Joe Swift - The New President of the National Gardens Scheme

Joe Swift, the well known garden designer and TV personality who has presented BBC2's Gardeners World since 1998, has joined the National Gardens Scheme (NGS) as President, succeeding Zac Goldsmith, former editor of The Ecologist and respected campaigner for the environment.  Zac is stepping down to pursue a political career, but will remain as an Ambassador for the NGS.

Welcoming Joe, NGS Chairman Penny Snell said:

“I have known Joe for several years and over that time I have seen what a strong supporter of the NGS he is.  The admiration he shows for amateur gardeners and their achievements is incredibly genuine – he loves all the gardens, from the tiniest urban spaces and allotments to the rolling countryside landscapes.  As our President I know Joe will be an inspiration to both garden owners and visitors”.

Joe has had considerable first-hand knowledge of many NGS gardens and has filmed in several for various TV programmes, including 15 episodes of the popular BBC2 ‘Open Gardens’ series.  Commenting on his appointment, Joe said:

“I am extremely honoured to become President of the National Gardens Scheme. The sheer variety of the gardens and the hard work of the garden owners never ceases to amaze me. I’ve seen a lot – but still have a lifetime of visiting ahead of me to see even a quarter of them!  I remember one garden in London where I could literally stand in the middle and touch the walls – a garden packed full of plants and inspiration for anyone.  And, at the end of the day, what a great cause – the money raised makes a real difference to people’s lives.”

Joe has designed many gardens on TV, including one for Comic Relief, many for Gardeners’ World including the Bourneville Garden, The 40 Year Garden and Alan Titchmarsh's 'How to be a Gardener' series.

His Writings include Gardeners World magazine, The Times weekend regular column and various magazine and newspaper articles. Joe has also written 3 books - 'The Plant Room','Joe's Urban Garden Handbook', and 'Joe's Allotment' published in April 2009. 

One of Joe’s first duties as President will be to host the launch of The Yellow Book 2010 at the Royal Festival Hall on February 3, 2010.