The much-loved English gardener and broadcaster, Alan Titchmarsh, has treated viewers to a behind-the-scenes tour of his beautiful sprawling garden in Hampshire, in support of the National Garden Scheme (NGS).
Alan's idyllic outside space is packed with seasonal colour and well-kept shrubs, flowers, and perennials. It includes two-acres of bee-friendly wildflower meadows, a stunning circular dolphin pond and plenty of sculptures.
The short video tour of Alan's garden is one of a collection being released by the NGS to promote their national campaign to keep garden gates 'virtually' open. They want to continue to raise funds for vital nursing and health charities, as they have done for 90 years, despite their open gardens being physically closed.
"Gardens offer us a sheet anchor in times of turmoil, never more so than this year," Alan says in his video. "Whatever goes on in the wider world, every spring is a new beginning. A chance for gardeners to start again, as a way to express ourselves artistically and keep in touch with nature. The one constant in an ever-changing, often frightening world."
The videos will be posted on the NGS website, as well as via their social media accounts. Each week, people can watch different virtual garden tours from the comfort of their own home during lockdown. From 20,000 tulips at Dunsborough Park in Surrey, to Hever Castle in Kent, tune in to take a tour of these spectacular gardens.
"The National Garden Scheme uses the joy of gardening and garden visiting to reach out and help all kinds of people," Alan continues.
"This wonderful organisation has been inviting folk to open their gardens and raise funds for nursing and health charities for more than 90 years. It's given away more than £60 million and during all that time the gardens have never had to close, not even during the Second World War. That is until now."
National Garden Scheme CEO, George Plumptre, explains: "It's wonderful to have Alan's support and the vision of his garden that we are fortunate enough to see is truly inspirational.
"I hope that watching his and the other films will encourage people to make a donation and so enable us to continue raising funds for the nursing and health charities we have supported for over 90 years. They have never needed our help more than in the current crisis."
Earlier this month, Alan called on the government to reopen garden centres during the coronavirus pandemic, explaining that they should count as 'essential shopping'. The TV gardener explained to the HTA: "I urge the government to put in place a rescue package which will enable British horticulture to survive. Without it, our gardens and open spaces — a vital source of solace and nutrition to those at home — will suffer irreparable damage."
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20 gardening tools and essentials you can get delivered to your home right now
Moving mulch, compost or soil to your garden beds? A wheelbarrow is an essential to save your back. One-wheeled, two-handled options are great for manoeuvrability, but if you're limited in strength you may want to opt for a dual-wheeled one.
A fantastic spade that's RHS-approved, this stainless steel choice is rust-resistant and won't need regular sharpening, making it easy to maintain. Long-handle spades like this are great for digging large plots and transferring soil (not to mention being easier on your back). This is also a sustainable choice with the handle made from FSC-certified ash.
V&A William Morris Gardening Gloves
Add a splash of bold and beautiful colour to your garden activities with these stylish William Morris-print gloves. Not just for good looks, of course, they'll also protect you from thorns and brambles while you're working.
Keep your garden looking spic and span and free from leaves and debris with this top-notch DeWit rake, which makes clearing up much more pleasurable.
Sicilian lemon kneeler pillow
Protect your knees while getting in amongst the borders with this pretty kneeler. Or you might prefer strap-on knee pads so you don't have to keep moving it – BUY NOW, £14.99
Protect your clothes and get organised with a stylish gardening apron. Whether you're planting new flowerbeds, picking vegetables or potting around in the shed or greenhouse, this trusty apron will ensure clothes stay clean. What's more, all important tools, seeds and more can be stored close to hand in the front pocket.
Webb electric rotary mower ER40 15"
Opt for a more eco-friendly electric lawnmower as opposed to a petrol one.
Ensyure your hedges and borders looks super-smart with an easy-lift, lightweight, cable-free trimmer for quick and easy grooming.
RHS Burgon and Ball stainless steel digging fork
An efficient tool for turning soil, garden forks can dig into dense soil better than a spade. This one made from rust-proof stainless steel with forged tines for extra strength, is a high-quality digging fork that's endorsed by the RHS. Need we say more?
personalised Personalised Fork And Trowel Gardening Set For Gardener
This personalised fork and trowel set is the perfect gift for your gardening-loving friend.
Personalised Copper Plated Garden Pruner Secateurs
Plants taking over? Pruning shears, or secateurs as they're also known, help reign in plants that are getting out of control. They're also perfect for trimming flowers, like roses. Why not match yours to your hand trowel and fork for stylish trio?
This well-crafted garden hoe will make light work of clearing weeds from your flower beds, borders and veg plots. The extra-long handle will also protect you from back strain.
All gardens need a trusty watering can to keep flowers and plants thriving. This durable one is available in three sizes, so you can choose the one to suit your outdoor space. The 1.5L is perfect for herb pots on plant stands. The 5L for small gardens with plant pots and flowers. And the biggest, the 10L for vast rural flowerbeds and herb gardens.
Tackle a variety of different tasks around your garden with ease with the simple press of a button. This handy trimmer can be used to edge the borders of your lawn, and a wheel is fitted to the trimmer, making it easier to follow the edges around walls and fences. There's also a shrubbing mode, making it simple to tackle difficult-to-reach areas, like under benches and bushes.
Keep track of what you've planted with these stylish slate plant labels. The set comes complete with a square soapstone pencil, which allows you to interchange the labels with what's in season or current family favourites
Keep everything together in a clever storage box that also doubles up as a foldable seat. You'll enjoy gardening so much more if you're comfortable and everything is to hand. The removable bag fastens with press studs and includes spacious side compartments for hand tools, dibbers, pens, string, and other necessities, and a central section perfect for larger items or a spot of lunch.
Another handy cutting tool, loppers are basically long-handled pruning shears used to trim hard-to-reach areas and cut thicker branches.
RSPB Garden wildlife camera - new
Don't miss the incredible action going on in your own garden. A good wildlife camera will capture all the exciting activity. This one from RSPB can be used to view anything from birds on a feeder, bird tables and nest box entrances, to hedgehogs and other nocturnal wildlife. It can also even be used to keep an eye on the garden or house as a security camera.
Maintain an ideal growing environment with an easy-to-use soil tester kit. You can test the pH and nutrient profile of your soil, think soil acidity and levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash, to see if it needs extra help.
SPGOOD 50FT/15M Expanding Garden Hose Set with Splitter, Foam Water Bottle Expandable Garden Hose, 9 Futions Spray
Water is the foundation of your garden’s life and it’s important that your garden hose can reach and spray every area. If you buy one with an adjustable nozzle, it puts you in control of the water pressure and spray radius. You can also buy nozzles separately.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
