On May 28, 1:15 am, Anne Jackson wrote:

I remember seeing a rather likeable young lad, Bill Chudziak, presenting
a gardening programme a few years agi, but it might have been 'regional'?
Does the name ring a bell with anyone?

Yes, he did some work on Channel 4 in the days when they produced
rather high quality gardening programmes. Very enthusiastic and
gushing if I remember rightly. Nevertheless, his pieces were well
researched and it was obvious that he had more than an inkling of his
subject matter. I'm surprised he didn't migrate to the BBC, because
his likeability factor and presentational skills far exceeded many of
the GW crowd.

As to 'bring back Percy', I'm afraid that would be a monumentally
ground-breaking move, because the dear chap has been 6ft. under for
more than a few years. But I agree with the sentiment, he was an
educator above all else and so well 'genned-up' that I can't think of
a single instance when he made a blunder in horticultural terms. I
feel very privileged that I got to know him during the 1970's and have
to say that he was one of the most generous hearted people you could
hope to meet. A modest man, not for him the arrogance that seems to
accompany celebrity, nor any hint of evangelical preaching. He was
simply an advocate of good gardening husbandry backed by a lifetime of
experience and learning.

On 28/5/08 08:12, in article
, "Dave
Poole" wrote:

On May 28, 1:15 am, Anne Jackson wrote:

I remember seeing a rather likeable young lad, Bill Chudziak, presenting
a gardening programme a few years agi, but it might have been 'regional'?
Does the name ring a bell with anyone?

Yes, he did some work on Channel 4 in the days when they produced
rather high quality gardening programmes. Very enthusiastic and
gushing if I remember rightly. Nevertheless, his pieces were well
researched and it was obvious that he had more than an inkling of his
subject matter. I'm surprised he didn't migrate to the BBC, because
his likeability factor and presentational skills far exceeded many of
the GW crowd.

As to 'bring back Percy', I'm afraid that would be a monumentally
ground-breaking move, because the dear chap has been 6ft. under for
more than a few years. But I agree with the sentiment, he was an
educator above all else and so well 'genned-up' that I can't think of
a single instance when he made a blunder in horticultural terms. I
feel very privileged that I got to know him during the 1970's and have
to say that he was one of the most generous hearted people you could
hope to meet. A modest man, not for him the arrogance that seems to
accompany celebrity, nor any hint of evangelical preaching. He was
simply an advocate of good gardening husbandry backed by a lifetime of
experience and learning.

He was around before the real 'celeb' culture got started and he was a
genuine, old-fashioned gardener first and foremost, the telly thing came
second for him, I think. I'd love to see Mr Baker, the former manager of
the Duchy Nursery doing a spot or two!
--
Sacha
http://www.hillhousenursery.co.uk
South Devon
'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our
children.'

On Wed, 28 May 2008 01:15:00 +0100, Anne Jackson
wrote:

I remember seeing a rather likeable young lad, Bill Chudziak, presenting
a gardening programme a few years agi, but it might have been 'regional'?

Does the name ring a bell with anyone?

Yes he was lovely; a Scot. The series was called Bloom on Channel 4.
Each programme featured one family of plants. I still have some on
tape.

Perhaps they should try "Guest Presenters" as they do on "Have I got
news for you", but exclude Diarmuid and Charlie Dimmock!

Pam in Bristol

I'd second that, I really enjoy her programmes.

I'd just about be happy with Chris Beardshaw or Rachel De Thame, at least they sound as though they're not reading it off of an autocue, their delivery is very professional compared with Ms Kline and Mr Swift.

In article ,
says...
On 28/5/08 08:12, in article
, "Dave
Poole" wrote:

On May 28, 1:15 am, Anne Jackson wrote:

I remember seeing a rather likeable young lad, Bill Chudziak, presenting
a gardening programme a few years agi, but it might have been 'regional'?
Does the name ring a bell with anyone?

Yes, he did some work on Channel 4 in the days when they produced
rather high quality gardening programmes. Very enthusiastic and
gushing if I remember rightly. Nevertheless, his pieces were well
researched and it was obvious that he had more than an inkling of his
subject matter. I'm surprised he didn't migrate to the BBC, because
his likeability factor and presentational skills far exceeded many of
the GW crowd.

As to 'bring back Percy', I'm afraid that would be a monumentally
ground-breaking move, because the dear chap has been 6ft. under for
more than a few years. But I agree with the sentiment, he was an
educator above all else and so well 'genned-up' that I can't think of
a single instance when he made a blunder in horticultural terms. I
feel very privileged that I got to know him during the 1970's and have
to say that he was one of the most generous hearted people you could
hope to meet. A modest man, not for him the arrogance that seems to
accompany celebrity, nor any hint of evangelical preaching. He was
simply an advocate of good gardening husbandry backed by a lifetime of
experience and learning.

He was around before the real 'celeb' culture got started and he was a
genuine, old-fashioned gardener first and foremost, the telly thing came
second for him, I think. I'd love to see Mr Baker, the former manager of
the Duchy Nursery doing a spot or two!

Don't think his wife would, she has enough trouble getting him in out of
the garden! retired he may be, at a loose end not :~)
--
Charlie Pridham, Gardening in Cornwall
www.roselandhouse.co.uk
Holders of national collections of Clematis viticella cultivars and
Lapageria rosea

On 28/5/08 12:06, in article ,
"Charlie Pridham" wrote:

In article ,
says...
snip
I'd love to see Mr Baker, the former manager of
the Duchy Nursery doing a spot or two!

Don't think his wife would, she has enough trouble getting him in out of
the garden! retired he may be, at a loose end not :~)

Very true! But what a lovely man and a real gardener. Ray gave him some
Diascia personata last year and he's thrilled to bits with it.

--
Sacha
http://www.hillhousenursery.co.uk
South Devon
'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our
children.'

In article
,
Dave Poole writes
Yes, he did some work on Channel 4 in the days when they produced
rather high quality gardening programmes. Very enthusiastic and
gushing if I remember rightly. Nevertheless, his pieces were well
researched and it was obvious that he had more than an inkling of his
subject matter. I'm surprised he didn't migrate to the BBC, because
his likeability factor and presentational skills far exceeded many of
the GW crowd.


He did the series on favourite flowers and his was the poppy. He had a
strong Scottish accent I believe but yes he was likeable and must have a
bit more gravitas now.!

Maybe the powers that be are reading our emails and might consider him?
He writs for the Sunday mail in Scotland.
Link to his photo which might stir a few grey cells.
http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/lifestyl...ning/bill-chud
ziak/



--
Janet Tweedy
Dalmatian Telegraph
http://www.lancedal.demon.co.uk

On 2008-05-27 10:02:14 +0100, "JennyC" said:


"endymion" wrote
Actually you are right. I do not watch as much as I used but hadnt really
reflected on why. It is the personalities and lifestyle element. I
suspect thats why I asked my question. I dont want a " personality" or "
lifestyle" presenter. I want a proper gardener not a " designer" and I
want to see a gardeners magazine programme not a lifestyle programme. I
suspect my watching will get less if they do continue as at present.

I tape it and zap through all the boring (to me) bits :~)

I love Carol Klein - in small doses. She'd be a nightmare as presenter
Dairmund is out
Joe is too bouncy
The Cockney bloke is fun but not for 30 minutes

Not many possibilities as far as I can see, unless there is some
unknown out there who would surprise us all !

Unlike some here, I thought that Joe Swift did well on the Chelsea
programmes - he slotted quite comfortably into the new comedy duo and
showed a new side which suggests he might make a good presenter if he
can be encouraged to lose his straitjacket. Lack of knowledge in some
areas is inevitable: the gaps in Monty's knowledge were wider than most
-- but he is an excellent presenter with an excellent voice.

That said, I'm also a huge fan of Christine Walkden and hope that the
BBC gives her a chance. I would watch her every programme.

I'm also a big fan of Carol Klein, who caresses plants like no other
and probably knows more about them than anyone else save Roy Lancaster.
But I think she struggles a bit on the presentation front so wouldn't
be the best choice to succeed Monty (who I saw at Chelsea on Monday
looking as pale and interesting as he always has).

Some to avoid at all costs imho: the incomprehensible Diarmuid Gavin;
the strait-laced and rather dull Rachel de Thame; the humourless
lecturer, Chris Beardshaw; and the grating cheeky chappy, Chris Collins.

It's possible that Alan Titchmarsh might want to return. Other
outsiders include the extremely good Sarah Raven, the engaging Andy
Sturgeon and, at 10,000-1, David Domoney from ITV.

Granity wrote:


I too hardly ever watch these days, it can be interesting occasionally
but
mostly it seems more interested in the personalities than the plants to
my
mind.


I feel the same rarely actually watch it, it's on in the background and
if something interesting comes on then I might take note.

I think the head gardener, Alys Fowler, should take over, the programme
might then become watchable and her dog could replace chalky as a
national treasure :-)
But please not Carol Kline or Joe Swift, otherwise it won't get
switched on at all.





I agree Carol and Joe, don't think I could stand to watch them for too
long, it's hard enough with their little time slots now.

Just to throw some more names in the pot, what of Bob Flowerdew (though I
doubt he'd want the job), or Dan Pearson (though I think he'd have to learn
a bit more propogation and drop some of the "design" or he'd just be
another AT), or even Toby Buckland, he's light, jovial, knows his stuff and
he's even got his wife as a ready made assistant.

Well like I said just a few alternative ideas.

Duncan

On 29/5/08 14:50, in article , "dr"
wrote:

Granity wrote:


I too hardly ever watch these days, it can be interesting occasionally
but
mostly it seems more interested in the personalities than the plants to
my
mind.


I feel the same rarely actually watch it, it's on in the background and
if something interesting comes on then I might take note.

I think the head gardener, Alys Fowler, should take over, the programme
might then become watchable and her dog could replace chalky as a
national treasure :-)
But please not Carol Kline or Joe Swift, otherwise it won't get
switched on at all.





I agree Carol and Joe, don't think I could stand to watch them for too
long, it's hard enough with their little time slots now.

Just to throw some more names in the pot, what of Bob Flowerdew (though I
doubt he'd want the job), or Dan Pearson (though I think he'd have to learn
a bit more propogation and drop some of the "design" or he'd just be
another AT), or even Toby Buckland, he's light, jovial, knows his stuff and
he's even got his wife as a ready made assistant.

Well like I said just a few alternative ideas.

Duncan

I think Bob Flowerdew is probably a bit too 'alternative' for that job and I
agree with your reservations about Dan Pearson. I'm ashamed to say I've
never heard of Toby Buckland so am off to Google!
--
Sacha
http://www.hillhousenursery.co.uk
South Devon
'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our
children.'

In article , Sacha
writes

I think Bob Flowerdew is probably a bit too 'alternative' for that job and I
agree with your reservations about Dan Pearson. I'm ashamed to say I've
never heard of Toby Buckland so am off to Google!


Bit like Chris beardshaw in the early days but a bit too keen to be used
by the media in the most stupid, most low level gardening 'fun'
programmes so he gets to ask simple minded idiots something like "how
many leaves has a four leaved clover" (in order for the 'competitor to
win anything at all)
They do innumerable quick garden makeovers around oil drums or dustbins
or trellis work.
Sort of how can you completely do a garden on £5 in 2 days?
Programmes only ever seen on sky TV and mostly in the afternoon!

However he is a happy little soul and MIGHT be a good gardener if ever
he was allowed to show the audience.
What about Gay Search? Or the one that lives up in Lincolnshire, genial
tall bloke but can't remember his name.
I say vote for Mr Smith!
--
Janet Tweedy
Dalmatian Telegraph
http://www.lancedal.demon.co.uk

On 30/5/08 02:10, in article , "Janet Tweedy"
wrote:

In article , Sacha
writes

I think Bob Flowerdew is probably a bit too 'alternative' for that job and I
agree with your reservations about Dan Pearson. I'm ashamed to say I've
never heard of Toby Buckland so am off to Google!


Bit like Chris beardshaw in the early days but a bit too keen to be used
by the media in the most stupid, most low level gardening 'fun'
programmes so he gets to ask simple minded idiots something like "how
many leaves has a four leaved clover" (in order for the 'competitor to
win anything at all)
They do innumerable quick garden makeovers around oil drums or dustbins
or trellis work.
Sort of how can you completely do a garden on £5 in 2 days?
Programmes only ever seen on sky TV and mostly in the afternoon!

However he is a happy little soul and MIGHT be a good gardener if ever
he was allowed to show the audience.
What about Gay Search? Or the one that lives up in Lincolnshire, genial
tall bloke but can't remember his name.
I say vote for Mr Smith!

Absolutely NOT Gay Search! I never saw her do anything more than snip a few
things with secateurs and her voice drives me up the wall. Phew, sorry!

--
Sacha
http://www.hillhousenursery.co.uk
South Devon
'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our
children.'

On 30/5/08 10:48, in article ,
"Martin" wrote:

On Fri, 30 May 2008 10:36:43 +0100, Sacha wrote:

Absolutely NOT Gay Search! I never saw her do anything more than snip a few
things with secateurs and her voice drives me up the wall. Phew, sorry!

So Roy it is. )

Roy?
--
Sacha
http://www.hillhousenursery.co.uk
South Devon
'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our
children.'

In article ,
says...
On 30/5/08 10:48, in article ,
"Martin" wrote:

On Fri, 30 May 2008 10:36:43 +0100, Sacha wrote:

Absolutely NOT Gay Search! I never saw her do anything more than snip a few
things with secateurs and her voice drives me up the wall. Phew, sorry!

So Roy it is. )

Roy?

My vote would go to someone like Timothy Walker but I doubt he would be
interested
--
Charlie Pridham, Gardening in Cornwall
www.roselandhouse.co.uk
Holders of national collections of Clematis viticella cultivars and
Lapageria rosea

Absolutely NOT Gay Search! I never saw her do anything more than snip
a few
things with secateurs and her voice drives me up the wall. Phew,
sorry!

So Roy it is. )

Roy?

My vote would go to someone like Timothy Walker but I doubt he would be
interested
--
Charlie Pridham, Gardening in Cornwall

Well whoever get the job I don't suppose he/she will be universally liked
but it makes an amusing thread.
We could have Kim Wilde and she could sing us a song or two and she does not
seem to be so up herself like some of the others :-)

kate