According to Daily Express - Showbiz, Alan Titchmarsh described topiary as an essential element for any garden, adding structure and character. He also advised waiting before making changes to a new garden to get a feel for the space and see where the sun falls, as reported by Daily Express - Showbiz.
On rat deterrence, Titchmarsh recommended keeping lawns short, as rats prefer long grass for cover. He also warned that bird feeders can attract rats, according to Daily Express - Showbiz.
In the house, having plenty of bookshelves is important, but in the garden, I’d say a bit of topiary! It adds so much to a space.
Titchmarsh and his wife Alison recently moved to a property in the same village as their daughters after living in Hampshire for 45 years. He wrote in BBC Gardeners' World that they chose to move because 'it's time'.
It’s time. Time for a new challenge. Time to downsize — a little — as those of us of relatively senior years are regularly told would be wise to do.
Worth waiting… to get a feel for the space and see where the sun falls before you start planting.
Rats are furtive. They like cover and shelter. They do not like close-mown grass where they can be seen. They much prefer it longer. If you have got long grass everywhere, that gives them access. Cut it short, have a stripe or two if you want, and that way you can see — no rats.
Most gardeners, myself included, love encouraging garden birds, so bird feeders are everywhere in this garden. But they can also be a magnet for rats.