Titchmarsh: No10 needs a blooming makeover
( Don’t worry, I’ll fork out for the f lowers )
ALAN TITCHMARSH has called for a dramatic change in Downing Street. But the celebrity gardener is not sticking his trowel into revolutionary politics – rather he wants to add an array of colourful plants to transform the drab Georgian cul-de-sac into an oasis of greenery.
The TV star said No10 had ‘the greyest frontage known to man, even the bricks are painted black’ – and has even offered to pay for the makeover himself.
He suggested the Prime Minister invest ‘in a pair of statuesque urns – handsome in shape, classy in design, capacious in stature’ and position them either side of the famous black door.
‘They will act as a reminder to the nation that plants and flowers make a difference to our way of life,’ said Titchmarsh. ‘The Treasury will find it difficult to sanction such expenditure. Don’t worry, Prime Minister. I’ll put my money where my mouth is. I’ll buy them. I’ll even come and plant them, every season.’
Asked how he would add greenery to the street, he added: ‘I envisage something that looks classic, not at all naff.
‘Big urns, perhaps, with a yew cone in the centre would make real impact. I’m not going to just reel off a list of a few plants that could be used, but maybe there could do be a patriotic theme in red, white and blue, or a purple and gold theme to reflect the seat of state.’
Alex Newey, of the Horticultural Trades Association, suggested red geraniums – ‘the most British plant you can get’ – white petunias and blue salvias for a patriotic summer display.
Titchmarsh made his offer at the launch of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Greening Grey Britain campaign, which aims to stop front gardens being turned into parking bays. In the past decade, three million front gardens have been paved over, and seven million have been partially paved.
Last night, Downing Street welcomed Titchmarsh’s comments but did not immediately take him up on his offer. A spokesman said: ‘It’s great to see such a celebrated gardener showing an interest in Downing Street, but there are currently no plans to add to the already diverse and colourful array of flora in the grounds.’