ATAlan Titchmarsh

1. Article · Sep 24, 2026 · Alan Titchmarsh

   Alan Titchmarsh: 'The best garden gates are a fanfare, an indication of the glories to come' (opens the original)

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   First Impressions was the title Jane Austen gave to Pride and Prejudice when she penned the first draft in 1796. I am reminded of it every time I struggle with a wooden gate that forms the entrance to our new garden. It is really nothing more than a wavey- edge fence panel equipped with hinges and our garden — or the garden that will be — deserves better. Garden gates are more than mere portals. They are a fanfare, an introduction, a dramatic or sympathetic indication of the glories to come — or

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2. Article · Jul 30, 2026 · Alan Titchmarsh

   Alan Titchmarsh: Beautifying your borders (opens the original)

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   Flower borders should be as deep as possible for maximum floral impact. That’s the received wisdom and, generally speaking, I would agree, not least because plants do have a habit of growing sideways, as well as upwards, and the stronger brutes will swamp their less-robust bedfellows unless all are given plenty of elbow room. Yet, over the years, I have had great delight from what I have come to call ‘ribbon borders’: long, narrow ‘rivers’ of plants between 2ft and 3ft wide, often running alongs

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