Renowned British gardener and television presenter Alan Titchmarsh has candidly shared what he describes as one of his "most embarrassing" professional moments, involving a forgotten plant label and some unexpected praise for his wife's baking skills.
The Unlabelled Tulip Incident
In a recent revelation to BBC Gardeners' World Magazine, the 76-year-old horticultural expert recounted an awkward incident from approximately twenty years ago. Titchmarsh had invited two distinguished guests to tour his personal garden, unaware that this visit would become a memorable lesson in humility.
Distinguished Visitors
The visitors were no ordinary gardening enthusiasts. They were Pam Schwerdt and Sibylle Kreutzberger, both former head gardeners to the legendary Vita Sackville-West at the world-famous Sissinghurst Castle Garden. "No pressure then," Titchmarsh wryly recalled of hosting such esteemed horticultural authorities.
Prior to their arrival, Titchmarsh had noticed he had misplaced the label for some particularly striking tulips in his narrow borders. He hoped the unlabelled plants might escape notice amidst the garden's many other specimens. "Not to worry," he thought at the time, "there were plenty of other plants that would catch their eye."
The Awkward Question
To his chagrin, the very first plant the expert gardeners inquired about was the unlabelled tulip. Titchmarsh found himself unable to recall its name, creating what he described as an embarrassing realisation of his oversight.
The situation took an even more humbling turn when the thank-you letter arrived from his distinguished guests. The correspondence made no mention whatsoever of Titchmarsh's garden or his horticultural efforts. Instead, it was "full of praise for Alison's homemade Florentines that she had made for the afternoon tea."
Career Success Despite Embarrassment
Despite this embarrassing episode, Titchmarsh's career has continued to flourish remarkably. Nearly a year ago, he was awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire), an honour he initially mistook for a tax bill when the notification arrived.
Speaking to Saga magazine about the recognition, Titchmarsh expressed both surprise and gratitude. "I'm deeply honoured, really chuffed," he said. "I found out when a letter came through the post with Cabinet Office written on it. I thought, 'Is this a tax bill?' It is true I shed a tear."
When questioned about whether he might aspire to a knighthood in future, Titchmarsh responded modestly: "No, this will do me. I'm very happy."
Television Return
The beloved gardening personality remains a fixture on British television. He is scheduled to reappear on screens in Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh on ITV this Sunday at 9.30am, continuing his decades-long mission of bringing gardening inspiration to the nation.
Titchmarsh's willingness to share such personal, humble moments underscores why he remains one of Britain's most trusted and relatable gardening authorities, proving that even experts can have off days—and that sometimes, homemade biscuits make a stronger impression than perfectly cultivated borders.
