Latest news with #Gardeners'World
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Record
Monty Don's simple roses tip will keep them flowering all summer long
If you want your rose bushes to look their best, the presenter says there's one thing you need to do daily Roses are a symbol of beauty, but to prolong their lifespan, they require proper care. This is particularly crucial during the summer months when temperatures can soar, and plants need regular watering to sustain their photosynthesis. With spring in full swing and summer just around the bend, gardens and patios are awash with stunning, vibrant roses. However, to guarantee their continued blooming, Monty Don has recommended gardeners undertake this straightforward task. June witnesses an abundance of roses in bloom, making them a favourite for summer gardens and floral arrangements. They're a timeless addition to any outdoor area, offering elegance in a variety of colours: red, pink, yellow, orange, blue and more. Each month, Monty Don, renowned for his gardening prowess, shares some of his top tips and tricks on his website to help both experts and novices keep their outdoor spaces as neat and tidy as possible, reports the Mirror. For June, the gardening maestro has offered valuable advice on how to care for roses and ensure their longevity. And the key lies in removing wilting flowers to stimulate new blooms and promote the plant's health. Daily dead-heading of roses is essential He advised: "The secret of keeping any rose flowering as long as possible is to dead-head daily. Do not just pull off the spent petals but use secateurs and cut the spent stem right back to the next leaf or bud below it - however far down that is. This will provoke a side-shoot which in turn will carry more flowers." Monty Don also highlighted the significance of consistent watering for roses during the summer months. In addition, the removal of damaged leaves can prevent the plants from perishing entirely and help them to flourish all year round. By heeding Monty Don's guidance, both novices and seasoned horticulturists can ensure their gardens remain vibrant throughout the summer. A few minutes of daily attention to your roses can promote growth and enhance the overall beauty of your outdoor space. It is equally crucial to water roses diligently, especially when they are freshly planted or subjected to hot, arid conditions. Remember to include this vital step in your gardening routine during June, July and August. Chelsea Flower Show Just last week Monty Don shared his experiences of the intense pressure in creating his inaugural garden at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Monty collaborated with Form Plants horticulturist Jamie Butterworth to cultivate The RHS and Radio 2 Dog Garden. A known dog lover, frequently seen with his own pet Ned on Gardeners' World, Monty's latest project caters to the mutual enjoyment of gardens by dogs and their owners alike. Monty discussed the upcoming public debut of his garden on an episode of BBC Breakfast with hosts Jon Kay and Sally Nugent.
Sinar Daily
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sinar Daily
Beloved UK gardener's dog lends a paw at top flower show
Don has designed a unique garden for the show to delight both man's best friend and his master (or mistress). 25 May 2025 11:00am Gardener Monty Don poses with his dog Ned, a Golden Retriever, in his dog-friendly garden on May 19, 2025. Photo by Adrian Dennis/AFP LONDON - The English love their gardens, and they love their dogs. Now the two passions have been married at the Chelsea Flower Show thanks to the talents of the nation's beloved gardener Monty Don. Don has designed a unique garden for the show to delight both man's best friend and his master (or mistress). The lawn is for dogs to run and play, and roll and rest, set with a wooden bench and comfortable cushions. Even before some 140,000 visitors were expected at the five-day show organised by the Royal Horticultural Society, there was due to be a special visit from the country's top canine-lovers, King Charles III and Queen Camilla, on Monday. The green-fingered Monty Don, 69, has become a national celebrity, beguiling television audiences for the past 22 years presenting the popular BBC programme "Gardeners' World". Each week the self-taught horticulturist shares his knowledge, gentle words of wisdom and tips and tricks to keep UK gardens blooming through each season. Padding faithfully at his side have been his dogs, including golden retriever Ned, delighting audiences with his antics as Don walks the 8,000 square metres (two acres) of his garden in Longmeadow, close to the Welsh border. - Simple - And since he has always gardened with a dog by his side, Don said it was natural that he would lean on Ned for inspiration when he was asked to design a dog-friendly garden for the Chelsea Flower Show. Ned was let loose a few weeks ago at a plot packed with plants so the designers could copy the routes he took as he followed his nose and tracked interesting smells. "We had imagined that Ned would create sweeps and curves through the planting. However, every time he ran off, he returned to Monty via the same route, and as such we have changed the design accordingly," said landscape gardener Jamie Butterworth. At the Chelsea garden, there's a frisbee on the lawn, and a little stream where dogs can wade to cool off after a boisterous game of fetch. They can flop on the bench, or head for some calm in a little house. Gardener Monty Don poses with his dog Ned, a Golden Retriever, in his dog-friendly garden on May 19, 2025. Photo by Adrian Dennis/AFP "I wanted it to be a very simple garden," Don said. "There's no message, there's no hidden back story. It is what it is. What you see is what you get." Last Sunday, a fox even snuck in for a snooze. It is the first time Don has been asked to design a garden for the prestigious show, run by the Royal Horticulture Society since 1913. - Tousled lawn - The lawn is replete with dandelions, daisies and clover - a far cry from the neatly cropped grass usually favoured by the Brits. Don aimed to keep things simple with hazelnut trees, hyacinths and spring flowers. Brick pathways inspired by his garden at Longmeadow are inscribed with the names of dogs, including Camilla's beloved terriers Bluebell and Beth, who were adopted from a dog shelter. Beth died from a tumour in November, and the royal family announced the passing on social media. Camilla even had the dogs' silhouettes embroidered in gold thread on her coronation dress in May 2023. Monty Don's garden won't be judged among 30 others as part of the competition at the Chelsea Flower Show. But he knows he will be judged by public opinion, and confessed to feeling nervous. After the show, Ned's garden will be donated to London's Battersea Dogs and Cats Home to continue delighting four-legged friends. - AFP More Like This
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Monty Don 'lost everything' with wife as kids asked: 'Why is Daddy crying'
Gardeners' World host Monty Don has spoken out about a time when he and his wife, Sarah Don, were struggling, after he experienced severe depressive episodes during the financial crash of the 1980s Monty Don, 69, has candidly spoken out about a period when he and his wife, Sarah Don, were going through tough times, notably during the economic downturn of the 1980s which saw Monty struggle with severe depression. The couple first crossed paths while they were both English students at Cambridge University. It was there that Monty met Sarah (née Erskine), a professionally trained architect and jewellery designer. Together they embarked on a successful venture, running a high-end jewellery business in Knightsbridge, serving clientele like Michael Jackson and Princess Diana. But their fortunes took a dire turn amid the financial crash of the 1980s, reports the Express. At this low point, Monty shared with The Times the stark reality: "We lost everything... we lost our house, our business. We sold every stick of furniture we had at Leominster market," Monty admitted. Depression hit Monty hard after the business's bankruptcy, leading Sarah to encourage him to seek medical assistance. Their children would innocently question Sarah asking, 'Why is Daddy always crying?'. He disclosed further: "She said you have to see a doctor because I can't cope with you and three small children and our life as it is. I need help and the only way I can get help is for you to get help." Monty also remarked on how antidepressants were an initial aid and spoke highly of the cognitive behavioural therapy he received courtesy of the NHS. In 2008, following a stroke, Monty confided in Sarah about wanting to pass away in her arms. He confided to his spouse: "'Hold me because I think I'm dying and, if I am, I want to die in your arms.'". Monty, who has since made a full recovery, was compelled to take a three-year hiatus from presenting Gardeners' World as a result of the incident. It wasn't until Monty consulted a neurologist on the advice of Sarah's father, a retired doctor, that his minor stroke was diagnosed. Since taking over from Alan Titchmarsh in 2003, he has been the lead presenter of Gardeners' World. The celebrity first graced our screens in 1989 with a gardening segment on ITV 's This Morning. This opened up more television opportunities, leading to his own shows on BBC and Channel 4 throughout the years. At the same time, he launched into a successful writing career, delivering his first book in 1990 among over 25 published works. From 1994 to 2006, Monty penned a regular gardening feature for The Observer.
Wales Online
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Alan Titchmarsh startles fans with rare relationship update
Alan Titchmarsh startles fans with rare relationship update The star is about to celebrate 50 years with his wife Alan Titchmarsh shared a rare insight ahead of his 50th wedding anniversary (Image: GETTY ) Former Gardeners' World presenter Alan Titchmarsh has offered a candid glimpse into his marital life with wife Alison. In the rare update, he admitted 'we might not make it' to their next anniversary. The 76-year-old is due to celebrate his 50th wedding anniversary with Alison. The pair have stood strong throughout the years as Alan rose to fame. Speaking to Saga magazine, the broadcaster revealed he's still grateful for every moment with his beloved. 'It's amazing that we have lasted for 50 years," he said. 'We haven't got there yet, mind. We might not make it. Take nothing for granted!" The celebrated gardener revealed how he tries to show his wife affection with gifts, but it rarely goes to plan. He said: 'I said, 'I need to buy you a bit of gold'. Alison said, 'I've got enough. I don't need any more'. 'She's the most non-materialistic person I've ever met." But this is not a trait born out of necessity for the pair. Article continues below With an impressive combined fortune estimated at £10 million, the duo enjoy life in a spectacular Grade II listed Georgian farmhouse in Hampshire and also possess a coastal retreat on the Isle of Wight. While their big day is nearing, the couple do not seem too focused on it. Alan continued: 'I suppose we will do something, but we haven't done any planning yet - we don't want a big party." Alison and Alan first met when they were both in an amateur dramatics group in the early 70s. After spending a few years getting closer, they eventually tied the knot in 1975. Article continues below Since then, the pair have raised two children together. Camilla and Polly, both of which have gone on to get married with sweet love stories of their own although the TV star has tried to keep his family out of the public eye. Earlier this year, Alan explained that his daughter's nuptials meant more for their own safety and peace of mind than many people may recognise. He candidly explained on the Spooning with Mark Wogan podcast how his fame affected his family. Alan explained: "I think what happens is because, as you say, both our two names are quite identifiable. I think my two daughters were so relieved when they got married that they could change their name.'
Wales Online
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Alex Jones' dog 'cocked his leg' at Dame Mary Berry at RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Alex Jones' dog 'cocked his leg' at Dame Mary Berry at RHS Chelsea Flower Show The One Show' presenter's day at the Royal Horticultural Society's annual garden design and new plants showcase in Chelsea, London, took "a little bit of a different slant" The One Show star Alex Jones (Image: AlexJonesThomson Instagram ) Alex Jones' labrador Scout "cocked his leg" at Dame Mary Berry at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. 'The One Show' presenter's day at the Royal Horticultural Society's annual garden design and new plants showcase in Chelsea, London, took "a little bit of a different slant" as she and her husband Charlie Thomson took their pooch to a dog-friendly garden, created by the 'Gardeners' World' presenter Monty Don, 69, and BBC Radio 2. However, Alex, 48, said it was a "shambles" to try and tell Scout that he can pee in one spot, but not urinate in another section of the "champagne garden". She told McFly drummer Harry Judd, 39, on their 'Binge!' podcast: "Monty Don, this year, in partnership with Radio 2, had created a garden that was suitable for dogs. "And so they invited a few people with dogs to bring their dog to the show. But how do you tell a labrador that you can pee here, but not here on the champagne garden? I mean, it was a shambles." Harry asked: "Is he cocking his leg yet?" Article continues below Alex replied: "Yeah. But, sort of, not in a fully committed way ... "He sometimes does like a full, just crouch. "And then sometimes cocks his leg. But he'd also cocked his leg at Mary Berry. He did! "So Charlie was with me, and it was nice, but it was manic because he was just on the lead the whole time." Alex and Charlie's day got worse when 57-year-old BBC newsreader Sophie Raworth's pooch "really [took] against" Scout and Alex was later "pulled" by her canine while BBC Radio 2 broadcaster Scott Mills, 52, tried to interview her. The former 'Shop Well for Less' host said: "And it was really hot. And, oh God, Sophie Raworth's dog had really taken against him. "So, I walked into the Radio 2 garden in the morning where there was Monty and there was Scott Mills, and there was Jo Whiley, and they all had their dogs there. "And he gets in, they're live on Radio 2. Oh, and all the dogs start barking." Harry said: "Because of Scout?" Alex answered: "Because - Scout doesn't bark. It's really weird. He doesn't bark. "But he was, you know, he's the friendly annoying pup, and all the older dogs are over it. "They're like, 'Stop trying to hump me. I'm a boy for a start!' Article continues below "So that was - and Scott interviewed me, and we got to half a sentence, and I was pulled by Scout off. And they went, 'Oh, we've lost Alex. She's gone. She's gone.' "So, it was a lovely day. I mean, Chelsea Flower Show is my favourite event of the year. My favourite day out next to Christmas Day. But, yes, yesterday, a little bit of a different slant on it with a dog."
