BBC Gardeners’ Question Time

An opportunity presented itself at the end of 2014 to join in with a local effort that would ultimately see the BBC Radio Four Gardeners Question Time team descend for a recording in South Warwickshire. But for the sale of some tickets, relatively little input was required from myself but to join in with the organising committee and help where possible, with the added possibility of some secondary promotion for the landscape and gardens at Compton Verney.

BBC Gardeners Question Time ready for recording at Arts House Stratford Upon Avon. Gary Webb

As things turned out, the recording was directed towards the Arts House in Stratford Upon Avon, a venue familiar to the Somethin’ Else production team, and one that would offer a second bite at a recording dedicated to Stratford gardeners. A packed venue of people enjoyed around two hours of recording with a fascinating range of gardening questions to test the panel.

Eric Robson addresses the audience ahead of the Wellesbourne recording. Gary Webb, February 2015.

The whole effort was very well orchestrated by local gardener Andrew Palin, with the help of others that represented Wellesbourne Allotment Society, Charlecote Park, Wellesbourne in Bloom, University of Warwick – Warwick Crop Centre, Wellesbourne & Walton Horticultural Society and of course Compton Verney. Even Wellesbourne  C of E Primary school supported the effort. During the recording Eric Robson the chairman comically referred to the organising effort as “Wellesbourne United” before introducing the expert panel that consisted of Chris Beardshaw, Pippa Greenwood and Christine Walkden. Of particular note was 6 year old gardening schoolboy Theo Smith whole stole the show with an engaging question about growing plants on his allotment. However, if you’ve a particular interest in Compton Verney, do keep listening for a question from grounds team volunteer Mo Steer who gave great cause for amusement with her Rambling Rector question! A link to the recording is available below which transfers you to the relevant iPlayer page – enjoy! http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0543yj9 Gary Webb – Head of Landscape and Gardens