Gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh has described the challenge of rejuvenating an overgrown woodland garden after moving home with his wife Alison. The couple, who married in 1975, recently downsized from their £3.5m home in Hampshire's New Forest to a more modern property in Surrey, where their grown-up daughters already live.
Writing in BBC Gardeners' World magazine, Titchmarsh said the new garden's acre of woodland on acid soil presents a 'daunting task'. He explained: 'Having just taken on an acre of woodland on acid soil, I have the daunting task of rejuvenating a plantation that was established some 50 years ago and which, for perhaps the last 10 years, has “got away”.'
The former Gardeners' World presenter described the woodland as 'like a jungle', with an impenetrable thicket of laurel and other plants. Despite the challenge, he admitted feeling 'excited' to take on the 'once-attractive woodland garden', which includes rhododendrons, azaleas, and a pond.
Titchmarsh noted that the garden has 'mini gardens' scattered throughout and said he is reluctant to 'spoil' the existing design. He described the space as a 'sanctuary' and has already begun tidying flowerbeds and planning alterations.
The horticulturalist will return to screens with 'Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh' on ITV One at 9.30am, joined by guests including actor Martin Clunes.
