Adam Frost Reveals Tragic Details That Made Him Leave Home at 16

BBC presenter and gardening guru Adam Frost is a familiar face to millions of viewers who tune into Gardeners’ Worldeach week. Known for his calm demeanor, love of horticulture, and impressive design credentials – including multiple RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medals – Frost has become one of the most respected voices in British gardening. But behind the TV success and the flourishing borders lies a deeply personal and, at times, painful story.

In a rare and emotional interview on the Loose Ends podcast, Adam, now 55, opened up about the little-known and tragic circumstances that led him to leave home at just 16 years old.

Originally from Buckhurst Hill, Essex, Adam revealed that his decision to move out as a teenager was sparked by a shocking discovery about his parents’ private lives. “I left school at 16 because I’d then moved from London to Devon,” Adam explained. “And at 16 years old, someone’s not going to like me saying this, but my mum and dad decided to do a swap with another couple. So, they were all swapping couples, so I’ve gone, ‘No, it’s not really for me,’ I left home. There you go.”

The startling revelation sheds light on the emotional turmoil Adam experienced during his formative years. Rather than stay in a chaotic environment, he took control of his own path early, moving to Devon and securing a job with the North Devon Parks Department. It was a bold decision for a teenager, but one that would set him on a life-changing journey into horticulture.

Roots of a Gardener: Finding Solace in Nature

Adam’s love for gardening can be traced back even further, to his early days spent in his grandparents’ garden. Those memories, he says, planted the seeds of a lifelong passion for the outdoors. “There’s something about being in a garden that feels like going home,” he’s shared in previous interviews.

After moving to Devon, that childhood connection to nature blossomed into a professional career. He began working alongside the renowned landscape designer Geoff Hamilton at Barnsdale Gardens, where he honed his craft. This mentorship and hands-on experience would later propel him into garden design fame and, eventually, television.

Battling Fibromyalgia in Silence

Though his TV persona often appears calm and composed, Adam has been quietly battling a chronic health condition for over two decades. He revealed he was diagnosed with fibromyalgia around 20 years ago – a complex and often misunderstood disorder characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties.

Despite the challenges, Adam hasn’t let the condition stop him. He’s continued designing award-winning gardens, presenting Gardeners’ World since 2016, and inspiring countless people to connect with nature – all while managing a debilitating illness that is largely invisible to the outside world.

A Family Tested by Crisis

Beyond the garden gate, Adam’s family life has also faced significant struggles. In 2022, a particularly difficult year tested the resilience of the entire Frost household. While Adam was ill with Covid-19, his wife, Sulina, was suddenly hospitalized with sepsis. Around the same time, their then 15-year-old daughter began suffering from an eating disorder.

“Her mum was in hospital and she ended up really poorly,” Adam said, recounting the toll it took on their daughter. “She ended up with an eating disorder, like a lot of 15-year-olds, and she had friends going through it at school. So that took its toll.”

These health scares and emotional upheavals prompted the family to reassess their lifestyle. They made the brave decision to scale back and prioritize their well-being. Adam explained, “Probably, in reality, for the first time since I was about 16 years old, I realised that my life is slightly chaotic. So as a family, we’ve just decided to scale back, so I can spend more time with them – but it does mean I’ve got a smaller garden.”

A Private Yet Devoted Family Man

Despite his public role, Adam remains a deeply private person when it comes to his family. He is happily married to Sulina Frost, and together they have four children – Abi-Jade, Jacob, Amber-Lily, and Oakley. While he rarely shares details about his marriage or children, Adam has admitted that they have gone through their share of difficult times, like many families.

Even with all the hardships, Adam’s grounded nature, resilience, and love for the garden remain constants in his life. His ability to transform adversity into growth – both literally and metaphorically – is a testament to his strength.

Adam Frost may be best known for helping gardens thrive, but it’s clear that his own life story is one of perseverance, reinvention, and healing. From a troubled teenage departure to building a beautiful life rooted in love and nature, Adam’s journey continues to inspire.