Celebrated gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh has revealed he's been reprimanded by his wife after failing to stick to their retirement plans.
The 77-year-old former Gardeners' World host, who has been married to Alison for 51 years, recently relocated from their impressive Grade II listed Georgian property — boasting five bedrooms and four acres of grounds — to a more manageable single-storey bungalow in Surrey.
The move formed part of the couple's strategy to scale back their lifestyle as they age. Yet while they've successfully downsized their home, the second element of their plan hasn't materialised.
Alan continues to share his horticultural expertise with audiences nationwide, now primarily through his YouTube platform alongside various other gardening ventures. In a recent interview with the Times, he disclosed that Alison had challenged him over his relentless work commitments.
Alan revealed: "I had a lecture this week from her indoors. She said, 'Do you remember when we were going to start taking Fridays and Mondays off? Not really working, is it?'"
The broadcaster also discussed the heartache of leaving behind his cherished Hampshire estate after the considerable effort both had invested in transforming it.
Speaking particularly about parting with the garden, he confessed: "I love that garden more than I've loved anything I've ever made. I've given it a quarter of a century of love and care. But when we hand over the key and close the gate, I'm not looking back. I can't."
This isn't the first occasion Alan has spoken about the relocation and taking things easier. In an interview with BBC Gardeners' World Magazine last year, he acknowledged that departing would be a "wrench" after investing his "heart and soul" into the estate.
Alan continued: "But when you are knocking on a bit (which I refuse to believe, despite what the numbers tell me) you do muse on the future — a future which I hope will be long and fulfilling."
He also tackled speculation regarding potential retirement, responding emphatically: "'Are you retiring?' I am asked. 'Er, no!' Consolidating more like. Looking after four acres and a Grade-II listed house has been — and still is — a treat beyond measure, but the day will come when it starts to be overwhelming, and I'd rather move on to fresh pastures before that becomes the case."
Evidence of Alan's ongoing commitment extends beyond his YouTube presence, including a garden he created with King Charles, David Beckham, and Frances Tophill for the Chelsea Flower show.
Discussing the project at the time, Alan remarked: "As a long-time supporter of both the RHS and The King's Foundation, I am delighted to lend my horticultural expertise to the Curious Garden. Curiosity is really the beginning of any gardening journey — and certainly that's how I began my career — so I hope this work inspires a new generation of gardeners to explore their talents through the incredible training and work experience schemes available via the RHS and The King's Foundation."
