Zach Galifianakis, a Hollywood actor, is exploring a new venture on Vancouver Island in southern British Columbia. He is taking the lead in a gardening documentary series titled “This is a Gardening Show,” which will soon debut on Netflix to coincide with Earth Day on April 22.
Galifianakis shared with CBC News that his passion for gardening, cultivated over 25 years as a hobbyist, inspired him to create the show. He expressed his joy in filming in the Vancouver Island area, known for its rich gardening tradition, hoping to pass down this legacy to future generations.
The series, which aims to educate and inspire young viewers, includes interviews with local farmers, children, and students from Brooklyn Elementary School in Comox. Through a mix of humor and practical advice, Galifianakis discusses topics ranging from growing fruits and vegetables to the importance of understanding food sources, especially in light of potential climate challenges ahead.
In addition to featuring young gardeners, the show highlights experienced farmers like Arzeena Hamir from Amara Farm in the Comox Valley. Hamir emphasized the growing relevance of gardening in today’s world, citing factors such as food security and the increasing interest in sustainable agriculture.
Galifianakis, who is currently tending to his own garden on the island, has a personal goal of making 30 pumpkin pies for Christmas using his homegrown sugar pumpkins. He expressed his enjoyment in creating pumpkin pie, noting his preference for a graham cracker crust and humorously adding, “Not to get political.”
As the release of “This is a Gardening Show” approaches, Galifianakis anticipates engaging a new audience with his unique take on gardening, aiming to spark interest in food growing and sustainability among viewers worldwide.