Since making his debut on Gardeners’ World in 2016, Adam Frost has become a household favourite. The celebrated horticulturalist, whose first job was in North Devon’s Parks Department, boasts an impressive career. As an RHS ambassador since 2014 and a seven-time Chelsea Flower Show gold medallist, his expertise speaks for itself. Adam is also an accomplished author, with three gardening books under his belt and a fourth launching this month. Now, he’s preparing to hit the road for his second UK tour.
Away from the cameras, Adam Frost, 55, enjoys family life with his wife Sulina Frost and their four children – Abi-Jade, Jacob, Amber-Lily, and Oakley. But what’s life really like behind the scenes?
A second tour and new perspective
Congratulations on your second tour! How are you feeling?
“I was gobsmacked! The first tour went really well, so we’re off again. The new tour starts with me locked in a room isolating with COVID in September 2021 – that was a turning point. I was diagnosed with burnout and depression, staring out at this huge house and four-acre garden that was supposed to be ‘success.’ That’s when I realized: the big house isn’t what really matters. We decided to scale back so I can spend more time with my family.”
Adam Frost on celebrity status
How do you feel about being a celebrity?
“I don’t like the word. In my head, I’m still a naughty lad who somehow ended up on your telly on a Friday night! I feel incredibly lucky, but this was never a master plan—I just love what I do.”
Are you always asked about gardening?
“No! It’s usually about the cat or Mrs. Frost—which is fine! They can take centre stage.”
Who runs the frost garden?
So, who’s in charge of your garden?
“You’d think with my credentials, Mrs. Frost would leave it to me. Of course, she doesn’t! We’ve got this ongoing conversation. I garden for wildlife, but she likes things tidy. I walked past a rare semi-evergreen plant that Roy Lancaster found and saw that she’d trimmed it. We laugh that I must be the most experienced understudy in the country—I spend my time running after her, passing tools and getting her kneeling pad.”
Is that the secret to a happy marriage?
“What, me doing as I’m told? Pretty much! I learned early on: I can be right or happy, and we went for happy. Getting annoyed over a plant won’t change anything—she’ll do it again anyway! She’s a good woman.”
Adam Frost's achievements and family life
Where do you display your seven gold medals?
“Mrs. Frost doesn’t like them out! They’re hidden in a drawer—I can’t even tell you which one. But honestly, I wouldn’t have achieved half of what I have without her.”
They say behind every successful man is a strong woman…
“She’s more than strong—she’s a lioness. If you cross her or the kids, you’ll face the wrath of Mrs. Frost. No one wants that!”
Working with Monty Don and the horticultural community
What’s it like working with Monty Don?
“He’s as good as gold. We come from different worlds, but we get on well. I jokingly call him ‘his Lordship.’ People like Monty Don and Alan Titchmarsh have been invaluable as mentors. The horticultural world is lovely—if you’re an arse, you stand out because there aren’t many!”
Living with fibromyalgia
How does fibromyalgia affect your daily life?
“I’ve retrained my brain. After my dad passed in his 60s, I started running. At first, I couldn’t go far, but I kept at it. I also go to the gym. Everyone’s journey is different, but my doctors believe I’ve retrained my pain receptors. Exercise is a big part of my life now.”
Gardening with the Royals
You’ve worked with the Royals—what was that like?
“I really enjoyed interviewing King Charles. I know he’s the King, but we talk gardener to gardener. I’d love a weekend gardening with him—just pottering around and talking about biosecurity.”
Adam’s tour An Evening With Adam Frost starts on 14 March at Newark’s Palace Theatre and culminates on 26 September at Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms.
For The Love Of Plants: Over 150 plants To Bring Joy To Your Garden And Your Life by Adam Frost is out now.
