Garden designer and TV presenter Joe Swift on why the Chelsea Flower Show is his 'cup final and explains his relationship with fellow presenter, Monty Don.
Joe Swift is well known for his TV work, a regular on Gardeners’ World, he also co-hosts the BBC’s Chelsea Flower Show coverage, with Monty Don.
The two are a winning combination, Joe’s easy-going enthusiasm often results in Monty receiving a few teasing remarks.
‘We get on very well,’ says Joe. ‘But I have to jolly Monty up a little bit; he gets very serious you know. I’m like, “Monty, it’s fun! Come on! It will all be gone in a week so let’s make the most of it!" He’ll be talking about sustainability and I’m like, "It’s not sustainable – it's a flower show!”’
One of the perks of being at Chelsea for the BBC means Joe gets to see fellow gardening presenter friends, like Carol Klein, Rachel de Thame and of course Toby Buckland. ‘It’s the only place we’re all in the same place at the same time, so it’s really lovely for all of us. We’re all out in our little worlds most of the time.
Joe ended up on Gardeners’ World in 1998 after answering an advert in the back of a magazine. Following a screen test he started doing bits and bobs on the programme.
It was, and still is, ‘the exemplar of gardening programmes’, he says, and he’s always been a huge fan.
‘And then I went on to do Chelsea and that was, wow! Amazing. I’d been visiting Chelsea as a designer and a punter and then to be able to walk onto the gardens and give my feedback, was like a footballer being able to commentate on the FA cup final.’
