Home gardeners are using less water, pesticides and fertilizers thanks to the Seminole County Agriculture Extension Service's newsletter and educational programs, a survey concludes.
Most people who responded to the survey conducted in the spring changed their gardening practices after attending seminars and workshops or reading the Greenthumb newsletter.
Most said they had saved money, and several claimed savings of more than $500 as a result of new gardening methods suggested during the programs, said urban horticulturist Celeste White.
Of the 1,011 surveys mailed, only 74 were returned.
According to the survey, more than 70 percent of the people said they reduced water use because of information they received in the Greenthumb publication. About 70 percent said they also use less pesticides and fertilizers.
The quarterly publication includes information and tips on organic gardening, plants, vegetables, upcoming agriculture events, composting, water conservation, fertilizers, Xeriscape, native plants, landscape uses and other environmental issues.
Only 30 people who attended seminars and workshops in the past year returned surveys. Most said they had reduced water and pesticide usage, but only 11 said they use less fertilizer.
The results also showed that 35 people received information about composting from the center or through one of its programs and that 31 started a compost pile within the past year.
Slightly more than 47 percent of those who responded said they saved $50 last year using information from the center or volunteer master gardeners who assisted homeowners and businesses with gardening problems.
The survey revealed that 24.3 percent saved between $50 and $100 using new gardening practices, 10.8 percent saved between $100 and $500 and 2.7 percent saved more than $500 last year.
"The survey results have proved to be very educational to us," White said. "We are pleased the information offered has had such a significant impact on the environment. Hopefully, we can improve on that even more in the future."
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
'Show and tell' to feature gardening tips
Some people keep their small gardening tools - pruners, trowels, knives, etc. - in pots or buckets filled with sand with a little light oil mixed in. The sand helps keep the surfaces clean and the oil lubricates and wards off rust.
This is only one of the gardening tips and more that will be shared during the "Corrine Bromberger Expanded Show and Tell" at the November meeting of the Redlands Horticultural and Improvement Society.
The meeting is 7 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Redlands Church of the Nazarene, 1307 E. Citrus Ave.
There is no charge, and the public is welcome to attend.
This is only one of the gardening tips and more that will be shared during the "Corrine Bromberger Expanded Show and Tell" at the November meeting of the Redlands Horticultural and Improvement Society.
The meeting is 7 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Redlands Church of the Nazarene, 1307 E. Citrus Ave.
There is no charge, and the public is welcome to attend.
Gardeners share illegal gardening tips
- Two couples who apparently exchanged indoor gardening tips were arrested in a pair of simultaneous drug raids on two east-end apartment buildings in Sherbrooke Wednesday morning.
The raids on apartments located at 232 and 229 7th Avenue netted about 250 pot plants ranging from seedlings to ones with stalks four- feet high.
At 232, police uncovered 150 marijuana plants and arrested a couple including a 45-year-old man and his 25-year-old spouse.
Meanwhile, across the street, another team of police uncovered 100 pot plants and arrested another pair. This time, it was a 35- year-old man and his 39-year-old spouse.
The two couples were expected to appear at the Sherbrooke courthouse on Wednesday afternoon.
The raids on apartments located at 232 and 229 7th Avenue netted about 250 pot plants ranging from seedlings to ones with stalks four- feet high.
At 232, police uncovered 150 marijuana plants and arrested a couple including a 45-year-old man and his 25-year-old spouse.
Meanwhile, across the street, another team of police uncovered 100 pot plants and arrested another pair. This time, it was a 35- year-old man and his 39-year-old spouse.
The two couples were expected to appear at the Sherbrooke courthouse on Wednesday afternoon.
Police get gardening tips from drug-grower
olice have been receiving gardening tips on how to improve their tomatoes from a man awaiting sentencing for an illegal cannabis farm, Exeter Crown Court has heard. Gordon McAulay was jailed for 15 months at the court last week after pleading guilty to producing the class B drug between September and December last year in a warehouse at an undisclosed address in Bideford.
McAulay's last official address was Hyfield Place in Bideford but the court heard he is now living in Gunnislake in Cornwall.
Defence counsel Richard Crabb said: "He has been signing on at Tavistock police station while on bail. He has been giving police advice on how to improve their tomato growing and has brought them in a cake."
Prosecutor Lee Bremridge said there was a yield of 69 plants, weighing 6.68kg, with a potential street value of Pounds 30,000. Just under 4kg of this was stronger 'skunk' cannabis.
Mr Bremridge said: "He told police that he was a heavy cannabis user, growing it to smoke, using about 25 joints a day... The drugs liaison officer estimated that there would be around 33,000 cannabis joints from the yield and it would take three years to smoke so it was completely ludicrous to say it was for the defendant's own use."
Police also found text messages on McAulay's phone with phrases including, 'Got any smoke?' and 'I need a few ounces of your nice garden'.
Mr Bremridge added: "He's clearly an organiser, user and supplier."
The court heard McAulay had no criminal record.
Defence counsel Richard Crabb said there was no suggestion that anyone else was working for McAulay's illegal scheme or that it was for largescale supply.
"It's a small holding in one building," said Mr Crabb. "He only started growing it nine months before his arrest," said Mr Crabb. "It's his third crop. He was getting better as time went on, this was the best crop."
He added the defendant had many good character references and was a likeable person, demonstrated by his friendly behaviour at the police station when reporting for bail.
The court heard the defendant was not living a luxury lifestyle on the proceeds of his crime and the prosecution was making no application for a hearing to confiscate assets.
Judge Graham Cottle told McAulay that he had to jail him, as it was a "mediumsized operation" which was "quite sophisticated" but he was taking into account the mitigation.
The judge added that McAulay had initially been reluctant to accept he was intending to sell some of the cannabis but his general attitude showed he was not trying to "shelter behind any excuse" for his behaviour.
He ordered forfeiture and destruction of the drugs.
McAulay's last official address was Hyfield Place in Bideford but the court heard he is now living in Gunnislake in Cornwall.
Defence counsel Richard Crabb said: "He has been signing on at Tavistock police station while on bail. He has been giving police advice on how to improve their tomato growing and has brought them in a cake."
Prosecutor Lee Bremridge said there was a yield of 69 plants, weighing 6.68kg, with a potential street value of Pounds 30,000. Just under 4kg of this was stronger 'skunk' cannabis.
Mr Bremridge said: "He told police that he was a heavy cannabis user, growing it to smoke, using about 25 joints a day... The drugs liaison officer estimated that there would be around 33,000 cannabis joints from the yield and it would take three years to smoke so it was completely ludicrous to say it was for the defendant's own use."
Police also found text messages on McAulay's phone with phrases including, 'Got any smoke?' and 'I need a few ounces of your nice garden'.
Mr Bremridge added: "He's clearly an organiser, user and supplier."
The court heard McAulay had no criminal record.
Defence counsel Richard Crabb said there was no suggestion that anyone else was working for McAulay's illegal scheme or that it was for largescale supply.
"It's a small holding in one building," said Mr Crabb. "He only started growing it nine months before his arrest," said Mr Crabb. "It's his third crop. He was getting better as time went on, this was the best crop."
He added the defendant had many good character references and was a likeable person, demonstrated by his friendly behaviour at the police station when reporting for bail.
The court heard the defendant was not living a luxury lifestyle on the proceeds of his crime and the prosecution was making no application for a hearing to confiscate assets.
Judge Graham Cottle told McAulay that he had to jail him, as it was a "mediumsized operation" which was "quite sophisticated" but he was taking into account the mitigation.
The judge added that McAulay had initially been reluctant to accept he was intending to sell some of the cannabis but his general attitude showed he was not trying to "shelter behind any excuse" for his behaviour.
He ordered forfeiture and destruction of the drugs.
Gardening tips available to all
TARANAKI gardeners will have no excuses for a sloppy plot this spring - even if it's their first foray into the world of horticulture.
A series of workshops on everything from planning a garden to pruning roses will begin this weekend.
New Plymouth District Council will run the rose- pruning demonstrations at Hempton Rose Garden, New Plymouth and Donaldson Rose Garden, Waitara.
"This is the time of year when we get around the public rose gardens to give them their winter prune and we thought the public would appreciate getting some tips from the experts that they can use in their own gardens," said council parks manager Mark Bruhn.
"We want to demystify the art of rose pruning and help people get the best out of their gardens."
For those wanting a garden for more than just beauty, the Taranaki Regional Council is running five workshops on domestic gardens starting on July 26.
Participants will learn how to plan a garden complete with compost bin, worm farm, chook run, beehive and delectables for the table.
TRC gardens manager Greg Rine said the workshops are designed to meet the growing interest in "home" gardens - an interest he says is more than just a trend.
"People are thinking more about where their food is coming from and people want to see what they can grow themselves to save money," Mr Rine said.
The hands-on workshops will be held at Hollard Gardens, where the public will learn by helping council gardeners.
They are encouraged to bring photos to help plan their own gardens.
At the end of the workshops Hollard Gardens will have a new home garden ready for the spring festival.
Rose pruning: Hempton Rose Garden, New Plymouth - Saturday, July 18 and Monday, July 20; Donaldson Rose Garden, Waitara, Saturday, July 25, all at 11am.
Home gardening: Hollard Gardens, Kaponga - Sunday, July 26, getting started; Sunday, August 9, bees in the garden; Sunday, August 30, chooks and worms; Sunday, September 13, seed sowing; Sunday, September 27, companion planting and composting, all at 2pm.
A series of workshops on everything from planning a garden to pruning roses will begin this weekend.
New Plymouth District Council will run the rose- pruning demonstrations at Hempton Rose Garden, New Plymouth and Donaldson Rose Garden, Waitara.
"This is the time of year when we get around the public rose gardens to give them their winter prune and we thought the public would appreciate getting some tips from the experts that they can use in their own gardens," said council parks manager Mark Bruhn.
"We want to demystify the art of rose pruning and help people get the best out of their gardens."
For those wanting a garden for more than just beauty, the Taranaki Regional Council is running five workshops on domestic gardens starting on July 26.
Participants will learn how to plan a garden complete with compost bin, worm farm, chook run, beehive and delectables for the table.
TRC gardens manager Greg Rine said the workshops are designed to meet the growing interest in "home" gardens - an interest he says is more than just a trend.
"People are thinking more about where their food is coming from and people want to see what they can grow themselves to save money," Mr Rine said.
The hands-on workshops will be held at Hollard Gardens, where the public will learn by helping council gardeners.
They are encouraged to bring photos to help plan their own gardens.
At the end of the workshops Hollard Gardens will have a new home garden ready for the spring festival.
Rose pruning: Hempton Rose Garden, New Plymouth - Saturday, July 18 and Monday, July 20; Donaldson Rose Garden, Waitara, Saturday, July 25, all at 11am.
Home gardening: Hollard Gardens, Kaponga - Sunday, July 26, getting started; Sunday, August 9, bees in the garden; Sunday, August 30, chooks and worms; Sunday, September 13, seed sowing; Sunday, September 27, companion planting and composting, all at 2pm.
Thanks for the gardening tips
Thank you, Wendy Corum, for your letter, "Gardening tips to help the bees" (Your Say, June 24).
For 35 years, I have enjoyed my garden and kept it weed-free.
For the last two years, because of ill health, I have been unable to keep it as I'd like to and this has been a worry.
But reading your letter has inspired me not to cover it over with chippings or grass but to keep the flowers and shrubs and not worry about the dandelions, which I notice the bees love.
I feel so much better after reading your letter.
For 35 years, I have enjoyed my garden and kept it weed-free.
For the last two years, because of ill health, I have been unable to keep it as I'd like to and this has been a worry.
But reading your letter has inspired me not to cover it over with chippings or grass but to keep the flowers and shrubs and not worry about the dandelions, which I notice the bees love.
I feel so much better after reading your letter.
Summer gardening tips
A continuing compendium of tips and tricks from Home & Garden Television. The following are tips for summer gardening:
- Peas in the summer garden before they get overripe. If you're growing them to shell, harvest them when they are plump. If you're growing peas for their juicy sweet pods, pick them when they're thin.
- Broccoli reacts to the heat by turning yellow and trying to flower. Harvest it before it starts flowering, then continue to let it grow and you'll get small broccoli heads.
- Carrots and onions thrive in the heat. Let the foliage grow because it actually feeds the vegetable underground.
- Tomatoes prosper in the heat, but if overnight lows get too warm the flowers will fall off and the plant will not be able to set fruit.
- To ensure pollination in tomato plants, shake your tomato plants gently to help spread pollen.
- Peas in the summer garden before they get overripe. If you're growing them to shell, harvest them when they are plump. If you're growing peas for their juicy sweet pods, pick them when they're thin.
- Broccoli reacts to the heat by turning yellow and trying to flower. Harvest it before it starts flowering, then continue to let it grow and you'll get small broccoli heads.
- Carrots and onions thrive in the heat. Let the foliage grow because it actually feeds the vegetable underground.
- Tomatoes prosper in the heat, but if overnight lows get too warm the flowers will fall off and the plant will not be able to set fruit.
- To ensure pollination in tomato plants, shake your tomato plants gently to help spread pollen.
Gardening tools and tips
At the January meeting of the Horticultural Society, members brought in their favourite hand tools and gardening tips. Here are some of the suggestions:
Pruners, the by-pass kind, are a must have. Get the best quality you can afford.
Connect a Rain Barrel to a downspout -- anything that will hold water will do. Use a store-bought one or improvise from a plastic garbage pail or vinegar barrel. If it doesn't come with a lid, cover the top with screening, and use a small amount of vegetable oil on the water to discourage mosquitoes.
A Watering Wand is essential for watering hanging baskets, and underneath plants. Get one with an adjustable head (at least six positions) and buy the best quality you can afford.
Reference books help, such as "Favourite Gardening Tips" by Marjorie Harris or "The Gardener's Handbook" published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs.
Vertical gardening means using fences, railings and plastic netting to grow plants. Plants get more light, produce more, and vegetables are cleaner and easier to pick
You can't have too many Bamboo stakes - packages of these can be bought at the dollar store.
Kneelers come in many styles, from a 7" x 14" foam pad, to a platform with handles to help an arthritic gardener stand up.
A Crack Weeder is a small sharp tool to weed between patio stones and pavers.
Long-handled hand tools are available. They give you a wider reach and greater leverage.
Pieces of styrofoam can be used in the bottom of pots to save on soil and lighten the weight. Aluminum pop cans will do the same thing.
Hand cream (Silicone Glove, Bag Balm): You rub it on before you work in the garden, and it acts as a dirt barrier to keep hands clean and soft.
Latex gloves work well in the garden. After use, wash, dry, and dust with baby powder or cornstarch, and they are ready to use again.
Epsom Salts is great as a source of magnesium. Work a handful into the soil around roses, tomatoes and clematis. As an added benefit, the slugs hate it.
Pruners, the by-pass kind, are a must have. Get the best quality you can afford.
Connect a Rain Barrel to a downspout -- anything that will hold water will do. Use a store-bought one or improvise from a plastic garbage pail or vinegar barrel. If it doesn't come with a lid, cover the top with screening, and use a small amount of vegetable oil on the water to discourage mosquitoes.
A Watering Wand is essential for watering hanging baskets, and underneath plants. Get one with an adjustable head (at least six positions) and buy the best quality you can afford.
Reference books help, such as "Favourite Gardening Tips" by Marjorie Harris or "The Gardener's Handbook" published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs.
Vertical gardening means using fences, railings and plastic netting to grow plants. Plants get more light, produce more, and vegetables are cleaner and easier to pick
You can't have too many Bamboo stakes - packages of these can be bought at the dollar store.
Kneelers come in many styles, from a 7" x 14" foam pad, to a platform with handles to help an arthritic gardener stand up.
A Crack Weeder is a small sharp tool to weed between patio stones and pavers.
Long-handled hand tools are available. They give you a wider reach and greater leverage.
Pieces of styrofoam can be used in the bottom of pots to save on soil and lighten the weight. Aluminum pop cans will do the same thing.
Hand cream (Silicone Glove, Bag Balm): You rub it on before you work in the garden, and it acts as a dirt barrier to keep hands clean and soft.
Latex gloves work well in the garden. After use, wash, dry, and dust with baby powder or cornstarch, and they are ready to use again.
Epsom Salts is great as a source of magnesium. Work a handful into the soil around roses, tomatoes and clematis. As an added benefit, the slugs hate it.
Gardening tips from an expert
Vegetable gardeners can get some expert advice at the Ontario Science Centre Sunday.
Gardening expert and author Ken Reeves, who owns a nursery and has a radio show on gardening, will give novice gardeners tips on planning their first vegetable garden at 1.30 p.m.
At 3 p.m., he will talk obout advanced techniques for vegetable gardening.
The science centre, on Don Mills Rd., just south of Eglinton Ave., is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays until 9 p.m. Call 429-4100 for more information.
Gardening expert and author Ken Reeves, who owns a nursery and has a radio show on gardening, will give novice gardeners tips on planning their first vegetable garden at 1.30 p.m.
At 3 p.m., he will talk obout advanced techniques for vegetable gardening.
The science centre, on Don Mills Rd., just south of Eglinton Ave., is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays until 9 p.m. Call 429-4100 for more information.
Blooming Great Gardening Tips
We asked readers for their gardening tips. For every submission we print, we are giving away a signed copy of Steve Whysall's new gardening book. The Blooming Great Gardening Book (Whitecap Books, $19.95). Here's some winning entries:
The best gardening tip I was ever given has to do with growing tomatoes. Every year, I am constantly wondering if my crop will come to fruition or will it be affected by the blight that turns all tomatoes black. And I detest spraying. My 90-year-old father told me that when tomato plants are about 18 inches tall, gently thread fine copper through the main stem at the base of the plant. The plant continually receives high doses of copper as it grows, building up an immunity, eliminating the need for spraying and ensuring a great crop.
JUDI FOOTMEN
N. Kootenay Street,
Vancouver.
Here's a very useful tip for those gardeners who don't like to work wearing gloves. It will soon be time to deadhead all those beautiful rhodie flowers that stick like glue to your fingers. Just pour a little home cooking oil on your hands. Rub them together as you would with soap. Rinse and all the sticky mess disappears. It also works great for removing pitch from hands.
The best gardening tip I was ever given has to do with growing tomatoes. Every year, I am constantly wondering if my crop will come to fruition or will it be affected by the blight that turns all tomatoes black. And I detest spraying. My 90-year-old father told me that when tomato plants are about 18 inches tall, gently thread fine copper through the main stem at the base of the plant. The plant continually receives high doses of copper as it grows, building up an immunity, eliminating the need for spraying and ensuring a great crop.
JUDI FOOTMEN
N. Kootenay Street,
Vancouver.
Here's a very useful tip for those gardeners who don't like to work wearing gloves. It will soon be time to deadhead all those beautiful rhodie flowers that stick like glue to your fingers. Just pour a little home cooking oil on your hands. Rub them together as you would with soap. Rinse and all the sticky mess disappears. It also works great for removing pitch from hands.
Women's club to get some gardening tips
"Gardening Ideas," "Flowery Notes" and "Blossoms for Life" add up to "How Does Your Garden Grow," the theme for a luncheon and program of the Christian Women's Club.
Members will gather for lunch at noon May 14 at Hilldale Golf Club, 1625 Ardwick Drive, Hoffman Estates.
The day's special feature will be given by Marla Daly, a representative of Harper College's horticultural department. Daly will offer tips on flower bed design and on container gardening, a popular sort of gardening for those who work.
While members are having lunch, music for relaxation, "Flowery Notes," will be played, and then Carol Conner will speak on "Blossoms for Life," her witness talk.
The deadline for reservations is Friday. Call (847) 519-9931 or (847) 891-0237.
Psychology of success
An organization for working women, the Woodfield Business and Professional Women, continues to provide interesting programs for its members.
The women will learn about "The Psychology of Success," when it is presented following a 6:30 p.m. buffet dinner on May 18 in the Black Pearl restaurant, located at Golf and Roselle roads in Hoffman Estates.
Reservations may be made by calling (847) 882-3389 or (847) 843- 1555.
President Wanda Bain is at the helm of the club. Serving on the board of directors with her are Vice President Joan Wainovich and Treasurer Judy Chin. Networking is under the direction of Sandra Light, and state Rep. Kay Wojcik is legislation chairwoman.
A social event in the form of an evening tram tour of the Chicago Botanic Garden in Northbrook will take place at a time to be decided on June 22. The cost is $20, an amount that includes a boxed supper and a reserved seat at the Carillon Concert.
Members will gather for lunch at noon May 14 at Hilldale Golf Club, 1625 Ardwick Drive, Hoffman Estates.
The day's special feature will be given by Marla Daly, a representative of Harper College's horticultural department. Daly will offer tips on flower bed design and on container gardening, a popular sort of gardening for those who work.
While members are having lunch, music for relaxation, "Flowery Notes," will be played, and then Carol Conner will speak on "Blossoms for Life," her witness talk.
The deadline for reservations is Friday. Call (847) 519-9931 or (847) 891-0237.
Psychology of success
An organization for working women, the Woodfield Business and Professional Women, continues to provide interesting programs for its members.
The women will learn about "The Psychology of Success," when it is presented following a 6:30 p.m. buffet dinner on May 18 in the Black Pearl restaurant, located at Golf and Roselle roads in Hoffman Estates.
Reservations may be made by calling (847) 882-3389 or (847) 843- 1555.
President Wanda Bain is at the helm of the club. Serving on the board of directors with her are Vice President Joan Wainovich and Treasurer Judy Chin. Networking is under the direction of Sandra Light, and state Rep. Kay Wojcik is legislation chairwoman.
A social event in the form of an evening tram tour of the Chicago Botanic Garden in Northbrook will take place at a time to be decided on June 22. The cost is $20, an amount that includes a boxed supper and a reserved seat at the Carillon Concert.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Titchmarsh goes back to his gardening roots
Former Gardener's World host Alan Titchmarsh is to return to his role as a greenfingered guru on TV once more after signing a new deal with ITV.
The star spent six years hosting the BBC2 show from his home in Hampshire and has subsequently presented shows for the channel such as Alan's Garden Secrets.
Titchmarsh already hosts a chat show for ITV1, but his new two-year deal - thought to be worth around Pounds 1m a year - will include a new "peak-time gardening and lifestyle series".
It will be the first time he has presented a gardening show for ITV.
It is unclear how this will affect the BBC's coverage of the Chelsea Flower Show, which Titchmarsh has anchored for many years.
Alongside his ITV shows, 61-year-old Titchmarsh's new deal will also cover merchandising spin-offs for the next five years.
He will host four new series of The Alan Titchmarsh Show over the next two years and further "peak-time projects", following ITV programmes such as All The Queen's Horses and Alan's Walks Of Fame.
His return to hands-on gardening comes as ex-Gardener's World host Monty Don returns to the BBC2 show, replacing Toby Buckland.
Titchmarsh - also a successful novelist and columnist for BBC Gardener's World magazine - said: "This is a great opportunity for anyone involved in broadcasting, and one that I relish taking on.
"My greatest commitment has always been to the people at home who want reliable information put over in an easily accessible manner."
Alison Sharman, ITV director of factual and daytime, said: "Whether as a broadcaster, writer, or horticulturalist, Alan Titchmarsh is a hugely popular and talented figure in so many fields.
"His daytime show and documentary work has had huge appeal with the ITV audience and I'm delighted that we have agreed such an exciting new deal, which further develops our relationship with Alan over the coming years."
The star spent six years hosting the BBC2 show from his home in Hampshire and has subsequently presented shows for the channel such as Alan's Garden Secrets.
Titchmarsh already hosts a chat show for ITV1, but his new two-year deal - thought to be worth around Pounds 1m a year - will include a new "peak-time gardening and lifestyle series".
It will be the first time he has presented a gardening show for ITV.
It is unclear how this will affect the BBC's coverage of the Chelsea Flower Show, which Titchmarsh has anchored for many years.
Alongside his ITV shows, 61-year-old Titchmarsh's new deal will also cover merchandising spin-offs for the next five years.
He will host four new series of The Alan Titchmarsh Show over the next two years and further "peak-time projects", following ITV programmes such as All The Queen's Horses and Alan's Walks Of Fame.
His return to hands-on gardening comes as ex-Gardener's World host Monty Don returns to the BBC2 show, replacing Toby Buckland.
Titchmarsh - also a successful novelist and columnist for BBC Gardener's World magazine - said: "This is a great opportunity for anyone involved in broadcasting, and one that I relish taking on.
"My greatest commitment has always been to the people at home who want reliable information put over in an easily accessible manner."
Alison Sharman, ITV director of factual and daytime, said: "Whether as a broadcaster, writer, or horticulturalist, Alan Titchmarsh is a hugely popular and talented figure in so many fields.
"His daytime show and documentary work has had huge appeal with the ITV audience and I'm delighted that we have agreed such an exciting new deal, which further develops our relationship with Alan over the coming years."
Seedy Saturday kicks off gardening season
If you want to participate in a popular community event that kicks off the gardening season in the Comox Valley, volunteer for Seedy Saturday on March 5 at the Florence Filberg Centre.
About 1,600 people are expected to attend, so it will be very busy.
You do not need special expertise to take part because the team leaders in every area will train their team and you will meet yours at the end of February. A volunteer meeting will be held at the Via Rail train station meeting room on Monday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m.
There are many jobs to fill, including those in admissions, security, the seed exchange and helping out exhibitors. Altogether, about 50 more men and women to help out are being sought.
If you are interested, contact Luisa Ditmars, the Seedy Saturday co-ordinator, for more details at 250-334-8835 or luisa.seedsat@gmail.com. You can also visit www.comoxvalleygrowersandseedsavers.ca.
About 1,600 people are expected to attend, so it will be very busy.
You do not need special expertise to take part because the team leaders in every area will train their team and you will meet yours at the end of February. A volunteer meeting will be held at the Via Rail train station meeting room on Monday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m.
There are many jobs to fill, including those in admissions, security, the seed exchange and helping out exhibitors. Altogether, about 50 more men and women to help out are being sought.
If you are interested, contact Luisa Ditmars, the Seedy Saturday co-ordinator, for more details at 250-334-8835 or luisa.seedsat@gmail.com. You can also visit www.comoxvalleygrowersandseedsavers.ca.
TV gardening presenter down in the dumps
THE television presenter Toby Buckland has told how he feels "let-down and humiliated" at being axed from Gardeners' World by the BBC.
After two years as the main presenter of the BBC Two show, Buckland is being replaced by Monty Don.
Don, 55, stepped down in 2008 after suffering a minor stroke but the show was accused of dumbing down with Buckland at the helm.
Buckland, 41, describes his time on the show as "the best and worst of times". He said: "Justifying the decisions of others is never easy and working all the hours God sends makes family time very hard to find."
In the latest edition of Amateur Gardening magazine, Buckland talks for the first time of his distress at BBC bosses deciding not to renew his contract. "There is still a raw wind blowing though me," he says.
But he also says that he has been "deeply humbled" by goodwill messages from viewers. "I will always have gardening and that's what will get me through feeling so let-down and humiliated," he adds.
His appointment in 2008 was controversial. He was chosen ahead of several more seasoned presenters.
The show's revamp angered some, who resented the "gardening made simple" approach. Ratings plunged from a high of five million to two million.
Early last year, the BBC admitted that the new format had failed and announced a return to "proper, grownup gardening".
The new series begins in the spring and Don will present the programme from his garden in Herefordshire.
Don said: "I've really missed the programme so I can't wait to get stuck in and get my hands dirty again."
After two years as the main presenter of the BBC Two show, Buckland is being replaced by Monty Don.
Don, 55, stepped down in 2008 after suffering a minor stroke but the show was accused of dumbing down with Buckland at the helm.
Buckland, 41, describes his time on the show as "the best and worst of times". He said: "Justifying the decisions of others is never easy and working all the hours God sends makes family time very hard to find."
In the latest edition of Amateur Gardening magazine, Buckland talks for the first time of his distress at BBC bosses deciding not to renew his contract. "There is still a raw wind blowing though me," he says.
But he also says that he has been "deeply humbled" by goodwill messages from viewers. "I will always have gardening and that's what will get me through feeling so let-down and humiliated," he adds.
His appointment in 2008 was controversial. He was chosen ahead of several more seasoned presenters.
The show's revamp angered some, who resented the "gardening made simple" approach. Ratings plunged from a high of five million to two million.
Early last year, the BBC admitted that the new format had failed and announced a return to "proper, grownup gardening".
The new series begins in the spring and Don will present the programme from his garden in Herefordshire.
Don said: "I've really missed the programme so I can't wait to get stuck in and get my hands dirty again."
Home Improvement and Gardening Supplies Retailers in Pakistan
The retail databooks are based on key market value data for eight major product sectors, 16 core retail distribution channels and 62 countries. This profile focuses on and provides data on channel size. It also offers information on main markets sold through the channel, and includes growth forecasts up to 2013.
Scope
-- An overview of total retail value in this country segmented by retail channel
-- The value of sales through this key retail channel from 2003 to 2008 and forecasts to 2013
-- Channel value segmented by the major markets sold through it
Highlights of this title
Home improvement and gardening supplies retailers in Pakistan increased at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% between 2003 and 2008.
Home improvement market sales accounted for a 62.2% share of the home improvement and gardening supplies retailers format in 2008.
Key reasons to purchase this title
-- Discover which retail channels have been growing and declining in popularity within this country
-- Understand the value of major markets sold through this channel
-- Uncover the future direction of the retail channel with reliable historical data and full five year forecasting
Key Topics Covered:
-- DATAMONITOR VIEW
-- HOME IMPROVEMENT AND GARDENING SUPPLIES RETAILERS IN PAKISTAN
-- APPENDIX
-- LIST OF FIGURES
-- LIST OF TABLES
Scope
-- An overview of total retail value in this country segmented by retail channel
-- The value of sales through this key retail channel from 2003 to 2008 and forecasts to 2013
-- Channel value segmented by the major markets sold through it
Highlights of this title
Home improvement and gardening supplies retailers in Pakistan increased at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% between 2003 and 2008.
Home improvement market sales accounted for a 62.2% share of the home improvement and gardening supplies retailers format in 2008.
Key reasons to purchase this title
-- Discover which retail channels have been growing and declining in popularity within this country
-- Understand the value of major markets sold through this channel
-- Uncover the future direction of the retail channel with reliable historical data and full five year forecasting
Key Topics Covered:
-- DATAMONITOR VIEW
-- HOME IMPROVEMENT AND GARDENING SUPPLIES RETAILERS IN PAKISTAN
-- APPENDIX
-- LIST OF FIGURES
-- LIST OF TABLES
Pastures new for gardening club
HAZEL Grove's Gardening Club has found itself a new patch. The club, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, is moving premises from the Hazel Grove Civic Hall to the more accessible St Peter's R.C Church, Green Lane. Club chairman Barry Hadfield said it was moving because members were growing older and needed a ground floor base for their meetings and biannual shows. The first meeting at the new base will be on Monday, January 17, at the earlier time of 7.30pm. Guest speaker will be gardening expert Cath Dewar, formerly of Brookside Garden Centre.
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