Monty Don, the beloved host of BBC's Gardeners' World, has made a surprising confession: he is not particularly fond of chrysanthemums. During an appearance on the Talking Gardens podcast, Don admitted that he 'doesn't like chrysanths very much,' adding that he is 'quite tolerant' when it comes to garden plants.
Don, whose Longmeadow garden is featured on the show, explained that his role requires showcasing a variety of plants to cater to different tastes. However, he revealed three things he would eliminate from his dream garden: hanging baskets, bedding plants, and chrysanthemums. 'I've never willingly had a hanging basket,' he said, though he stressed he does not mind others using them.
Despite his personal preferences, Don has offered practical advice for maintaining hanging baskets. In his Daily Mail column, he noted that baskets dry out faster than pots, especially when exposed to the elements. He recommended using a watering lance for high, awkward spots and suggested a planting technique to retain moisture.
Don advised lining baskets with moss to hold compost and moisture, adding that evergreen clippings can help bind it together. He also suggested placing a pierced piece of recycled plastic over the moss to lock in moisture. His tips aim to help gardeners keep their baskets blooming throughout summer.
