Alan Titchmarsh has spoken openly about his health, emphasizing that “every day is a bonus” as he reflects on the passing of his father and the significant changes in his life. The celebrated gardener and television presenter recently made the decision, with his wife Alison of 51 years, to move from their Grade II listed Georgian home in Alton, Hampshire, to a more manageable bungalow in Surrey.
This transition means saying goodbye to the four-acre garden he lovingly cultivated over 25 years. Though the space is smaller, Alan remains enthusiastic about tending to his new garden and has no plans to retire. In fact, he describes himself as “very lucky” in terms of his health and vitality. Speaking to The Times, he clarified, “People keep saying, ‘You’ve got new knees.’ I haven’t; they’re the ones I originally had.”
Alan’s active lifestyle was highlighted by observations that he chooses to walk up escalators while using the London Underground. Reflecting on his father’s early death from a heart attack at 62, Alan noted, “You don’t know what’s round the corner. I’ve lived 15 years longer than my dad did. That awareness makes every day feel like a bonus.”
READ MORE: Traffic Congestion on A40 Following Crash and Road Closure - Live Updates
READ MORE: John Craven Reflects on Challenges After 37 Years of Filming Countryfile
A passionate gardener, Alan also shared his tried-and-true method for deterring slugs and snails. Despite experimenting with various remedies—slug pellets, eggshells, holly leaves, grit, gravel, sheep’s wool, and even coffee grounds—he found the only effective solution to be copper rings placed around plants. He joked about the coffee grounds, saying, “I’m not wild about imbuing my garden with an aroma redolent of Starbucks.”
Additionally, Alan recently addressed common confusion surrounding pruning. In a BBC Gardeners’ World video, the 77-year-old explained that while pruning is often associated with winter, many plants benefit from summer pruning to maintain their shape, eliminate pests and diseases, and encourage flowering and fruiting. “We prune them to keep them useful and improve their health,” he said.
Alan Titchmarsh continues to inspire gardeners with his knowledge and passion, proving that age and change don’t diminish a love for nurturing plants.