Alan Titchmarsh tried to help heroic Grantham couple Rob and Margaret Isdale, who fostered more than 150 children. But not everyone was a fan of the ‘Secret Garden’ inspired transformationAlex Evans Deputy Audience Editor and Niamh Kirk Lifestyle Writer
12:49, 17 Mar 2026
Rob and Margaret were left in tears at the garden makeover(Image: ITV1)
The couple were left in floods of tears after one of Alan Titchmarsh’s most divisive garden transformations.
The beloved gardening icon and his crew stepped in to rescue a desperately neglected outdoor space – though not all viewers were won over by the finished result. In ITV1’s Love Your Garden, Alan came to the aid of pensioners Rob and Margaret Isdale, from Grantham, who have remarkably fostered more than 150 children over the past 45 years.
Given how the extraordinary couple have helped countless youngsters find a loving home, Alan alongside co-stars Katie Rushworth, David Domoney and Frances Tophill were determined to transform their tired and uninspiring yard into an enchanting space inspired by The Secret Garden, as a way of giving something back to a pair who have sacrificed so much.
READ MORE: Alan Titchmarsh defied bullies and ‘grew a foot’ thanks to surprise gardening trick
Alan Titchmarsh on ITV’s Love Your Garden(Image: ITV1)
The experts’ vision was to convert the couple’s shed into a mock Tudor-inspired structure, whilst incorporating several crumbling brick ‘columns’ – or as Alan described them, ‘ancient looking follies’ – effectively dotting the garden with atmospheric, albeit artificial, ruin. Alan told viewers: “I want this new garden to make them feel as cared for as the children who come to their home.”
The finished garden was undeniably a dramatic improvement, yet not everybody was impressed, particularly with the artificial brick ruins.
Viewer @besidetheriver said: “Omg! The Love Your Garden people ruining that lovely garden … with bricks and concrete! No thank you!” @lally55p commented: “It’s too crowded and busy for me but as long as they like it.”
At the close of the episode, Alan unveiled the transformed garden to the delighted couple. Upon laying eyes on the revamped space, the pair were immediately moved to tears, telling Alan: “Goodness me! It’s the best I’ve seen it looking. Woah. Thank you so much. I can’t believe it – it’s just….”
The fake ruins added to the garden(Image: ITV1)
Alan then revealed: “and we found the ruins of an old abbey in your garden. “Brilliant!” Margaret then laughed while Rob added: “I knew it would be special but that’s extra special. Thank you so much.”
Alan and his team then gathered many of the 150 foster children the couple have cared for over the years to enjoy the garden in a heartwarming and sizeable family get-together.
The 76-year-old has amassed decades of gardening experience since he started buying seeds from Woolworths as a child. He left school aged 15 and went to work as an apprentice gardener at Ilkley Council in Yorkshire before working at Kew Gardens. He later saw his career pivoting towards journalism as he began editing and subsequently writing gardening books.
Alan launched his television career in 1979 and since then has presented on popular shows such as Groundforce and Gardeners’ World. He now shares his top tips and tricks on his YouTube channel, Gardening with Alan Titchmarsh.
Love Your Garden remains available to stream on ITVX catchup service.
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