Despite the stereotyping gardening often receives, its popularity becomes clear when browsing through a TV guide or a newsagents, with a large number of TV programmes and magazines dedicated to the subject. Even a search for 'Gardening' on Google UK brings back in excess of 18 million results. Clearly, gardening is a hobby which is widely enjoyed across the UK.

Gardening on television

Pick up any TV guide, and select a random day. It is almost certain that you will find a programme dedicated to gardening on one of the five terrestrial channels. These are mostly produced for the BBC, though ITV and Channel 4 also dedicate programming to the topic.

BBC

gardening in the media

By far the largest broadcaster of garden related programming, the BBC is responsible for making gardeners such as Alan Titchmarsh and Charlie Dimmock household names. Programmes on the BBC include:

Ground Force - One of the most popular gardening programmes of all time, which started a trend of redeveloping gardens across the UK. Presented by Charlie Dimmock and Alan Titchmarsh, the series transformed unloved and overgrown gardens in the UK and USA into landscaped gardens which were a joy to behold. Many were done on a budget, and the team were well known for their reliance upon used railway sleepers in their creations! The programme recently ended its final series, after a run of eight years. Highlights included transforming the garden of Nelson Mandela's home in South Africa, and creating a themed garden for the British Museum.

Christine's Garden - A series following horticultural lecturer and garden enthusiast Christine Horton, in which she shares her gardening tips and demonstrates her techniques.

The Flying Gardener - Presented by 'the James Bond of the gardening world' Chris Beardshaw, who is known for mixing his daredevil stunts with his love of gardening in this series. Chris tours the British Isles in a helicopter, gaining birds eye views of some of the largest and most scenic gardens in Britain. Chris also drops in on gardens requiring his expert touch, and shares his knowledge on horticulture with viewers.

Gardener of the Year - The BBC have run this annual competition since 1999, which tests gardeners on their knowledge, expertise and ability.

Garden Invaders - A combination of a garden makeover show and a horticultural quiz. Presented by Charlie Dimmock, Mark Evans, Joe Swift and Andy Sturgeon.

Gardeners World - A gardening magazine programme, covering garden advice, tips and visits to famous and picturesque gardens around the UK.

The Gardeners Year - A programme presented by Alan Titchmarsh, guiding amateur gardeners through the seasons, with advice on what should be done in the garden during each one.

Small Town Gardens - A show designed to give ideas and inspiration to those wishing to landscape their garden, but who only have a small plot or garden with which to work.

A Year at Kew - Alan Titchmarsh goes behind the scenes of the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew, to find out more about the people and the plants of the famous horticultural institution.

RHS Flower Shows - The BBC is also responsible for broadcasting the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) flower shows, at Chelsea, Hampton Court Palace and Tatton Park.

ITV

gardening in the media

Compared to the BBC, ITV shows very little garden-related programming. It has a 'Home and Garden' section within it's 'This morning' programme. This section is a magazine piece, with different articles on gardening and the home.

UKTV

For those with Sky Digital, or Cable TV, you will be able to receive ' UKTV Style Gardens', a channel dedicated exclusively to gardens and gardening. Showing a mixture of repeats and new programmes 24 hours a day, any horticulturalist should be able to find a programme which interests them. Programme highlights include:

Ground Force

Turf Wars

Gardeners World

Garden School

Garden Magic

Weed it and Reap

Garden Hopping

Garden Rivals

Garden ER

Radio

gardening in the media

The only regularly scheduled gardening radio programme is 'Gardeners Question Time', which is aired on BBC Radio 4 on Sundays at 2pm, and on Wednesdays at 3pm. The programme has attained something of a cult status, for its 'typically British' sound. The programme has a panel of expert gardeners, who answer questions from viewers live on air. The questions can be sent via post, email or phone, and some contributors may be asked to ask the panel live on air.

Newspapers

At weekends, most broadsheet newspapers offer pull-out sections on gardening, with in depth articles, news and tips on gardening. As these are weekly, they can often be indispensable, and can easily take you through a year, helping you look after and maintain your garden. The sections will also have relevant adverts, and companies offering gardening services, giving a simple resource for you to find a product or service, without the need to scour the main newspaper section, or around the internet for a retailer.

Magazines

There are a large number of weekly or monthly publications aimed at gardeners, published by various publishing houses.

The BBC publish Easy Gardening (a beginners guide to gardening), Gardeners World (hints and advice aimed at the intermediate to professional gardener) and Gardens Illustrated (a rich, full colour magazine dedicated to showcasing the beauty of gardens around the world).

IPC Media publish Amateur Gardening (for beginner and amateur gardeners) and Homes & Gardens (the latest in British style for your home and garden).

EMAP publish Garden Answers (gardening solutions and the latest styles) and Garden News (providing the latest news and advice on your garden).

Other Magazines include The English Garden (the latest tips on how to make a stunning garden based on traditional English designs), House and Garden (the latest styles to affect your home and garden) and Pond and Gardening (news and articles for those with ponds and gardens).