Zach Galifianakis, a Hollywood celebrity, has taken on a new venture upon moving to a southern British Columbia island – hosting a gardening show. Titled “This is a Gardening Show,” this documentary series on Netflix features conversations with farmers and children from Vancouver Island. Scheduled to debut later this month in honor of Earth Day on April 22, the show showcases Galifianakis’s passion for gardening, which he has cultivated over 25 years as a hobbyist.
In an interview with CBC News, Galifianakis expressed his joy in initiating the project in an area with a rich heritage of skilled gardeners, emphasizing the importance of passing down this tradition to future generations. He also highlighted the significance of educating young minds about the origins of food, considering the current concerns surrounding food sources.
The series delves into engaging dialogues with students from Brooklyn Elementary School in Comox, showcasing a blend of Galifianakis’s trademark humor from previous works like “Between Two Ferns” and “The Hangover” series, along with practical advice on growing fruits and vegetables. The comedian aims to inform and prepare young viewers for potential climate challenges, stressing the importance of knowledge in adaptation.
Featuring not only children but also experienced farmers and gardeners from the southern British Columbia islands, the show aims to inspire a broader audience on the joys and benefits of gardening. Arzeena Hamir, a prominent food security advocate and farm owner in Comox Valley, commended the choice of Vancouver Island as the show’s setting, attributing it to the region’s conducive environment for farming.
Amidst the global context of rising food prices and growing interest in sustainable practices, the timing of the show is seen as apt by Hamir, who hopes it will attract a diverse audience to the world of food cultivation. As Galifianakis prepares for the show’s release, he is busy tending to his island garden, particularly focusing on nurturing his prized sugar pumpkins with the ambition of making numerous pumpkin pies for sharing during the festive season.
