Cut flowers from my garden today. Carnations, sweet peas, dahlias and alstroemerias. Have a listen at 2.08.20 on the timeline for the gardeners’ phone in programme. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p056qg0d. Regular readers will know that I joined the BBC’s Down to Earth programme about a year ago. The programme has been running for 50 years. I’m not a natural speaker. Much happier listening to be honest. But I’ve been given this opportunity to encourage others to grow flowers, food, fruit. So I push myself out of my comfort zone. Today I did my second weekday gardeners’ phonin programme. Sadly there was only one caller – right at the end. So if I sound a bit nervous, that is the reason why. A whole hour to fill is rather a daunting prospect! Somehow, I survived. But I feel as if I’ve lost a stone in weight!
Bramble Garden 
You sounded very natural Karen! Well done!
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Ah, thank you Denzil. So kind 🙂 xx
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Looking forward to a TV career next perhaps?
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Ha ha. I don’t think so. I’m quite happy in my peaceful garden. Have a great week, Denzil 🙂 x
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What a bright basket of blooms they make, Karen! Well done for agreeing to take part in the programme, despite your fears – that in itself was a big step and the positive response you will get to the broadcasts will boost your self esteem further. Well done so far ☺
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Ah, that’s so kind. Thank you Cathy. I nearly said no, because I usually go in with Derek Cox and Josie Hutchins who have been doing the gardening programme for about 70 years between them. So it doesn’t matter if I can’t think what to say – they are very experienced. But the Wednesday phone-in is on your own. Well, it will be worth it if even one person is encouraged enough to have a go at growing their own cut flowers for friends and family, like I do. Home-grown flowers are always a bit special. And the scent is amazing today from all the pinks and sweet peas. Plus it saves money. But I was glad to sit quietly in my potting shed for an hour after the programme, listening to the newly-fledged tawny owls calling in the trees around the pond. I am a peaceful, quiet person. I just occasionally step into the fast lane of life. And then retreat back to the bridle paths where I belong. x
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I listened to the broadcast last night and you came across as a very human professional, one who listeners would not be overawed by. It was good that the presenter had more than just a basic garden knowledge too. Well done you – and I like how summed yourself up in those last few sentences ps how exciting to have owls nesting and fledging in your plot!
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Hi Cathy. Thank you for your lovely comments which cheered me up no end. Luckily, they never tell me to be anything other than what I am. It would be no good trying to be either clever or funny- I’m neither. I just wish I could think fast enough. I get home and think of all the things I should have said. There’s always next time 🙂 Ps. The owls are still with us. I am so pleased they feel safe in our mini-woodland. They must be finding lots to eat as well. The fledglings get louder and louder towards dusk if they are hungry. It’s a relief all round when they are brought some food. Hopefully I’ll be able to sow my sweet peas this autumn without so many mice eating them! So glad I didn’t use poison or traps. I’m trusting nature to strike a balance. Thanks again for listening in and for your encouragement and support- which is always very much appreciated xx
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And I would think the format of the show is such that you could always add it as an addendum the following week, could you? So exciting to hear about your owls 🙂 Oh, while I remember, am I right in thinking that you took a photo of the cakes and my helpers in their pinnies when you visited? If so, would it be possible to email me a copy of the picture (unless you wanted to use it elsewhere, of course). I didn’t think to take any photos during the open days and it would be have great to have pictures of all my helpers in particular – and just peope in the garden generally. Perhaps I will remember next year!
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Hi Cathy, just catching up. Sorry for the delay. Been on holiday with my Mum and eldest daughter. Yes, will do. Will E mail them tonight 🙂 xx
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Thanks Karen, I look forward to receiving them (nothing yet, but I know how dodgy your internet is!!)
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Just home now….. on to it 🙂 x
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Come on Kathy, you can! Imagine you are chatting with friends about gardening and so all the nerves will disappear. Forget the gadgets and see them as gardening utensils. I am very happy for your program. If you can provide me as you can hear it online from Spain and the time I would love to hear it. Her flowers are beautiful as are the photos. Greetings from Margarita.
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Thank you for your very kind words. You have provided some very good advice and encouragement! I really appreciate your support. I’ll keep going and just pretend I’m chatting with friends. Words of wisdom -and I will remember them! Love from karen x
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The first one is fab.
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Well done, it’s not something I could do. Lovely flowers, I especially like the pot marigold. xx
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Thank you Mike. Thought of you when I picked those flowers. Lucky it was radio. People couldn’t see me wringing my hands 🙂 Hope you are having a good weekend. Overcast but hot here. The pot marigolds are looking wonderful. Xx
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I think you sounded very self assured although I can imagine it must have been a bit nerve wracking. Well done!
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Thank you Kate. Have you thought of going on your local radio and talking about your business. They are crying out for people to talk to in both Morning and afternoon shows. Give it a go. Thanks for your kind words. I’m amazed I make any sense at all to be honest. Xx
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Well done! Definitely a v. daunting prospect!
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Thank you. I’m just about recovered now. Phew! Perhaps it gets easier if you are doing it all the time. Mostly my life is spent in peace and quiet. It’s a shock to travel into the city and be in such a noisy fast-paced workspace. Thanks for reading 😉 x
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It’s mostly gardening for people in the East Midlands. But I know some listeners are from abroad. They listen on the internet. Thank you for your kind comments. Aren’t camera phones good nowadays. All my photos are just taken on an i-phone . Thanks again for reading and commenting.
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Do you focus on Midland and Northern gardening in your programmes?
Frilly flowers do give a lovely photogenic display.
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Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous, your flowers are gorgeous.
I wish you much success with your gardeners’ phone in programme.
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Thank you. I need all your good wishes, I can tell you. It’s really hard to think quickly enough to just keep talking. I’m hoping it gets easier when I’m used to all the procedures and equipment etc. At the moment, my mind just goes a blank. I try not to think about it being live- and not editable. Eeek 🙂 x
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That was a long hour!
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It felt like two hours! The time goes quickly if there are lots of phone in questions. But these things can’t be determined in advance. All the best. Karen
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I once did a phone in on the subject of crosswords and spilt my coffee at the moment we were linked up 🙂
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Last time I was there in the old studio with old headphones, one of the sides of the headphones suddenly dropped off. Couldn’t hear the person phoning in. Had to just guess the question for a few minutes. I now take some tape in, just in case. Haven’t dared to take any coffee in. Knowing me, I’d spill it over something electrical 🙂 x
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