I am SO with my garden right now, as months of planning and loving tending are coming to manifestation. Things are coming up everywhere, the peas are flowering, the potatoes are burgeoning, the salads being picked, tomatoes potted on, courgettes and runner beans planted out, broad beans making pods and apples fruiting. Whilst I am still taking maximum organic preventative measures in the form of slug pubs, bird decoys and soap sprays, I am now resolved to the fact that the Earth, in the form of slugs, snails, birds and insects, will take something back. In the end it will be me!!
On matters of mortality, I am still gutted about Monty Don leaving Gardeners World, and have noticed that the BBC blog records similar dismay at Monty’s departure and concern for his health. I just read Alys Fowler’s (Berryfields’ Head Gardener) blog, and it moved me to tears. Just the words “Monty has gone. The swallows have moved into the tool shed’ were enough. ‘The Mighty ‘D” is such a touching and poignant posting.
Like a lot of Gardeners World fans, I think its time for a woman as national Head Gardener. No-one mentions Alys (though Carol gets a lot of votes), but it struck me that she is perfect for the job. She has Monty’s gentle affability, youth, pleasant good looks, is very well qualified and has a quirky little dog to entertain and beguile. I agree that Chris Beardshaw is also very easy on the eye, but I do think that the time is right for us gardening girls to strike out. So Alys - go girl!
Monty will be missed. I just hope they don’t go back to Titchmarsh. Every time he came on, my begonias wilted.
I wholeheartedly agree Dick - though I read yesterday that Matthew Wilson is the odds on favourite - though Alys, Carol and Joe are also in the running - the comment was made that Tichmarsh is probably too busy presenting every other show on the telly - what do the BBC see in him?!!
I’ve often asked that very same question. There are far more talented presenters currently looking for work and who look bloody good bending over a herbaceous border. Or, at least, that’s what Judy tells me.