Gardeners’ World star Toby Buckland is one of the BBC show’s longest-standing presenters, and he has been a familiar face on television for many years. Here, we take a closer look at his life off-camera
Toby was born in Exeter and is a familiar face on Gardeners’ World(Image: BBC)
Toby Buckland, a familiar face from Gardeners’ World, has been gracing our television screens for many years. Born in Exeter, the horticulturist honed his skills at Blyth’s Devon Nursery and Whetman’s in Devon before pursuing horticulture studies at Bicton College in Budleigh Salterton and later at Hadlow College of Horticulture and Agriculture.
Following his studies, Toby worked as a woodland supervisor at the University of Cambridge Botanic Garden, which paved the way for numerous television and writing opportunities. As a regular contributor to the BBC gardening show, Toby shared his expert advice and showcased some truly stunning gardens.
In 2008, he stepped into the lead presenter role on the show, replacing Monty Don, who had suffered a stroke. However, in 2010, Toby was dropped from the show, leading him to express his disappointment with the BBC, reports the Mirror.
Toby previously worked as a woodland supervisor at the University of Cambridge Botanic Garden(Image: Western Morning News)
Away from the camera, Toby Buckland is passionate about gardening and cherishes time spent with his family. But what else do we know about his life away from the limelight, including his dispute with the BBC?
Toby’s first foray into television was in 1996 when he worked as a horticultural researcher for Brian Lapping Associates on Channel 4’s Garden Party. The 55-year-old began his career cultivating trees as a nurseryman in Devon.
In 1998, he subsequently joined Granada Breeze as a horticultural presenter, which paved the way for television roles designing and constructing gardens on programmes such as Home Front in the Garden, Real Wrecks, Carol Vorderman’s Better Homes on ITV, and the BBC’s Garden Magic.
Toby has secured numerous accolades for his gardening expertise, including RHS Gold and Best in Show for his Ethical Garden at Gardeners’ World Live in 2008. The following year, he claimed the Environmental Award from the Garden Media Guild for a Gardeners’ World Special focusing on peat usage in horticulture.
Beyond his television commitments, the presenter also operates his own plant nursery, Toby Buckland’s Plant Centre, and has authored numerous gardening publications. However, what details do we possess regarding Toby’s existence beyond the spotlight?
Toby Buckland felt let down by the BBC
Toby criticised the BBC following his removal as the main presenter of Gardener’s World in 2010, when Monty Don resumed control after recovering from a stroke. Toby expressed feeling “so let-down and humiliated” when his contract went unrenewed.
Disclosing his distress at being dismissed, Toby stated: “There is still a raw wind blowing through me. I go out in the garden and everything looks dead.”
He continued: “I have always stuck up for ordinary gardeners, and I have been so touched that so many have stuck up for me. At the end of the day, as a good friend said, it’s only telly.
“I will always have gardening, and that’s what will get me through feeling so let-down and humiliated. At times like this, you just have to remember that what holds true in gardening also holds true in life.
“When things don’t go your way, try again. Winter doesn’t last forever.”
Toby took over from Monty Don as main presenter of Gardener’s World for a brief period(Image: BBC)Who is Toby Buckland married to?
Toby is wed to Lucy Buckland, who shares his passion for nature and horticulture. The pair first encountered one another whilst studying at horticultural college.
Lisa currently edits the lifestyle publication Muddy Stilettos in Devon. It features articles about fashionable eateries, coffee shops, retailers, and enterprises throughout the county and the South West region.
Lisa previously worked as a contributing gardens editor for House Beautiful and penned campaigns for Gardening Which? Magazine.
Toby and Lucy are parents to three children and currently reside in Devon. The horticultural specialist has kept their identities private, though he acknowledged they had significantly influenced his approach to gardening.
He commented: “Yes, I garden in an ethical way, in a green way, but what I really am is someone who cares for the environment. Having the children was the catalyst for me.
“But I’m a gardener first, and to say that I wouldn’t ever spray anything again wouldn’t be true.”
When not engaged in writing and presenting, the duo organise the annual Toby’s Garden Festival at Powderham Castle in Devon. The event features expert-led talks and demonstrations for the public, along with quality plants and advice available.
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