural to invite him back to take the reins.
Now we have dozens of posters, almost none I heard from during the bad two year spell, all claiming the current programme is boring and Monty is dull. Well I disagree entirely. I LOVE the current programme neither do I find him DULL, not in the slightest. He calmly and sensibly presents the programme in a way the others can only dream about. I don't find him 'preachy', not in the slightest.
Those who are baffled why the last lot got the elbow must have been watching a different programme from the rest of us. He's back so GET USED TO IT. It won't be a disaster either. They swopped Blue Peter for Panorama. This is a gardening programme for GROWNUPS and if that makes me an old fart, so be it.Ìý if Gardening for Adults then why start shouting? simple is not the word for this bilge, Sorry u all didnt like or could grasp Toby Bucklands new approuch, but saying that i aways loved the re runs of geoff `s old shows, showing gardens from start to finish.Not boring box hedging and how to butcher rose`s -
Message 18
Posted by Obelixx (U2157162) on Thursday, 24th March 2011
But GH did do a box hedge - and showed how to get one by buying just one or two plants and then taking cuttings and being patient. He also pruned roses and loads of other stuff.
I think the difference is that GH, and AT, seemed more open and friendly and excited by gardening than Monty who displays typical British reserve. I don't want to be gushed at but maybe a bit more liveliness, a twinkle in the eye and a sense of fun would be good. -
Message 19
Posted by Paul N (U6451125) on Thursday, 24th March 2011
Not shouting Tony, simply using uppercase letters to emphasise my point. You know, like beginnning sentences with an uppercase letter. To describe the present GW as 'bilge' is beyond comprehension and out of kilter with what many of us think.
It reminds me of when Terry Wogan left Radio 2 and was replaced by the Ginger Man. I stopped listening as replacing a gentle Irish start-to-the-morning with a loud brash and vulgar awakening rubbed many of us up the wrong way.
And with GW there was a similarity but in reverse. Now Tony, what hot this week? -
Message 20
Posted by tony field (U2429972) on Thursday, 24th March 2011
haha. Well i`d like to say Ricinus communis seeds, thats my tip for the week, ordered some off Sarah Raven and then found some on ebay , half the price and delievery, and more seeds in the packet, arrived quicker too,so there soaking over ngt ready to sew tomorrow. inspired by Carol Kliens`s garden programme early in the yr.
All I Can say is all the best to Toby,He`s great bloke met him few times and always keen to chat to the public,and also bought some plants off his show garden he had a garders world live couple of years ago for next to nothing.Top Bloke -
Message 21
Posted by Ken Smart (U1158196) on Thursday, 24th March 2011
It would be wonderful if all those who are currently bleating about the 'new' GW just read a comic on friday nights - or took some English lessons. The fact of the matter is that the previous version was slammed by practically all people who value quality. There wasn't a publication or gardening expert who had a good word to say about it. For the ´óÏó´«Ã½ to admit failure takes an awful lot - yet that is what they had to do. Monty Don may not be everyone's cup of tea, but he is a top gardener, a superb writer, and provides an excellent programme. His garden will brighten up (like our own) in a few weeks, so again, there is no point people complaining that it's all a bit bleak at present. I'm very happy with MD, and have no sympathy whatsoever for those who urge the return of the previous regime. Good riddance to them. Roll on friday night.
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Message 22
Posted by tootsietim (U13997544) on Thursday, 24th March 2011
haha. Well i`d like to say Ricinus communis seeds, thats my tip for the week, ordered some off Sarah Raven and then found some on ebay , half the price and delievery, and more seeds in the packet, arrived quicker too,so there soaking over ngt ready to sew tomorrow. inspired by Carol Kliens`s garden programme early in the yr.
All I Can say is all the best to Toby,He`s great bloke met him few times and always keen to chat to the public,and also bought some plants off his show garden he had a garders world live couple of years ago for next to nothing.Top Bloke Ìý Do remember to be careful with Ricinus seeds ( and the plants for that matter) they are highly toxic. -
Message 23
Posted by GaryB007 (U3895241) on Thursday, 24th March 2011
Although the quality of the gardening seems better better with this new series, the same can't be said of the picture quality. Some idiot has decided to shoot it in 25p to try to give it a fake film look. It doesn't suit the subject and looks awful. ´óÏó´«Ã½ if you're reading this, please revert to good old interlaced 50i - it looks much better.
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Message 24
Posted by Trillium (U2170869) on Thursday, 24th March 2011
Gary, I don't have the first clue what you're talking about from a technical point of view, but is that why it seems a little dark? Or is that just down to the weather and a decision not to use additional lighting?
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Message 25
Posted by gloria searle (U14280495) on Friday, 25th March 2011
I have watched Gardeners World every year since Percy Thrower.
I don't bleat. Can't stand Monty Don as a presenter so I will watch Beechgrove Garden instead.
All you Monty lovers.Enjoy!!! -
Message 26
Posted by GaryB007 (U3895241) on Friday, 25th March 2011
Gary, I don't have the first clue what you're talking about from a technical point of view, but is that why it seems a little dark? Or is that just down to the weather and a decision not to use additional lighting?Ìý The brightness issue is separate. I don't know if that's just because they've been shooting in dull conditions of if the Director has decided it looks better, but I know what you mean. Maybe they'll brighten it up a bit for the summer?
I don't know if the Producer/Director have changed for this new series, but it does seem to look very different (and poorer) than previously. The picture quality on the last series was excellent.
FYI - The effect of shooting in 25p is to give a juddering effect on anything that moves in the scene. As I mentioned, it's supposed to make it look more like it's shot on film. It can work well for drama productions, but for something like a gardening programme it looks wrong as it makes the viewer feel more remote from the action.
Wikipedia has a good summary of the common frame rates:
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Message 27
Posted by tony field (U2429972) on Friday, 25th March 2011
Gary, I don't have the first clue what you're talking about from a technical point of view, but is that why it seems a little dark? Or is that just down to the weather and a decision not to use additional lighting?Ìý The brightness issue is separate. I don't know if that's just because they've been shooting in dull conditions of if the Director has decided it looks better, but I know what you mean. Maybe they'll brighten it up a bit for the summer?
I don't know if the Producer/Director have changed for this new series, but it does seem to look very different (and poorer) than previously. The picture quality on the last series was excellent.
FYI - The effect of shooting in 25p is to give a juddering effect on anything that moves in the scene. As I mentioned, it's supposed to make it look more like it's shot on film. It can work well for drama productions, but for something like a gardening programme it looks wrong as it makes the viewer feel more remote from the action.
Wikipedia has a good summary of the common frame rates:
Ìý would a set of wooden ladders help ? ?
And yes i no there toxic but not planning on eating any.
on a lighter note i thought the camera`s angle`s have been terrible -
Message 28
Posted by welshcol (U2301689) on Friday, 25th March 2011
Can't stand Monty Don as a presenter so I will watch Beechgrove Garden instead.Ìý
I agree that BG knocks GW into a cocked hat in terms of presenters, content and production team skills. Only snag is BG is not starting till 4th April, I think
, which rightly reflects the season North of the Border but is at least four weeks behind in the South so is always a bit out of step with what the most of us should be doing NOW.
Anyway such is life - still missing Toby and Alys who were starting to form an effective team IMHO but Monty I can take in moderation and am living with the new series although Joe is still excess weight and a Monty plus Rachel team would enhance continuity as long as it does not become a double act or a toe curling mutual back slapping duo. Still hope there are further improvements.
Quite enjoyed tonight's episode.
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Message 29
Posted by Braidman (U11753668) on Friday, 25th March 2011
The problem for gardening programmes is that those who have gardened for some years have made their mistakes and SHOULD have learned from them and know what they are doing, or should do!
First timers are not so knowledgeable, look at some of the inane questions posted on here and on other forums!
So GWs problem is that it is to simple for experienced gardeners and too advanced for learners, and there is also the problem that some do not like veggies mentioned only flowers to contend with. -
Message 30
Posted by Clayhanger (U4256891) on Saturday, 26th March 2011
I have to agree with Oldends. Monty Don may be very knowledgeable but the work he does in his garden does not reflect that in the average garden. Most viewers do not have what amounts to a country estate. The old GW started from scratch and I felt that I could learn from the presenters as each week progressed. Monty Don should get more down to earth, if you pardon the pun. We don't all have miles of box hedge to maintain. Let us hope that the production team look at these comments and bring the programme back to life. Despite claims of "dumbing down" by the gardening elite, Toby at least related to the average gardener. Bring him and his team back so that we can enjoy Friday nights once more. (Mrs Clayhanger - over 50)
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Message 31
Posted by Obelixx (U2157162) on Saturday, 26th March 2011
Some people need to open their minds and see beyond the apparent size of Monty's garden. No sensible gardening magazine programme can be done from an average sized garden. There needs to be space to show different features and activities.
Geoff H did it by dividing a huge plot into separate garden projects for TV. AT did it by adapting his own private garden and adding extra land when he took over GW. berryfields was huge but divided into areas. Greenacres was a blank canvas also divided up intto different areas but not, in my view, very well planned or executed.
Now, in response to the overwhelming clamour for a return to reality and quality and an owned garden we have Monty's large plot which just happens to be divided up into separate features and planting schemes by box hedging and a lime walk.
Get over it! They're so much more interesting than fences and those ridiculous pretend house fronts and backs that we had at Greenacres and I personally felt that this last programme did respond to comments on here about the state of his brick paths and his tatty hedges. He can't be the only person who needs to do repairs to his paths and tend to frozen hedges so the advice was useful.
I think GW is shaping up nicely so far though it does seem dark which may be a technical thing they can fix. I've been gardening enthusuastically but not expertly for 30 years now and have loads to learn. I can see that this series is not as helpful to beginners as when i first started watching GW but it's still got good info.
Mind you, back then, we also had gardening for beginners as separate programmes with presenters like Helen Yemm and Gay Search and special series for winter viewing and inspiration from GH. There must be plenty of scope for more of these on the Beeb and I can't believe they're much more expensive to make than the endless variataions on antiques, collectibles, house moves and Escapes to the Country that we get practically wall to wall on the current schedules. -
Message 32
Posted by floraltips (U14757778) on Saturday, 26th March 2011
"Some people need to open their minds and see beyond the apparent size of Monty's garden."
I don't think people begrudge MD his large plot. It is needed for the show. Its what he's done with it that is the gripe here.
" we have Monty's large plot which just happens to be divided up into separate features and planting schemes by box hedging and a lime walk."
Thats the problem...its all these little "boxed" sections...all very enclosed and very samey!!
As a garden it doesn't.. floooooow
Someone on here posted an aerial photo of MD's garden.
I can only describe it as an attempt but not succeeding at a mini Versailles, right down to the boxed hedging and lime trees.
Very pretentious and not something that most GW viewers can relate to.. imo
But its Monty's garden and he can do what he wants with it but we don't HAVE to like it.
" I can see that this series is not as helpful to beginners as when i first started watching GW but it's still got good info."
This^^^^^^ is still open for debate. -
Message 33
Posted by cufcskim (U14483815) on Saturday, 26th March 2011
<quote>Someone on here posted an aerial photo of MD's garden -
Message 34
Posted by floraltips (U14757778) on Saturday, 26th March 2011
Thanks cufcskim....couldn't be bothered trawling through the threads
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Message 35
Posted by Clem Aitis (U2392980) on Wednesday, 30th March 2011
I must say I find all this very puzzling indeed. We've just experienced two years on this forum where the overwhelming majority of contributors utterly hated the way their favourite programme had been dumbed down.
With Monty's health improving it seemed to me quite natural to invite him back to take the reins.
Now we have dozens of posters, almost none I heard from during the bad two year spell, all claiming the current programme is boring and Monty is dull. Well I disagree entirely. I LOVE the current programme neither do I find him DULL, not in the slightest. He calmly and sensibly presents the programme in a way the others can only dream about. I don't find him 'preachy', not in the slightest.
Those who are baffled why the last lot got the elbow must have been watching a different programme from the rest of us. He's back so GET USED TO IT. It won't be a disaster either. They swopped Blue Peter for Panorama. This is a gardening programme for GROWNUPS and if that makes me an old fart, so be it.Ìý On the subject of old farts. I have watched GW ever since Percy Thrower presented it.
By and large I have enjoyed all of the programs and presenters albeit some more than others, we all have our favourites.
I was really pleased when I heard that Monty Don was to host the program from his own garden as I have been itching to get a peep at his patch ever since I read his book 'The Complete Gardener'.
Sometimes I think the worst thing that happened to GW was the invention of email and the introduction of this message board.
After reading the comments over the past few years selecting an acceptable presenter makes picking the next england football manager seem like a doddle!
Personally I am looking forward to the rest of the series. -
Message 36
Posted by GaryB007 (U3895241) on Wednesday, 30th March 2011
Posted by Obelixx (U2157162) on Saturday, 26th March 2011
I think GW is shaping up nicely so far though it does seem dark which may be a technical thing they can fix.Ìý
I'm liking Monty and the new garden but the picture quality is really putting me off. It looks terrible. I usually watch GW live but I now record it on the PVR and watch only the bits I really want to see so I don't have to put up with the awful pictures too much. -
Message 37
Posted by Pumpkin_Patch_Paul (U14565900) on Wednesday, 30th March 2011
Well instead of showing how clever they were with fancy camera shots they have now changed tact and decided to make the picture dark and dull,when Carole showed us those large Magnolia flowers they looked dirty and washed out,probaly also why Monty looks ill.
Any chance we can have sharp clear colours back please ´óÏó´«Ã½ it is a gardening program you know. -
Message 38
Posted by cufcskim (U14483815) on Wednesday, 30th March 2011
Sorry to buck the trend but the picture looks wonderfully natural on my plasma via ´óÏó´«Ã½ HD, which is lovely compared to the usual over-saturated gunk that's usually churned out by the various channels.
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Message 39
Posted by ukyogi (U14804579) on Friday, 8th April 2011
I have watched Gardeners World every year since Percy Thrower.
I don't bleat. Can't stand Monty Don as a presenter so I will watch Beechgrove Garden instead.
All you Monty lovers.Enjoy!!!
Ìý I'm with you, like watching plants die in winter.... -
Message 40
Posted by Ken Smart (U1158196) on Friday, 8th April 2011
Sorry to buck the trend but the picture looks wonderfully natural on my plasma via ´óÏó´«Ã½ HDÌý
I'm also curious about this poor picture quality situation. I also can find nothing wrong with the quality of picture, and view the programme via ´óÏó´«Ã½ HD. I wonder whether those who clearly don't enjoy good picture quality are using a non-HD channel, and if so, then this would suggest that anything filmed in HD doesn't work too well on non-HD sets . I can't think of any reason why this should be the case, though I would have thought our hosts would have shed a little light (cringe) on the subject by this time if there was a technical issue. -
Message 41
Posted by ukyogi (U14804579) on Thursday, 7th April 2011
Watching GW with Monty Don is about as lively as watching grass grow. It's dull, boring & slow & he has all the chrisma of a dead plant. Bring back Toby!
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Message 42
Posted by kfgray (U14470933) on Friday, 8th April 2011
I must say I find all this very puzzling indeed. We've just experienced two years on this forum where the overwhelming majority of contributors utterly hated the way their favourite programme had been dumbed down.
With Monty's health improving it seemed to me quite natural to invite him back to take the reins.
Now we have dozens of posters, almost none I heard from during the bad two year spell, all claiming the current programme is boring and Monty is dull. Well I disagree entirely. I LOVE the current programme neither do I find him DULL, not in the slightest. He calmly and sensibly presents the programme in a way the others can only dream about. I don't find him 'preachy', not in the slightest.
Those who are baffled why the last lot got the elbow must have been watching a different programme from the rest of us. He's back so GET USED TO IT. It won't be a disaster either. They swopped Blue Peter for Panorama. This is a gardening programme for GROWNUPS and if that makes me an old fart, so be it.Ìý if Gardening for Adults then why start shouting? simple is not the word for this bilge, Sorry u all didnt like or could grasp Toby Bucklands new approuch, but saying that i aways loved the re runs of geoff `s old shows, showing gardens from start to finish.Not boring box hedging and how to butcher rose`sÌý Sorry you have never heard of all those like me who are saying MD is dull and his garden is not our cup of tea, I thought I was quite famous. Maybe you need to go back more than two years . I complained about MD a lot, turned nasty some one got taken off the board (not me).
Can not say I was always enraptured by Toby but at least I could stay awake. Perhaps the people who falied to complain over the last two years found GW infomative and fun.
And I swear I am all grown up, and a real and proper gardener with a green house and everything, Grow plants from my own seeds all proper like'.
I simply think the man is the funeral director of garden presentors and I hate BOX. And like Berryfileds his garden seems to lag behind many . Hellebores in my garden going over as are early daffs. And Aquilegias nicely on, first rose buds forming and I am on level with Norwich. And I have often been called an old fart as well as other things. -
Message 43
Posted by Lowena (U14575314) on Friday, 8th April 2011
My bluebells and forget me nots are coming out, tulips nearly finished and daffs difinitely so.Aqualegias in bud. Why is the ´óÏó´«Ã½ showing us a garden sooo far behind?
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Message 44
Posted by PhilandPaula (U14818208) on Saturday, 9th April 2011
Watching GW with Monty Don is about as lively as watching grass grow. It's dull, boring & slow & he has all the chrisma of a dead plant. Bring back Toby!Ìý Well said - totally agree. Watched Beechgrove Gardens on ´óÏó´«Ã½1 Scotland and really enjoyed the programme even though the weather and conditions were dire; thankfully not like our garden here in southern France!
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Message 45
Posted by Obelixx (U2157162) on Saturday, 9th April 2011
I have to agree about Monty's garden being cold and therefore behind so maybe the producers and presenters need to do more to reflect seasonal variations each week.
This could be done very simply with a weekly slot from Carol's garden to show what she and her plants are doing now and another slot from the north or east coast to reflect different the many and varied climatic and soil conditions in the UK.
However, his advice on sowing annual seeds direct and hardening off greenhouse seeds was excellent for beginners and a timely reminder for the more experienced gardener. It was clever to show pruning for looks and pruning for fruit but I'm not sure how relevant a fig is for the majority even though I do have one in a pot. For the hole in the lawn I'd have just gradually sprinkled compost and soil to raise the level over a season.
Joe's slot on cordylines was full of info that must give hope to a lot of gardeners for their own frost and disease damaged plants.
Carol's bit was excellent. Even though that garden was huge it contained plenty to inspire us to add interest to smaller plots. It's all about form and perspective, no matter how big or small the plot. -
Message 46
Posted by bev55 (U14811237) on Saturday, 9th April 2011
I agree. I live in the East Midlands and my early daffs are going over. The garden is full of colour and the greenhouse overflowing with seedlings. I've always looked forward to GW on a Friday night. This week I recorded it. I won't even bother next week. However I am looking forward to Beechgrove Gardens. I found that very interesting and relevant to my garden. So a big thank you to those on the message boards who told us about it.
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Message 47
Posted by Lowena (U14575314) on Saturday, 9th April 2011
My cordyline died this year, but from cold and old age not the slime thingy.It would have been nice if we'd been told if we should follow the same advice as to how low to cut the trunk down to, or whether to do something different.It would only have taken an extra minute.
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Message 48
Posted by SaraFrangipan (U14836221) on Saturday, 9th April 2011
I too am delighted that Monty is back....his calm, intellectual and sometimes philosophical approach is delightful. However, there is something missing with this new format and I think its the loss of the chemistry between the presenters. When Joe, Carol and Monty worked together there was a sense of three different approaches to any given topic that added vitality and depth. Now the reports are rather one dimentional.
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Message 49
Posted by Colin (U2252951) on Saturday, 9th April 2011
GW should bring over Claire from the Horticulture Channel to join Monty.
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Message 50
Posted by Jon Michael (U14836386) on Saturday, 9th April 2011
I couldn't agree more. If I wanted to watch an outdated preachy gardening programme I can do that any day on a sky channel showing 10 year old repeats of Gardeners World. I thought that at last the ´óÏó´«Ã½ had the correct format in the last series of Gardeners World. It was informative, entertaining and inspiring. I loved the idea of creating a garden from scratch. I thought Toby and Alys were infectious in their enthusiasm.
Now, for some bizarre reason, we seem to have stepped back in time. If the ´óÏó´«Ã½ wants to attract a younger generation of gardeners, it has to do better than this. The show was boring, and I do not think that a half hour show (which felt more like an hour) in a garden out of reach of most viewers is justifiable. Neither do I feel that Rachel is charismatic and enthusiastic enough. Her segments bring nothing to the programme. Heres hoping Toby and Alys are given their own show. They have been treated appalingly. I will no longer be watching Gardeners World.Ìý You've hit the nail on the head - GW has stepped back in time. What a shame as Toby and crew really got the right balance and the interaction between them added to the programme.
I used to look forward to 8.30pm on a Friday night - not anymore!
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