Have you ever heard the phrase 'the trend is your friend'? - With the emphasis turning to the sanctity of family life and, as the importance of improving one's immediate environment gathers pace, I get the feeling that a film or TV series that features gardening at the heart of the story might just go down well at the box office.
Help me think back over recent years. I can recall a few screenplays that have brought the 'feel good factor' into our lives. One in particular, Down to Earth , with Pauline Quirke and Warren Clarke, was part of the stimulus for my change or life.
I can think of others such as 'Goodnight Mr Tom' with John Thaw; it's not really about gardening but it is definitely nostalgic, romantic and lightly paced with a touch of drama.
The Darling Buds of May had a similar effect. Although a comedy, the setting of the Kent countryside and its carefree element, made it unmissable.
I would love to see a series that mixes a little of The Victorian Kitchen Garden, upstairs downstairs and Goodnight Mr Tom to produce a drama or film that is centred around an old Victorian (walled?) garden.
Instead of the 'big house' and its well-heeled masters being the theme, why not have the garden as the main character with supporting roles for all those involved in its daily care.

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