Garden Chair Count: When Does Having Too Many Chairs Become a Problem, According to Alan Titchmarsh?
Alan Titchmarsh's Garden: A Haven of Comfort and Beauty
In the heart of his four-acre garden, renowned gardener and television personality, Alan Titchmarsh, has created a tranquil oasis. The garden, filled with a variety of plants, structures, and furniture, is a testament to Titchmarsh's love for horticulture and his eye for design.
The garden seats, often considered as sculptural pieces of furniture, are a key feature. One such piece is a comfortably padded rocking swing seat from Odd Old Rocker. Titchmarsh, as he ages, finds it easier to idle on these garden seats, spending a good half hour with a cup of tea and a book.
Traditional wooden garden furniture models, some designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, can also be found scattered throughout the garden. These pieces, along with the more modern additions like the padded rocking seat, create a harmonious blend of old and new.
The new cushions, a warm and friendly dusky pink, have been added to improve the speaker's standing within the family without offending their artistic sensibilities. The investment was made by Titchmarsh, who prefers to sit on the padded summer rocker when it appears.
The garden also boasts a summerhouse with comfortable chairs and a hexagonal gazebo fitted with benches. These spaces provide the perfect spot for Titchmarsh to rest after a day of work in the garden, and on occasion, to even catch a quick nap.
Mistletoe, the parasite often associated with Christmas kisses, can also be found in Titchmarsh's garden. Despite its presence, the garden remains a serene and beautiful space, a testament to Titchmarsh's belief that "Have nothing in your garden that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful."
The garden's design was aided by Susie Watson, who provided padded seat squabs and Indian cushions for the garden. With 28 chairs or benches scattered throughout, there's always a welcoming spot to sit and enjoy the beauty of Titchmarsh's garden.
[Photo: Garden of Alan Titchmarsh, PhotoAlto/Laurence Mouton via Getty Images]
Titchmarsh's school report would have said "Must try harder." However, in his garden, he has certainly found his calling, creating a haven of comfort and beauty that he, and many visitors, can enjoy.
