Gardeners’ World favourite Frances Tophill has unveiled a deeply personal new tattoo after celebrating a huge career milestone. The horticulturist shared an intimate snap of the fresh ink on Instagram after designing her first ever garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show recently.
Frances revealed she had added two new birds to an existing swallow tattoo on her neck, explaining the meaningful symbolism behind the design in a lengthy and emotional social media post. She wrote: “What do you do when you finish a Chelsea show garden…? First you go home… then, to mark the occasion, YOU GET A NEW TATTOO!! Or add to the old tattoo.” The gardening expert explained she originally got a swallow tattoo a decade ago to represent her “slightly nomadic lifestyle”, but decided to add another swallow and a crow to mark a new chapter in her life.
She continued: “I’ve added another swallow because it’s nice to travel in pairs and celebrate what this lifestyle so far has allowed me to achieve.
“But also a crow. Because I’m getting older, learning more and because the next stage of life is about learning to be more crow: enjoying the quiet times, having strong and clear boundaries and not always worrying about whether or not people like/approve of me.”
Frances also joked she was embracing her “hag-self” as she reflected on growing older and entering what she described as “exciting times ahead”.
The TV presenter thanked tattoo artist Martin Berresford for adding to the original design he created for her 10 years ago.
Fans rushed to praise the delicate artwork in the comments section. One follower wrote: “Gorgeous tattoo.”
Another person added, “That looks great,” while a third commented, “Looks so delicate.”
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