Alan Titchmarsh, the celebrated gardening expert, recently shared his strong opinions on two garden staples he would happily see disappear. In a candid conversation with Stephanie Mahon on the Talking Gardens podcast, he identified pampas grass as his top choice for the compost heap.
Pampas Grass: A Plant He’d Like to See Gone
Known for its association with the suburban lifestyle of the past, Alan described pampas grass as “looking like a collection of feathered dusters sticking out of a mountain of grass.” His disdain for the plant goes beyond its appearance; he highlighted the difficulties gardeners face when trying to remove it. “If you ever want to get rid of it, you’ve got a real task ahead of you,” he explained, emphasizing the plant’s invasive nature.
Gladiolus: A Mixed Review
Alan also expressed his aversion to large flowered gladioli, although he acknowledged that they can have their place, particularly in church settings. He clarified that his issue lies specifically with the larger, more ostentatious varieties. “I like little gladiolus Byzantine,” he noted, referring to the smaller versions that naturally grow in hedgerows and areas like Cornwall.
Nostalgia for Simplicity
The conversation also touched on Alan’s reflections about the Chelsea Flower Show, where he felt some exhibits had become excessively extravagant. He expressed a longing for simpler, more intimate garden shows, such as the Royal Windsor Flower Show, which he praised for its charm and community spirit. “Windsor Great Park is the most beautiful landscape, and it was a classic village fête atmosphere for all the right reasons,” he remarked, highlighting the friendly and approachable nature of smaller shows.
In contrast to the high-cost displays at Chelsea, Alan appreciated the skill and dedication of individual growers showcased at Windsor, stating, “You don’t always need enormous great, massive paintings to impress.” He believes that the magic of gardening often shines brightest on a smaller scale, where charm and craftsmanship are at the forefront.
Conclusion
Alan Titchmarsh’s opinions serve as a reminder that gardening is not only about aesthetic choices but also about the practicality and impact of those choices on the landscape. While pampas grass and large gladioli may have their fans, for Alan, the focus remains on plants that bring joy and simplicity to the garden.
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