He’s a magnificent broadcaster, gifted gardener, brilliant author and all-round horticultural visionary. This month, Alan Titchmarsh talks about looking ahead to 2025 and renewing some ideas and ideals.

As we stand on the cusp of 2025, it feels like the perfect moment to reassess our gardening practices, renew our ideas and perhaps even rethink some of our outdoor philosophies.

Gardening has always been about more than just plants; it’s about the connection between people, nature and the world around us. As we look to the future, it’s important to pause and consider not just what we want to grow, but how we want to grow it.

The past few years have seen a significant shift in how we view our gardens with more and more of us beginning to appreciate the broader impact of our gardening choices.

We’re becoming increasingly aware of the journey our food takes before it reaches our plates, considering not only the miles, but also the resources consumed along the way. It’s led to a growing interest in locally sourced produce, both in terms of what we buy and what we grow ourselves.

I’ve long been an advocate of organic gardening – for over four decades, now – and it’s heartening to see so many embracing this same approach, although going organic is just one piece of the puzzle.

Supporting local produce and markets is equally important, reducing our reliance on food that’s travelled halfway around the world. Remember, it’s not just about avoiding pesticides or synthetic fertilisers, it’s about fostering a deep, sustainable connection to the land we cultivate and the food we consume.

Another crucial aspect of modern gardening is ensuring that our gardens are not just for us but for the wildlife that shares this space. We’re custodians, responsible for creating environments where native flora and fauna can thrive alongside the exotic and ornamental plants we’ve come to love.

There’s beauty in the diversity of our gardens – a balance that allows room for all, from the humble hedgehog to the resplendent butterfly.

As we move into 2025, I encourage everyone to think about how their garden fits into the larger environmental picture, being not just a plot of land to be cultivated but a small piece of the planet we have the privilege to nurture.

So, as you plan your garden this year, think beyond the aesthetic. Consider how you can support local ecosystems, reduce your environmental footprint and create a space that is as beneficial to wildlife as it is to you.

Yet most of all, in 2025, enjoy it!