BBC Gardeners' World Toby Buckland's life off-screen from wife and family to BBC row

Toby Buckland, a familiar face from Gardeners' World, has been gracing our television screens for years.

Born in Exeter, this horticulturalist honed his skills at Blyth's Devon Nursery and Whetman's in Devon before pursuing horticulture studies at Bicton College in Budleigh Salterton and later Hadlow College of Horticulture and Agriculture.

His career blossomed at the University of Cambridge Botanic Garden where he served as a woodland supervisor. This experience paved the way for numerous TV appearances and writing opportunities.

As a regular on the BBC gardening show, Toby shares his expert advice and showcases stunning gardens. He stepped into the role of lead presenter in 2008, replacing Monty Don who had suffered a stroke.

However, Toby was dropped from the show in 2010, leading him to express his disappointment with the BBC, reports the Mirror.

Off-screen, Toby is passionate about gardening and cherishes time with his family. But what more do we know about his life away from the camera, including his dispute with the BBC?

Toby Buckland's TV breakthrough and career

Gardeners World presenter Toby Buckland during filming at a top secret BBC garden in 2009 (Image: BBC)

Toby's television career began in 1996 as a horticultural researcher for Brian Lapping Associates, contributing to Channel 4's Garden Party. The 55 year old's journey started in Devon, where he nurtured trees as a nurseryman.

Back in 1998, Toby's foray into television began at Granada Breeze as a gardening presenter, which carved the path to his roles on programmes such as Home Front in the Garden, Real Wrecks, Carol Vorderman's Better Homes on ITV, and BBC's Garden Magic.

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Toby has been a celebrated figure in the horticultural world, securing multiple accolades including RHS Gold and Best in show for his Ethical Garden at Gardeners' World Live in 2008. His contributions to environmental awareness earned him the Garden Media Guild Environmental Award in 2009 for a special Gardeners' World episode about peat in gardening.

While known for his television appearances, Toby also nurtures a green enterprise with his plant nursery, Toby Buckland's Plant Centre, and has authored numerous books on gardening.

Toby Buckland's row with BBC

Toby Buckland in his gold garden called, Ethical Garden at Gardeners' World Live (Image: BBC)

The star has had his controversies, notably with the BBC when he was replaced by Monty Don as the lead of Gardeners' World in 2010, after Monty recovered from a stroke. Expressing his disappointment over the BBC's decision not to renew his contract, Toby voiced his sense of betrayal, saying he felt 'so let-down and humiliated'.

In sharing his feelings on the matter, Buckland confessed: "There is still a raw wind blowing though me. I go out in the garden and everything looks dead.

"I have always stuck up for ordinary gardeners and I have been so touched that so many have stuck up for me. At the end of the day, as a good friend said, it's only telly.

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"I will always have gardening and that's what will get me through feeling so let-down and humiliated. At times like this, you just have to remember that what holds 'true' in gardening also holds 'true' in life.

"When things don't go your way, try again. Winter doesn't last forever."

Viewership took a nosedive from an impressive five million to a mere two million during Toby Buckland's stint as the main host. Fans voiced their dissatisfaction with the revamped format, likening the simplified programme to a horticultural spin-off of Top Gear.

window.topArticlesScript="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/js/dist/article-top-articles20241210.min.js"Who is Toby Buckland's other half?

Gardeners' World star Toby Buckland has been a friendly face on TV for many years (Image: Western Morning News)

Toby Buckland's heart belongs to Lucy Buckland, his kindred spirit in all things green-fingered. Their paths crossed at horticultural college, where they both nurtured their passion for plants.

Lisa currently helms Muddy Stilettos in Devon as its editor, a lifestyle hub spotlighting the trendiest eateries, cafes, boutiques, and businesses throughout the county and the broader South West region.

Her resume boasts roles such as gardens editor for House Beautiful and campaigns writer for Gardening Which? Magazine.

Toby and Lucy have three children together and they currently live in Devon. The gardening expert has not shared their names, but did reveal they had had a big effect on his gardening.

He confessed: "Yes, I garden in an ethical way, in a green way, but what I really am is someone who cares for the environment. Having the children was the catalyst for me.

"But I'm a gardener first, and to say that I wouldn't ever spray anything again wouldn't be true."

When not engaged in writing and presenting, the duo arranges Toby's Garden Festival, an annual gardening event held at Powderham Castle in Devon. The festival features expert-led talks and demonstrations for attendees, along with a selection of quality plants and professional gardening advice.

BBC Gardeners' World Toby Buckland's life off-screen from wife and family to BBC row

BBC Gardeners' World Toby Buckland's life off-screen from wife and family to BBC row

BBC Gardeners' World Toby Buckland's life off-screen from wife and family to BBC row

BBC Gardeners' World Toby Buckland's life off-screen from wife and family to BBC row

BBC Gardeners' World Toby Buckland's life off-screen from wife and family to BBC row