Alan Titchmarsh bans pampas grass and gladioli from UK gardens

In a recent discussion on the Talking Gardens podcast, gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh shared his strong opinions on certain plants that he believes should be banned from every garden in the UK. Titchmarsh's primary target was pampas grass, a plant he criticized for its awkward appearance and association with 'swinger' culture. He described pampas grass as resembling "a collection of feathered dusters sticking out of a mountain of grass" and warned gardeners of the difficulties involved in removing it once established. Furthermore, he pointed out that while large flowered gladioli may have their merits, particularly in church settings, he favors the more understated gladiolus Byzantine, which he noted to grow naturally in British hedgerows and Cornwall. Titchmarsh's comments coincide with broader conversations in the horticultural community about the trends in plant popularity and garden aesthetics. He has often expressed concern over the excessive extravagance seen in some modern flower shows, which he feels detracts from the charm of smaller, more intimate gardening events. He likened large displays, often costing immense amounts of money, to a departure from what many remember as traditional flower shows, emphasizing that these should celebrate simplicity and individual talent rather than lavishness. For Titchmarsh, events like the Royal Windsor Flower Show hold significant appeal for their warmth and accessibility, contrasting sharply with his criticism of larger festivals. He recalled fond memories of his first visit to Windsor Great Park, noting the beautiful landscape and intimate atmosphere that reminded him of village fetes. He praised the event's collection of local growers and felt it reflected a quintessentially British spirit in gardening. Alan concluded his remarks by recognizing that on a smaller scale, gardening can reveal charm and magic that might otherwise be lost in grander, more imposing displays. Through his passionate advocacy for smaller, more meaningful gardening experiences and his firm stance against certain plant trends, Titchmarsh is steering the conversation about what makes a garden truly beautiful and representative of a community's shared values.