Titch's return

THOSE considering a pinch and a punch to start the month should be aware that ITV clever dick Alan Titchmarsh might be better rewarded by our attention on his return to the ranks of the green-fingered, and the worthwhile task of masterminding garden makeovers for those who help others.

Titchmarsh spent years doing that sort of thing on the BBC's jolly jaunt called Ground Force, before the sometimes pedantic gardener was poached to take on ITV chat shows, tested the patience of a few classical music lovers on the radio and flourished his pen as a novelist.

Back on firmer ground, so to speak, he says of Love Your Garden: "I believe a beautiful garden can lift the spirits and make a real difference to peoples' lives. So, my team and I are putting some pizzazz back into Britain's ailing plots."

Tonight we see Titchmarsh taking on one of his most moving challenges yet: helping charity champions Claire and Ian Estick.. Five years ago they were a happy family with two young boys. Tragedy struck when their youngest son, 23-month-old Daniel, died in hospital from septicaemia. The devastated family returned home with their memories of Daniel and prints of his hands and feet. Determined to ease the suffering of other parents in a similar situation, the Esticks launched a charity which gives out hand-crafted boxes that can be filled with photos and personal items, becoming a much needed focus for the bereaved in the time after a loss.

However, running the charity and fund-raising means that their large L-shaped garden has been put on hold. It's become a confused mix of children's play equipment, a neglected greenhouse and overgrown shrubs and trees. But it still contains a tree planted on what would have been Daniel’s second birthday. While Titchmarsh changes it into a garden of dreams, David Domoney reveals how to tackle a towering leylandii hedge, Frances Tophill creates a gorgeous kitchen garden, and Katie Rushworth plants a new mixed flowering hedge.

"I've always felt that giving people a garden is the greatest gift of all," says Titchmarsh, once the new Estick garden is revealed. "But with someone like Claire, who loves growing things, I know it's in safe hands."

Rebels of Oz: Germaine, Clive, Barry and Bob (BBC4, 9pm)

I KNOW this isn’t cricket, but Australians have left an indelible mark on the UK media, not least thanks to sun-kissed soaps such as Neighbours and Home and Away. However... not to mention those TV Flying Doctors. However, it’s the wit and often challenging wisdom of Germaine Greer, Clive James, Barry Humphries and Robert Hughes which first won the respect of Brits. In the first of a two-part strand, writer and broadcaster Howard Jacobson reflects on his trip to Australia in the 1960s, a time when these fledgling Aussie talents were making their mark.

He's envious of Greer, who has her own plaque on an Australian street, and in one of the most poignant moments, he catches up with old friend Clive James, whose health has been a cause for concern in recent years.

The Auction House (Channel 4, 9pm)

IN the latest offering, long-serving valuer Bob takes a risk on a shipping tycoon's rococo-style bedroom suite. However, his faith in the lot wavers as auction day beckons, especially since boss Roger is clamping down on risky lots. Meanwhile, Megan, Lots Road's youngest valuer, is also a little unsure about her choices as she nervously puts 50 designer handbags up for sale. The last of the current series also sees pawnbroker 'Johnny Cash' pinning his hopes on a vintage Playboy bunny outfit that he's convinced is worth more than £2,000.