On 08/12/2010 16:52, Martin Brown wrote:
On 08/12/2010 14:34, Spider wrote:
On 08/12/2010 11:26, Derek wrote:
On Wed, 08 Dec 2010 09:03:47 +0000,
wrote:


I for one liked Toby and Alys, what worries me is that we get back
'the long border' who today has a 'long border' we now have smaller
plots and so containers and patios are more relevant.
www.lincolnfuchsiasociety.info


Excuse me, but I have a border. It's not as big or as grand as I'd like
it to be and it's due an overhaul, but it *is* a border with a 'hot,
fiery' end working towards a 'cooler' end. I enjoy very much seeing
other gardeners create borders and long, broad beds for that matter. I
believe that sort of planting is still relevant and still enjoyed. It
teaches us about plants, using plants and colour and form; knowledge
which can be applied to smaller projects with a little creative thought.
I hope Monty does continue to plant a border, as well as fruit and veg
and all the other things.

Personally (although I like and respect Monty), I liked Toby's approach
and teaching manner. He made me want to watch the programme again. Alys
was also good and enthusiastic *and* complemented Toby's style well.

I never really took to him that much. Alys was OK and seemed very
knowledgeable when she was given the chance to show it.

Carol's knowledge and enthusiasm is always good value, so the three made
a good team.

I found her breathless enthusiasm and ludicrous scarves irritating.
Alys did a better job of demonstrating various techniques.


I know what you mean about Carol, but she's a good, hands-on
knowledgeable gardener. Not so many of those around these days. I can
easily put up with her enthusiastic manner. At least it's natural and
not the forced bon homie that comes with many other presenters.



Rachel dT is a lot prettier than either but I don't see her as much of a
gardener.


Each of the ladies is attractive in their own way, but it's their
gardening we're interested in. I suspect they're all reasonable
gardeners but, I agree, it doesn't come across so well with RdeT.



I believe that the "30min construction" slot was created to give we
gardeners a taste of that longed-for "cheap build-it slot" that Geoff
Hamilton always did so well and somehow made relevant. It's a shame it
misfired.

Definitely. There was a herb garden idea based on a rocky spiral that I
though was actually quite inspired, but the rest were tedious.


Oh yes, I love that part of the garden. That was one of St. Geoff's
strong points: he showed us many different planting styles and
manageable building projects and also much smaller constructions (cold
frames, etc.). I was frequently inspired by things he did and, at the
end of the programme, I just wanted to rush outside and start gardening.

I am sorry they're shortening the programme, though. With so many
different specialities and diversifications within gardening, a longer
programme would make more sense ... or perhaps these specialities could
make extra programmes. I won't hold my breath though.

They will be modelling it on the BigBrother, X-Factor or Celebrity Come
Dancing next with a phone to decide who goes or stays


What an horrendous thought! Oh, don't give them ideas like that. That
really would make me switch off :~[

Regards,
Martin Brown


--
Spider
from high ground in SE London
gardening on clay