HGTV's Paul James, "The Gardener Guy"

I hope you all get basic cable because the Home and Garden Television Channel (HGTV) is not only where I get most of my gardening ideas but it's how I survive the loooong winter (even in relatively balmy Zone 7 it's too damn long for me).  So let me introduce the folksiest, goofiest, most knowledgeable gardening guy you'll ever see on TV - the host of "Gardening by the Yard," Paul James. Ain't he cute? Plays the guitar, too. Probably had a ponytail and played in a rock band. Overall, my kind of guy, but I digress.

Now be forewarned that Paul may take some getting used to. He and his crew are pretty goofy - no, make that silly in the extreme - but that's just him not taking himself too seriously. What you get with the silliness is knowledge of gardening techniques that are almost always organic and that work with the land and elements, not against them. He encourages people to just accept a little insect damage, to not plant or transplant in the middle of the summer, and loads of other seriously practical lessons for gardening. He turned me on to conifers. He turned me on to one of my favorite gardening writers, Ann Lovejoy of Bainbridge Island, Washington. And he just keeps turning me on to gardening.

Where I live his show is on Saturday and Sunday mornings, as part of a line-up of solid gardening shows from 10 to 1. Of course I'm not going to spend my weekend mornings in front of the TV watching gardening, so I tape shows for my viewing enjoyment throughout the week, usually while I'm exercising. And because I don't like programming the timer any more than you do, I just pop in a tape sometime before 10 and press "record," which even my most electronically challenged friends (you know who you are) can do, I think.

ADDENDUM dated 7/8/08:  Leave a comment if you like, but in the nearly 3 years since I wrote this, Paul's never responded.  I'm not giving up hope entirely, but if you need answers, try Google or your nearest Cooperative Extension Service.

Comments

[Susan]

From my original site, Zoey said she likes paul, too, but that he drives her husband crazy with his silliness. He does know his horticulture, though.

[Terr i Lindsay]

I am trying to get some information to Paul James about a friend of mine who has the most inavative way of composting. I truely think that it is something that Paul would be interested in, how can I reach him. The web site is wwwcompost-bin.com.

It is really a must see composting idea. It is great for small spaces, or people who don't want to have so much room taken up with there composting, and is SO very easy to do.

If anyone can tell me how to comtact him or his show I would appreciate it. I know it is worth it.

Thanks,

[Greg Maher]

On you last show you mentioned a non-toxic topical gopher/mole repelant. What is the name of the product? Where can I buy it?

[carole mason]

I'm looking for the name of the non-toxic gopher/mole repellant you mentioned on your show a week or two ago. What is the exact product name? Where can I find it?
Thanks!!

[carole mason]

The non-toxic gopher-mole repellant that can be broadcast over lawn, gardens, etc. was discussed on Paul James, the Gardener Guy show during the first week or two of June, 06. Please let me know where I can obtain, and what the name of the product is. Thanks!

[Heather]

Wow, they really do ask you to talk to Paul....

So, would you let Paul know that he looks way cuter with the goatee? THX! ;)

[Laura Blair]

Hi Mr. James,
I did not write down the info on the nasty pests "mosquito". You told viewers about how to rid them and be safe for your yard and pets. I have 2 dogs that love their backyard, but I don't want them hurt or bothered by getting eating alive. Nor do I, for that matter. Can you help me please? signed....desperate in Seattle.

[jay]

I have been taping Paul James' Gardening by the Yard for the past 5 years and just LOVE seeing his beautiful bear feet!! Paul must have a foot fetish because he is always doing really closeup shots of his toes wiggling and soles all curled. He has really sexy feet and hope he continues to show them off.

[Joan Keane]

I have a landscaping problem that I could use some help with. I live up against a main roadway and have little to no privacy. I have beem researching trees and shrubs for a privacy screen and noise berrier for about 6 years; I am completely overwhelmed and need some recommendations, can any one help me I was hoping Paul could please respond to this 911 landscaping problem.

Thanks, Joan

[John Boyd]

I work in Gaithersburg, MD. for the Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission (a.k.a. M-NCPPC). I am in the process of organizing an open house for our nursery and was trying to locate contact information for Paul James when I hyperlinked here... Now I have two questions: How would I get in contact with Mr.James, and while I am at it, would anyone have any interesting lecture or seminar topics that might interest "Park People"? Thanks much in advance!
John
[email protected]

[Loma K.]

Hello - I have a non toxic creation in mind that I think might be effective in keeping cats out of flower gardens. Any suggestions as to who I might contact to help me make this idea a reality?? Sincerely, Loma K.
[email protected]

[Antoinette C]

In Episode #GBY-1304, Paul James (The Gardner Guy) talked about the item below. I've searched high and low but can neither find out where to purchase this "gizmo" or how to contact Paul or HGTV to ask them. Can you help?

[This great gizmo allows you to hang potted plants just about anywhere (figure E). All you do is install the hanger using the screws provided--in this case, on a fence--and slide a six- to 10-inch terra-cotta pot into the latch at the top (figure F).
"With a little imagination, you may find even more uses for these things," James says, "like keeping hand tools handy--or for storing grilling tools next to the barbecue."]

I cut and pasted this from HGTV's website, but was unable to paste the picture to tbis e-mail.

[Joyce Howard]

My husband & I learn a lot from your shows. I am trying to locate the weed pullers, twister and the grabber that you were showing. It was good because you didn't have to stoop over. Where can I find them.
Joyce

[Janet Holley]

I just wanted to say how much I enjoy the show and all of my family like his personality, keep it real Paul.

[Rock-N-Rob]

My wife and I are huge fans of The Gardener Guy!
Paul brought a whole new level of fun to even the most mundane chore!

Paul has inspired us to change the course of our lives. Our yard is the talk of the neighborhood. And I would love for him to see my studio and work.

www.sculptures-n-stone.com

[Joe Rispalje]

What can you tell me about Bountea products up in Palmer, Alaska. Do their products work?

I think you did a video on John and Mary Evens, the couple who make these products, several years ago.

Thanks, Joerizz

[Lori D]

I also am looking for the granulated castor oil Paul James mentioned on one of his shows to deter moles & golphers from your yard. Nobody around where I live carries it. Where can you purchase or order this?

[Lisa]

I too, am looking for the name of the non-toxic gopher/mole repellant you mentioned on your show a week or two ago. What is the exact product name? Where can I find it? Thanks!!

[BONNIE JEAN GORGIEVSKI]

I have an umbrella tree can you tell me how to get leaves on the bottom of the tree had been pulled off before. what is the care for this. how do i keep my cat out from using as a litter box. my main concern is growing leaves on the bare bottom part of tree. thanks.

[Connie]

HGTV has decided to mess with the time schedule for Gardening by the Yard programming. Has Paul stopped filming new episodes of this show?? There are so few good gardening shows left on the air it would be a shame if he threw in the towel, or if HGTV abandons it.