A LONG-established Dorset family gardening business is 'Coming Up Roses' as the star of a new television series starting next week.

Cameras followed staff at the Stewarts Garden Centres in Christchurch and Holt for more than a year to compile the six-part documentary to be screened on Meridian.

The first 30-minute programme will be broadcast on Thursday, September 8 at 7.30pm.

"When we were first approached about being the sole focus of this six-part series I was at a loss as to how the time could be filled with the activities of our modest garden centre and nursery operation," said managing director Martin Stewart.

"As we looked closely at ourselves with the TV researchers we realised what a rich mix of ingredients goes into making our company what it is."

"The resulting programmes are a fascinating insight into a business which flows with the seasons and is spiced up with a dedicated group of staff who share a passion for plants and gardens."

Established in 1742, Stewarts is a family firm which revolves around plants and horticulture and the series provides a behind the scenes look at the history, people, seasons and place in the community of the business.

Viewers will get to know some of the Stewarts staff, including Jim, who has been with the company for more than 60 years, Lee with his own inimitable style of window display, Charlie with his unrestrained passion for the nursery which he manages and John 'Hawky' Hawkins, Stewarts' own plant doctor.

Mr Stewart said: "It's the staff who make it all possible and quite rightly they are the stars of the show."

First published: September 1, 2005