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Posted by Pete-Free (U7363826) on Saturday, 30th August 2008
....at 8 pm on 4 September called "I own Britain's Best Home and Garden".
A one hour episode it's billed as "Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and a panel of experts scrutinise some of the country's most extraordinary gardens. This instalment profiles an easy-care cottage plot in Hertfordshire and an exotic jungle in Norfolk yard."
ooh sounds good.
, in reply to message 2.
Posted by Little Cornflower (U12037777) on Saturday, 30th August 2008
Been reading about it in this weeks Amateur Gardening - it sounds interesting.
About time some other channels took up the garden cause
Pinging as a reminder to watch or set the video tomorrow night.
Yes, I think it will be unusual but very interesting.
I understand the series covers gardens in the south and east with hopefully another to follow, if it takes off.
Ping
I've been looking forward to this, 'cause I very much enjoyed Lawrence's presenting style on the series he did, some time ago, with Diarmuid.
, in reply to message 6.
Posted by Little Cornflower (U12037777) on Thursday, 4th September 2008
The programme ( one of 4 ) is actually on Channel 5
, in reply to message 7.
Posted by Little Cornflower (U12037777) on Thursday, 4th September 2008
Oops, pressed too soon!!
I was going on to say that it is about time we had gardening programmes on other terrestial channels.LLB has just bought a house in the Cotswolds with a 2 acre garden so he should have a vested interest in garden design.He does admit to not being "hands on " but he is very charismatic and should prove to be an interesting presenter.I can't wait
the programme. . .is actually on Channel 5Â
Puzzled - yes, that's what it says in the heading of the thread, and did anybody else say it wasn't?
No, they didn't!
But it had me reaching for the newspaper
Do keep up PWP
sitting in front of the tv with the laptop on. just show this tread and have turned over to channel 5 and turning off the laptop.
thank you and bye for now.
, in reply to message 11.
Posted by Dancing Dragonflies (U11928307) on Thursday, 4th September 2008
Oh bu**er I missed it!
Was it any good?
Was it any good?Â
Well, I enjoyed it. Except for the sour puss who kept telling them off for having too many plants in their gardens!
, in reply to message 12.
Posted by Stressed out (U11163734) on Thursday, 4th September 2008
It was not that bad as a bit of light entertainment.
Both gardens were very good and I did like the drawn garden plans.
The 'jungle' garden has been on GW before if I recall, but it was a much more in depth view of it and not just a 5 second rush.
The 'Cottage' garden was always going to win as it looked great a real labour of love.
We spent most of the show discussing what we were seeing so it must have been reasonable.
Only criticism would be that it was a bit game showy at the end and we felt a bit sorry for the 'jungle' guy as he 'lost'. To me they were both winners as they had created something that they loved from nothing.
, in reply to message 13.
Posted by Stressed out (U11163734) on Thursday, 4th September 2008
Lemon-P
The best comment was about adding the black organic dye to the water and the response that it 'was a bit Chelsea'.
Really made me laugh.
I enjoyed it too, and I liked the cottage garden better.
, in reply to message 16.
Posted by idreamtrader (U11044653) on Friday, 5th September 2008
Loved the gardens but didn't like the presentation.
The male expert was OK but what on earth do newspaper critics know about anything??
And dear old Laurence. Oh dear when is he going to stop wearing those dreadful cuffs. After all of the criticism of female presenters clothing on other posts it has to be admitted they are far more appropriate to a garden than Laurence.
Liked the way they labeled the plants, even if it was a bit twee, but didn't like them using their common names as plants are rarely sold by those names in a garden centre.
I also loved the gardens but not the presentation. I do like the way Laurence wafts around the garden (and he does understand design). I would have given both of these gardens a gold medal - wonder how they were chosen to take part? And who chose the judges?
Very enjoyable on the whole and a different concept to much before.
Cottage Garden extra-special with good structure (summerhouse to die for and treehouse not far behind for that matter). Personally unsure about jungle gardens here on the whole. Why battle the elements and how would it look in winter.
Anne Wareham has a fascinating profile and gardens at Veddw in Monmouthshire. The reflective pool there is an example of how the black organic dye mentioned works so successfully. It's a magnificent garden . Have a look at The Thinking Gardens link too. Both explain her views on gardens, as opposed to gardening and bring it to a different level.
Does anyone know the other judges? I've not heard of them before. Which doesn't mean a thing!
(Still being pre-modded )
It's great to see what other 'real' gardeners are doing and I loved the programme. Both gardens were inspiring in different ways and there was enough viewing time to have a good look at them. Wasn't too keen on the gameshow element but that won't take from my overall enjoyment of the programme.
Both gardens shown were a tribute to their owners.
I loved the programme too, although I wished DBH hadn't seen it as we aren't too far from Norwich and now he wants a jungle garden too.
I think both were beautiful gardens, but although my preference is for cottage gardens I couldn't help feeling that the other garden had far more of a Wow factor.
I didn't like the game show element, either. However, even though the jungly garden 'lost', it looked as if there were a nursery attached, so presumably his sales will go up!
I can't wait for the rest, now.
, in reply to message 1.
Posted by the cycling gardener (U2350416) on Friday, 5th September 2008
I enjoyed the programme but agree with those of you who feel the game show element was unnecessary. It trivialised the huge achievements of both gardeners. I would like to have heard a more meaningful critique instead of the simplistic off-hand comments levelled at the owners.
Although I loved the exotic garden the cottage was may favourite though I must own up to being a tad bias because it is at Rusling End in Hertfordshire, very close to where I live. I cycle the lane next to the cottage regularly, part of a lovely circuit through Lilly Valley, St. Paul's Walden, Kings Walden and the Ayots and always admire the clipped Buxus outside the front door while imagining the delights behind the tall hedgerow. I wasn't a bit disappointed last night. Superb.
, in reply to message 22.
Posted by Gianttrowel (U10674701) on Friday, 5th September 2008
I thought the gardens and owners were fantastic but what a rubbish production and format. I was very disappointed and will be unlikely to watch the rest of the series. I really hate the incessant and unecessary reviews after every break and "still to come" elements. Such a shame as it could have been so much better.
KR GT
, in reply to message 23.
Posted by everhopeful (U11289037) on Friday, 5th September 2008
I happened on this prog by chance and enjoyed both of the wonderful gardens.
The game show element was annoying but then I am not sure what the program makers had in mind as their audience.I doubt that it was the intention to entertain such serious gardeners as some on this board, maybe they were trying to attract a new sort of viewer.
However unlike you Bob, I will watch the next series just for the pleasure of seeing other peoples great ideas and dedication.
It looks as if there has been a lot of rain around. We have just got back from France where we had great weather, and everything has grown a lot here.There is so much deadheading for me to get down to, so wellies on and here I come.
Pete-Free, thanks for the link to Veddw gardens -they do look quite spectacular. My gripe with people like Anne Wareham is that they have no idea what gardening in a small garden is like.
If I was to create a garden similar to just one of her mini gardens ie the wildlife garden(which is all I would fit in mine), I would have nothing to look at for the rest of the year.
However,the gardens they looked at in the programme, were, fortunately, gardens smaller than her own & for the space given provided huge amounts of interest. But,even these gardens were vastly bigger than most people enjoy. In my opinion, the beauty of a garden is it's diversity & there's nothing I like better than a daily walk round my little plot discovering what's new. It's time garden programmes reflected the skills of small garden gardeners & not those that have vast spaces to create swathes of planting, parkland & reflective pools with statues & topiary, however beautiful it might be.
Rant over
The Fedw (Veddw) gardens are a complete and absolute disappointment. It is very over-rated yet because it is owned by Ann Wareham garden writers seem to go out of their way to throw praise at it. Don't waste your money going there. The only good thing about it is the location and the view. I only live about 2 miles from it and only went once. Most people in the area are of the same opinion.
, in reply to message 21.
Posted by welshcol (U2301689) on Wednesday, 10th September 2008
I loved the programme too.....Â
Almost totally agree
Eventually got around to watching last weeks prog. and was pleasantly surprised. Not too much of LLB, but just enough to engage, clarify and to explain in a mainly non-patronising way, and enjoyed the on-screen explanatory legends for the different parts of the garden. Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú GW look and learn!!
If you exclude the normal these days, but totally objectionable IMHO the dramatic adversarial contest bit found the programme very watchable and entertaining.
Will stick in my memory Busy Lizzie's growing under falling water a real eye opener.
To be recommended if you can ignore LL-B's cuffs and curly locks Channel 5 8pm Thursday's
I enjoyed this much more than RdT's GW.
if you can ignore LL-B's cuffs and curly locksÂ
OH couldn't, had to leave the room
My only complaint was the naff plant labelling - great idea, lousy execution.
This sounds just up my street but isn't because Channel 5 hasn't reached these parts yet.
Am feeling really peeved!!!!
, in reply to message 29.
Posted by welshcol (U2301689) on Wednesday, 10th September 2008
Can't you pick up a cheep freeview box before Thursday or is there a problem with coverage?
There's a problem with coverage, welshcol. I don't know why since apparently 80% of the population can get it.
We have got a freeview box but Channel 5 seems to be on cable and satellite but not freeview.
There is always Demand Five available via the web but this particular programme has to be paid for rather than watched for free.
GRRRRRRRRRRRR
, in reply to message 31.
Posted by 8supermum (U2768246) on Wednesday, 10th September 2008
We don't get coverage either, hope they remember that before they switch us off!!!
We were shortlisted to be on the programme, they had the film crew standing by, spent days in the garden getting it spruced up, then a bomb shell, we don't actually own our house so couldn't be featured.
We were a bit gutted really, we don't have tons of money to splash about, we just work very hard with the materials we can find, with a little bit of money thrown in when and where we can afford. I'm aware of some the houses featured and they have a gardener, hardly seems fair !!!
But thats TV for you...
, in reply to message 32.
Posted by greeneddy (U6603838) on Wednesday, 10th September 2008
Oh no 8supermum, I'd have been tempted to go in for a bit of criminal damage. Couldn't they have changed the title to "I live in" or "I have"???
, in reply to message 26.
Posted by Pete-Free (U7363826) on Thursday, 11th September 2008
Wish I'd known you live close to Veddw, Toadspawn. I'd have popped in for a cuppa when down there this summer!
What a lovely part of the world, as you say. Hills, valleys, greenery, elegant Monmouth and proud little Usk, everywhere spotless and cared for with an abundance of flowers in hanging baskets and window boxes. It was a world apart from this ugly and littered patch.
Sorry you find Veddw disappointing. It's very different, I agree. The landmark sculptural hedges growing in harmony with the landscape, the reflecting pool , the black deer fence and the story written on That Population Gate, tells a moving tale of times past. For me it had a magical quality and was an inspiration.
I’m still being seriously pre-modded so hoping this gets posted before tonight’s episode of "I own Britain’s Best Home and Garden" which takes us to Powis and Hampshire I believe.
Pete free, are you sure you've been to the right Veddw???
In fact I've never heard a good word about A Wareham most people think she's awful even before this show.She's so rude........
I'm disgusted she doesn't like frothy borders etc, she obviously must think her's is a complete mess, its so frothy in places and weedy its unbelievable, people that come to our garden after visiting hers never make pleasing comments, one couple were even going to write to the RHS complaining about the state of her garden..
People in glass houses etc etc all the gardens I've seen are so superior to hers I'd be embarrased to pass comment.
I'm so glad we didn't end up on the programme, I'd probably drowned her in her own reflecting pond!!!!!!!!!!!
, in reply to message 35.
Posted by Pete-Free (U7363826) on Wednesday, 17th September 2008
Hello Supermum
Thanks for your post! Ann Wareham's a feisty woman and would probably enjoy the controversy the programme and her garden at Veddw is provoking here. Guess I am in the Board minority over Veddw then and I wont dare defend it more than I have already...
....But we've all got different ideas and styles haven't we. Mine is abundance, harmony and subtle colour. Yet I definitely don't do neglect and untidiness and loathe park bedding mindsets with everything in rows. My neighbour is a very good friend but her garden, like her house, is pristine. It has no soul. They don't understand my style either but that's fine.
I guess the tv programme gives us opportunity for thought and debate. That's healthy and stimulating. Vive le difference!
PS Channel 5 have joined the Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú's Cruelty to Gardeners campaign and bumped us off for football tomorrow, 18th.
I'm obviously going to have to stop His Lordship checking the TV and telling me there's nothing on! Do you think it could have anything to do with Tiger Woods on the PS3?
, in reply to message 37.
Posted by Greengirl (U5195373) on Wednesday, 17th September 2008
What did everyone think of last week's gardens? I was very disappointed by the one with the sculptures & revolting pool - not in keeping with the lovely house at all. I prefered the cottagey one myself (much more my style), but thought the standard of desin & planting was nothing like as good as the first week's programme.
, in reply to message 36.
Posted by Toadspawn (U2334298) on Wednesday, 17th September 2008
Pete
By all means call in next time you are in the area. I have not yet met anyone who has been to the Fedw who like it. I have talked to representatives on the RHS stand at Cardiff and said I could not understand how the garden is one of the ones that lets RHS members in free and was informed that many other people had made the same comment.
When I went to the Fedw I talked to Ann Wareham and asked her about a plant in her wild flower meadow. She did not know what it was so she immediately went down in my estimation. (It was a Camassia).
She also had a sign up saying excuse the weeds, there are only two of us here. However, if the weeds were removed there would be very little to look at.
Wonderful gardens on this show last night (9/10). Who wouldn't love that woodland garden.
Even if you don't like LLB and/or the game show format, you have to admit it's the best opportunity on TV, possibly the best ever, to look at other people's gardens.
, in reply to message 40.
Posted by Little Cornflower (U12037777) on Friday, 10th October 2008
Loved both gardens - I agree, a great chance to look at people's creations and get ideas
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