Mary Berry, the beloved British cook and television presenter, has revealed that she found 'great comfort' in her garden following the death of her son William in 1989. The 91-year-old shared her reflections on BBC Sounds, describing gardening as a peaceful escape that helped her cope with tragedy.
Gardening as a Source of Solace
Speaking about her love for gardening, Berry said: 'I opened the door, get out in the fresh air and it's amazing how you feel so much better. The garden is peaceful, the noises that we hear in our gardens are just the birds and perhaps an odd dog giving it a bark, but it's so restful.' She added that after losing her son, 'the garden was of great comfort.'
Berry's son William died in a car accident at age 19. She explained that the garden gave her time to 'think and say we were fortunate in many other ways.' She continues to think of him every day, noting: 'He was a lovely child and at 19, he went. But we still had two other children and they are wonderful to us.'
Honoured with BAFTA Fellowship
In May, Berry was awarded a BAFTA Fellowship, the highest accolade from the British Academy, recognising her six-decade career as a broadcaster and cookery writer. She was joined by former Bake Off co-stars Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins. BAFTA CEO Jane Millichip praised Berry for setting 'a new benchmark for factual entertainment' and proving that 'expertise and empathy can draw huge primetime audiences.'
Berry expressed her surprise at the honour: 'I thought it went to actors and actresses and not a cook and a gardener. But I was just overwhelmed and immensely honoured.' She noted the challenge of making a speech before 3,000 people but said she managed it with gratitude.
Appearance at Chelsea Flower Show
Berry also attended the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, partnering with celebrity florist Hamish Powell to create an installation featuring blue irises. The pair shared lighthearted banter, with Berry describing the florist as 'fruity.' Powell later joked to The Observer: 'By the end, the Dame and I were practically snogging.'
