Tributes paid to 'Megastar Reg' of Christine's Garden
The One Show's gardener Christine Walkden has paid tribute to her "best mate" and neighbour Reg, star of BBC2's Christine's Garden, who died on 14 July. He was 82.Reginald Walker, a retired railwayman, won fans across the UK when he first appeared on Christine's Garden in December 2005.
Keen gardener Reg, who lived with wife Pat in the same street as Christine on the Essex / Hertfordshire border, was first seen on TV wondering why his watering can had stopped working - and discovered that a snail had blocked the can's spout!
Christine, who nicknamed her friend "Megastar Reg," told AG: "It was Reg's warmth, smile and innocence that made him so popular on TV. He always gardened - veg were his favourites but he had a passion for a wide range of plants, from bedding to shrubs. "I will miss Reg tremendously - his smile, his laugh, and the fun and games we shared together in the garden. We often had a tipple together, chatting about gardening and life. He was one of those people who never had a bad word to say about anyone. His kindness and gentle nature always shone through."
Reg, who met Christine in 1990 when she moved into the street, achieved a huge following through TV, Christine's articles in AG and an appearance at AG's show. Christine summed up: "Not a day has passed since Reg first appeared on TV screens that I have not been asked about him, whether at horticultural society shows, garden centres, or working professionally. I have even been asked about him when working abroad, such was Reg's appeal. In Reg’s passing I have lost my soul mate. I hope he has a big veggie garden in the sky so we can keep having our annual competition to see who can grow the best tomatoes!"
