Monty Don Expresses Regret Over Ivy Removal in His Garden
Gardeners' World presenter Monty Don has openly discussed a significant change at his famous Longmeadow garden in Herefordshire, admitting he now regrets the decision. While advocating for the climbing plant ivy, Monty revealed that he recently stripped it from a wall, only to later wish he had simply pruned it instead.
Ivy's Misunderstood Reputation and Benefits
Monty addressed common misconceptions about ivy during an interview on the BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Podcast. Many people believe ivy destroys building surfaces, but Monty clarified that this only occurs to some extent with highly porous materials. He explained that as ivy matures, it develops surface roots that attach to structures, but it does not inherently cause damage.
"It's not the ivy causing issues," Monty insisted, noting that the plant often conceals pre-existing cracks in poorly rendered walls. When ivy is removed, it can pull off loose render, leading to its negative reputation. However, Monty emphasised that ivy can "look lovely" and is "fantastic for wildlife," making it a valuable addition to gardens.
Monty's Personal Experience and Regret
In his own garden, Monty actively encourages ivy growth on trees and along the ground. He disclosed that this winter, he removed ivy from a wall because it had "got out of hand." Reflecting on this decision, Monty expressed regret, stating, "I rather regret it now. It will grow back; we didn't take the plant out. But with hindsight, maybe we could have just pruned it hard."
Monty highlighted that ivy, when managed properly, is a wonderful plant that supports biodiversity and enhances garden aesthetics. He criticised the "fetishisation" of ivy as a harmful plant, arguing that it is often unfairly maligned.
Spring Gardening Tips from Monty Don
Meanwhile, fans have been revisiting Monty's April 2024 blog, where he shared essential spring gardening advice. He stressed the importance of getting garden tasks under control without overdoing it. A key recommendation was to avoid "scalping your grass" by mowing too short too early.
Monty advised mowing infrequently in April to support wildlife and maintain an appealing look. He suggested keeping some areas of shorter grass for practical use while allowing other patches to grow longer. "Set the blades high and just trim the grass for the first few weeks," he recommended, adding that gradually reducing the height as weather warms results in a healthier, greener lawn.
Gardeners' World continues to air on BBC Two, offering viewers expert insights and practical tips from Monty Don and other gardening enthusiasts.
