Gardeners' World viewers have criticised Monty Don for apparently neglecting to issue a warning about a toxic plant. During the July 31 episode of the BBC programme, Monty tackled the show's regular "jobs for the weekend" feature and was shown pruning a plant while wearing gloves, a detail that caught the eye of viewers.
Monty's Pruning Demonstration
While carrying out the task, Monty said: "The flowers of euphorbia characias wulfenii are magnificent in full display in spring, but they're over now. And they should be cut back. Don't just take off the flower heads, but follow the stem as low as you can and cut it off at the base. These can safely go on the compost heap, and the new growth will supply next year's display." He subsequently proceeded to the following section of the segment, feeding chilli plants.
Viewer Concerns Over Sap
Several viewers highlighted that Monty appeared to have overlooked a vital concern regarding handling the plant. The footage, shared on the show's official Facebook page, generated multiple worried responses.
One remarked: "Disappointed he didn't caution regarding the sap that burns." Another commented: "But be careful of the sap; it can burn skin." A third added: "He should be wearing more ppe including safety glasses." A fourth noted: "Monty forgot to emphasise the poisonous sap. Though I did notice he wore gloves."
Euphorbia, or spurge, contains a milky sap that can cause irritation to the skin and can prove harmful if it enters the mouth or eyes.
Official Warning and Past Incident
The post's Facebook caption did clarify: "Euphorbias can add height and structure to a border in spring, adding a welcome touch of lime green to a planting scheme. But in summer, they can look a little untidy. If this is the case, cut the spent flower stems back to the base, making sure you put on a pair of gloves before you start and wear a long-sleeved top. This is because the white milky sap from the plant can burn your skin. And don't whatever you do, touch your eyes!"
Homes Under the Hammer's Martin Roberts learnt this lesson the hard way. Back in 2019, he was taken to hospital in considerable distress following contact with the toxic plant. Even though it occurred seven years previously, Martin confessed he "still hasn't recovered", having narrowly avoided losing his eyesight. He shared the harrowing incident on Channel 5's Garden Makeovers from Hell.
He recalled: "I didn't even think about it. We're in Britain; this is not the tropical rainforest where I have to worry about the kind of plants I've got in my garden. I do remember noticing a white sap coming out of the sort of slightly barky stems as I was cutting them. And then I rubbed my eyes with my hands, which have got the remnants of this white sap on it."
Significant contact with the plant can result in "vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty swallowing, and swelling of the mouth", according to poison triage resource Poison Control. Regarding eye exposure, euphorbia can result in "redness, irritation, blurred vision, and temporary blindness", with documented instances of "permanent blindness".
Thankfully, Martin pulled through. He continued: "My eyesight still hasn't recovered. I still get very dry eyes at night, so I have to put in loads of drops. The only consolation is it could have been much worse. Just don't underestimate how nasty this plant is."
Catch Monty on Gardeners' World tonight (Friday, August 14) from 8pm to 9pm.
