Alan Titchmarsh admits the gardening mistake that still haunts him 20 years later

It’s hard to imagine green-fingered legends like Alan Titchmarsh ever slipping up in the garden, but the TV presenter has a mistake that still haunts him — and it’s one many of us can relate to.

Writing in BBC Gardeners’ World magazine, Alan said he was giving two renowned horticulturists (Pam Schwerdt and Sibylle Kreutzberger) a tour of his garden when they asked about his tulip beds — the only flowers he had forgotten to label.

“The most embarrassing [mistake] for me was when a friend asked me 20 years ago if she could bring a couple of her own friends to look at my garden,” he wrote.

alan titchmarsh’s hampshire farmhouse is for sale

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“The only thing that worried me was that I could not locate the label for the tulips that shone brightly from the narrow borders on either side of the greenhouse path.

“Not to worry, there were plenty of other plants that would catch their eye. You can probably guess the outcome. We toured the garden with me casting an arm out to right and left, pointing out this and that – things I thought would impress. And the only plant they asked the name of? Yup. The errant tulip.”

In the article, Alan said he is a “born labeller” and loves order in the garden. He added that before his guests arrived, he spent time inspecting his outdoor space to ensure it was ship-shape.

alan titchmarsh’s hampshire farmhouse is for sale

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He joked that Pam and Sibyelle sent a thank-you card following their visit, but left out any mention of the garden. Instead, they noted about Alan’s wife’s delicious Florentines.

Last year, Alan listed his much-loved Hampshire home after 23 years, wanting to downsize. He said he feels that “he still has another garden in him”, but is looking for somewhere smaller.

The beautiful home features five well-sized bedrooms, original features such as oak beams and sash windows, a large drawing room, library, and a traditional country kitchen fitted with bespoke units, an Aga, butler’s sink and larder.

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