Gardeners' World | |
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Country of origin | United Kingdom |
Original language(s) | English |
Production | |
Running time | 30–60 min. each |
Release | |
Original network | BBC |
Picture format | Originally PAL Later 576i (1998–2008 anamorphic 16:9, pre–1998 4:3) Since 2008 1080i HD |
Original release | 1968 |
Gardeners' World is a long-running BBC Television programme about gardening, first broadcast in 1968 and still running as of 2017. Its first episode was presented by Ken Burras and came from Oxford Botanical Gardens. The magazine BBC Gardeners' World is a tie-in to the programme. Most of its episodes have been 30 minutes in length, although there are many specials that last longer. The 2008 and 2009 series used a 60-minute format as did the 2016 series from episode 23, for eight episodes in total.
The show was presented until 2003 from the lead presenter's own garden.
As the primary gardening programme on BBC Television, the programme attracts vocal opinion on the merits of the presenters and the content of each episode. 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. The 'Cool Wall' which mimicked Top Gear, a competition for training places which aped The Apprentice, children from CBeebies and content such as a feature on garden gnomes annoyed many viewers. Much of the widespread criticism was also directed at the fact that the show no longer came from a real garden.
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 axed. The show concentrated more on gardening content, re-introducing 'Jobs for the weekend' and focusing on plant species.
In March 2011, Monty Don returned as the main presenter of the programme.
in 2016, new executive producer Paolo Proto (previously producer of the Great British Bake Off) extended the programme to one hour (usually 30 minutes) in September and October, also introducing new presenters Adam Frost, Frances Tophill, Nick Bailey, Nick Macer and Florence Headlam.