Latest news with #Monty
Wales Online
3 days ago
- General
- Wales Online
Monty Don urges gardeners to do clematis task before June to guarantee blooms
Monty Don urges gardeners to do clematis task before June to guarantee blooms Clematis flowers are known for their large, open petals, but if you want to guarantee a good display next year, gardening expert Monty Don says you need to do one thing (Image: Getty Images ) Clematis flowers, with their open tapered petals, are a beautiful sight. To ensure even better blooms next year, gardening expert Monty Don recommends one particular tip. These blossom-laden climbers, which originate from China and Japan, are favourite worldwide. There are over 350 different types of clematis flowers globally, ranging from the delicate alpine clematis to the peculiarly furry old man's beard. Many clematis varieties are relatively straightforward to cultivate in the UK. They need either full or partial sun – though they may not bloom as well in shadier areas. They also prefer nutrient-rich soil. Classified as perennial plants, they regrow year after year. However, this doesn't mean they don't need extra care. One of the best ways to enhance your clematis is to spread compost over the soil, reports the Mirror. Compost typically contains a beneficial mix of nutrients like nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, which are essential for plant growth. In his blog, Monty writes: "The secret of making it reasonable quickly is to have a good mix of matter high in nitrogen (green) like grass clippings and drier material (brown) that is high in carbon and then to aerate it often by turning it." Sign up for our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here. He says that this doesn't have to be "a major operation". Monty suggests that simply forking through the compost will help circulate air within it. The primary aim is to circulate oxygen throughout the pile, which nurtures the bacteria that devour the decaying matter, transforming it into compost. This process infuses soil with vital bacteria, fungi, and nutrients. Monty claims nit is "better than any product known to man." When unsure about what to include in your compost heap, your kitchen provides a wealth of suitable materials. A variety of food scraps can be turned into an effective fertiliser. The banana peel is a favoured choice due to its high potassium content, which is beneficial for plant growth. These nutrients become readily available to plants as the peels decompose. Article continues below Additionally, you can use fallen leaves from your garden. These are laden with valuable nutrients like carbon. Another unconventional but effective composting material is pet hair. Dog and cat fur may seem odd an odd choice for your plants but they ares exceptionally nitrogen-rich, creating superb feed for plants.
Daily Record
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
Monty Don says clematis will bloom in summer with 1 task done now
The gardening expert has one tip to ensure the pretty flower thrives When in full bloom, Clematis produce beautiful, eye-catching, shaped flowers. Their striking appearance has made them popular across the world, however gardening genius Monty Don said there is one way to guarantee the blossom-filled climbers will grow bigger next year. Originating in Japan and China, there are over 350 different kinds of clematis flowers globally, include everything from the dainty alpine clematis to the alien furry-looking old man's beard. Many varieties of clematis are relatively easy to grow is sunny conditions. They require either full or partial sun – though they may not flower as well in shadier areas. The most common cause of a clematis failing to bloom is unsuitable growing conditions. Clematis need a moisture retentive but well-drained soil. The roots need to be kept cool and shaded, but growth and flowering will be impaired if the top of the plant is kept in deep shade. They're also classified as perennial plants, which means they grow back year after year. Monty Don said the best way to give your clematis a boost is to spread compost over the soil, reports the Mirror. Compost typically contains a healthy mix of nutrients like nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus which are necessary for plant growth. Writing in his blog, Monty said: "The secret of making it reasonable quickly is to have a good mix of matter high in nitrogen (green) like grass clippings and drier material (brown) that is high in carbon and then to aerate it often by turning it." He adds that this doesn't have to be 'a major operation'. He advises that simply forking through the compost will help spread air through it. The main objective is to spread oxygen through the heap. This will feed the bacteria that eat the decomposing material and convert it into compost. Monty adds that it will enrich your soil with essential bacteria, fungi and nutrients. He describes it as being 'better than any product known to man.' If you're not sure what to put in your compost pile, then looking around your kitchen is a great place to start. Many common food scraps can be used to make a great fertiliser. One popular option is to use banana peel. Bananas are rich in potassium, which helps prompt plant growth. Once they break down, these nutrients are easily accessible to plants. Another tip is to use fallen leaves that are lying around your garden. This leftover debris is actually full of nutrients, like carbon. Plus, if you have a dog or cat at home, don't throw out their hair. While it may seem like a weird tip, hair is actually incredibly rich in nitrogen and makes great plant food.
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.
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.
Daily Mirror
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Monty Don despairs for his children as they 'can't afford' garden
Monty Don, who has become a firm favourite on our screens as a presenter on BBC's Gardeners' World, admitted he realises how "lucky" he was to have had a garden at a young age Monty Don has opened up about feeling "lucky" to have his own garden, acknowledging that his own children "can't afford" one. The 69-year-old BBC Gardeners' World presenter started honing his green-fingered skills as a teenager in Hampshire, where he and his brothers were often found mowing the lawn or picking strawberries from their family's garden. Before making his mark in the UK, Monty ventured to France, immersing himself in the art of gardening in Aix-en-Provence, only to return for further studies at the University of Cambridge. It was there that he crossed paths with his future wife Sarah and the pair eventually made their home in London. In the capital, Monty and Sarah nurtured an impressive garden, something that Monty now describes as "very unusual" for the time. His remarkable garden didn't go unnoticed and attracted the attention of a photographer, leading to magazine features and Monty's initial steps into the limelight. Reflecting on those days, the Gardeners' World presenter feels fortunate to have been part of a generation where owning a garden as a young person was within reach, reports Yorkshire Live. Back in the 1970s, the average house price in London started at about £4,480, the equivalent to roughly £60,500 in today's money, and rose to around £19,925 by 1979, approximately £96,600 now. Fast forward to 2025, and the average London home stands at a staggering £556,000, with semi-detached properties hitting the £714,000 mark. Speaking on the V&A Dundee podcast, Monty shared that his adult children - Adam, Tom, and Freya - are unable to afford the same privileges he had in his youth. Monty said: "I don't really feel that I suddenly got inspiration, in so much that I realised, as I got older, between the age of 17 and 27, that increasingly other things than being in the garden, were in the way of being in the garden, and I needed it. I don't want to sound precious about it but I really needed it. "It wasn't a question of feeling inspired to go be creative, it was a question of going to the garden to save my mind. I was really lucky because I am of a generation where we could afford, in our twenties, to buy a house or rent a house and live on our own and have a garden. My children can't afford to do that. "I had a garden of my own at the age of 25 and so I think that now, we must find out what it is, if you love plants then grow plants. I personally love planting and making spaces, and what plants I use are less interesting than the overall effect." After relocating from London, Monty settled at Longmeadow in Herefordshire in 1991, which despite its initial neglect has become the beloved backdrop for Gardeners' World. There, Monty shares with viewers how he has cultivated the two-acre garden. With a welcome return to our screens, Monty is set to host the RHS Chelsea Flower show coverage on BBC Two starting at 8 pm tonight (May 21). This year, he is also presenting his first-ever dog-centred garden at the show in collaboration with BBC Radio 2.
