Easter weekend marked 45 years of Graham Ross and The Garden Clinic on 2GB. The radio show is a family affair. Graham’s wife Sandra and daughter Linda are regular contributors and fill-in hosts with son Kent starting off as a 2GB panel operator before shifting to work for the business behind the scenes. The Garden Clinic Executive producer Lesley Thomson has also almost clocked up 20 years and Gary King, Bob Rogers’ producer for 18 years, is the regular panel operator.
2GB Station Manager and National Content Manager Greg Byrnes said:
“This is an incredible achievement and a testament to Graham’s dedication, expertise, and the show’s enduring popularity.
Since 1980, Graham has shared his gardening knowledge with our listeners every Saturday and Sunday morning. He has taken over 250,000 calls, and his show has become an institution of Australian radio.
Thank you Graham and congratulations to you and the Garden Clinic team on this significant anniversary.”
Graham said on Instagram:
“What a journey it’s been, celebrated today when from out the WA bush came a call from the Minister for Gardening Hon David Littleproud MP, Leader of the Nationals & the man who single handedly supported the garden centres to remain open as Ag Minister at the start of Covid.
The Aussie population of gardeners jumped from 4-11+ million.
In 2019 he offered a grant to the Australian Garden Council which enabled it to communicate lifelong rewarding hort & garden career opportunities to over 300,000 year 11 & 12 students. We did heaps of other positive things too check out our website. No support for 3 years. 😫. Huge thanks to the 100’s who called & texted in messages of congrats from around Australia.”
A blooming plot of joy in the gardens of radio with the above apt description involving chokos how 77 year old Graham describes himself. If you ever need a break from the black and white in life you can follow Graham’s Instagram page which is a cacophony of colour. Just one example below:
The Ross family are arguably the most consistently successful radio personalities in Australia. They have always pulled a larger audience share and cume than Alan Jones and Ray Hadley ever did in Sydney. They have always won their time slot, even when 2GB was floundering at the bottom of the ratings. They are very real, totally genuine, extremely hard working and dedicated people. Total professionals. My congratulations to Sandra, Graham, Linda, Kent and Lesley. 45 years in such a challenging environment is unheard of in this industry. They deserve every accolade they get. Wonderful people.
I agree with Ian 100%. I had the pleasure of working with the Ross Family at both the Sussex Street and Pyrmont studios for many many years. True professionals, unbelievable knowledge and could have fun whilst on air. Many broadcasting people could learn from their kindness to staff and a genuine appreciation of their listeners. Congratulations to Sandra, Graham, Linda, Kent and your current team from a former team member. Keep up the great work.