POP HAZMAT-RETRO presents CLASSIC CHILDREN’S TV ON-THE-CHEAP!by JONATHAN KIERAN

TODAY’S HONOREE: The Magic Garden (WPIX-TV 1972-1984)

RESPONSIBLE FOR THE GREATNESS: Carole Demas and Paula Janis

RUDIMENTARY ANALYSIS: Think Joan Baez and Judy Collins abandoning Woodstock glory, passionate ’60s activism and hemp sandals to take-up Elmer’s Glue, cardboard hats and macaroni artwork as BFF kindergarten teachers! How cool is that? Even better, The Magic Garden’s Carole and Paula never failed to emanate a delightful whiff of that fresh-faced hippy-chick era with their pleasant “Mellow Yellow” outlook, propensity to break into irresistible ditties at the slightest provocation and eagerness to feed peanuts to a talking pink squirrel named Sherlock. Don’t even get me started on their “Chuckle Patch.” I do recall a plethora of colorful mushrooms decorating the set of The Magic Garden, which just might explain the lovably light-hearted and hypnotic atmosphere cultivated by these admirable babes. Who can say?