Joe Gardener & Me
By Paul James
Late last month, I flew to Atlanta to tape a television show with Joe Lamp’l, host of Growing a Greener World on PBS. In addition to the show, Joe has a huge presence on the web, and his website, joegardener.com, is a treasure trove of excellent information. He also offers online gardening courses, cranks out a regular podcast, and is all over social media. So why did he invite me to be on his show?
Well according to Joe, one of the most frequent questions people ask him when he’s on the road is, “Where in the world is Paul James?” So to let people know that I’m not yet pushing up tulips, I agreed to appear on his program, which was shot over a two-day period at his five-acre property north of Atlanta.
Up to that point, I’d never spent much time with Joe, but I’ve admired his work for years. And I quickly discovered that he’s not only a very kind, generous, and gracious guy – he’s also the real deal. By that I mean he’s a gardener’s gardener (and an organic-gardening purist as well) with an impressive depth of knowledge. For that reason, it made me more than a little proud to hear him say that I had actually inspired him over the years.
I hadn’t taped a 30-minute program since I stopped doing Gardening by the Yard back in 2008, but it didn’t take me long to get up to speed. For one thing, Joe’s small but extremely talented and dedicated crew put me at ease in no time, and his gorgeous garden offered instant inspiration.
We talked at length about all sorts of topics – from gardening to my history with HGTV to my current endeavors – and I have to say I had a blast. That was the first time I’d ever been a guest on someone else’s show, which meant I didn’t have to wear all the hats I once did (writer, producer, director, host). All I had to do was talk, and for me that’s pretty darn easy.
Joe tells me the show will likely air sometime in September or October. I’ll keep you posted. In the meantime, check out what all Joe is up to by clicking these links.
GrowingAGreenerWorld.com
joegardener.com
The joe gardener Show Podcast
Facebook.com/joegardener
facebook.com/GGWTV
twitter.com/joegardener
twitter.com/GGWTV
instagram.com/joegardener
63 responses to “Joe Gardener & Me”
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You guys are a gardeners inspiration! Looking forward to seeing the show!
Thanks, Patti.
What a nice testimonial to you! People all over want to know where you are and what you are now doing so you must have impressed many a "watcher" of your show. And, what fun it was to be on someone else’s show to speak and tell stories…fun, fun, fun!
Victoria — thanks for the kind words. We really did have a blast.
I love his shows. He truly has a knowledge of and passion for gardening. It’s great you two have teamed up. I’m looking forward to the show with both of you
JW — Like I said, he’s the real deal. And such a nice guy.
I was so glad to hear about the show. I am a huge fan of both of you. I remember watching Gardening by the Yard every Saturday. I have really missed it. It is good to see that you are well. Keep up the good work and I can’t wait for Joe’s show to air.
Thanks a bunch, Cindy!
Please do more programs like these. I miss them so much. There’s more gardeners from years back I’d like to see again also. Thanks!!!
I’ll try to convince Joe that we should do more shows now and then. Thanks!
You were my hero Mr. James. I did not miss your show when it was on. I loved your sense of humor and creativity. I miss. You! Good to know your well.
Thank you, Jody. That means a lot to me.
This is great! Two of my favorite gardeners! I got re-interested in gardening because of Gardening by the Yard and I discovered Growing a Greener World a couple of years ago and enjoy all the different topics covered on the show! I enjoyed the podcast recently with you two together as well! Looking forward to the upcoming show!! Thanks for all you both do! You really keep me trying new things!
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, Carol. I’ll make sure Joe gets a chance to read it.
I was a big fan of HGTV, back when there was a G in the line up! And you Paul James was one of my favorites! I learned so much about gardening from you and laughed along the way! I am glad you are well and doing what you want to be doing.
One of your big fans in Texas!
Many thanks, Chris. Glad I could impart a bit of gardening wisdom, but it means more to me that I made you laugh.
Two of my favorites. I’m looking forward to seeing the show.
Two gray-haired guys in the garden. Could be the title of a new show!
You’ve really been missed, Paul!! So glad I’ll get to see you on the air with Joe in the fall. I’ve met him a couple of times and toured his garden with MGs. He really is as nice as you describe.
Actually, Nancy, I’ve met other TV types who off camera are complete jerks. But like I said in my post, Joe is the real deal.
Used to watch you all the time and learned so much from you! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and come back to TV!
Thanks. It’s humbling to know that I helped others become better gardeners.
Looking forward to the show! I enjoyed the podcast with you and Joe. Really miss you on tv, and hope there is more to come. You and Joe are a great team, as both of you have a knack for sharing gardening expertise in a friendly format, coupled with great charisma that makes listening/watching you a joy as well as a wonderful learning opportunity.
You’re too kind, Connie. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Loved your shows….and miss being able to see you and your crazy sense of humor along with great gardening advice Maybe one day you will be back.
The bad news is I probably won’t do another show. The good news is I’m still crazy after all these years.
WOW SO GREAT to hear from you. I look forward to seeing your episode. YOU are the reason I love gardening. Everything I know (if I know anything at all), I owe to you. Man, do I miss your show… My husband still laughs when I refer to you as, Paul James the Gardening God.
I am not worthy, Charlene! Give my best to your husband.
I was SO excited to see his post! We miss you! Can’t wait to see the show.
I can’t wait to see it myself!
I sure do miss your shows Paul, it was one of those "we have to schedule Saturday morning so we don’t miss The Gardening Guy". However, I enjoy Growing A Greener World and watch often.
I appreciate that, and I’ll pass your comment on to Joe.
Paul, you were so fun to watch. My wife and I watched your show religiously! Loved your humorous approach to teaching. We applied your methods then and still do today. Joe is my new go to guy. He is awesome and we love his method of teaching as well. Can’t wait to see the show when it airs. I share your love of cooking and would love to attend one of your dinners some day. If you ever find yourself in Minnesota, dinner is on me! Many blessings to you and your family family!
Thanks, Troy. I’ve got a brother who lives on a lake in Emily, MN, so you never know!
I miss seeing you on TV. I regularly watch your old shows on UTube. So nice to read this blog. I could even image your voice as I read it. A Big Fan. Peggy
That’s so nice of you, Peggy. Thanks.
Paul James knowledge and humor showed me that gardening was more than just a pastime for old folks…course now I am a hot senior like Paul.
Ha! I am indeed a senior these days, but hot? I don’t think so, except maybe after I’ve mowed the lawn in summer! Thanks, Michelle.
We are all looking forward to this show. I knew you were still around from your videos at Southwood. I googled you a few months back lol. I get lots of info from Joe because he is close to me in Asheville area. I was hoping you would settle in Asheville, then you and Joe could team up more often. Happy digging…..
Asheville isn’t out of the question, George. I love it there.
I am so looking forward to seeing the show. Must remember to program the DVR!
Joe Lamp’l and Paul James, what a great team!
When I started people would program their VHS recorders! We’ve come a long way! Thanks, Donna.
I wish you would have a show again, always enjoyed watching.
Thanks, Peggy, but networks don’t want an old-timer like me.
My initial inspiration and mentor as a Gardner was a man named Frank whom I aided as a caretaker on a country estate in Connecticut. My uncle introduced me and got me a job with him in the early 1980s. My uncle worked with him in the 1940s. Franks history had dated back to the large estates on Long Island back in the 1920s. My uncle told me to listen to Frank and learn because you’ll never find a better teacher. I did listen and became a pretty fair gardener. Then I came across a tv show in the 1990s the inspired and educated me to all new heights. And thus I gained another mentor and teacher. That was you Paul and I could never convey my appreciation adequately for all you brought to my gardening life. Thank you Paul!!!!
I’m speechless, Tom. And deeply moved. What a great story. Thanks so much for sharing it with me.
We have been missing you and you hilarious joking as well as your incredibly informative shows. So glad you will be in the show fir us to watch in the Fall! Miss you Paul.
I can’t wait to see it myself, Lani.
So happy to see you back on TV! I miss your show and I learned so much from you. I think Joe is a wonderful resource too! You are both true gentlemen! Can’t wait to watch this episode.
Thanks so much, Dolly. I had a great time working with Joe.
Paul,
I, like so many others, used to watch you on HGTV. When you left, I quite watching HGTV. All they had after you is building outdoor kitchens or gazebos and putting in a few plants around it. Your show talked about the plants and showed them and told about them – I have not found a show like yours since. I like Joe a lot, but his show isn’t like yours was and yours was my all time favorite – it was a real plant show. There is no Garden in HGTV anymore. I complained for years asking them to bring you back, as did other viewers. I watch a few gardening???? shows, but none even begin to compare to Gardening By The Yard. Wish you would have another show like that. Possible? Thanks for making me care about gardening. You were great.
Josette — how sweet of you to say such kind things. I doubt I’ll ever to another gardening show, but we’ll see what the future holds.
I am looking forward to this show. I enjoyed your podcast with Joe very much. You and Joe actually teach gardening and give great advice. It will be good to see you on the tube again.
Beth
Thanks, Beth. I’m looking forward to seeing it too!
Love the comment, Shelia! Makes me hungry!
Thanks for reminding me that I haven’t gotten any younger!
Loved watching your show and looked forward to the rebroadcasts because there was always something I missed or forgotten about. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the podcast with Joe Lamp’l. The two of you have been my go to answers for organic gardening. Thank you and miss your show. I look forward to your blog now.
Thanks, Toni. And welcome to the blog.
Oh how I loved your show! My bestie and I since childhood, would always get on the phone and watch your show together. Oh and we would laugh, laugh laugh! I am now a master gardener and I run three gardens. I help to grow over a ton of food each year, for those in need. You helped inspire all that, in me! Is there any way one can purchase episodes of your series? I sure do miss you, Paul!
Elizabeth,
Your kind words made my day! Thanks so much. Unfortunately, you can’t purchase episodes of my show, but you can watch the last five years on HGTV.com. Glad I made you laugh. And thanks for making the world a better place.
Every Saturday morning I cleaned around “Gardening by the Yard”. I only took a break after I had sat down and watched the latest episode of Paul James, The Gardener God.” I referenced him so often, my family knew who Paul was! ❤️❤️❤️ Sure miss you Paul, I learned everything as a young gardener from you.
You’re so sweet.
Stay calm and garden.