Adam Frost has revealed one of the most difficult chapters of his life, describing how the strain of family illness, Covid isolation, and unrelenting work commitments left him feeling as though his "life was unravelling." The veteran Gardeners' World presenter spoke frankly about the impact the pandemic years had on him and his family. In his book, For The Love of Plants, he wrote: "During lockdown, like so many, we as a family had our challenges. Mrs Frost was really poorly, and so too was our youngest daughter. Then, just as we got through that, I caught Covid and shut myself away for 10 days to quarantine," he recounted.

Whilst isolating by himself, Frost said his mental wellbeing started to decline. "During my isolation I started to feel disconnected, as if my life was unravelling. I spent a lot of time looking out of the window at the vast garden I'd created, and the only thing that comforted me was music." For audiences of Gardeners' World, Frost's garden has consistently been a wellspring of inspiration, celebrated throughout the year for its natural planting schemes and considered layout. Yet behind the cameras, his outlook was markedly different.

"Lots of people watching Gardeners' World each week seemed to love seeing my garden over the seasons, yet all I could see, trapped in my room, was a long list of jobs that had to get done," reports the Mirror.

That confession-that rather than happiness he could only perceive accumulating responsibilities-represented a striking departure from the composed, comforting demeanour he displays on television. Frost conceded he had been overextending himself.

"In all honesty, I was working stupid hours to keep everything going and was starting to feel overwhelmed."

Upon finally emerging from isolation, he pursued medical assistance. "When I eventually left the room I spoke to a doctor who diagnosed burnout and a sort of depression. So I found myself with a psychiatrist, exploring, explaining, and questioning what had been going on in my life."

Those appointments triggered profound introspection, not merely about the immediate predicament but about the journey that had brought him to this point.

"I began to think long and hard about what was really important to me. During my sessions with the psychiatrist lots of stuff came out, particularly about my childhood, how I had loved gardening with my grandparents, how I left home at 16 to work in the Parks Department, then got a job with the late, great Geoff Hamilton, as well as the craziness of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, TV work, and how all of this led me to where I am now."

Frost's professional journey stems from a deep-rooted love of horticulture.

He left home aged just 16 to join a parks department, subsequently working with the legendary Geoff Hamilton-a pivotal experience that influenced his gardening philosophy and broadcasting style. He has since created numerous award-winning show gardens at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and established himself as a beloved presenter on BBC Two's Gardeners' World, where his genuine warmth has endeared him to viewers.

Through therapy, Frost identified two enduring passions that had sustained him. "It dawned on me that the two consistent elements in my life have been music and plants."

Committed to restoring equilibrium, he implemented a major lifestyle shift. "It became obvious that to get back on track mentally, I needed to simplify my life, so we downsized to a cottage with a much smaller garden. It was like flipping a switch immediately; I started to connect with the space and create a new garden in what felt like different world, both personally and professionally, inspired by the music and plants that I love."