Renowned gardening expert and Gardeners' World host Monty Don has issued a crucial warning to British gardeners after a 'pretty big disaster' affected his famous Longmeadow garden.
The Longmeadow Setback: A Box Blight Invasion
Even for a seasoned professional like Monty Don, who has fronted the BBC's Gardeners' World since 2003, gardening can present significant challenges. The horticulturalist recently disclosed that his cherished Herefordshire garden, Longmeadow, was hit by a serious case of box blight.
This rapidly spreading fungal infection attacks the foliage and stems of box plants, creating a major problem for the garden's design. While Monty noted that he doesn't believe it was his fault, as 'everything had a box hedge', the experience provided a valuable lesson in how to avoid disasters in the garden.
Monty Don's 'Really Important' Gardening Philosophy
Speaking on the BBC Gardeners' World podcast, Monty shared the fundamental principle that guides his planting decisions, a philosophy he developed with his wife, Sarah.
'I don't try and grow anything that doesn't want to be there. I think that's really important,' he explained. 'Sarah and I always say, we don't want anything in our garden that doesn't want to be in our garden.'
He elaborated on what this means in practical terms for gardeners across the UK. This approach involves understanding your local soil and climate conditions intimately, rather than fighting against them.
For Longmeadow, this means acknowledging its heavy clay soil, wet cold winters, and pretty neutral soil. Consequently, plants that require very specific conditions, such as camellias, rhododendrons, and pyrrhus, are unlikely to thrive there.
A Welcome Respite from Filming at Longmeadow
This gardening revelation comes as Monty expressed his relief that Gardeners' World has wrapped up filming at Longmeadow for the year. In his column for BBC Gardeners' World Magazine, he confirmed that production teams will not return until spring.
Monty acknowledged the 'lack of pressure' provides a much-needed break, allowing him to work without the constant scrutiny of cameras. He commented that while he wouldn't mind filming the winter activities, the process makes everything take twice as long.
He also addressed the frustration some dedicated viewers feel about the programme's seasonal timetable, which has remained constant for around 20 years. Despite many viewers wanting winter coverage, Monty suggested that 'the commissioning and scheduling of programmes moves in mysterious ways' and changes are unlikely soon.
The first Gardeners' World Winter Specials show aired on BBC Two on Friday, November 28 from 8pm to 9pm, offering viewers some seasonal gardening content despite the break in regular filming at Longmeadow.
