I am currently listening to The Garden Quiz on BBC Radio 4. Barring the Afternoon Play (which, for my liking, contains way too much Austen-ish period tosh or women going through mid-life crises of various kinds), I am a R4 addict.
But I have to agree with the Guardian's Zoe Williams that this particular quiz is utter rubbish. The range of questions is ridiculously broad and you can almost hear the straining to think up enough different categories to fill half an hour. For instance, at the moment it's quotes from plays - about gardens - and you have to know the play, who it's by, who the speaker is and what's going on!
And half-marks - what's that about?
If you want some more stimulating radio listening with a vague gardening theme, try Fungi: The Fifth Kingdom or last year's excellent Guide to Garden Birds.
Hi Jane. It's not much of a quiz is it - and not recognizing The Importance of Being Earnest - tut.
Simon
Posted by: Simon Kirby | January 28, 2008 at 07:30 PM
I agree, both about the quiz and the afternoon play! I hate the way most gardening on the BBC has to be jazzed up in some way, as if it is not interesting on its own. Thanks for the links they look good.
Posted by: Madeleine | January 29, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Jane,
I listened to the first show I think it was late on Saturday night a few weeks ago. Asleep in minutes. Poor Anna F, she's struggles bravely through it.
Posted by: John Curtin | January 29, 2008 at 02:16 PM
I confess that I have gone right off Radio 4. There are a few notable exceptions, particularly FOOC, Going Places, Fi Glover & Libby Purves. And I would have followed Home Truths anywhere. But the rest of it strikes me as either too confrontational or simply dire. The comedy is stuck in a 1950s timewarp.
Posted by: Woody Wilbury | January 30, 2008 at 09:12 PM
I agree with you about R4. I listen to nothing else. GQT is compulsory listening, even the repeats, and again online if I want. Can't get enough of Bob Flowerdew! my hero.
Posted by: Matron | February 01, 2008 at 08:56 AM
Your right. Doesn't sound much like a good quiz.
Posted by: Philipe | August 18, 2008 at 03:14 AM