Scotland’s beloved gardening guru Jim McColl, the heart and soul of BBC Scotland’s Beechgrove Garden for over four decades, has passed away at the age of 89. Since the show’s inception in 1978, Jim guided green-thumbed enthusiasts and newcomers alike with his gentle charm, boundless expertise, and passion for gardening. His influence extended beyond TV screens, leaving a legacy cherished by countless Scottish gardeners who followed his tips and techniques to nurture their own little patches of paradise.
The Roots of a Gardening Icon
Jim McColl’s love for gardening began in his hometown of Kilmarnock, where his father managed local parks, instilling in him a profound appreciation for nature. “Gardening was part of the fabric of our lives,” he once reflected, capturing the way his childhood surroundings shaped his life’s calling. After a fruitful career in academic horticulture, Jim moved back to Scotland with his family, eager to raise his children close to home and share his love for the land that nurtured him.
Bringing Beechgrove Garden to Life
In 1978, BBC Scotland took inspiration from a gardening show in Boston, USA, and created The Beechgrove Garden, a series dedicated to tackling the unique gardening challenges of Scotland’s northern climate. Jim, together with co-presenter George Barron, transformed a garden in Aberdeen from scratch, sharing each season’s trials and triumphs with viewers. With Jim’s reassuring voice and sage advice, the show quickly blossomed into a beloved institution, offering a practical, down-to-earth approach that set it apart from other gardening programs.
Jim’s contributions extended beyond TV; he became a friend and mentor to viewers across Scotland, helping generations cultivate a love for gardening. As a tribute to his lasting impact, Beechgrove Garden expanded its reach with live shows and even a radio spin-off, allowing Jim’s knowledge to grow its roots far and wide.
A Beloved Mentor to All
The show saw various presenters join Jim over the years, yet his steady presence remained a source of warmth and wisdom. His long-standing co-presenter, Carole Baxter, shared the screen with Jim for over 30 years, a partnership marked by camaraderie and shared respect. Harry Bell, managing director of Tern TV, summed it up perfectly: “Jim was a local hero first and a Scottish national treasure next.” Jim’s genuine nature and humble charm made him much more than a gardening expert; he became a symbol of resilience, kindness, and loyalty for everyone who watched him.
Jim’s Farewell and Lasting Legacy
In 2019, Jim retired from Beechgrove Garden, closing a chapter that spanned four decades. Even then, he continued to share his thoughts and advice through a gardening column for Aberdeen’s P&J newspaper, until his final retirement in 2022. Reflecting on the challenges ahead for future gardeners, Jim voiced his concerns about climate change, ending his last column with a heartfelt farewell: “I wish you all the best.”
As Scotland bids goodbye to Jim McColl, his influence lives on in every garden, every bloom, and every gardener he inspired. Jim may no longer walk among his cherished plants, but his memory will forever grow in the gardens he helped cultivate, the lives he touched, and the lessons he left behind. Rest in peace, Jim—you’ll be fair missed.
