On alienating his public

As soon as the word "holistic" is out of my mouth, I am aware that many people are overcome by a desire to tiptoe to the door and head to the bar to recover (2001)

On getting the best results

To get them, you must talk to your vegetables ... It's very important (1986)

On the glory of nature

Scudding clouds gilded with a sudden shaft of evening sun, their shadows racing over the peat hags below ... Try not to get carried away, you fool, or you'll sound pretentious and people will write to the newspapers, complaining (1991)

On envy

I wish I were Bob Geldof (1986)

On cities

I can't stand them. I am a country bumpkin (1981)

On excursions abroad on the Royal Yacht Britannia

I'd rather go by bus. There is nothing nicer in the world than a bus (1954)

On putting his heart and soul into his gardens

I have also put my back into them, and as a result have probably rendered myself prematurely decrepit in the process (1993)

To nutritionist Nadine Tayara

Have you got anywhere with McDonald's? Have you tried getting it banned? (2007)

On high-rises

Crushed tower block, mixed with soil, makes a very good basis for growing roses (1988)

On his "tapestry carpet" of thyme at Highgrove

I hope it will attract whole squadrons of butterflies and divisions of bees to feed upon the nectar and to rise up, like mobile flowers, as people pass by (1993)

On spirituality

We are told constantly that we have to live in "the real world", but the real world is within us (2003)

On GMOs (genetically modified organisms)

We live in an age of rights. It seems to me that it is about time our Creator had some rights, too (1996)

On the National Theatre

A clever way of building a nuclear power station in the middle of London without anyone objecting (1988)

On country sportys

My wife [Diana] actually likes hunting and shooting. It is I who have turned against them (1984)