The message
from "Mike Lyle" contains these words:
.. I think
it's actually rather difficult to make a weekly gardening programme
for both the newcomer and the old hand.

We agree on that :-) Maybe newcomers and old hands could have
suitable programmes week and week about, instead?

I can't find it in me to
complain about the basic stuff, as new gardeners are coming along all
the time, and very welcome they are, too.

I've no objection at all to beginner- programmes for
beginner-anything. But why should garden programmes all be at one simple
undemanding level for all?

I'm not at all sure what a prog exclusively for experienced gardeners
would be like. Maybe the best service they can realistically offer us
is things like the royal gardens series: I'm not at all sure it would
be viable to run an in-depth six-week series on, e.g., apple
varieties, then another six weeks of visits to warm-climate
specialists like Dave Poole, then another on seaside gardening, etc,
etc, much though I'd love it.

I'd forgo a six week series and settle for one programme focussed
entirely on each subject, presented by an expert, about apples, or
garden power tools, or biodynamic gardening, or one of the great plant
hunters, or one special garden. Just like sports or music lovers, can
enjoy an entire programme devoted to one exciting match, or one superb
concert.

Janet.