Beloved British television presenter Alan Titchmarsh has conceded that his daughter's sharp assessment of his character was absolutely correct. The 76-year-old horticulturist revealed the 'very firm' career warning he received about his patience levels.
The Family Verdict
Speaking on the Lessons From Our Mothers podcast, Alan shared the insightful moment. His daughter Polly pointed out that while he exhibits endless patience with plants, he would likely struggle with the demands of teaching children. Alan, who lives in Hampshire with his wife Alison, a retired teacher, wholeheartedly agreed with the observation.
'I love being with my children and grandchildren, I adore them all,' the gardening expert stated. 'But I think she’s right. I do have more patience with plants than with people. Plants aren’t wind-up merchants.' His elder daughter Camilla followed in her mother's footsteps into teaching, while Polly works in interior design and property searches.
A Lifelong Passion for Gardening
Alan's journey with horticulture began in his youth in Yorkshire. He developed his passion by spending his pocket money on seed packets from Woolworths, favouring nasturtiums because they were perfectly sized for his small fingers.
His dedication grew from a simple polythene lean-to to a proper greenhouse at his family home. After leaving school at 15 in 1964 with a single O-level in art, he immediately pursued his calling. He began an apprenticeship with Ilkley Council, studying horticulture on day release.
In 1968, he moved from Yorkshire to Hertfordshire and later secured a position at the prestigious Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew. By 1974, he transitioned into horticulture journalism, paving the way for his broadcasting career which launched in 1977.
An Enduring Broadcasting Career
Alan Titchmarsh has been a familiar face on British television for nearly five decades, becoming a household name as a gardening expert on programmes like BBC Radio 4's You and Yours and The Today Programme.
Even in his mid-seventies, his enthusiasm remains undimmed. He confesses that his 'excitement for growing flowers, trees, fruit and vegetables' is as 'feverish as it ever was'. He currently fronts the popular ITV show Love Your Weekend, which films at his Hampshire home.
In a recent piece for Gardeners' World Magazine, Alan reflected on the perception of time, noting how it seems to 'slip away' when he's 'out there pottering' in the garden. He referenced the explanation that while a year feels like a substantial seventh of a seven-year-old's life, it represents a much smaller 70th for someone of his age.
Viewers can catch Alan Titchmarsh on Love Your Weekend on ITV One at 9.30am, where upcoming guests include Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith and actor Robert Bathurst.
