Alan Titchmarsh

Nick Robertson has become used to his grandmother Rosie's dotty behaviour. At 86, a widow now, she is determined that before life passes her by, she will live a little. Or, preferably, a lot.It wouldn't be so bad if Nick had nothing else to do, but with a job to find, two warring parents to cope with and a love life in terminal decline, he would prefer his grandmother to get on with things quietly. But, Rosie insists, there is no time like the present. Life is to be enjoyed to the full and to hell with the consequences. She'll help Nick find the soulmate he clearly lacks and he can help her make the most of her few remaining years. Alan Titchmarsh's sparkling new novel is a delicious blend of humour and romance, and a resounding affirmation that there is no such thing as the generation gap.

Foreword by Alan TitchmarshFor more than 45 years Hugh Johnson has written Trad's Diary, delighting in recording his observations of his own garden, as well as many others, and of the wider natural world. Free to turn his attention to whatever is happening in that season, or simply something that piques his interest, his subjects are as diverse as the sounds of water, forest walks, the names of roses, the taste for shade he shares with Handel, the colours of autumn, the smell of rain, the private garden discovered within Beijing's Forbidden City or the first crocuses of spring. Month by month, Hugh shares with the reader through his easy, evocative writing an eclectic mix of thoughtful, topical and whimsical insights that will delight not only gardeners but anyone with an interest in nature in all its costumes.

From gardener's apprentice to favourite TV presenter - how did it all begin?When Alan left school at fifteen little was expected of him. But in the ancient greenhouses of the local nursery Mrs T's little lad found his spiritual home, learning his trade and the strange ways of human nature.But the comfort and familiarity of his home in the Yorkshire Dales would soon be left behind as he journeyed south to college and then to Kew Gardens. Spells as a teacher and editor followed, until fate took a hand when he landed a job on BBC's Nationwide as their gardening presenter. His childhood dream of inheriting the mantle of gardening god Percy Thrower was beginning to come true...In KNAVE OF SPADES Alan Titchmarsh shows us just why he has become not only our favourite gardener, but a popular writer and broadcaster too.

Overcome the problems every gardener faces with helpful solutions to the problem of shady spots, and handy tips on how to make the most of these notoriously difficult areas.Includes:* creative design ideas for brightening up dark spaces, including north-facing walls* directory of shade-loving plants* care advice for shady lawns and how to deal with moss and algae* ways to achieve year-round colour and interestAlan Titchmarsh imparts a lifetime of expertise in these definitive guides for beginners and experienced gardeners. Step-by-step illustrations and easy-to-follow instructions guide you through the basic gardening skills and on to the advanced techniques, providing everything you need to create and maintain your dream garden.

Discover Jane Austen's real-life inspiration for Darcy's Pemberley.Follow Alan into Chatsworth's irresistible world of visionaries, pioneers, heroes, villains and English eccentrics, and celebrate the men and women who have shaped the history of the estate over five centuries. With his passionate knowledge of both the house and gardens, as well as his long-established relationship with the Cavendish family, Alan is the perfect guide with whom to explore the Palace of the Peaks.Featuring stunning, specially commissioned photography of the gardens and parkland, alongside long-forgotten images and memorabilia newly unearthed in the estate archives, this vivid companion, crowded with character and colour, is a book to treasure and revisit over and over again.

A powerfully life-affirming story of the wonder of nature, the ties of family, and the healing power of love from bestselling novelist and national treasure Alan Titchmarsh***An ordinary life. An extraordinary choice.Adam Gabriel has always been a child of nature. Raised on his parents' remote Yorkshire farm, where life is measured by the rhythms of the flock, the turn of the seasons, and the yearly arrival of an itinerant local monk, he seems destined for a quietly contented life. As Adam grows, Luke and Bethany see flickers of something extraordinary in their son - a healing touch that goes beyond his love for the land. But Adam's gentleness has always made him an outsider, and a powerful gift can also be a heavy burden... When tragedy turns the Gabriels' life upside down, Adam faces a stark choice. Can he keep faith in his talents, even if it means risking the suspicion of others? Should he listen to the lure of new horizons, or does happiness lie closer to home? And when he needs it most, can he find the strength to save the people he loves?***There's an Alan Titchmarsh novel for every mood! If you're looking for . . . An enthralling wartime mystery, head over to THE SCARLET NIGHTINGALE 'A perfect love story' (Katie Fforde), search for THE HAUNTING An uplifting, enchanting novel about second chances, dive into MR GANDY'S GRAND TOUR An absorbing family saga, head over to the page for FOLLY An escapist family mystery, read BRING ME HOMEPraise for Alan Titchmarsh:'The story brims with intrigue' - Daily Express on THE HAUNTING'A pleasurable read which fans will lap up' - Daily Mail on MR GANDY'S GRAND TOUR 'It's just brilliant - full of poetry' - Jilly Cooper

A great raconteur and entertainer, Alan Titchmarsh gets together every Christmas with family and friends to celebrate the season and performs much-loved anecdotes, stories, poems and sketches - old and new. Fill My Stocking combines these well-known favourites with his own self-penned festive pieces, each beautifully illustrated with his own watercolour vignettes. Collected together for the first time, this is the perfect stocking filler for his legions of fans. Alan Titchmarsh has presented numerous television programmes including the hugely popular How To Be A Gardener and British Isles: A Natural History. He is also a best-selling writer and novelist.

'A rich resource of seasonal advice on things like weather, wildlife, and more, and things to reflect on in poems, music, and books. A book to help you enjoy every day, every month and every year in your garden.' ????? 'A lovely book to give to the gardener in the family.'????? 'Useful and easy to dip into'?????From seasonal advice on what to grow and sow and projects to embark on, to gorgeous gardens to visit and birds and flowers to celebrate, this is the perfect year-round gardening companion. Featuring original illustrations from Alan himself, this is a rich resource for enjoying your garden, whatever the weather.

A powerfully life-affirming story of the wonder of nature, the ties of family, and the healing power of love from bestselling novelist and national treasure Alan Titchmarsh***An ordinary life. An extraordinary choice.Adam Gabriel has always been a child of nature. Raised on his parents' remote Yorkshire farm, where life is measured by the rhythms of the flock, the turn of the seasons, and the yearly arrival of an itinerant local monk, he seems destined for a quietly contented life. As Adam grows, Luke and Bethany see flickers of something extraordinary in their son - a healing touch that goes beyond his love for the land. But Adam's gentleness has always made him an outsider, and a powerful gift can also be a heavy burden... When tragedy turns the Gabriels' life upside down, Adam faces a stark choice. Can he keep faith in his talents, even if it means risking the suspicion of others? Should he listen to the lure of new horizons, or does happiness lie closer to home? And when he needs it most, can he find the strength to save the people he loves?***There's an Alan Titchmarsh novel for every mood! If you're looking for . . . An enthralling wartime mystery, head over to THE SCARLET NIGHTINGALE 'A perfect love story' (Katie Fforde), search for THE HAUNTING An uplifting, enchanting novel about second chances, dive into MR GANDY'S GRAND TOUR An absorbing family saga, head over to the page for FOLLY An escapist family mystery, read BRING ME HOMEPraise for Alan Titchmarsh:'The story brims with intrigue' - Daily Express on THE HAUNTING'A pleasurable read which fans will lap up' - Daily Mail on MR GANDY'S GRAND TOUR 'It's just brilliant - full of poetry' - Jilly Cooper

In this inspirational and practical guide to country life, passionate and hugely knowledgeable countryman Alan Titchmarsh explores the heritage of rural Britain, its landscapes and wildlife, its traditions, customs and crafts. The Lost Skills and Crafts Handbook will help you rediscover your love of the countryside, including:- a checklist of British butterflies and where to find them- how to keep chickens, ducks, goats and sheep- how to make soap, candles and your own herbal remedies- how to track animals and forage for food- essential knot tying- how to build a campfire without matches- how to create a kitchen garden- the origins of country superstitionsAnd much more. With beautiful line art illustrations throughout, this compendium of the British countryside and its delights will be an essential read for any nature lover in your life.

In these turbulent times, Britain is rediscovering a passion for gardening and home produce - and the nation's favourite gardener is here to provide the definitive book on the subject. Alan Titchmarsh's comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know about fruit and veg and how to grow it, from herbs, baby veg, salads, and every-day fruits to gourmet and unusual varieties. As well as providing the key facts needed to yield good results and what to do when things go wrong, the text is sprinkled with Alan's personal observations, anecdotes, culinary tips and quirky historical uses. Alan's practical approach starts from scratch for those who've never grown their own before, but is also ideal for those with some experience who might be growing edibles in a new way - perhaps in a small space that needs to look attractive, or on a new allotment. Lavishly illustrated throughout, Grow Your Own Fruit and Veg offers inspiration, in-depth knowledge and practical advice, whether you are looking to be self-sufficient or just to grow a few items on your patio or window box.Originally published as The Kitchen Gardener: Grow Your Own Fruit and Veg

'Charming miscellany of rhymes and reflections celebrating the garden'CHOICE***The perfect bedside book for the green-fingered - hilarious and touching poems on a gardening theme written and introduced by the nation's favourite gardener and presenter of ITV's Grow Your Own At Home and Love Your Garden, Channel 5's Secrets of the National Trust and with his own show on Classic FM.From touching poems on the peony, the snowdrop and the sweet pea to hilarious verse on Emily the Gardener and the Garden Design Course, this is Alan Titchmarsh's heartfelt and entertaining celebration of his favourite space - the garden.

'It's just brilliant - full of poetry' - Jilly CooperSet in wartime London and occupied France, this is a thrilling story of love, danger and sacrifice from bestselling novelist Alan Titchmarsh.It is the late 1930s when seventeen-year-old Rosamund Hanbury leaves behind the endless summers of her coastal Devonshire home for the fast pace of high society London. Under the expert guidance of her formidable aunt, the country mouse learns how to act like a lady, hosting dinner parties and rubbing shoulders with Britain's most influential. And when the enigmatic Harry Napier sweeps her off her feet at London's famous Café de Paris she could almost forget that Britain has declared war. But the Phoney War ends. Harry is posted, London reels from the first bombings of the Blitz and Rosamund suffers a devastating personal loss that leaves her all the more determined to do her bit for the war effort. Joining the Special Forces she is sent to work alongside the Resistance on a top secret mission in France. It is here that her courage and loyalty are truly put to the test. And where she learns that no one is what they seem: at home or abroad . . .READERS ARE LOVING THE SCARLET NIGHTINGALE:'Alan Titchmarsh at his best' - 5 STARS'[Alan Titchmarsh] is a genius and has my full admiration. Buy the book!' - 5 STARS'What a fabulous read, no hesitation in recommending this wonderful book' - 5 STARS'Made me cry, so beautifully written' - 5 STARS'I loved this book - I can highly recommend' - 5 STARS

**Alan's spellbinding new novel THE GIFT, set in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, is available to pre-order now!**Timothy Gandy has kept his lifetime's ambition secret for forty years.Now, suddenly (if tragically) released from the hen-pecked tedium of his ordinary existence, he is unexpectedly free to realize his dreams.He will embark on a Grand Tour of Europe, following in the footsteps of the aristocrats of the eighteenth century.He anticipates high art, culture and pleasant weather. He never expected to encounter new friendships - and possibly even love - along the way. It seems that Mr Gandy has embarked on the journey of a lifetime . . .READERS ARE LOVING MR GANDY'S GRAND TOUR:'Another heartwarming story from Alan Titchmarsh' - 5 STARS'Well worth reading' - 5 STARS'What a sweet tale this was' - 5 STARS'Loved it!' - 5 STARS'Enchanting' - 5 STARS

Enter a world of tents, tea, and terrifically good jam with RHS Great British Village Show. Written by Thane Prince and Matthew Biggs, and with a foreword by Alan Titchmarsh, this is the ultimate illustrated guide to a unique British tradition.Every year, hundreds of country shows and village fairs take place across the UK. Celebrate this tradition and step behind the scenes of the British country show with insider facts and beautiful photographs that show you every aspect of preparing, presenting, and prize-winning on the big day. Discover how judges reach their nail-biting decisions by using official RHS guidelines for over 100 fruit, vegetable, and flower categories. Learn the secrets behind growing perfect produce, preparing show-quality preserves and bakes with tips from the experts. RHS Great British Village Show tells you exactly what the judges are looking for - and what to avoid. Packed with staging tips, expert guides, photo diaries, and prize-winning recipes, RHS Great British Village Show is a unique insider's look behind the scenes of a wonderful British tradition.

An enthralling family mystery from bestselling novelist and national treasure Alan Titchmarsh.It seems a perfect afternoon in the Highlands. Standing at the door of the lochside castle that has been his family's home for generations, Charlie Stuart welcomes his guests to the annual summer drinks party. Conversation, laughter and the clinking of glasses soon fill the air as friends and neighbours come together to toast the laird's happiness and prosperity.But Charlie sees the truth behind the façade: the sacrifices made to safeguard the estate; the devastating losses that have haunted him for decades; the guilt that lies at the heart of it all. And in a few hours, he knows, the perfect afternoon will come to an end. The past, with its dark secrets of love, death, loyalty and betrayal, is about to catch up with him. And it could finally tear his family apart . . . .READERS ARE LOVING BRING ME HOME:'Such a beautiful story. Its a book I would definitely recommend, and also one I will never forget' - 5 STARS'Alan you've done it again' - 5 STARS'I thoroughly recommend it' - 5 STARS'Well done Mr Titchmarsh - I'm looking forward to reading more of your books' - 5 STARS'ANOTHER brilliant book by Titchmarsh' - 5 STARS

On 2 June 1953, 27-year-old Princess Elizabeth of York was crowned Queen, the eyes of the world upon her as she dedicated herself to her country. Drawing from his own experience and time spent with the royal family, alongside additional meticulous research, the author observes the woman, the mother and the monarch.

Water will bring a garden miraculously to life, drawing the eye more than any other feature. When still, its shimmering reflections create a peaceful mood, while moving water animates the garden scene and delights with its mesmerizing sounds. In this definitive guide, Alan shows you how to design and make a water feature to suit any size and style of garden, from a large wildlife pond, stream or rill to the tiniest pebble or wall fountain.* Easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step diagrams * A–Z directory of Alan’s recommended pond and waterside plants * Guide to choosing and caring for fish* Key tips on encouraging wildlife to your pond* Season-by-season guide to pond maintenance