News of the magazine’s closure in September
The story resulted in a flurry of media attention with coverage across many of the national press and BBC broadcast channels. Even gardener and broadcaster, Alan Titchmarsh stepped in to express his sadness at news of the magazine’s closure. As a former deputy editor of Amateur Gardening magazine, Alan explained how he had read the magazine since childhood in Ilkley, West Yorkshire. “It will always hold a special place in my affections” Alan was quoted as saying.
Readers far and wide got in touch to express their grief. As former AG editor, Garry Coward-Williams explains;” When I had the unenviable task of announcing that Amateur Gardening would cease publication I got literally hundreds of emails, letters and phone calls from readers who could barely believe the bad news.
They said that AG was not only the best gardening magazine on the shelves, but also it was a trusted friend that had integrity and depth like no other gardening magazine. For them there was no replacement.
However, now AG is reborn to continue the tradition that started on 9th May 1884, proving the point that you can’t keep a great magazine down.”
(Editor’s note - you can read just a few of these extremely heartfelt letters on page 59)
A good news story that keeps giving
“Mr Fothergill’s Seeds has worked with for many years and was very sorry to hear the news of the magazine closure. We are therefore delighted to hear that has been saved and will now continue to educate, entertain and inspire the nation’s gardeners. Gardening has so much to offer, from the benefits to physical and mental health to creating havens for wildlife and growing your own food. We are excited to see how the magazine develops these themes and more, encouraging us all to make the most of whatever space we have.”
