Renowned gardener and Gardeners’ World presenter Alan Titchmarsh has recently opened up about a poignant chapter in his life: moving from his beloved Grade II-listed home in Hampshire to a single-storey property with a smaller garden in Surrey, alongside his wife Alison.
At 77 years old, Alan has candidly shared the emotional difficulties involved in leaving the garden he and Alison nurtured for over two decades. Writing his final column from the garden they lovingly tended since 2002, Alan revealed the practical and heartfelt reasons behind the move in his piece for BBC Gardeners’ World magazine.
He explained, “This will be my last missive penned from the house and garden we moved into in 2002. Because… it’s time. Maintaining a large garden—around four acres—is a huge task. The rewards are tremendous, but the responsibility is heavy.”
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Alan acknowledged that continuing his writing and broadcasting career without assistance was no longer feasible. “I’ve been fortunate to have a handful of people who have been a godsend,” he added.
Reflecting on his emotions, Alan drew inspiration from the late Queen Elizabeth II, quoting her profound understanding of loss: “It’s time to leave while I have the choice, rather than being forced out by circumstances beyond my control. Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II reminded us that grief is the price we pay for love.”
He expressed deep attachment to the garden, saying, “I cannot imagine ever loving a garden as much as this one, which has witnessed my children grow and echoed with the laughter of grandchildren. Writing these words fills my eyes with tears.”
Alan has often spoken about his deep affection for the Hampshire garden. Speaking to The Times, he remained composed, stating, “I love that garden more than anything I’ve ever created. I’ve devoted a quarter of a century to its care. But when we hand over the key and close the gate, I’m not looking back. I can’t.”
Despite downsizing, Alan shows no sign of slowing down. He recently launched his YouTube channel, Gardening with Alan Titchmarsh, which has impressively gained over 100,000 subscribers in a short time. Humble about the success, he said, “I’m never terribly confident, but gaining a thousand subscribers a day is kind of wow. I’m thrilled because it means sharing my skills.”
Alan Titchmarsh’s move marks the end of an era but also heralds exciting new opportunities for the gardening legend.