Monty Don on his Gardeners’ World future and how climate change has impacted British gardening

As a seasoned traveler and gardening enthusiast, I find myself captivated by Monty Don’s latest venture, delving into the rich tapestry of British gardens. After years of globetrotting, it’s refreshing to explore our own backyard with the same cultural curiosity. From the whimsical to the regal, this series showcases the diverse horticultural heritage that makes Great Britain a garden lover’s paradise.

Following many years of traveling the globe to delve into the cultural importance of gardens worldwide, Monty Don is now focusing his attention closer to home. His latest series adopts an anthropological perspective on British gardens, investigating their backgrounds, unique characteristics, and profound ties to the country’s identity. Ranging from playful and unusual to grand and spacious, Monty’s exploration highlights the rich tapestry of Britain’s horticultural legacy.

In spite of the difficulties involved in selecting specific locations, Monty and his group have discovered tales that exalt the universally understood art of gardening.

We’re used to seeing you explore gardens around the globe — why British gardens now?

Since 2008, I’ve been traversing the globe, exploring gardens in various locations. While Gardeners’ World primarily focuses on the practical aspects of gardening and providing guidance, my travel programs delve into the culture behind gardening: understanding why people garden here, what significance it holds for them. It occurred to us that we could apply a similar cultural, anthropological perspective to our very own backyard.

What was the strangest garden you visited?

Located in Northamptonshire, you’ll find the charming Lamport Hall and Gardens. In the 19th century, its owner brought the first garden gnome from Germany. Enchanted by these figurines, he constructed a rock garden and filled it with gnomes, genuinely convinced they had lives of their own. He devoted numerous years caring for his gnome kin. What’s more unusual is that his children, often neglected and resentful towards the gnomes, organized a grand celebration. They handed out guns to the guests, and in an unexpected turn of events, they ended up shooting all the gnomes! The only exception was a gnome that was knocked into a crevice by gunfire and rediscovered years later. This miraculously surviving gnome is insured for a staggering £1 million.

Was it difficult for you and your team of researchers to make a shortlist of gardens?

In reality, while we do have researchers on our team, it’s crucial to acknowledge that when it comes to modern television production, budget constraints are a significant factor. The bulk of the work is handled by the producer and myself, with assistance from others who greatly contribute. However, resources are limited compared to what we’d ideally like, and in the end, it’s the producer and I who make all the crucial decisions. It was a challenging task to select which gardens to showcase, but from the beginning, we decided against featuring well-known locations such as Sissinghurst Castle Garden and Great Dixter because we wanted to explore less obvious, unique spaces instead.

What did the series tell you about Great Britain as a nation?

You can have a scrap of garden at the back of your house, and you can talk to someone who has acres, and we all talk the same language, share the same love. It’s also an opportunity for expression. We are a very class-ridden, inhibited, overcrowded country and yet when we get in the garden, we’re free to do what we want on our patch of land. You can have great tough men taking great pride in growing delicate flowers. We take our climate for granted, but there’s nowhere in the world that has a better climate for gardening.

In the show, you discuss various vegetables being cultivated by students at a Scottish school. Is it beneficial for gardening to be included in the school curriculum?

It’s highly recommended to motivate kids to engage in gardening, as I’ve found that children between the ages of four and ten are naturally drawn to it. For instance, planting radish seeds and then harvesting them after six weeks is an exciting activity for them. Furthermore, I believe more schools should be incentivized and supported to establish gardens, as this can contribute significantly to their educational experience.

During my twenties, I was the only person I knew, aside from my wife, who enjoyed gardening. Nowadays, it seems to be a growing trend. I believe this connection to nature has become increasingly important among the younger generations, given its delicate state and the need for preservation. The concern over climate change that Gen Z carries is both appropriate and crucial.

How has climate change altered British gardening?

Essentially, this implies that we’re facing extraordinarily challenging circumstances. You can effortlessly compile a collection of plants suitable for excessively wet or arid environments. However, there would be minimal commonality between the two lists. In contrast, our gardens are now experiencing both prolonged wetness and prolonged dryness at different times, which is uncharted territory for us.

Did you feel privileged to visit Birkhall, King Charles’s private estate in Scotland?

Absolutely, yet I must admit, I consider myself fortunate to be able to explore anyone’s private garden, and Birkhall shares similar charm. However, it’s important to note that not everyone gets this opportunity, so there’s an element of uniqueness here. Indeed, the King is a genuine, passionate, and skillful gardener.

Apart from that, it’s common knowledge that the Queen has a fondness for gardening, as she even visited my own garden. Their shared passion seems genuine, as I understand the King takes pleasure in tending to the arboretum on the Birkhall estate and personally trims the trees there.

You’ve presented Gardeners’ World since 2003. Do you plan to continue?

I generally don’t commit to long-term plans exceeding two years, but I’ve found myself agreeing to another two years starting from January 2025. Each time I ponder, “Will I actually go through with this?” However, the reality is that I do find pleasure in it. It’s fortunate that it takes place in my own garden. If the project is executed skillfully, I’ll carry on participating.

Yesterday evening, I completed my stay in Edinburgh, and the breathtaking winter scenery of Scotland looked absolutely stunning.

You had to cancel several dates after being rushed to A&E and were kept in for a few nights.

Yes, I experienced a brief bout of sickness during the tour. Last week, I was admitted to the hospital, which is why I’ve been resting lately.

Back home, what will you be doing in Longmeadow, your garden in Herefordshire?

During the upcoming week, I’ll be spending my time planting approximately 2,000 tulips. This season, I find myself wandering about, assessing what tasks need to be accomplished during winter. It’s a perfect moment to implement significant changes such as pruning a tree or rearranging plants or creating pathways. As early January approaches, we begin our preparations for Gardeners’ World, with filming set to start at the end of February. For now, I’m eagerly anticipating going for a walk with my dog, Ned.

2024-12-23 18:38

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