Loathes home gardening transformational programs: Carol Klein candidly reveals insights on television presenting, cancer diagnosis, and anticipated retirement timeframe.
Gardening's Unspoken Truth: Carol Klein Launches a Rant Against Makeover Shows
Gardening expert Carol Klein has dropped a bombshell, expressing her disdain for gardening makeover shows on the recent episode of the Talking Gardens podcast. The plantswoman and beloved TV presenter admitted to feeling frustrated with programs such as Garden Rescue, Your Garden Made Perfect, Filthy Garden SOS, and The Great Garden Revolution.
"I can't keep it in anymore, but I seriously hate gardening makeover shows," she confesses, "because honest to goodness, they've got nothing to do with real gardening. Gardening is a process, not a product. I got asked to do a garden makeover show recently, but I politely declined. I might not have been very tactful about it though. It's all about creating a garden with a wave of a magic wand, and I'm here to tell you that it doesn't work that bloody way!"
While gardening makeover shows have been a popular staple on British screens since the 1990s with shows like Ground Force, featuring household names like Alan Titchmarsh and Charlie Dimmock, the trend persists today with programs such as Monty Don’s Big Dreams, Small Spaces and Alan Titchmarsh's Gardening Club.
However, Carol's critique extends beyond these "magic wand" shows, arguing that these programs oversimplify the gardening process, creating unrealistic expectations for viewers. In her view, real gardening is about putting in the hard work, learning from failures, and experiencing the rewards over time rather than expecting instant results.
Having turned 80 this year, Carol is still going strong and spends her days working in her beloved gardens. After her battle with breast cancer last spring that included a double mastectomy in April 2024, she has since been given the all-clear. "To be completely honest, I feel fantastic and ready to tackle anything that comes my way," she shares on the podcast. "Everyone was so supportive and caring during my recovery. It truly brought people together."
Following her recovery, Carol made a triumphant return to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show only weeks after her procedure. Asked about the source of her boundless energy and plans for retirement, Carol responds, "I think it's the sheer joy of getting to do what I love every day. Not everyone can say that, so I'm grateful for it. I hate filling out tax returns and the like, but everything else is great. No retirement plans here, I'm not giving up on gardening any time soon!"
The podcast also delves into Carol's one major gardening pet peeve: dwarf plants that have been bred to be small. She also shares captivating tales from her travels and mentions her admiration for fellow gardening legends like the late Valerie Finnis, who once presented her with a unique consolation prize during the Chelsea Flower Show.
So here's a reminder: gardening is a process, not an overnight project. Tune in to Carol Klein's latest podcast episode on Talking Gardens for more insight into the world of gardening and hear her no-nonsense approach to cultivating a successful garden.
Additional Insights:Carol Klein's disdain for gardening makeover shows stems from her belief that these programs oversimplify the gardening process, creating unrealistic expectations for viewers. She argues that gardening is a long-term pursuit that requires patience, ongoing care, and a willingness to learn from failures, rather than being a quick fix to a problem. Her stance highlights a preference for a more authentic representation of gardening that captures its challenges and rewards, rather than presenting it as simple and effortless.
Klein's involvement with gardening and her participation in traditional gardening settings, like the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and Gardeners' World, suggest that her perspectives on gardening are rooted in her practical experience and passion for the craft.
- Carol Klein's dislike for gardening makeover shows is based on her conviction that these programs oversimplify true gardening, promoting unrealistic expectations by presenting it as an overnight project.
- In her view, real gardening is a long-term process that requires patience, ongoing care, and the willingness to learn from failures, demonstrating a preference for a more authentic portrayal of the craft.
- By advocating for a deeper understanding of gardening, Carol Klein emphasizes the importance of considering gardening as a lifestyle, rooted in personal passion, practical experience, and a commitment to continued learning.
