Dame Mary Berry, best known as a judge on the Great British Bake Off from 2010 to 2016, has published her first gardening book. The book, titled 'My Gardening Life', is dedicated to her gardener Kevin Pryce, who has worked for her for 32 years. Berry and her husband Paul moved from a larger home in Buckinghamshire to a smaller property in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire six years ago.
Berry said the former owners of their current home were not massive gardeners, which she appreciated. 'The people who lived here before us weren't huge gardeners, which I quite liked because it meant I had a clean slate to start all over again,' Berry said. However, she noted the former owners were keen tennis players and had a tennis court at the back.
'However, they were keen tennis players and had a court at the back, which is lovely, but I didn't want to look at it every time I went out. So, we planted a row of four-foot yews in front of it,' Berry said. Berry was replaced on Bake Off by Prue Leith.
The people who lived here before us weren't huge gardeners, which I quite liked because it meant I had a clean slate to start all over again.
She said she keeps up a regular fitness routine and drinks a glass of wine daily in the evening. 'Oh yes. The glass has become slightly bigger.
I don’t drink until the evening, and then one glass of white will last me,' she said. Berry also remarked that her mother lived to the age of 105. 'My mother was 105 when she died, so I’ve got pretty good genes.
I’m immensely grateful for that,' Berry said. The specific health or fitness routine Berry follows has not been disclosed. What inspired her to switch focus from baking to gardening for her new book also remains unclear.
However, they were keen tennis players and had a court at the back, which is lovely, but I didn't want to look at it every time I went out. So, we planted a row of four-foot yews in front of it.
The book's release marks a new chapter for the television personality, blending her personal interests with her public legacy. Berry's transition from baking to gardening reflects her adaptability and lifelong learning, as she embraces new hobbies in her later years. Her dedication to Kevin Pryce highlights the importance of long-term relationships in her life, both personally and professionally.
The move to a smaller home suggests a shift towards a more manageable lifestyle, allowing her to focus on passions like gardening. This book adds to Berry's extensive portfolio of cookbooks and television work, showcasing her versatility beyond the kitchen. Fans of Berry may find inspiration in her journey, as she continues to engage with audiences through different mediums.
The gardening book could appeal to both gardening enthusiasts and Berry's existing fan base, bridging culinary and horticultural interests. Berry's story underscores how public figures can evolve their careers while staying true to personal values and connections.