Monty Don Shares Valuable Lessons from Longmeadow’s Setback

Gardening expert Monty Don has reflected on a significant setback at his Longmeadow garden, describing it as a “pretty big disaster” that imparted a “really important” lesson about garden management. Known for his role as the main presenter of the BBC programme Gardeners’ World since 2003, Don is often regarded as one of the leading figures in horticulture in the United Kingdom. Despite his extensive experience, he recently faced a challenge when his garden fell victim to box blight, a fast-spreading fungal infection affecting box plants.

In a recent episode of the BBC Gardeners’ World podcast, Don explained that the widespread presence of box hedges in his garden was not the root cause of the blight, but it certainly served as a wake-up call. He emphasized that understanding the conditions of his garden is crucial for avoiding future problems. “I don’t try and grow anything that doesn’t want to be there. I think that’s really important,” he noted, pointing out the need for plants to thrive in their specific environments.

Longmeadow, located in Herefordshire, is not only a personal sanctuary for Don but also a focal point for viewers of Gardeners’ World. He further elaborated on the challenges posed by the soil in his garden, which is predominantly clay, contrary to the sandy soil preferred by many plants. His insights included that the garden’s neutral soil limits the success of certain species, such as camellias and rhododendrons, which thrive in more acidic or alkaline conditions.

The recent filming schedule for Gardeners’ World has wrapped up for the year, providing Don with a much-needed break from the pressures of production. In his column for BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, he expressed relief at the end of filming, noting that the absence of cameras allows him to focus on the garden without external scrutiny. “I would not mind at all, but there is no doubt that filming would make it all take twice as long,” he stated, highlighting the added pressure of being on camera.

While the filming schedule has remained consistent for the past two decades, Don acknowledged that it can be frustrating for dedicated fans wanting more winter content. He mentioned that the commissioning and scheduling of programming often operates in “mysterious ways,” making immediate changes unlikely.

As winter approaches, audiences can look forward to the first Gardeners’ World Winter Specials airing on November 28 from 20:00 to 21:00 on BBC Two. These episodes will provide viewers with insight into gardening during the winter season and showcase Don’s continued passion for cultivating a beautiful green space.