Adam Frost, beloved presenter of BBC’s Gardeners’ World, has opened up about the inspiration behind a “secret” garden he cultivated as a personal tribute to his wife, Sulina. The heartfelt dedication stems from an unexpected source: a Bruce Springsteen song.
While Adam has long been celebrated for his expertise in horticulture, his creative process often draws influence from music. Reflecting on a pivotal moment, he shared on Zoe Ball’s Saturday Show on BBC Radio 2 how attending Bruce Springsteen’s 2009 Glastonbury performance moved him deeply.
“I wasn’t really a Bruce fan at first,” Adam admitted. “But when I stood there, tears streaming down my face, I truly understood the power of his music.” The track that struck a chord with him was Springsteen’s “Secret Garden,” a song dear to Sulina. This fueled Adam’s desire to craft a secluded garden space that both honors her and offers a peaceful retreat.
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“This part of the garden is tucked away—safe, green, and calm,” he explained, describing the atmosphere he wanted to evoke. Adam’s approach often incorporates musical themes, using the emotional resonance of songs to guide mood and design. “If I were designing your garden, I’d select songs to shape the atmosphere,” he revealed.
His passion for blending music and gardening is well-known. On Instagram, Adam has shared how every client’s garden design is inspired by a specific album, creating a unique auditory and visual experience—even if clients aren’t always aware of the soundtrack behind their space.
With a distinguished career that includes multiple Chelsea Flower Show gold medals and representing the Royal Horticultural Society since 2014, Adam has since become a household name on Gardeners’ World, joining the show in 2016.
Fans can look forward to seeing Adam on Gardeners’ World this evening, Friday, 26 September at 8 p.m. on BBC Two, where he visits a breathtaking garden in North Yorkshire.