Back in the days before HGTV became synonymous with home renovation shows like Home Town, Good Bones, and Battle on the Beach, one of the network's most iconic personalities was Paul James. Known affectionately as "The Gardener Guy," Paul charmed audiences with his passion for plants and gardening. His show, Gardening by the Yard, quickly became a fan favorite. But what happened to Paul James, and why did he vanish from our screens? Let’s dive into the story of this gardening legend.
Who Is Paul James and What Happened to Him?
Paul James' journey in the world of gardening began way back in the late 1970s. Armed with degrees in botany, plant physiology, and plant pathology, Paul brought a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to his craft. His groundbreaking show, Gardening by the Yard, premiered in 1996 and became the first-ever gardening program on HGTV. For 13 years, viewers tuned in to watch Paul transform his own backyard in Tulsa, Oklahoma, into a lush paradise. It wasn’t just any garden—it was a living classroom where he shared his expertise with millions of fans.
When asked about his unique approach to filming, Paul once joked to The Oklahoman in 1999, “Some might think it’s crazy to film a show right in my own backyard, but that’s what makes it so authentic. You can’t fake reality.” And boy, did it work! Audiences loved the authenticity Paul brought to the screen. They could relate to his struggles and triumphs as he nurtured his plants through every season.
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What set Paul apart was his genuine love for gardening and his ability to make it accessible to everyone. He didn’t shy away from showing the messy side of gardening, which resonated deeply with his audience. As he once explained to HGTV, “When I was younger, I watched gardening shows where everything seemed perfect. The soil was always soft, the plants were flawless, and the hosts never broke a sweat. I wanted to create something real, something people could actually relate to.”
But after 13 seasons, the unexpected happened—Gardening by the Yard was canceled by HGTV. Fans were left wondering why such a beloved show was taken off the air. While no official reason was given, Paul has always maintained a positive attitude toward the network that launched his career.
What Is Paul James Doing Now?
Since stepping away from HGTV, Paul has remained active in the gardening community. In 2013, he joined Southwood Landscape and Garden Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he continues to share his expertise with local gardening enthusiasts. Paul hasn’t lost his passion for plants; if anything, it’s only grown stronger over the years.
When he’s not working, Paul enjoys spending quality time with his family. He’s happily married to his wife, Carrie, and together they have three children—Spencer, Dalton, and Hannah. For Paul, life after HGTV isn’t about fading into obscurity; it’s about living a fulfilling life filled with love, laughter, and, of course, lots of greenery.
In a 2019 interview on “The Joe Gardener Show” podcast, Paul opened up about his time at HGTV. “I have nothing but good things to say about HGTV,” he shared. “They were amazing to me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity I had. I still keep in touch with some incredible people there.”
