Guerrilla Gardeners
| Company type | Television program |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television |
| Founded | February 18, 2009 |
| Fate | Cancelled (April 2009), later returned on digital channel One (July 2011) |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia |
| Products | Television series |
Guerrilla Gardeners was an Australian TV program aired on Network Ten. Drawing its name from the guerrilla gardening environmental initiative, the show debuted on 18 February 2009 but was cancelled by April due to poor audience numbers and an ineffective timeslot adjustment, resulting in several episodes remaining unaired. The series later returned on Network Ten's digital channel One starting 26 July 2011. Its activities generated significant debate.
Overview
The program followed a team of six "guerrilla gardeners" who secretly enhanced neglected urban spaces such as vacant lots without obtaining permission from property owners. Among them, five were skilled in landscaping and horticulture, while host Dave Lawson was selected mainly for his talent in "fabricating explanations to councils when confronted."
Controversy
Operating without landowner approval, the gardeners frequently breached trespass regulations. Finished installations were threatened with removal by Marrickville Council, and a project in Sutherland Shire was stopped during development and subsequently dismantled following council intervention. The show's producers faced fines from the council, which they disputed. Additionally, Canterbury Council was accused of intending to demolish work from the premiere episode, though these allegations were premature.
The Sutherland Shire council justified removing a project citing concerns such as inadequate soil conditions, unauthorized plantings and decorations potentially distracting drivers, and violations of traffic and workplace safety standards. Producers expressed their willingness to comply with council rulings regarding their installations.
Episodes
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|---|---|---|---|
| Average series ratings | 674,545 | ||
See also
References
- Articles with short description
- Original programming by Network 10
- Australian television series that premiered in 2009
- Australian television series that concluded in 2009
- Australian factual television series
- Guerrilla gardening
- Television programs about gardening
- Gardening within Australia
- Network 10 original programming