Latest news with #MontyDon
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Monty Don claims a garden 'doesn't need a single plant in it'
Monty Don has ruffled feathers by claiming that a garden doesn't need to have plants in. The gardening guru, 70, said that some of the most famous gardens in the world don't contain a single plant. Writing in his column for Gardeners' World, he said: 'A garden can be anything you want it to be, even if - and I know that this is heresy to many people - it does not include a single plant.' The beloved presenter pointed to the famous Stowe garden created by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown, who is widely considered Britain's greatest gardener, in the late 18th century. Filled with monuments, Brown's gardens 'did not involve any particular interest in the specific plants used,' Monty explained. He also evoked the home roof garden of lauded Mexican architect Luis Barragán, which Monty visited, adding: 'It consisted of pink-painted walls, terracotta walls and nothing else save the sky - which Barragan insisted was an essential part of the garden.' While Monty himself appears to cherish plants of all varieties - his own garden is filled with numerous different species - Monty appears not to favour one type of gardening over any other. He said: 'We in Britain tend to have such a fixed idea of what a 'good' garden might look like. 'I have a garden happily filled to overflowing with plants. I love the physical process of raising and tending plants, but I also love visiting gardens that explore all the subconscious and spiritual possibilities that gardens can evoke and enrich.' On the subject of plants, the horticulturalist has previously urged dog owners to be 'sensible' about the varieties which could harm their pets. He made the comments earlier this year, as he prepared to unveil his dog-friendly garden at the Chelsea Flower Show. Monty teamed up with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) for his first - and 'I hope my last' - garden at Chelsea filled with features for dogs including a lawn, water to wallow in and trees to cast shade. Don defended the inclusion of plants that can be toxic to dogs in the garden, such as alliums and foxgloves, saying they were blooms he had alongside his pets without problems in his own garden. The RHS and Radio 2 dog garden, which was not be judged, was to be relocated to nearby Battersea Dogs & Cats Home after the world-famous event at the Chelsea Hospital, west London. Monty said they would remove any plants the charity did not want to have as part of the planting. The horticulturalist, who has presented on Chelsea since 1990 and has covered the show for the BBC without a break for more than a decade, also said creating the garden had been a 'humbling' process that made him 'hugely' respect designers and makers of gardens at RHS Chelsea. Speaking onsite, he said: 'It doesn't matter what kind of garden or how good or bad it is, it's an almost unimaginable amount of work because of the detail you have to attend to.' He added that he was looking forward to getting back to presenting coverage after his stint as a designer, which he described as 'moonlighting'. 'I now have real insight into the whole process. I didn't know I needed that and I do, it's humbling.' Don, who was originally approached by the RHS to design a dog-friendly garden, said he did not want the project, created with horticulturalist Jamie Butterworth, to have any message except for being about dogs. 'I wanted to see a garden at Chelsea that didn't have a message, that didn't set itself in an exotic situation, was absolutely set fair and square in 2025 in England and that was full of plants that either I did have or everybody could buy from their local garden centre, and with trees or shrubs that were native or long adapted to this country.' The lawn was central to the plot, surrounded by planting which can create shifting paths for dogs to take around the garden, and a large open-fronted 'dog house' with an old sofa for the animals to retreat to. The garden also featured long meadow grass for dogs to lie in, while Radio 2 presenter Jo Wiley suggested an area of water for dogs to wallow in, based on experience with her pets, Don said. There was a playfulness to the garden, with use of dogwood, round-headed alliums evoking balls dogs love to play with, and terracotta pots have been created with pawprints of Don's dog Ned who is regularly be seen following him around his garden on Gardeners' World. But while the lawn was created to look like it had been used by dogs and people, the team have stopped short of having holes dug in it or 'pee rings'. And Don said: 'There are plants in the garden that are technically poisonous to dogs. 'However, there are no plants that I don't have in my own garden and I've always had dogs. 'My view on this is actually the main plant I worry about is yew and we don't have that in the garden. 'In my experience dogs are sensible and owners are sensible.' Don added: 'We have a brief to make a beautiful garden for Chelsea. The only dogs that are going to be allowed on here are mine or others specifically invited and on a lead and under control. 'When it goes to Battersea it will not have any plants Battersea doesn't want to be there, we will remove any that they feel has any toxicity to their dogs,' he said. 'We're not saying these are plants that are perfectly safe, what are you making a fuss about? What I am saying is in my experience I've not had any problems with these plants, and I've had dogs for the last 65 years.' Many everyday activities from cutting with knives in the kitchen to driving a car or crossing the road were more dangerous than these plants were to dogs, he said. And he added: 'Just be sensible, don't get hysterical, but at the same time don't dismiss it.' He also said dog owners who are keen gardeners should not expect a perfect lawn because 'that's not compatible with dogs', and encouraged those who did not want their animals to be crashing through the flower beds to create low fences or hedging on borders or corners to stop them. An RHS spokesperson said the dog garden was 'primarily designed to bring joy and delight'. 'However, as RHS Chelsea is also a great place to inspire and educate, with some people perhaps not realising that a number of common garden plants could be harmful to dogs if eaten, the RHS and Monty are encouraging people to be aware, but also to be sensible, about dogs in their gardens at home. 'The garden raises awareness to keep an eye on pets amongst plants. Don't let them eat or dig up plants in borders and, as with anything, if you see them eating something in the garden and you see changes in behaviours or are worried or have doubts, call the vets.' They added: 'The garden will live on at Battersea, where experts from the charity will carefully select dog-friendly, non-toxic plants to live on where rescue dogs can enjoy them for years to come.'
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Garden expert claims Monty Don's 'terrible' advice could pose risk to you and your pets
Gardening expert Simon from the Walking Talking Gardeners YouTube channel has taken aim at Gardeners' World host Monty Don, for advice he claims is 'terrible' Gardeners are constantly inundated with advice on the dos and don'ts of horticulture, from planting, to pruning, to mowing. But, according to Simon from the Walking Talking Gardeners YouTube channel, much of this guidance is "terrible,". Simon has taken a swipe at Gardeners' World's Monty Don for offering what he claims is scientifically inaccurate advice. Monty had suggested that gardeners delay mowing until July to help pollinating insects by letting the grass grow. However, Simon rejects this advice, stating: "These plants are wind-pollinated. They do not produce pollinating insects." He added: "The only way it would be [true] is because if you've got a load of weeds in your you've got weeds in your lawn, well, that's down to you." He acknowledges that while long grass can indeed provide a habitat for insects, not all of these insects are desirable. He explains: "One of the creatures that perhaps you would not like to have in your garden are ticks... They love the long grass. The longer you leave it, the happier they are. Your pets can be covered in them; biting, sucking all the blood out of them." Ticks pose a threat not just to our pets, Simon warns, but also to humans, as they can transmit a variety of serious illnesses including Lyme disease and the potentially fatal tick-borne encephalitis. He goes on to say that if you're genuinely keen to help pollinating insects during spring and summer, you should "get rid of your lawn and put in a wild flower meadow". Simon points to another hazard of letting grass reach its maximum height - the peril posed by grass seeds: "They're little sticky, sharp, horrible little things that if you've got pets such as dogs and cats, they love to stand on them, and get infected paws." He warns that grass seeds can actually embed themselves in an animal's flesh, leading to ghastly wounds so severe he worries sharing images of the harm would see him "kicked off of the internet". "My next piece of terrible advice," Simon continues, "is to do with watering your tree ferns". Tree ferns, he explains, have developed to flourish in regions with extremely heavy downpours: "The whole being of this plant is to take in water and hold onto it as best as it can." He notes that some folk reckon gardeners must help tree ferns adapt to Britain's climate conditions: "You've got to toughen it up so that it can survive, and that meant you don't water your tree ferns through the crown." Taking aim at the horticulturists at RHS Wisley for being especially susceptible to this blunder, he states: "You can water [your tree fern] just at the base as you would do your regular plants. But really that is not what this plant requires to grow well. "If you don't give it additional water through the crown, that crown is going to start shrinking up. Year on year, you're going to get a reduction in that canopy." He cautions about the consequences of neglecting proper watering, leading to less lush foliage: "You will see smaller fronds, and fewer of them," and warns against following certain detrimental practices observed elsewhere. "Over time, your plant will look like all those other plants that they have at Wisley, who have some bizarre kind of management techniques that really ends up killing them all off."
Daily Mirror
17-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Prune lavender one specific time to avoid 'woody' plant next year, according to Monty Don
Lavender is a popular plant among gardeners, but it requires a fair bit of maintenance to keep it looking its best Lavender flourishes in bright sunshine and needs well-draining soil to prosper. The plants battle in shadowy spots or cold conditions, which means they can face challenges in Britain's unpredictable climate. According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), many lavender specimens can turn "woody" without proper care, though regular trimming can prevent this issue. Cutting back lavender properly is essential for reviving your plants, but certain important guidelines must be followed, reports the Express. Monty Don explained on his blog how to stop lavender bushes becoming "woody" and "leggy", saying: "To avoid woody, leggy plants, lavender should be pruned every year. The best time to do this is as soon as the flowers start to fade." Monty explained this timing could range from mid-summer through to late August, depending on which lavender variety you're growing. The horticultural guru continued: "Do not wait for the seed heads to form or the flowers to turn brown, as you want to allow the maximum amount of time for regrowth before winter." For a nicely proportioned plant, gardeners should trim boldly while ensuring some young growth stays on every branch. He cautioned that lavender plants generally won't regenerate from old bare wood, making it crucial to preserve these fresh shoots. Monty explained: "These new shoots will grow fast and provide an attractive and healthy cover to protect the plant in winter and provide the basis of next year's display." Should your lavender appear particularly weary despite proper pruning, it might be wise to substitute the plant entirely. If you happen to miss the ideal pruning window for your lavender, it's advised to hold off until the subsequent spring. This is particularly crucial for less robust varieties such as French, Spanish and Italian types. July also presents a splendid opportunity to take cuttings from lavender for crafting dried flower gifts. While waiting to prune your lavender, there are other plants that can be pruned in July, including wisteria and certain fruit trees. Rambling and climbing roses, along with some perennials like hardy geraniums, might also benefit from a trim at this time. When pruning, always make angled cuts to ward off disease and ensure your secateurs are sharp.
Daily Mirror
17-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners growing one fruit urged to pick them on specific date
Gardening World presenter Monty Don recommends picking this one delicious berry at a particular time of year, otherwise you risk missing out on tasting it at its best There are few things more delicious or satisfying than tasting your own homegrown fruit – so don't delay picking this one popular berry at its peak. With the sun shining and the temperatures warming up, Brits are spending more time in their gardens. One popular activity is undoubtedly growing your own fruit. Not only is a great, wholesome activity that keeps you outdoors, it also comes with numerous other benefits. Growing your own fresh produce means you don't have to spray them with any of the nasty pesticides that are commonly found on store-bought fruits. This makes them healthier and also more ethical, as you aren't harming any wildlife. Equally, with supermarket prices having risen, it can also save you a lot of money too, as you have your own delicious ingredients growing right in your garden. Some popular fruits to grow in the UK include strawberries and raspberries, which are both incredibly versatile and which can be incorporated into many favourite desserts. However, gardening expert Monty Don admits he has a special penchant for raspberries. He writes in his blog: 'I would trade the very best strawberry for any raspberries and the summer fruiting varieties are at their best in July.' He explains that raspberries that ripen in summer carry their fruit on the canes that grew the previous year. This means that all the fresh growth made in the current year will crop next July. Meanwhile, other kinds of raspberries fruit in autumn instead, such as 'Autumn Bliss'. Instead, they produce their fruit on the new season's growth. Monty continues: 'There is a freshness and seasonal treat to the summer raspberries that makes them especially good and we often pick a bowl just before supper and eat with a little cream whilst they are still warm from the evening sun. Heaven!' If you're looking to spend extra time in your garden this month, Monty says there are other key tasks that are best completed in July. One of these includes cutting back hedges. While you may be tempted to trim hedges that have started to look unruly, it's best to wait until the end of July. This way, you will be less likely to disturb any nesting birds. This is because many birds in the UK like to build their nests in hedges. They offer them ample shelter and camouflage - which unfortunately also makes them difficult for gardeners to spot.
Daily Mirror
16-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Monty Don issues July bird update and urges gardeners to do one thing
Bird enthusiasts should be careful when it comes to gardening this summer, as Monty Don suggests that there's one common task you should only complete in a specific part of July While you may be tempted to give your hedges a trim this summer, it's crucial to do it at the right time – otherwise you risk harming birds. With the increased influx of sunlight, many gardeners notice their grass and bushes growing faster and fuller. This can quickly make gardens look unruly if they aren't trimmed properly. However, you need to be careful about when you trim your hedges as it can impact local wildlife – in particular, birds. Many birds like to build their nests in hedges, as they offer ample protection, shelter and materials. Plus, they also serve as a great natural camouflage for vulnerable chicks. Trimming a hedge too early in the year can spell disaster for these young nesting birds, as many won't have flown the nest yet. Disrupting a nest can interfere with a birds breeding cycle and even lead to them abandoning their young. Plus, it's worth remembering that it is a legal offence to harm nesting birds, or their eggs, under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This means once you discover a nest you aren't allowed to harm it. However, this doesn't mean you can't trim your unruly hedges. Instead, you simply need to wait until the nesting season has ended. Monty Don is a gardening expert and the presenter of BBC Two's Gardening World. He suggests waiting until the end of July to trim your hedges. Monty wrote in his blog from 2022: 'Young birds will have left their nests by the end of the month so hedges can be safely cut. A trim now will allow any subsequent regrowth to harden off before possible autumnal frosts.' He instructs gardeners to begin by cutting the sides. Though, he adds that you should be careful 'to make the base of the hedge wider than the top – regardless of the height.' The reason is because shaping your hedge in a slightly triangular way allows light to reach the bottom half. In turn, this guarantees lush, healthy foliage all the way to the ground. Once you've done that, you should trim the top. If you're worried about getting it level, Monty recommends using string as a guide to keep it straight. Of course, not everyone wants a flat-topped hedge. If you are trimming an informal (or less structured) hedge, then you should curve the top over so it has a rounded shape.
