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{{Short description|BBC television series}}
{{Short description|British TV gardening programme (since 1968)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox television
{{Infobox television
| image = Gardeners world title.JPG
| image = Gardeners world title.JPG
| caption = 2008 programme title
| caption = 2008 programme title
| runtime = 30–60 min. each
| runtime = 30–60 min. each
| theme_music_composer = Morning Light by [[Will Gregory]]
| starring = {{Plainlist|}}
| starring = {{Plainlist|}}
* [[Monty Don]]
* [[Monty Don]]
* [[Adam Frost (garden designer)|Adam Frost]]
* [[Adam Frost (garden designer)|Adam Frost]]
* [[Frances Tophill]]
* [[Frances Tophill]]
* [[Arit Anderson]]
* [[Arit Anderson]]
* [[Rachel de Thame]]
* [[Advolly Richmond]]
* Advolly Richmond
* [[Nick Bailey (garden designer)|Nick Bailey]]
* [[Nick Bailey (garden designer)|Nick Bailey]]
* [[Mark Lane (broadcaster)|Mark Lane]]
* [[Mark Lane (broadcaster)|Mark Lane]]
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* [[Carol Klein]]
* [[Carol Klein]]
* [[Joe Swift]]
* [[Joe Swift]]
{{endplainlist}}
| language = English
| company = {{ubl|[[BBC Birmingham]] (1998–2016)|[[BBC Studios]] Factual Entertainment Productions (2016–present)}}
| language = English
| company = {{ubl|[[BBC Birmingham]] (1998–2016)|[[BBC Studios]] Factual Entertainment Productions (2016–present)}}
| network = [[BBC Two]]
| network = [[BBC Two]]
| country = United Kingdom
| country = United Kingdom
| first_aired = {{Start date|df=yes|1968|1|5}}
| first_aired = {{Start date|df=yes|1968|1|5}}
| last_aired = present
| last_aired = present
⚫
| num_series =
| audio_format = {{ubl|[[Monaural|Mono]] (1968–1991)|[[Stereophonic sound|Stereo]] (1992–present)}}
⚫
| num_episodes =
| picture_format = {{ubl|Originally [[PAL]]|Later [[576i]] (1998–2008 [[Anamorphic format|anamorphic]] 16:9, pre–1998 4:3)|Since 2008 [[1080i]] HD}}
⚫
| num_series =
⚫
| num_episodes =
}}
}}


'''''Gardeners' World''''' is a long-running [[BBC Television]] programme about [[gardening]], first broadcast on 5 January 1968. The 2022 series is the 53rd.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/programme/b-k9n3o7/gardeners-world-season-53/|title=Gardeners' World Season 53|website=Radio Times}}</ref> Its first series was presented by Ken Burras and came from [[University of Oxford Botanic Garden|Oxford Botanical Gardens]].<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/design/nonflash_modern4.shtml Modern themes – Gardeners' World], BBC – Gardening</ref> Up until 2020 most of its episodes have been 30 minutes in duration; however, this changed in spring 2020 when the format was extended to an hour. All episodes in the 2021 series onwards follow this 60-minute format. ''Gardeners' World'' currently airs between mid-March and late October on BBC Two every Friday. The programme usually takes a three-month winter break from November to February.
'''''Gardeners' World''''' is a long-running British gardening programme, first broadcast on 5 January 1968. The 2024 series is the 55th.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/programme/b-k9n3o7/gardeners-world-season-53/|title=Gardeners' World Season 53|website=Radio Times}}</ref> Its first series was presented by Ken Burras and came from [[University of Oxford Botanic Garden|Oxford Botanical Gardens]].<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/design/nonflash_modern4.shtml Modern themes – Gardeners' World], BBC – Gardening</ref> Up until 2020 most of its episodes have been 30 minutes in duration; however, this changed in spring 2020 when the format was extended to an hour. All episodes in the 2021 series onwards follow this 60-minute format. ''Gardeners' World'' currently airs between mid-March and late October on BBC Two every Friday. The programme usually takes a four-month winter break from November to February.


The programme's main presenter is currently [[Monty Don]]. Other regular presenters include [[Adam Frost (garden designer)|Adam Frost]], [[Frances Tophill]], [[Joe Swift]], [[Arit Anderson]], Advolly Richmond, [[Nick Bailey (garden designer)|Nick Bailey]], [[Carol Klein]], [[Mark Lane (broadcaster)|Mark Lane]] and [[Rachel de Thame]]. The magazine ''[[BBC Gardeners' World]]'' is a tie-in to the programme.
The programme's main presenter is currently [[Monty Don]]. Other regular presenters include [[Adam Frost (garden designer)|Adam Frost]], [[Frances Tophill]], [[Joe Swift]], [[Arit Anderson]], Advolly Richmond, [[Nick Bailey (garden designer)|Nick Bailey]], [[Carol Klein]], [[Mark Lane (broadcaster)|Mark Lane]] and [[Rachel de Thame]]. The magazine ''[[BBC Gardeners' World]]'' is a tie-in to the programme.
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===Co-presenters===
===Co-presenters===
Co-presenters have included:
Co-presenters have included:
[[Alys Fowler]], [[Chris Baines]], [[Chris Beardshaw]], Mary Spiller, Liz Rigby, [[Diarmuid Gavin]], [[Clay Jones (horticulturist)|Clay Jones]], [[Stefan Buczacki]], [[Christine Walkden]], [[Sarah Raven]], [[Gay Search]], [[Anne Swithinbank]], [[Nigel Colborn]], [[Geoffrey Smith (gardener)|Geoffrey Smith]], [[Roy Lancaster]], [[Peter Seabrook]], [[Joe Swift]], Ali Ward, [[Pippa Greenwood]], [[Rachel de Thame]], [[Frances Tophill]], [[Carol Klein]], [[Bob Flowerdew]], [[Mark Lane (broadcaster)|Mark Lane]], [[Adam Frost (garden designer)|Adam Frost]], [[Arit Anderson]], John Kelly, [[Nick Bailey (garden designer)|Nick Bailey]], Flo Headlam, Arthur Parkinson, [[JJ Chalmers]], and Sue Kent.
[[Alys Fowler]], [[Chris Baines]], [[Chris Beardshaw]], Mary Spiller, Liz Rigby, [[Diarmuid Gavin]], [[Clay Jones (horticulturist)|Clay Jones]], [[Stefan Buczacki]], [[Christine Walkden]], [[Sarah Raven]], [[Gay Search]], [[Anne Swithinbank]], [[Nigel Colborn]], [[Geoffrey Smith (gardener)|Geoffrey Smith]], [[Roy Lancaster]], [[Peter Seabrook]], [[Joe Swift]], Ali Ward, [[Pippa Greenwood]], [[Rachel de Thame]], [[Frances Tophill]], [[Carol Klein]], [[Bob Flowerdew]], [[Mark Lane (broadcaster)|Mark Lane]], [[Adam Frost (garden designer)|Adam Frost]], [[Arit Anderson]], John Kelly, [[Nick Bailey (garden designer)|Nick Bailey]], Flo Headlam, [[Arthur Parkinson]], [[JJ Chalmers]], Advolly Richmond, Sue Kent and Rekha Mistry.

Born in 1963 with [[phocomelia]] of both arms, eight inches long, no thumbs, and seven fingers – three on one hand, four on the other - Sue Kent has appeared as a presenter on the show since 2020, demonstrating her ability to garden using her feet and toes where others would use their hands.<ref>The Thalidomide Trust, Sue Kent's Garden Featured on the BBC, 16 September 2020. https://www.thalidomidetrust.org/sue-kents-garden-featured-on-the-bbc/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023225648/https://www.thalidomidetrust.org/sue-kents-garden-featured-on-the-bbc/ |date=23 October 2022 }}</ref>


==Locations==
==Locations==
Since its inception in 1968, the show was presented until 2003 from the lead presenter's own garden. In 2011, the show returned to this practice.
Since its inception in 1968, the show was presented until 2003 from the lead presenter's own garden. In 2011, the show returned to this practice.
*First was [[Percy Thrower]]'s The Magnolias in [[Shrewsbury]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/9827054/Gardeners-Worlds-Percy-Thrower-was-the-godfather-of-gardening-shows-and-brought-passion-to-the-potting-shed.html|title=Gardeners' World's Percy Thrower was the godfather of gardening shows and brought passion to the potting shed|first=Michael|last=Leapman|date=30 September 2018|via=www.telegraph.co.uk}}</ref>
*First was [[Percy Thrower]]'s The Magnolias near [[Shrewsbury]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/9827054/Gardeners-Worlds-Percy-Thrower-was-the-godfather-of-gardening-shows-and-brought-passion-to-the-potting-shed.html|title=Gardeners' World's Percy Thrower was the godfather of gardening shows and brought passion to the potting shed|first=Michael|last=Leapman|date=30 September 2018|via=www.telegraph.co.uk}}</ref>
*Then [[Arthur Billitt]]'s Clack's Farm at [[Ombersley]] in [[Worcestershire]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Clacks Farm For Sale Gardeners World |url=http://www.uniquepropertyblog.co.uk/Clacks-Farm.html#:~:text=Clacks%20Farm%20was%20used%20for,known%20to%20gardening%20enthusiasts%20nationwide.&text=Clacks%20Farm%20is%20believed%20to,retaining%20it's%20charm%20and%20character. |website=www.uniquepropertyblog.co.uk |access-date=4 June 2020}}</ref>
*Then [[Arthur Billitt]]'s Clack's Farm at [[Ombersley]] in [[Worcestershire]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Clacks Farm For Sale Gardeners World |url=http://www.uniquepropertyblog.co.uk/Clacks-Farm.html#:~:text=Clacks%20Farm%20was%20used%20for,known%20to%20gardening%20enthusiasts%20nationwide.&text=Clacks%20Farm%20is%20believed%20to,retaining%20it's%20charm%20and%20character. |website=www.uniquepropertyblog.co.uk |access-date=4 June 2020 |archive-date=12 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170512070244/http://www.uniquepropertyblog.co.uk/Clacks-Farm.html#:~:text=Clacks%20Farm%20was%20used%20for,known%20to%20gardening%20enthusiasts%20nationwide.&text=Clacks%20Farm%20is%20believed%20to,retaining%20it's%20charm%20and%20character. |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*Followed by two gardens, both called [[Barnsdale Gardens|Barnsdale]], owned by [[Geoff Hamilton]] in [[Rutland]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Barnsdale Gardens: Geoff Hamilton and The Barnsdale Story |url=https://barnsdalegardens.co.uk/the-barnsdale-story.html |website=barnsdalegardens.co.uk |access-date=4 June 2020}}</ref>
*Followed by two gardens, both called [[Barnsdale Gardens|Barnsdale]], owned by [[Geoff Hamilton]] in [[Rutland]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Barnsdale Gardens: Geoff Hamilton and The Barnsdale Story |url=https://barnsdalegardens.co.uk/the-barnsdale-story.html |website=barnsdalegardens.co.uk |access-date=4 June 2020}}</ref>
*Next was [[Alan Titchmarsh]]'s garden at Woodroyd in [[Alton, Hampshire|Alton]], [[Hampshire]], renamed ''Barleywood'' for the programme<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rosenberg |first1=Marc |title=Alan Titchmarsh's Barleywood garden for sale |url=https://www.amateurgardening.com/news/alan-titchmarshs-barleywood-garden-for-sale-768 |website=Amateur Gardening|date=29 October 2010}}</ref>
*Next was [[Alan Titchmarsh]]'s garden at Woodroyd in [[Alton, Hampshire|Alton]], [[Hampshire]], renamed ''Barleywood'' for the programme<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rosenberg |first1=Marc |title=Alan Titchmarsh's Barleywood garden for sale |url=https://www.amateurgardening.com/news/alan-titchmarshs-barleywood-garden-for-sale-768 |website=Amateur Gardening |date=29 October 2010 |access-date=4 June 2020 |archive-date=26 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126180637/https://www.amateurgardening.com/news/alan-titchmarshs-barleywood-garden-for-sale-768 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*Next was a rented garden, called Burmans Farm at [[Shottery]] ({{coord|52|11|29.59|N|1|44|6.4|W|source:enwiki-plaintext-parser|display=inline}}) in [[Stratford-upon-Avon]] which was called ''Berryfields'' for the purposes of the programme although it was often described as a 'top secret location near [[Birmingham]]'<ref>{{cite news |last1=Brown |first1=David |title=Monty Don: I'd like a "five-year arrangement" with Gardeners' World |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/2012-03-15/monty-don-id-like-a-five-year-arrangement-with-gardeners-world/ |access-date=4 June 2020 |work=Radio Times |language=en}}</ref>
*Next was a rented garden, called Burmans Farm at [[Shottery]] ({{coord|52|11|29.59|N|1|44|6.4|W|source:enwiki-plaintext-parser|display=inline}}) in [[Stratford-upon-Avon]] which was called ''Berryfields'' for the purposes of the programme although it was often described as a 'top secret location near [[Birmingham]]'<ref>{{cite news |last1=Brown |first1=David |title=Monty Don: I'd like a "five-year arrangement" with Gardeners' World |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/2012-03-15/monty-don-id-like-a-five-year-arrangement-with-gardeners-world/ |access-date=4 June 2020 |work=Radio Times |language=en}}</ref>
*Partly as a result of changes in the presenters, for the 2009 series the garden was relocated to [[Edgbaston]] in [[Birmingham]].<ref>Toby Buckland, [https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/gardenersworld/tobybuckland/2009/03/off_to_pastures_new.html Off to pastures new], BBC – Gardeners' World Blog</ref> A playing-field was redeveloped and this garden was given the name ''Greenacre''. This garden was intended to be a permanent home for the programme.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sturgeon |first1=Andy |title=Andy Sturgeon wonders what gardeners will make of the new home of Gardeners' World |url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/gardening-blog/2009/apr/03/gardeners-world-toby-buckland|work=The Guardian |date=3 April 2009}}</ref>
*Partly as a result of changes in the presenters, for the 2009 series the garden was relocated to [[Edgbaston]] in [[Birmingham]].<ref>Toby Buckland, [https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/gardenersworld/tobybuckland/2009/03/off_to_pastures_new.html Off to pastures new], BBC – Gardeners' World Blog</ref> A playing-field was redeveloped and this garden was given the name ''Greenacre''. This garden was intended to be a permanent home for the programme.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sturgeon |first1=Andy |title=Andy Sturgeon wonders what gardeners will make of the new home of Gardeners' World |url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/gardening-blog/2009/apr/03/gardeners-world-toby-buckland|work=The Guardian |date=3 April 2009}}</ref>
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==Critical response==
==Critical response==
⚫
The 2010 show was returned to the original 30 minutes and several features of the 2009 series, such as the '30 second fix', were dropped. The show concentrated more on gardening content,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Probert|first1=Sarah|title=Gardeners' World to go back to basics after revamp lost viewers|url=http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/news/local-news/gardeners-world-go-back-basics-3935316|access-date=27 August 2017|work=Birmingham Post|date=12 October 2010}}</ref> reintroducing 'Jobs for the weekend' and focusing on plant species.
As the primary gardening programme on [[BBC Television]], the programme has attracted vocal opinion on the merits both of its presenters and its content. The 2009 season introduced several new features, many of which were not well received. Criticism was especially harsh regarding the high cost of certain features such as the hard landscaping and raised-beds and what was widely regarded as the dumbed-down and derivative content.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/mbgardening/F2759004 Gardening on TV and Radio] BBC Message boards</ref> The 'Cool Wall' which mimicked ''[[Top Gear (2002 TV series)|Top Gear]]'', a competition for training places which aped ''[[The Apprentice (TV series)|The Apprentice]]'', children from CBeebies and content such as a feature on [[garden gnome]]s annoyed many viewers. Much of the widespread criticism was also directed at the fact that the show no longer came from a real garden.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sturgeon|first1=Andy|title=Byebye Berryfields, hello Greenacre|url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/gardening-blog/2009/apr/03/gardeners-world-toby-buckland|date=3 April 2009}}</ref> But 'Greenacre' was a field, part of [[Winterbourne Botanic Garden]] in [[Birmingham]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Gardeners' World Greenacre location revealed|url=http://www.landscapejuice.com/2009/06/gardeners-world-greenacre-location-where-is.html|publisher=landscapejuice.com|access-date=27 August 2017}}</ref>

⚫
The 2010 show saw public approval change, after alterations to the show's production. The show's length was returned to the original 30 minutes and several features of the 2009 series, such as the '30 second fix', were dropped. The show concentrated more on gardening content,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Probert|first1=Sarah|title=Gardeners' World to go back to basics after revamp lost viewers|url=http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/news/local-news/gardeners-world-go-back-basics-3935316|access-date=27 August 2017|work=Birmingham Post|date=12 October 2010}}</ref> reintroducing 'Jobs for the weekend' and focusing on plant species.

⚫
In March 2011 Monty Don returned as the main presenter of the programme.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Keen|first1=Mary|title=A blue sky moment with Monty Don |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/8465634/A-blue-sky-moment-with-Monty-Don.html|work=The Telegraph|date=21 April 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Leapman|first1=Michael|title=BBC turns to Monty Don, the hardy perennial|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/8190134/BBC-turns-to-Monty-Don-the-hardy-perennial.html|work=The Telegraph|date=8 December 2010}}</ref>


⚫
In March 2011, Monty Don returned as the main presenter of the programme.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Keen|first1=Mary|title=A blue sky moment with Monty Don |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/8465634/A-blue-sky-moment-with-Monty-Don.html|work=The Telegraph|date=21 April 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Leapman|first1=Michael|title=BBC turns to Monty Don, the hardy perennial|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/8190134/BBC-turns-to-Monty-Don-the-hardy-perennial.html|work=The Telegraph|date=8 December 2010}}</ref>
⚫
In 2016 new executive producer Paolo Proto (previously producer of ''[[The Great British Bake Off]]'') extended the programme from 30 minutes to one hour in September and October, also introducing new presenters [[Adam Frost (garden designer)|Adam Frost]], [[Frances Tophill]], Nick Bailey, [[Nick Macer]], Florence Headlam<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sweney|first1=Mark|title=BBC brings in new Gardeners' World presenters as Bake Off boss takes charge|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/aug/31/bbc-gardeners-world-presenters-bake-off-monty-don|work=The Guardian|date=31 August 2016}}</ref> and [[Arit Anderson]].<ref>{{cite web|title=BBC extends RHS Chelsea Flower Show contract |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2017/rhs-chelsea-flower-show-four-year-deal |date=15 May 2017|publisher=bbc.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com/meet-the-experts/mark-lane|title=Mark Lane|access-date=10 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730111044/https://www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com/meet-the-experts/mark-lane|archive-date=2021-07-30|url-status=dead}}</ref>


⚫
In 2016, new executive producer Paolo Proto (previously producer of ''[[The Great British Bake Off]]'') extended the programme from 30 minutes to one hour in September and October, also introducing new presenters [[Adam Frost (garden designer)|Adam Frost]], [[Frances Tophill]], Nick Bailey, [[Nick Macer]], Florence Headlam<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sweney|first1=Mark|title=BBC brings in new Gardeners' World presenters as Bake Off boss takes charge|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/aug/31/bbc-gardeners-world-presenters-bake-off-monty-don|work=The Guardian|date=31 August 2016}}</ref> and [[Arit Anderson]].<ref>{{cite web|title=BBC extends RHS Chelsea Flower Show contract |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2017/rhs-chelsea-flower-show-four-year-deal |date=15 May 2017|publisher=bbc.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com/meet-the-experts/mark-lane|title=Mark Lane|access-date=10 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730111044/https://www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com/meet-the-experts/mark-lane|archive-date=2021-07-30|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On 20 August 2021 the programme featured a visit, to Monty Don's garden at Longmeadow, by [[Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hellomagazine.com/homes/20210820119977/duchess-camilla-gardeners-world-highgrove-garden/|title = Gardener's World: Duchess Camilla makes garden confession to Monty Don|date = 20 August 2021}}</ref>


==Theme tunes==
==Theme tunes==
The very first theme tune to the series in 1968 was a piece composed by Peter Craddy and played by Michael Saxton on [[clarinet]]. A year later this was replaced by the long-running ''Green Fingers'' composed by John Clarke and Reg Reid, played by Harold Rich & His Players, a version of which, with sweeping strings, was soon used. The most famous theme, which had the longest run from the late 1980s through the 1990s and is still heard in a slightly classical vein today, is a guitar piece that was composed by [[Nick Webb (musician)|Nick Webb]] and [[Greg Carmichael]]. It had two titles, one for commercial release and one for library, ''Morning Light'' and ''Natural Elements''. ''Natural Elements'' was the title track of a commercial album released in 1988 on [[MCA Records]] under the composers' band name of [[Acoustic Alchemy]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Gardeners' World Titles - Acoustic Alchemy -Natural Elements -1996|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VwosSElxlA |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/8VwosSElxlA |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|date=5 January 2010|publisher=youtube.com}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The current theme tune, introduced in 2014, is an arrangement of "Morning Light" by [[Will Gregory]].<ref>BBC [https://www.bbc.co.uk/gardenersworld/about_the_show/ "new arrangement of Morning Light by composer Will Gregory and recorded by BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by Charles Hazlewood"]</ref>
The first theme tune to the series in 1968 was a piece composed by Peter Craddy and played by Michael Saxton on clarinet. A year later this was replaced by the long-running ''Green Fingers'' composed by John Clarke and Reg Reid, played by Harold Rich & His Players, a version of which, with sweeping strings, was soon used. The most famous theme, which had the longest run from the late 1980s through the 1990s and is still heard in a slightly classical vein today, is a guitar piece that was composed by [[Nick Webb (musician)|Nick Webb]] and [[Greg Carmichael]]. It had two titles, one for commercial release and one for library, ''Morning Light'' and ''Natural Elements''. ''Natural Elements'' was the title track of a commercial album released in 1988 on [[MCA Records]] under the composers' band name of [[Acoustic Alchemy]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Gardeners' World Titles - Acoustic Alchemy -Natural Elements -1996|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VwosSElxlA |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/8VwosSElxlA |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|date=5 January 2010|publisher=youtube.com}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The current theme tune, introduced in 2014, is an arrangement of "Morning Light" by [[Will Gregory]].<ref>BBC [https://www.bbc.co.uk/gardenersworld/about_the_show/ "new arrangement of Morning Light by composer Will Gregory and recorded by BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by Charles Hazlewood"]</ref>


==Links and spin offs==
==Links and spin offs==
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==External links==
==External links==
* {{BBC Programme|b006mw1h}}
* [https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mw1h 'BBC Two: Gardeners' World']
* [http://www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com 'BBC Gardeners' World Live']
* [http://www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com 'BBC Gardeners' World Live']
*{{IMDb title|id=0260618|title=Gardeners' World}}
*{{IMDb title|id=0260618|title=Gardeners' World}}


[[Category:BBC high definition shows]]
[[Category:BBC high definition shows]]
[[Category:BBC Television shows]]
[[Category:BBC Two original programming]]
[[Category:Gardening in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Gardening in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:1968 British television series debuts]]
[[Category:1968 British television series debuts]]
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[[Category:BBC Birmingham productions]]
[[Category:BBC Birmingham productions]]
[[Category:Television series by BBC Studios]]
[[Category:Television series by BBC Studios]]
[[Category:English-language television shows]]
[[Category:British English-language television shows]]

Latest revision as of 08:39, 23 October 2024

Gardeners' World
2008 programme title
Starring
Theme music composerMorning Light by Will Gregory
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
Production
Running time30–60 min. each
Production companies
Original release
NetworkBBC Two
Release5 January 1968 (1968-01-05) –
present

Gardeners' World is a long-running British gardening programme, first broadcast on 5 January 1968. The 2024 series is the 55th.[1] Its first series was presented by Ken Burras and came from Oxford Botanical Gardens.[2] Up until 2020 most of its episodes have been 30 minutes in duration; however, this changed in spring 2020 when the format was extended to an hour. All episodes in the 2021 series onwards follow this 60-minute format. Gardeners' World currently airs between mid-March and late October on BBC Two every Friday. The programme usually takes a four-month winter break from November to February.

The programme's main presenter is currently Monty Don. Other regular presenters include Adam Frost, Frances Tophill, Joe Swift, Arit Anderson, Advolly Richmond, Nick Bailey, Carol Klein, Mark Lane and Rachel de Thame. The magazine BBC Gardeners' World is a tie-in to the programme.

Presenters

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Lead

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Lead presenters have included:

Co-presenters

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Co-presenters have included: Alys Fowler, Chris Baines, Chris Beardshaw, Mary Spiller, Liz Rigby, Diarmuid Gavin, Clay Jones, Stefan Buczacki, Christine Walkden, Sarah Raven, Gay Search, Anne Swithinbank, Nigel Colborn, Geoffrey Smith, Roy Lancaster, Peter Seabrook, Joe Swift, Ali Ward, Pippa Greenwood, Rachel de Thame, Frances Tophill, Carol Klein, Bob Flowerdew, Mark Lane, Adam Frost, Arit Anderson, John Kelly, Nick Bailey, Flo Headlam, Arthur Parkinson, JJ Chalmers, Advolly Richmond, Sue Kent and Rekha Mistry.

Born in 1963 with phocomelia of both arms, eight inches long, no thumbs, and seven fingers – three on one hand, four on the other - Sue Kent has appeared as a presenter on the show since 2020, demonstrating her ability to garden using her feet and toes where others would use their hands.[4]

Locations

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Since its inception in 1968, the show was presented until 2003 from the lead presenter's own garden. In 2011, the show returned to this practice.

Critical response

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The 2010 show was returned to the original 30 minutes and several features of the 2009 series, such as the '30 second fix', were dropped. The show concentrated more on gardening content,[12] reintroducing 'Jobs for the weekend' and focusing on plant species.

In March 2011, Monty Don returned as the main presenter of the programme.[13][14]

In 2016, new executive producer Paolo Proto (previously producer of The Great British Bake Off) extended the programme from 30 minutes to one hour in September and October, also introducing new presenters Adam Frost, Frances Tophill, Nick Bailey, Nick Macer, Florence Headlam[15] and Arit Anderson.[16][17]

Theme tunes

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The first theme tune to the series in 1968 was a piece composed by Peter Craddy and played by Michael Saxton on clarinet. A year later this was replaced by the long-running Green Fingers composed by John Clarke and Reg Reid, played by Harold Rich & His Players, a version of which, with sweeping strings, was soon used. The most famous theme, which had the longest run from the late 1980s through the 1990s and is still heard in a slightly classical vein today, is a guitar piece that was composed by Nick Webb and Greg Carmichael. It had two titles, one for commercial release and one for library, Morning Light and Natural Elements. Natural Elements was the title track of a commercial album released in 1988 on MCA Records under the composers' band name of Acoustic Alchemy.[18] The current theme tune, introduced in 2014, is an arrangement of "Morning Light" by Will Gregory.[19]

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Former lead presenter, Alan Titchmarsh later teamed up with Charlie Dimmock and Tommy Walsh to make the series Ground Force. This was about rapid garden makeovers.

A book based on the history of the series entitled Gardeners' World Through The Years was released in 2003 by Gay Search.[20]

BBC Gardeners' World Live

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The BBC Gardeners' World Live Show is an extension of the television programme and magazine. Running annually in June, it is hosted at the Birmingham NEC,[21] co-located with the BBC Summer Good Food Show.

The show includes live appearances from the presenters giving topical advice and tips including many of the presenters, such as Alan Titchmarsh, Monty Don, Carol Klein and Joe Swift, Toby Buckland, Alys Fowler, Chris Baines, Diarmuid Gavin, Anne Swithinbank, Pippa Greenwood, Rachel de Thame, Bob Flowerdew and Mark Lane.

The presenters film at BBC Gardeners' World Live, with the content aired within the programme on the Friday night of the live show.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 show was cancelled, with the next scheduled for 17–20 June 2021.[22]

A number of new rose varieties have been launched at the show including

  • 2016: Roses UK presented the new 'Eve Rose' to Simon Lycett on behalf of the Eve Foundation
  • 2008: Rachel de Thame presented the new rose 'Prince Caspian' to actor Ben Barnes
  • 2005: The show presented the new 'Duchess of Cornwall' rose to the Duchess of Cornwall

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Gardeners' World Season 53". Radio Times.
  2. ^ Modern themes – Gardeners' World, BBC – Gardening
  3. ^ "Gardeners' World: Series Info". thetvdb.com. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
  4. ^ The Thalidomide Trust, Sue Kent's Garden Featured on the BBC, 16 September 2020. https://www.thalidomidetrust.org/sue-kents-garden-featured-on-the-bbc/ Archived 23 October 2022 at the Wayback Machine
  5. ^ Leapman, Michael (30 September 2018). "Gardeners' World's Percy Thrower was the godfather of gardening shows and brought passion to the potting shed" – via www.telegraph.co.uk.
  6. ^ "Clacks Farm For Sale Gardeners World". www.uniquepropertyblog.co.uk. Archived from the original on 12 May 2017. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
  7. ^ "Barnsdale Gardens: Geoff Hamilton and The Barnsdale Story". barnsdalegardens.co.uk. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
  8. ^ Rosenberg, Marc (29 October 2010). "Alan Titchmarsh's Barleywood garden for sale". Amateur Gardening. Archived from the original on 26 January 2021. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
  9. ^ Brown, David. "Monty Don: I'd like a "five-year arrangement" with Gardeners' World". Radio Times. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
  10. ^ Toby Buckland, Off to pastures new, BBC – Gardeners' World Blog
  11. ^ Sturgeon, Andy (3 April 2009). "Andy Sturgeon wonders what gardeners will make of the new home of Gardeners' World". The Guardian.
  12. ^ Probert, Sarah (12 October 2010). "Gardeners' World to go back to basics after revamp lost viewers". Birmingham Post. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  13. ^ Keen, Mary (21 April 2011). "A blue sky moment with Monty Don". The Telegraph.
  14. ^ Leapman, Michael (8 December 2010). "BBC turns to Monty Don, the hardy perennial". The Telegraph.
  15. ^ Sweney, Mark (31 August 2016). "BBC brings in new Gardeners' World presenters as Bake Off boss takes charge". The Guardian.
  16. ^ "BBC extends RHS Chelsea Flower Show contract". bbc.co.uk. 15 May 2017.
  17. ^ "Mark Lane". Archived from the original on 30 July 2021. Retrieved 10 June 2018.
  18. ^ "Gardeners' World Titles - Acoustic Alchemy -Natural Elements -1996". youtube.com. 5 January 2010. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021.
  19. ^ BBC "new arrangement of Morning Light by composer Will Gregory and recorded by BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by Charles Hazlewood"
  20. ^ Search, Gay (1 March 2006). Gardeners' World: Through the Years. Carlton Books, Limited. ISBN 9781844424160.
  21. ^ "Welcome to the NEC Group". www.necgroup.co.uk. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
  22. ^ "BBC Gardeners' World Live 2020".
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