Alan Titchmarsh has shared his impressions of David Beckham following their collaboration on a special garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May. The veteran gardener observed Beckham's genuine passion for horticulture and his exceptional people skills during the project.
Collaboration at Chelsea Flower Show
At this year's event, Titchmarsh joined Beckham, garden designer Frances Tophill, and King Charles to unveil the Curious Garden. This initiative, developed by the RHS and the King's Foundation, aims to encourage young people to consider careers in horticulture. The garden featured delphiniums, the King's favorite flower, an oak-framed building resembling a museum of garden curiosities, and the introduction of the Sir David Beckham rose.
Titchmarsh's Observations
Speaking to The Times, Titchmarsh revealed what he discovered about the former footballer while touring the exhibition. "He's doing a good job, he enjoys growing veg. But he's very good with people," Titchmarsh said. "I walked round Chelsea with him and no selfie was too much trouble. He will bring another raft of folk that will see gardening as being a bit more cool."
Beckham's Hands-On Approach
Titchmarsh had previously gained insight into Beckham's enthusiasm for gardening when he interviewed him for Country Life magazine last year. He described Beckham as a "hands-on owner" of his Cotswolds residence, revealing that Beckham had personally planted half of a Euonymus japonicus hedge.
Finding the Cotswolds Home
When asked about his choice of location, Beckham explained: "Because it's one of the most beautiful parts of the countryside and I knew that, if I picked the right location and the children could get there in a day from London, they'd come." He recounted his discovery of the property: "I was frustrated after six months of looking. I was disappointed by a house I'd been to look at and was driving past these ruins - and a pile of bricks. Two barns and a mess. I asked what was going on. 'We're rebuilding,' they said. I told them to stop and, within a week, I'd bought it. I had a vision of what I wanted it to look like."
Surprise Purchase
Beckham admitted he bought the property without consulting his wife, Victoria Beckham, though she has since grown to love it. Recalling her reaction, he said: "She didn't want another project. We'd just done up the London house. I sat her down, gave her a vodka and tonic and told her what I'd done. I took her and the children to the barns and said, 'You're not coming back until it's done'. Fourteen months later, on December 17, I brought them back when the house was finished."
Beckham's Gardening Roots
Before his appearance at the Chelsea Flower Show, Beckham spoke openly about his passion for the countryside and gardening, which he said began during childhood visits to his grandparents. "I've experienced how rewarding gardening can be and that's why I'm looking forward to working with The RHS and The King's Foundation on their Curious Garden at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show. I hope we inspire people to get outside into nature and to try something new," he shared.
