Alan Titchmarsh Unveils Three Floral Exclusions in His New Surrey Garden
Renowned gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh has publicly revealed three specific flower varieties he will deliberately avoid planting in his newly established Surrey garden. This revelation comes following his significant relocation from his long-time Hampshire residence, marking a fresh chapter in his horticultural journey.
A New Beginning in Surrey
After residing in a Grade II-listed property in Holybourne, near Alton, since 2002, Titchmarsh and his wife Alison have made a substantial move to Surrey. The couple's decision was driven by practical considerations and a desire to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren. Their new home features a garden set behind a 16th-century cottage, embodying what Titchmarsh describes as "a beautiful space, full of wonderful features" in the quintessential English cottage style.
Through his newly launched YouTube channel, the 76-year-old gardening personality has been documenting his efforts to enhance this outdoor area, stating he's employing his expertise "to add to its glory." In a detailed article for Country Life Magazine, Titchmarsh outlined which plants won't be making an appearance and his specific reasoning behind each exclusion.
The Three Floral Exclusions
Hydrangeas: First on Titchmarsh's avoidance list are hydrangeas. "There's no point in bothering with hydrangeas," he explained. "The clue is in the name - they are greedy for water, and the sandy soil here will result in the crisping of leaves when this wettest of winters is but a memory." This practical consideration highlights how soil composition directly influences plant selection, even for experienced gardeners.
Pampas Grass: The second variety receiving a definitive rejection is pampas grass. Titchmarsh was particularly candid about this choice, writing: "They've always struck me as a collection of feather dusters stuck into an umbrella stand." Beyond aesthetic preferences, he has previously cautioned that pampas grass can prove exceptionally challenging to remove once established, should gardeners later reconsider its presence.
Gladioli: Completing the trio is gladioli, with Titchmarsh confessing he has "never warmed to" most varieties. He makes an exception for the more graceful magenta types found in Cornish hedgerows, specifically Gladiolus byzantinus varieties, but otherwise considers standard gladioli unsuitable for his new garden vision.
What Will Flourish Instead
While detailing these exclusions, Titchmarsh also revealed some of the plants that will feature prominently in his Surrey garden. He specifically mentioned eucryphias and magnolias as welcome additions. "There is already one large hamamelis in the one-acre wood, and I shall give it company - safe in the knowledge that the leafmould-enriched acidic soil will suit the newcomers, whether they are yellow, orange, or ruby-red flowered," he shared.
Demonstrating his adventurous horticultural spirit, Titchmarsh added: "I will take chances with a few temperamental types: Embothrium, for instance - the Chilean firebush - with its whiskery flame-red flowers." He plans to explore online catalogues from specialist nurseries like Burncoose Nurseries in Cornwall, acknowledging he must remember his Surrey location lacks Cornwall's Gulf Stream advantages while still embracing calculated gardening risks.
This comprehensive insight into Titchmarsh's gardening philosophy demonstrates how even experts make deliberate, reasoned choices about what to exclude from their gardens, balancing practical considerations with personal preferences and environmental factors.
