Alan Titchmarsh has candidly addressed his health and outlook on life, emphasizing that “every day is a bonus” as he reflects on his late father’s passing and a major change in his living situation. The celebrated gardening expert and former Gardeners' World presenter recently shared his decision to move from his Grade II listed Georgian home in Alton, Hampshire, to a bungalow in Surrey, accompanied by his wife of 51 years, Alison.
This transition marks the end of an era for Alan, who lovingly tended his expansive four-acre garden for over 25 years. Though he must say goodbye to this cherished haven, he now embraces a new, more modest garden space with enthusiasm.
Despite the changes, Alan shows no intention of slowing down or retiring anytime soon. Speaking to The Times, he dispelled rumors regarding his health, specifically about having knee replacements. “I’m very lucky; nothing has been replaced. People keep saying, ‘You’ve got new knees.’ I haven’t; they’re the ones I originally had,” he revealed. The television personality also remains active and fit, even choosing to walk up escalators during tube journeys.
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Reflecting on mortality, Alan shared a poignant tribute to his father, who died of a heart attack at 62, over 40 years ago. “You don’t know what’s round the corner. My dad died of a heart attack at 62. It makes you aware that every day is a bonus, really. I’ve lived 15 years longer than my dad did,” he said.
As for gardening wisdom, Alan discussed his ongoing battle against common pests. Having experimented with countless slug deterrents—ranging from slug pellets with metaldehyde to eggshells, holly leaves, sharp grit, gravel, sheep’s wool, and coffee grounds—he dismissed most as ineffective or unappealing. He humorously noted his reluctance to scatter coffee grounds, explaining, “I do not drink enough Colombian or Arabica to carpet my hosta border in coffee grounds and, anyway, I’m not wild about imbuing my garden with an aroma redolent of Starbucks.”
Instead, Alan endorses copper rings, describing them as “those rings of copper that resemble a vicar’s clerical collar,” which can be placed around individual plants to successfully repel slugs and snails.
Alan also recently addressed the widespread confusion surrounding pruning, especially the misconception that it only occurs in winter. In a BBC Gardeners’ World YouTube video, the 77-year-old explained that many plants benefit from summer pruning to maintain shape, improve plant health, encourage flowering and fruiting, and control pests and diseases. “There are many plants that need pruning in summer. We prune them to keep them useful,” he said.
For fans eager to see more, Alan hosts Love Your Weekend on ITV, airing Sunday mornings.