Alan Titchmarsh has revealed the heartfelt reasoning behind his decision to leave the garden he has lovingly cultivated for more than two decades, confessing he wishes to move on before circumstances force his hand. Writing in BBC Gardeners' World magazine, the seasoned gardener and broadcaster discussed swapping their beautiful Grade II-listed Hampshire property for a new home in Surrey.
Alan Titchmarsh Sells £3.5 Million Home
The former Gardeners' World presenter recently confirmed that he and his wife Alison have sold their £3.5 million residence and have moved to a more modest single-storey bungalow. Quoting Shakespeare's well-known line, Alan wrote: "'Parting is such sweet sorrow'." He said the phrase seemed especially appropriate when bidding farewell to a garden that had been nurtured over nearly a quarter of a century.
Managing Four Acres Becomes Too Challenging
The 77-year-old recognised some readers might question why he would abandon a place that holds such significance for him, but clarified that looking after a substantial garden has become an ever more challenging undertaking. Managing around four acres of land, he explained, demands considerable energy and continuous assistance. While he has been lucky to collaborate with reliable helpers throughout the years, Alan conceded there arrives a moment when overseeing a team becomes burdensome.
He also addressed the practicalities of advancing age, quipping that he still considers himself to be "40-something". "While I might be hale and hearty at the moment, I cannot count on such good fortune indefinitely," he wrote. "It's time to leave while I have the choice, rather than being forced out by circumstances beyond my control."
Alan Plans New Garden on One and a Half Acres
Despite bidding farewell to a cherished garden, Alan is not abandoning gardening entirely. Rather, he intends to embark on work at a new, more modest plot spanning roughly an acre and a half. He explained he presently possesses the vigour and passion to establish another garden and, following the initial groundwork, is confident he will be capable of maintaining it independently.
The decision has brought considerable sadness. Contemplating the property, Alan acknowledged he would be "a heartless soul" if he did not find departing "a wrench", noting that the garden held even greater significance for him than the house itself. He remembered first arriving at the property when there was scarcely more than rough grass, fruit trees and several mature specimens, before progressively transforming it through the years with additions including a meadow, wildlife pond and copse.
Emotional Farewell to Garden Full of Memories
As he readied himself to pass the garden to a new family, Alan considered the memories it contains, from bringing up children to receiving grandchildren. "It was Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who reminded us that grief is the price we pay for love," he wrote. He added: "I cannot imagine ever loving a garden as much as the one I am leaving, which has seen my children grow up and echoed to the sounds of grandchildren... and now that I come to write these words I freely confess that my eyes are full of tears."
Yet he concluded on an optimistic note, telling readers: "But I will recover. The new garden will become my next sanctuary."
