Alan Titchmarsh On His First Memory Of Gardening: ‘I Was [Just] 18 Months Old’
Contributions From ALAN TITCHMARSH MBE
Alan Titchmarsh is a Broadcaster, Author and renowned Horticulturist with 50 years of industry experience. He is recognisable from several TV shows, including Ground Force, Love Your Garden and Britain’s Best Gardens - and written many books, including The Gardener’s Almanac and My Secret Garden. Alan studied at Hertfordshire College of Agriculture and Kew Royal Botanic Gardens.
Alan Titchmarsh is undoubtedly one of the UK’s most well-loved gardening personalities – he has been gracing our TV screens with horticultural advice for over 40 years now.
After gaining several qualifications in Horticulture, Alan started his career at the Royal Botanic Kew Gardens in the 1970s, before moving into journalism and the rest, as they say, is history.
It was a pleasure to speak to Alan to find out more about him and his love for all things horticulture.
What’s Your First Memory Of Gardening?
I remember being on my grandfather’s allotment when I was 18 months old,” Alan says.
“I started gardening in our back garden in Yorkshire when I was 9-10 years old and built my own polythene greenhouse.”
How Did Your Career In Horticulture Start?
“I wanted to grow things,” he explains. “I left school at 15, having taken my Art O-Level a year early.
“I became an apprentice in the local parks department nursery. I went to day-release classes for my City and Guilds exams, then onto the Hertfordshire College of Agriculture and, finally, to Kew Gardens, where I studied for three years for the Kew Diploma.
“I taught there as Supervisor of Staff Training for two years after completing the course, then I went into horticultural journalism.
“Radio and TV soon followed.”
What Does Gardening Mean To You? How Has It Shaped Your Outlook On Life?
“It is vitally important to my sanity!” Alan jokes.
“It helps me to retain a sense of proportion and to make a difference to the really important things in life – the custodianship of the natural world.”
What Inspires You To Get Outside Gardening?
“Fresh air, sunshine and the smell of growth.”
Do You Have Any Secret Tips For The Garden?
“Get out there a little and often so that it doesn’t become a slog,” he says.
“Look at things, potter about and breathe deeply.”
You’ve Obviously Had An Incredible Career. Do You Have Any Particular Career Highlights That Stand Out For You?
“Making a garden for Nelson Mandela in 2000 was one highlight, but making a garden for anyone whose life will be changed by its existence is enormously worthwhile.
“Through my work on ‘Love Your Garden’ for ITV we do just that – and have now made more than 100 gardens for people whose lives will be improved by their access to nature.”
What Is A Surprising Garden-Related Fact About You That People Might Not Know?
“I loathe large-flowered gladioli – except in church.”
What’s Next For You?
“I have a new book out at the end of August called ‘Chatsworth – The Gardens and the People Who Made Them’,” shares Alan.
“I’m really pleased with it.”
What Would You Say To Those Who Are Thinking Of Giving Gardening A Go?
“Stop thinking and get stuck in,” he simply says.
“Never be afraid of asking others for advice.”
