Alan voiced his concerns(Image: (Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images))

Alan Titchmarsh says 'I begin to worry' and shares two plants he would 'ban' from garden

Alan Titchmarsh has been a gardener for decades and has a good eye for plants, but there are two flowers he'd happily never see again

by · The Mirror

Alan Titchmarsh has divulged his less than rosy opinions about certain plant varieties, expressing disdain for two particular garden mainstays. Chatting with Talking Gardens podcast host Stephanie Mahon, the gardening maestro didn't beat around the bush when asked which plant he'd banish forever, flatly stating: "Pampas grass."

The popular plume-like plant, linked with more risque suburban activities, was described by Alan as looking like "looks like a collection of feathered dusters sticking out of a mountain of grass". He also warned against its stubborn nature, stating: "If you ever want to get rid of it, you've got a real task ahead of you."

His aversion extends to large flowered gladioli, although he admits they can cut a dash in ecclesiastical settings, saying they can be "very good in church."

Alan clarifies, however, that it's specifically the showier gladiolus variety that grinds his gears while praising the daintier gladiolus Byzantine found in Cornwall hedgerows and gardens.

Cortaderia selloana pumila silver yellow plant pampas grass foliage( Image: (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto))

Reminiscing about his old friend, the late Beth Chatto, Alan shared how she was partial to pampas grass, yet he would tell her: "You keep it in your garden, Beth, and I'll be happy.", reports the Express.

Chatto remains renowned for having initiated the "Unusual Plants" exhibition that becomes a fixture at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Beautiful deep pink Gladioli summer flower in soft sunshine also known as the Sword Lily( Image: (Image: Getty Images))

Alan voiced his concerns about the extravagance at Chelsea Flower Show too, pointing out: "I begin to worry when gardens start to cost six figure sums, a quarter of a million and more to make a garden for a week."

Recently expressing a fondness for smaller and more intimate spectacles, he specifically mentioned the allure of the Royal Windsor Flower Show. He recalled his pleasant experience there, saying: "When I went there first, the weather was lovely, which is always a plus."

Alan Titchmarsh( Image: (Image: Getty Images))

"Windsor Great Park is the most beautiful landscape and it was a classic village fete atmosphere for all the right reasons."

He noted the show's unique appeal compared to larger events like Chelsea, adding: "Beautifully done but friendly. Lots of different growers there, with little stands... it's a bit like portrait miniatures. You don't always need enormous great, massive paintings to impress."

"It's so intrinsically British and it's what we all remember from flower shows as a child. The skills are there, but so too is the friendliness."

"I think often on a small scale, you get the charm, the magic that is lost on the grander scale."