70th Anniversary Special

Eric Robson, Pippa Greenwood, Anne Swithinbank and Bob Flowerdew delve into the archives to celebrate GQT's 70th Birthday in this very special edition.

As Gardeners' Question Time moves into its 8th decade, Eric and the panel revisit some of the finest moments in the programme's history. From humble beginnings with gardeners at the Broadoak Hotel, Ashton-under-lyne in April 1947, we hear how GQT grew to become a staple for amateur gardeners lasting 70 years. There's a visit to a nudist colony, a mash-up with The Archers, and questions from a young Esther Rantzen and John Humphries.

Eric and the team examine the ebb and flow of horticultural trends and challenges throughout the programme's history - and announce the location for a special Anniversary Garden Party later this year.

You can also find the first-ever episode of GQT from 1947 to listen to in full on the GQT pages of the BBC Radio 4 website.

Produced by Dan Cocker
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.