For Fiona Bruce, the celebrated BBC presenter known for her commanding presence on programs like Question Timeand Antiques Roadshow, life in the spotlight is a whirlwind of deadlines, debates, and high-stakes interviews. Yet, away from the frenetic pace of her professional world, she finds solace in a place that could not be more different: her garden. A vibrant tapestry of color, texture, and scent, Fiona’s garden is more than just a hobby—it’s a sanctuary that grounds her, reconnects her with nature, and offers a profound contrast to the demands of her broadcasting career. This article explores the restorative power of Fiona’s green haven, her journey as an amateur gardener, and the deeper significance of nurturing nature in a fast-paced world.

A Garden Born of Passion

Fiona Bruce’s garden, nestled at her Oxfordshire home, is a testament to her love for nature, even if she humbly admits her gardening skills are a work in progress. Designed three years ago by her friend, landscape designer Sheila Jack, the garden bursts with life, featuring a carefully curated palette of blue, white, purple, yellow, and green. From the cobalt brilliance of picos blue sea holly to the fragrant wisteria draping her patio, every element reflects Fiona’s preference for simplicity and harmony over chaotic variety. She avoids “itty bitty” plants, favoring bold, cohesive designs that create a soothing atmosphere.

Fiona’s journey into gardening began in earnest in her thirties when she and her then-fiancé, Nigel Sharrocks, asked wedding guests to bring plants as gifts for their 1994 nuptials. While the resulting collection was a charming but mismatched array, it sparked a lifelong passion. One surviving Wedding Day rose still blooms in her garden, a living memento of that special day. Today, Fiona dedicates her weekends to pruning, weeding, and tending to her plants, finding joy in the physicality of the work. “It’s very grounding,” she says, noting how the act of working with the earth connects her to a timeless human tradition.

A Contrast to the Studio

Fiona’s garden is not just a place of beauty—it’s a counterpoint to her high-pressure career. As the first woman to present BBC’s Ten O’Clock News and the host of Question Time, Fiona navigates complex political discussions and breaking news with poise. Yet, she describes her garden as “an utter contrast” to this world. Where her work demands quick thinking and verbal sparring, her garden offers silence, patience, and the slow rhythm of nature. The act of weeding or pruning becomes meditative, allowing her to switch off from the intensity of her professional life.

This contrast is particularly evident in the way Fiona describes her time in the garden. A weekend spent digging in the soil or playing badminton with her family under a sagging net is a source of genuine excitement. Evening rituals with her husband, Nigel, involve sipping cocktails in their west-facing garden, watching the sun dip below the horizon. These moments of stillness and connection stand in sharp relief to the relentless pace of television studios, where Fiona is constantly under scrutiny.

Nature’s Healing Power

Fiona’s garden is more than a personal retreat; it embodies the restorative power of green spaces. As an ambassador for the National Garden Scheme, a charity that opens private gardens to the public to raise funds for health-related causes, Fiona is a vocal advocate for the therapeutic benefits of nature. She highlights organizations like Horatio’s Garden, which creates accessible gardens for NHS spinal injury centers, emphasizing how such spaces can heal both body and mind. “The restorative and healing powers of outdoor spaces are undeniable,” Fiona notes, reflecting on her own experiences.

Her garden teems with life, from the rabbits that nibble on her lawn to the occasional muntjac deer she affectionately calls “the Corgi of the deer family” for their short legs. These encounters with wildlife add a layer of joy to her gardening, reminding her of the interconnectedness of all living things. The scent of lavender, rosemary, and wisteria, combined with the texture of climbing roses and grasses, creates a multisensory experience that soothes and uplifts.

A Family Affair

Fiona’s garden is also a space for family. With her two children, Sam, 27, and Mia, 23, she cherishes moments of togetherness, whether it’s a lively barbecue under the wisteria or a competitive game of badminton. Despite their busy lives—Sam as a TV producer and Mia at university—the family often gathers in the garden, reinforcing its role as a hub of connection. Fiona reflects on her own childhood, recalling a swing under a willow tree in her south London garden, where she pondered teenage dreams. These memories underscore her belief that gardens are not just physical spaces but repositories of emotion and nostalgia.

Her husband, Nigel, a media executive, takes charge of the vegetable beds, cultivating produce that complements Fiona’s focus on flowers. While she jokingly admits to being far from a “domestic goddess” in the kitchen, the couple’s shared commitment to their garden reflects a partnership grounded in mutual respect for nature’s rhythms.

Challenges and Quirks

Despite her enthusiasm, Fiona is candid about her limitations as a gardener. “My keenness is not matched by my prowess,” she laughs, acknowledging that her passion sometimes outstrips her expertise. One surprising challenge? Worms. The unflappable presenter, who fearlessly moderates heated debates, admits to shrieking and fleeing at the sight of a worm in her flowerbeds. This endearing quirk humanizes Fiona, revealing a vulnerability that contrasts with her polished on-screen persona.

Her garden also faced a threat in 2016 when developers proposed building luxury flats adjacent to her property in Hampstead, north London. Fiona and her neighbors fought the plan, citing concerns about privacy and flooding. The victory in preserving her “treasured oasis” underscored her deep attachment to her green space.

A Broader Mission

Fiona’s love for gardening extends beyond her backyard. Her role with the National Garden Scheme has deepened her appreciation for the diversity of gardens across the UK. Visits to other gardens, such as one featuring thriving ferns and geraniums in a shady patch, have inspired solutions for her own gardening challenges. These experiences fuel her advocacy for accessible green spaces, particularly for those who lack the privilege of a private garden.

As she continues her broadcasting career, Fiona remains committed to balancing her public and private lives. Her garden is a reminder that even in a world of constant connectivity and pressure, there is value in slowing down, getting one’s hands dirty, and nurturing something that grows. For Fiona Bruce, her garden is not just a contrast to her work—it’s a lifeline, a place where she can be fully present, surrounded by the beauty and unpredictability of nature.

In a world that often feels chaotic, Fiona’s garden stands as a testament to the enduring power of green spaces to restore, connect, and inspire. As she tends to her plants, she cultivates not just flowers but a sense of peace that sustains her through the demands of her extraordinary life.