Pressroom

• Media Contacts
• Press Releases
• ETV Management Team
• Logo Farm
• ETV Style Guidelines
• Stock Photos

South Carolina ETV

• About ETV
• History of ETV
• Testimonials
• Annual Reports
• Schedule a Tour
• Weather Center
• Contact Us

Stay Connected

ETV’s Emmy Award-Winning “Making It Grow!” Spotlights 500th Episode

For Immediate Release
August 11, 2010

Columbia, SC…Someone once said, “God made rainy days so gardeners could get the housework done.” And over the years, ETV’s “Making It Grow!” was more than a rainy-day diversion for gardening experts and novices. Whether it’s pumpkins on the vine or fragrant blooms in the courtyard, on Tuesday, Aug. 17, years of wide angles and tight shots will spotlight a landmark occasion: the commemoration of the 500th episode of “Making It Grow!” The program airs statewide at 7 p.m.

Hosted by Clemson University’s Rowland Alston, this six-time Emmy Award-winning program takes a leisurely stroll down a path of more than 16 years of fond memories. Special guests reunite with the Making It Grow gang to reminisce about the show’s origins and recall memorable moments from the past.

This celebratory edition of the popular hour-long call-in program features “Making It Grow!” luminary and Clemson Extension Agent Amanda McNulty, chat room host "Webby" Debbie Hayes, and long-time show guest, Master Gardener Marie Land. Land, whose first appearance on the show was 497 episodes ago, will share some of her memories about Alston and the early days of “Making It Grow!”

Additionally, the program will feature nostalgic conversations between Alston and co-creators Jim Barnard and Ed Sexauer about the origins of the show. Barnard, the former WRJA station manager and Sexauer, former WRJA production manager were collaborators on the 70s program, “Ag Today.” Through this partnership, “Making It Grow!” took root after Alston observed that South Carolina was moving from a rural to an urban environment.

From its inception in 1993, “Making It Grow!” has evolved from a monthly gardening program to a weekly show that not only answers gardening questions but highlights the people, places and things that make South Carolina great.

“Making It Grow!” By the Numbers

500 Number of “Making It Grow!” episodes
420 Number of Webby Debby chats with MIG enthusiasts
200 Number of garden-inspired hats Amanda McNulty has created
16 Number of years “Making It Grow!” has been on air
6 Number of Southeast Regional Emmy awards

“Making It Grow!” is a production of ETV and Clemson University and is supported by the ETV Endowment of South Carolina.

South Carolina ETV is the state's public educational broadcasting network with 11 television and eight radio transmitters, and a multi-media educational system in more than 2,500 schools, colleges, businesses and government agencies. Using television, radio and the web, SCETV's mission is to enrich lives by educating children, informing and connecting citizens, celebrating our culture and environment and instilling the joy of learning.

###

For more information, contact Dana McCullough at (803) 737-3212 or dmccullough@scetv.org.