End of an Era for Beloved Gardening Presenter
Long-serving ABC star Jane Edmanson has announced she is stepping down from the network after nearly four decades of service. The 75-year-old horticulturist revealed her decision during Friday's episode of Gardening Australia, telling host Costa Georgiadis that "it's time" to move on.
A Groundbreaking Career
Edmanson holds the distinguished honour of being the only inaugural cast member still with Gardening Australia since its launch in 1990. Her journey with the ABC began even earlier, in 1989, when she replaced Kevin Heinze as presenter on the gardening series Sow What.
During her emotional announcement, Edmanson expressed mixed feelings about the word "retiring". "I'm retiring, although I don't like that word," she revealed. "I am retiring from having done it for so many years, and it makes me feel really, really proud and humble."
Pioneering Women in Horticulture
Edmanson reflected on her early career challenges, noting that when she started in nurseries 45 years ago, women faced significant barriers in the profession. "I had to cajole the person that I was working for because most people didn't have women gardeners in their nurseries," she recalled, acknowledging her role as a trailblazer.
Host Costa Georgiadis was quick to praise her contributions, stating: "You've been making gardening television for 38 years, and you're the only remaining presenter in the team that's been there since the first episode." He described her departure as "the end of an era" and thanked her for setting "a wonderful benchmark for generations."
Future Plans and Legacy
While stepping down from her television role, Edmanson assured viewers she would remain active in horticulture. "I will move on and do other things within the horticultural world," she explained, promising to still watch the programme and see "all the lovely faces on the telly."
The episode served as a fitting tribute, with the cast and crew surprising Edmanson with a retirement party. Her announcement prompted an outpouring of support from viewers on social media, with many praising her as "a great ambassador for women in horticulture" and sharing how they'd "grown up with you and the old Gardening Australia gang back in the 90s."
Beyond television, Edmanson's distinguished career includes:
- Numerous gardening and horticulture books
- Regular contributions to Gardening Australia magazine
- Extensive radio work on stations including 2AK, 3MP and 3AW
- Recognition as a Member of the Order of Australia in 2004
- Honorary life membership to the Horticulture Media Association of Victoria in 2013
Edmanson's final words to colleagues and viewers captured her gracious spirit: "It's been a pleasure for me for so many years to present what I do on the programme... I'm going to miss everyone too, but I'll still be watching."
