Keith and Verna Naunton, whose garden appeared on the ITV programme Love Your Garden, have revealed they made a significant change to the design created by Alan Titchmarsh and his team. The couple, from Essex, replaced the hot tub that featured in the episode with a seating area, which they now find more practical for their needs.
Garden of the Week Recognition
The Nauntons, who have been members of the National Garden Scheme (NGS) for 16 years, were speaking after their garden was named Garden Of The Week by Garden News magazine. Their garden was originally nominated for the show by the Essex branch of the NGS, which praised its impressive multi-layered layout. The production company had asked county NGS teams to recommend gardens suitable for a new programme called Love Your Garden.
Filming Experience and Post-Show Changes
Reflecting on their experience, Keith and Verna explained that for the 30-minute programme, Alan and his team worked on a space containing a hot tub, giving it a tropical feel. They also showed other areas of the garden and interviewed the couple. However, after the children grew up, the couple decided to replace the hot tub with a seating area. They told the magazine: "Now the children have grown up we've subsequently replaced the hot tub with a seating area, which we find is much more useful for us!"
Alan Titchmarsh on Personal Growth and Bullying
In a separate interview, Alan Titchmarsh spoke candidly about how he has evolved over the years, much like a garden. He discussed the importance of having enablers in life who encourage you to try new things. Speaking to journalist and podcaster Jake Humphrey, he said: "You need enablers in life who say 'you know what you should have a go at'. I started as an apprentice gardener, and here I am now with a chat show."
Alan also confessed to struggles during his younger years, including being bullied at school. He said: "I was small at school and pushed around... I mean, I never told anyone. Well, my parents obviously knew. You know, it's part of growing up, and we can't shield children from everything. There's no excuse for bullying at all. But, yeah, I was bullied, and if you can find something you love and come to terms with who you are. I was a classic late developer."
