Alan Titchmarsh, the beloved British gardener and TV personality, has recently opened up about his future plans and how he continues to thrive at 76. After scaling back on his professional commitments, Alan admits he’s uncertain about what the coming years will hold but emphasizes that “every day is a bonus.”
Gardening has long been Alan’s sanctuary—a true “lifesaver” and “happy place.” Despite his age, his passion remains undiminished, and he hopes to continue gardening for as long as possible. In May, Alan announced that he had adjusted his work schedule to better balance career and family life, choosing to take Fridays and some Mondays off.
Currently, Alan hosts ITV’s Gardening Club and Love Your Weekend, alongside launching his new YouTube channel, Gardening with Alan Titchmarsh. While he intends to keep working as long as health permits, he candidly acknowledges the uncertainty of the next five years.
“I honestly don’t know. Every day is a bonus. I don’t feel 76,” Alan shared with Country Living magazine. “I feel 40-odd and I just relish the opportunity to enjoy people’s company, to enjoy my garden and to find something stimulating in each day.”
His love for the outdoors remains at the core of his wellbeing. “Gardening is a sheet anchor in life. It’s my lifesaver. That’s what I do and everything else is an add-on,” he explains. Alan spends as much time as possible in his garden alongside his writing and broadcasting duties.
Alan credits his fitness to gardening and regular walking, revealing he maintains a balanced approach to food without strict restrictions. Speaking to Reach PLC, he said: “I owe everything to good luck and a following wind! I love my work, I love being outdoors in my garden, I have a hugely supportive family. I enjoy my food and drink—in moderation of course—and above all I laugh a lot. It’s worked for me.”
In 2020, he underwent medical procedures to address knee pain caused by years of gardening. Describing the treatments, Alan told Lifestyle Daily: “I had a couple of arthroscopies, where they put this little thing in—like a strimmer—and it cuts off the frayed bits. I had the last one about three years ago. I can kneel, I’m fighting fit now.”
Throughout his journey, Alan has been supported by his wife Alison, to whom he’s been married for over 50 years. Together, they have two daughters, Polly and Camilla, and four grandchildren. Family remains a major influence in his decision to scale back work commitments.
Reflecting on family time, he told Woman’s Weekly, “It’s the old cliché, but you can’t get it back.” He fondly noted watching his oldest grandchild turn 13 and the bittersweet realization of time passing.
Fans can continue to enjoy Alan’s gardening wisdom with Love Your Garden airing weekly at 9:30am on ITV and ITVX, followed by Alan Titchmarsh’s Gardening Club.