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Christine WalkdenBritish TV presenter and professional gardener
Date of Birth: 07.04.1955
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Christine Helen Walkden: Horticulturalist and Broadcaster
- Tomato Pollination with a Twist
- Scientific Precision
- Career Highlights
- Broadcasting and Writing
- The Gardener's Eye in the Sky
- Legacy
Christine Helen Walkden: Horticulturalist and Broadcaster
Unconventional Gardening TechniquesChristine Helen Walkden, a British horticulturalist and television presenter, made headlines with her revelation on live radio that she had used a vibrator to pollinate 32,000 tomatoes in her youth. The surprising anecdote, shared on BBC Radio 4's "Gardeners' Question Time," left her colleagues blushing and amused.
Tomato Pollination with a Twist
Discussing the finer points of tomato cultivation, Walkden candidly admitted her unusual pollination method. "It was one of the worst jobs I ever had as a student!" she exclaimed. "I vibrated 32,000 tomatoes with a vibrator."
Scientific Precision
Despite her unconventional approach, Walkden emphasized the scientific nature of her work. "That's the sort of thing they make you do to qualify as a horticultural scientist," she explained. "Day after day, walking around with a mechanical vibrator, 'buzzing' each flower truss. It's the most mind-numbingly boring, repetitive job."
Career Highlights
Research and EducationFollowing her training at Lancashire Agricultural College, Walkden worked at two experimental horticultural stations. She later joined the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, where she headed the Seed Physiology Unit.
Broadcasting and Writing
Walkden hosted "Gardeners' World" on the BBC and presented various television and radio programs. Her publications include "The Houseplant Almanac" (1993), "A Year in Christine's Garden" (2007), and "No-Nonsense Vegetable Gardening" (2011). She also writes regularly for gardening magazines and has appeared in documentaries like "Great British Garden Revival."
The Gardener's Eye in the Sky
In 2014, Walkden fronted BBC's "Glorious Gardens from Above." The series featured her exploring Britain's grand gardens from the sky and on foot, offering unique perspectives and insights.
Legacy
Christine Helen Walkden's unconventional approach to horticulture and her willingness to share her experiences have not only entertained but also educated countless gardening enthusiasts. Her contributions to the field have made her a respected and memorable figure in the horticultural world.
