BBC Radio Ulster’s Gardeners’ Corner marks 40 years of green-fingered broadcasting

Presenters past and present - Helen Mark, David Maxwell, Libby Hunter, Cherrie McIlwaine.

Image: Lianne McCooey

A special anniversary garden party episode will air on Saturday 28 June, featuring listener favourites, archive gems, and a brand new daffodil

BBC Radio Ulster’s much-loved gardening programme Gardeners’ Corner is celebrating an impressive milestone this weekend, marking 40 years on air with a commemorative broadcast on Saturday 28 June at 9am.

Presented by David Maxwell, the special episode will feature highlights from across four decades of horticultural broadcasting, including classic listener questions, memorable archive moments, and appearances from past contributors.

Gardener’s Corner 40 years, birthday cake.

Image: Lianne McCooey

The celebration was recorded at the picturesque Ballyrobert Cottage Garden, home to horticulturist Maurice Parkinson.

Launched on 29 June 1985, Gardeners’ Corner first aired with presenter Libby Hunter at the helm. Over the years, it became a staple for gardening enthusiasts across Northern Ireland, with Cherrie McIlwaine serving as the show’s much-loved voice for nearly thirty years.

Postcards of the first presenter of Gardeners’ Corner - Libby Hunter.

Image: Lianne McCooey

Presenter Cherrie McIlwaine

Helen Mark and other guest presenters have also brought their expertise and charm to the programme.

Since 2017, David Maxwell has led the show as Head Gardening Enthusiast.

“Over the last 40 years, Gardeners’ Corner has become an established part of the BBC Radio Ulster schedule,” said Maxwell. “Its enduring appeal owes much to our expert contributors and the programme’s relationship with its listeners. Together, we’ve created a garden of the airwaves that never ceases to delight, whatever the time of year.”

While Gardeners’ Corner officially began in 1985, gardening programming on the BBC’s Northern Ireland service dates back even further — to April 1937 — making it one of the longest-running themes in local radio history.

David Maxwell presents Gardeners’ Corner from Ballymena Library as part of BBC Comes To Town

David Maxwell presents from the programme from his own garden during the Covid lockdown in 2020

David has his annual chat with Joanna Lumley at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show

The special 40th anniversary edition will include a treasure trove of listener questions submitted over the years and a rich mix of audio from previous episodes, including features with the beloved Cherrie McIlwaine.

To further commemorate the milestone, a brand new daffodil has been named in the programme’s honour.

The Narcissus Gardeners’ Corner — a striking white bloom with a pink trumpet — was bred by renowned daffodil breeder Brian Duncan at his home near Omagh.

David speaks to Fiona Bruce at the Chelsea Flower Show

The show has not only stood the test of time but has also received national acclaim. In 2022, Gardeners’ Corner won the Garden Media Guild’s prestigious Radio Broadcast of the Year award for its episode spotlighting influential Victorian gardener William Robinson.

The special 40th birthday broadcast will be available live on BBC Radio Ulster and can be replayed on BBC Sounds.

David speaks to Chelsea gold medal winning designer Sarah Price at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show

This is from this week’s programme – David with Barrie Quinn and Brendan Little at Portnoo Market Garden

David Maxwell with first presenter Libby Hunter 

Image: Lianne McCooey