The Alan Titchmarsh Column
He’s a magnificent broadcaster, gifted gardener, brilliant author and all-round horticultural visionary. This month, Alan Titchmarsh talks about his favourite UK gardens.
There’s something truly magical about visiting a garden where nature and artistry collide in perfect harmony. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of wandering through some of the finest in the country. Each has its own charm, from the grandeur of historical estates to the intimate beauty of a family-run yard.
Great Dixter
This feels like stepping into a vibrant painting, with borders bursting with colour. Christopher Lloyd’s East Sussex garden is famous for its bold planting schemes, where flowers like delphiniums, dahlias and roses jostle and fight.
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, unlike many grand estates – it feels lived in, loved and ever-evolving, offering a truly dynamic garden experience.
Hidcote
Tucked away in the Cotswolds, this is an Arts and Crafts masterpiece of outdoor rooms. With mazes of hedges and hidden doorways, it offers peaceful nooks and breath-taking symmetry.
The precise topiary and long vistas invite visitors to slow down, breathe and admire the artistry. If ever a garden proved that gardening is an art form, it’s Hidcote – a place for quiet reflection and beauty.
Hodnet Hall
This Shropshire shrine offers a wilder, yet equally breathtaking experience with 60 acres of rolling parkland, lakes, and a mix of woodland and formal gardens.
The sense of space and peaceful atmosphere are undeniable, with wide-open views that invite deep breaths of relaxation.
In spring, the vibrant display of rhododendrons and azaleas provide a stunning sea of colour that lifts the spirits, no matter the weather.
Blenheim Palace
The garden at Blenheim Palace isn’t just a garden, it’s a grand landscape shaped by Capability Brown’s genius. Sweeping lawns stretch endlessly, while the formal gardens near the palace are immaculate.
Venture further to discover lakes, woodlands and a grandeur unique to Blenheim. Highlights include the water terraces, Italian Garden, and Rose Garden, but it’s the sheer scale and magnificence of the estate that leave visitors truly awe-struck.
Powis Castle
Perched high on the terraces, this one’s all about structure and drama. The yew trees, clipped to perfection, add a sense of grandeur, while the views across the Welsh countryside are unbeatable.
The Italianate terraces are home to vivid herbaceous borders and the whole place has a sense of timelessness about it. It’s one of those gardens that makes you want to linger, soaking in the history as much as the beauty.
