Keith and Verna Naunton, a couple from Essex who appeared on the ITV programme Love Your Garden, have revealed they made a significant alteration to the garden designed by Alan Titchmarsh and his team. Speaking to Garden News magazine after their garden was named Garden Of The Week, the Nauntons explained that they replaced the hot tub—a centerpiece of the tropical-themed space created for the show—with a seating area.
Garden Featured on ITV Show
The Nauntons have been members of the National Garden Scheme (NGS) for 16 years. Their garden was nominated for Love Your Garden when a TV production company asked county NGS teams to suggest gardens suitable for the new programme. The show, which first aired in 2011, sees Alan Titchmarsh travel across the UK to explore themed gardens, offering tips and advice to gardeners and viewers. The Essex NGS branch praised Keith and Verna's garden for its interesting multi-layered space.
During the 30-minute episode, Alan and his team worked on an area featuring a hot tub, giving it a tropical feel, and interviewed the couple. However, after the children grew up, the Nauntons 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
The couple's comments came after Alan Titchmarsh opened up about how he has changed over time, emphasizing the importance of encouragement. In an interview with 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 reflected on being bullied as a child, admitting he was “small at school and pushed around.” He said: “I never told anyone. Well, my parents obviously knew. 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.”
