Zach Galifianakis, a Hollywood actor, has ventured into a new project upon moving to a southern British Columbia island – a gardening show titled “This is a Gardening Show.” The documentary series, set on Vancouver Island, showcases interviews with local farmers and children and is set to debut on Netflix in alignment with Earth Day on April 22.
Galifianakis shared that his love for gardening, cultivated over 25 years as a hobbyist, inspired him to create the show and share his enthusiasm with others. He emphasized the importance of passing down the tradition of gardening in the area, especially to the younger generation, given concerns about the current food system’s impact on children’s health.
In the series, Galifianakis engages with students at Brooklyn Elementary School in Comox, highlighting the practical aspects of growing fruits and vegetables while infusing his signature off-beat humor. He aims to educate and prepare young viewers for potential climate challenges by imparting knowledge about sustainable practices.
The show also features adult farmers and gardeners from the region, including Arzeena Hamir, a food security advocate and farm co-owner in the Comox Valley. Hamir expressed that the focus on gardening in the series resonates with the current global scenario, where food sustainability and self-sufficiency are gaining importance.
Galifianakis, gearing up for the show’s release, is dedicating time to his own garden on the island, with a particular focus on growing sugar pumpkins for his favorite homemade pumpkin pies. He humorously shared his goal of making 30 pumpkin pies for Christmas, emphasizing his preference for a graham cracker crust.