Channel 4 Announces New Gardening Show

Channel 4 has commissioned a new gardening show, Down The Garden Path With Dee Hart Dyke (w/t).

Dee Hart Dyke is one of Britain's best amateur gardeners who is never without the National Garden Scheme Handbook. Every year thousands of normal homes open up their gardens to visitors, where the quality of Battenburg and tea can be as important as the flowers.

Dee herself is in the handbook as over the last 30 years, she has designed and planted her own garden from. Working in the garden up to eight hours a day, she admits she doesn't like to go on holiday for more than four days at a time – in case the garden needs some work. However, her daughter – actress and comedian Miranda Hart – has no gardening experience.

This new 3x60' series will see Dee help others who are trying to open their own gardens to visitors for the first time. Not only will she visit some of the most eclectic on offer, but she will also be calling into some celebrity gardens along the way. Dee's journey will be narrated by her daughter.

Commenting on the commission, Dee said: "I cannot believe my luck that through this programme I am able to visit such a wide variety of gardens open for the NGS, and to share my passion for plants with their owners. Not to mention the challenge of trying to enthuse Miranda with a little of the joy and excitement of gardening. All I can say is... such fun!"

Miranda added: "I may not know a thing about how to garden but I certainly know my mum is not only an amazing gardener but fills me with immense joy and laughter as she talks about her passion. The innuendos in gardening never seem to stop."

Down The Garden Path With Dee Hart Dyke was commissioned by Channel 4's Head of Features Gill Wilson. It will be produced by King Bert Productions, with Kaye Godleman as Series Producer and Jo Sargent as Executive Producer.

Gill Wilson said: "The 'yellow book' is the stuff of gardening legend, and Dee is the perfect guide. I am sure Miranda's garden will become the new Chatsworth."

Kaye Godleman added: "Armed with her trusty trowel Dee is set to unearth a world of eccentric and extraordinary Brits and their glorious back gardens. And I'm sure en route a scone or two might be enjoyed among the herbaceous borders."

Jo Sargent commented: "Dee's knowledge of gardening is second to none and discovering the expertise and passion of the members of the National Garden Scheme has been a privilege. This series and Dee's infectious enthusiasm will hopefully inspire a host of new amateur gardeners."

www.channel4.com

(JP/MH)