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Rhododendrons and Carnations

Television gardeners try to save the nation's gardening heritage. James Wong revives the rhododendron and Christine Walkden campaigns for carnations.

James Wong wants to revive a plant which has fallen deeply out of garden fashion - the rhododendron. On his revival, he visits the Lost Gardens of Heligan to see species of rhododendron which have been saved from the edge of extinction, meets a scientist who is bringing Victorian species back from the dead and attempts to win over the people of Truro with dwarf varieties suitable for any garden. Throughout the show, James explains how we can grow rhododendrons even if we don't have the right soil conditions, gives his guide on how to recreate the magic of Himalayan planting at home and shares his tips on growing rhododendrons from cuttings.

Christine Walkden wants to revive a garage forecourt favourite - the carnation. On her revival, she visits a specialist nursery who have been growing carnations for over 100 years, heads to Gravetye Manor, the former home of the esteemed botanist, gardener and champion of naturalistic planting, William Robinson, and hits the streets in an attempt to bring back a forgotten tradition - the gentleman's buttonhole. Christine also shows how to recreate the drama of the Alps by planting up a container with her favourite alpine species and shares her tips on how to grow carnations from seed.

59 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter James Wong
Presenter Christine Walkden
Series Editor Gary Broadhurst
Executive Producer Bridget Boseley
Production Company Outline Productions Ltd

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