Christine Walkden and her garden

I have watched Gardeners World for many years and regularly tuned in to catch the dulcet tones of Alan Titchmarsh the silky anchorman and the programs prodigal tongue.

However, I have got to say, if it were not for the plants I would not tune in much if at all now. No disrespect to current front man Monty Don but I get the feeling that every time he takes a purposeful stride in front of camera the clapper board has just shut, the director shouts action and the make up artist and Burberry tweed consultant has skipped from view.

I feel that the BBC have kinda dumbed down or probably more likely taken their eye off of the ball. It has lost for me its connection with gardening. The backdrop, Berryfields is lovely but it represents a garden from upper England or at best in this new age a middle England.

It is creating a divide, because the average British gardener does not own a pile like Berryfields.

Christine's Garden has breathed that life back into TV and gardening from a gardening viewers perspective and what fun to boot. I feel re connected with a real world out there. She is broadcasting with real people for the masses.

When you read through Christine Walkden's CV you will not find a glittering array of TV jobs pasted all over the place but a list of real horticultural engagements in some of the United Kingdoms finest establishments.

Christine is just passionate about plants and it shines through and coupled with her unrestrained enthusiasm and effervescence, makes for great telly.

There is also a sub plot. Her neighbour Reg, who I suspect carries a torch for Christine, adds a little chuckling spice to the events. It was hilarious how Christine told reg off for the way in which he pruned his Magnolia.

Christine is not new to the telly. She ironically co-presented Gardeners World - The producer should buy her in the next transfer window - and this is the second series about her garden. To hazard a guess, gardeners will see a lot more of her in the future.

Watch a video of the latest program here.

Christine Walkden's BBC page here

visit Christine Walkden's website here

Edited: 27th September 2008 - Read my interview with Christine Walkden

Comments

[the homely year]

Very interested to read the comments about Christine's Garden. We find her approach to gardening both informative but down to earth. This is our approach too. Isn't it time we adopted a more measured and slowed down way of life? One where the seasons dictate what we eat, re-establishing the link with what we grow. Let's at least try to cultivate a little food for ourselves, even if it's only a couple of tomato plants or some herbs on the kitchen windowsill. This philosophy has been our guide for the past twelve months where we've been attempting to live without the rush of the supermarkets in favour of local shops and markets. How much more enjoyable it has been. To read a bit more you can find us at www.thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk as we enjoy what the seasons bring.

[Philip Voice]

Thank you for your comments Homely year, Christine is a very interesting lady for sure

Phil

[landscaping water garden]

this post is very interesting. real people are doing and completing nice works. i had fun reading it.