Adam Frost, well-known presenter of BBC’s Gardeners' World since 2016, recently opened up about a garden feature he simply refuses to embrace. Speaking on the Channel 4 programme Sunday Brunch on 5 July, Frost revealed his strong aversion to the now-popular oversized plastic outdoor chess sets.
During the discussion with hosts Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer, Frost explained his distaste: “The massive, plastic chess sets. You see them at hotels or even in people’s gardens! They cover a large area with paving and have plastic chess pieces that slowly change colour. Really, kids just use them to attack each other.”
Rather than bulky plastic installations, Frost advocates for a more traditional and refined approach: “If you want to play chess in your garden, buy a board and pieces, take them outside to a lovely table with a nice drink – civilised! Don’t do that plastic nonsense.”
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When Tim Lovejoy suggested the giant chess sets provide an ‘immersive experience,’ Frost was quick to dismiss the idea. “That’s not immersive! How is that immersive? No. It’s a complete and utter waste of space,” he insisted.
Even when swimmer Mark Foster proposed considering these chess sets as garden art installations, Frost remained unconvinced. He shared an anecdote from early in his career when a client wanted a checkerboard paving pattern in their garden. “I refused, very politely. I just couldn’t do it. It’s just a no.”
This candid conversation comes after Frost recently reflected on the emotional side of moving house, recalling his experience visiting his former home now occupied by new owners. He said, “I walked around with them and they are absolutely loving it. I think that’s a wonderful feeling – knowing you may have left someone else a whole load of joy.”