We went on Alan Titchmarsh's show and he transformed our garden... but the reaction of others left us confused

Daily Mail​

3 days ago

An elderly couple who had an Alan Tichmarsh garden makeover have been left baffled after viewers said he 'ruined it'.
Rob and Margaret Isdale 'loved' the transformation after appearing on ITVs Love Your Garden.
Mr Isdale and his wife, now 81, moved to their home in Bottesford - then a new build - on the outskirts of Grantham, Lincolnshire, in 1989.
They featured in the programme in 2019 and over the years it has been repeated with the latest re-run just last week - leading to viewers criticisng Titchmarsh's handiwork.
One wrote on social media: 'OMG! The 'Love your garden' people ruining that lovely garden with bricks and concrete. Love your garden - no thank you.'
Another added: "It's too crowded and busy for me but as long as they like it… #LoveYourGarden".
But the couple, who went on the show after fostering for 150-160 children over 36 years, found the criticism 'confusing'.
Mr Isdale told Daily Mail: 'People were saying that octogenarian couple are not happy with the makeover.
'That is not the case. We love it!'
The pensioners were so overwhelmed with the thoughtfully and newly designed space which transformed their dull back lawn into an enchanting area with a secret garden that they burst into tears.
Retired deputy prison governor Mr Isdale, 82, said: 'We read some of the criticism and was very surprised but we didn't let it bother us.
'What's not to like, it's briililant.'
He added: 'People were saying that octogenarian couple are not happy with the makeover.
'That is not the case. We love it'
Mr Isdale and his wife, now 81, moved to their comfortable home in Bottesford - then a new build - on the outskirts of Grantham, Lincolnshire, in 1989.
And this week the delightful pair invited MailOnline to have a peek at their garden which the experts had transformed in 2019.
They featured in the programme three months later and over the years it has been repeated with the latest re-run just last week - which they couple missed!
Mr Isdale said: 'We're not enthusiastic gardeners but we like nice gardens.
'This one has got a bit overgrown and needs a bit of TLC.'
The remarkable couple only retired as foster parents in January after 47 years and having cared for 150-160 children over the decades.
Mrs Isdale, whose home is adorned with pictures of some of their children admitted 'We really miss not having any kids here. It is so quiet!'
They were last year given a lifetime achievement award to mark their long service and dedication to families.
They have a son David and daughter Fiona plus five grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
It was in recognition of their devotion to others which led their daughter to contacting the gardening show and nominating them as potential candidates.
Mr Isdale told how he had neglected his garden after a spell in hospital undergoing a heart bypass.
He said: 'The garden was very ordinary with a grassed lawn, ivy growing up the back wall overlooking empty land, fences on each side and some shrubs.
'I joked to Fiona 'I could do with Alan Titchmarsh sorting my garden out!'
'We're fans of the show, and unbeknown to us out daughter sent off an application.'
Mr Isdale is a former deputy governor of both HM Prison Whatton - housing adult male sex offenders - in Whatton Nottinghamshire and HM Prison Stocken in Oakham, Rutland.
He sad: 'The next thing we know we get a phone call from a producer on the show then he's coming to have a look around.
'He said we were on a shortlist of 60 people. We were pleasantly surprised.'
Before they knew it the couple had been selected to appear on the show and went to stay in their caravan for three days in Car Colston, Nottinghamshire, while Alan and his team took over their garden.
Unknown to viewers but shared with the Daily Mail, the couple's told why they were so overwhelmed and tearful at the reveal.
They had adopted a baby girl called Kim, who had Down's syndrome and suffered from a complex heart condition, and had been given just a six to nine month life expectancy.
She grew up into a beautiful young woman but sadly died aged 21 in 2005 while the family were on holiday in Mr Isdale's native Scotland.
Her favourite book growing up had been children's novel The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett - and Alan had been told this by their daughter Fiona so created a Secret Garden for them.
Mr Isdale, becoming emotional as he spoke fondly about Kim, said: 'She was a wonderful daughter and we took her on many holidays, to The Gambia, Australia and New Zealand.
'She lived until she was 21.'
In their new garden - which featured cobbled paths, a pergola, tall trees, small animal statues and a mock hidden door which the TV presenter had drawn inspiration from The Secret Garden.
A memorial stone bird bath for Kim, in one corner, is inscribed with her name, date of birth and date of passing, and tribute.
The Isdales, who celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary next year, later invited friends, families and neighbours around to see their new garden.
Mrs Isdale, who said she is still in contact with some of the parents of their fostered children, said: 'People loved it.'
During the repeated episode from 2019, Alan along with his colleagues Katie Rushworth, David Domoney, and Frances Tophill, told viewers he aimed to craft an enchanting area for the pair, drawing inspiration from The Secret Garden.
He said: 'We want this new garden to make them feel as cared for as the children who come to their home.'
On the show, Mrs Isdale wept: 'Oh, I can't believe it' while her husband exclaimed: Good grief.'
Alan asked: 'Do you remember a special book, a special film that Fiona talked about?'
Mrs Isdale replied: 'The Secret Garden' as the TV host showed them a special feature in the garden.
Mr Isdale added: 'I knew it would be special, but this is extra special.'
Alan explained: 'You did so much for so many other people, so we thought it was about time we gave you something.'
The couple later said that Alan had been 'amazing' and 'very hands on' with the garden renovation.
But some viewers, seemingly unimpressed with the makeover, suggested him of 'ruining' it.
One commented: 'It's too crowded and busy for me, but as long as they like it.'
Another posted: 'I wasn't sure about the secret garden' before confessing they 'loved it.'
One remarked: 'The folly was way too much for a garden that size on a modern estate, but what an amazing couple, I hope they really liked it.'
Viewers all agreed that the couple were amazing, with one summing up shared sentiments, saying: 'OMG how precious are Rob and Margaret.'
The recently retired foster parents told how they took in their first child in 1978.
Last year they were given a lifetime achievement award to mark their years of dedication to families.
At the award presentation Mrs Isdale was asked how they continue to care for newborns and laughed: 'I don't know! We just enjoy doing it, and I can't imagine not doing it now.'