Monty Don has shared some candid insights into the “frustrating” aspects of BBC Gardeners’ World as he prepares to mark a significant personal milestone. Discussing the intense filming schedule that kicks off in early March, Monty revealed he is set to celebrate his 15th year at Longmeadow and 20th year leading the show.
Writing in his column for BBC Gardeners’ World magazine, Monty discussed the “complicated jigsaw” of production. It requires him to carefully plan his gardening advice for when each episode is broadcast.
After filming concludes and the editing is done, Monty reflected on the cycle of preparation and filming, stating: “The crew will go on to other work. I will prepare the garden with my team for next week, and the following Monday, we start the process all over again – and continue to do so week in, week out, until the end of October. It is demanding, complicated, at times frustrating – and I absolutely love it.”
Monty’s love of gardening began to blossom aged 17 when he first planted carrots. It eventually led him to pursue a career in television, debuting on ITV’s This Morning.
He joined the Gardeners’ World team in 2003 after being recommended by Alan Titchmarsh. Since then he has gone on to become a beloved figure in British homes, reports the Express.
His beloved Longmeadow garden, often featured on the show, is a stunning mosaic of themed areas including the Jewel Garden, Paradise Garden, Wildlife Garden, Cottage Garden, and Vegetable Garden. The Jewel Garden, hailed as the “physical and spiritual centre of the entire garden” on his website, is poised for an update soon. Nonetheless, Monty has opened up about one botanical inhabitant that hasn’t thrived under his care.
In an interview with Gardeners’ World magazine, he confessed: “Our propensity for sharp late frosts means that no magnolia has ever been happy at Longmeadow – and I have long learned that it is pointless to persevere with any plant that does not want to be with you, regardless of its suitability on paper.” Despite ambitious plans to rejuvenate the Jewel Garden, Monty often reserves his efforts for the cooler seasons, noting that it “remains very empty” as spring unfurls.
He elaborated, saying: “One of the features of the Jewel Garden is that when the rest of the garden is burgeoning with spring flowers and blossom, it remains very empty well into April and early May.”