In a remarkable revelation that offers a rare glimpse behind the royal hedges, King Charles's former gardener has shared fascinating details about the monarch's deeply personal approach to gardening at his beloved Highgrove estate.
The surprising confession comes from David Myddelton, who worked alongside His Majesty for years and witnessed firsthand the future king's unconventional methods that helped create one of Britain's most celebrated private gardens.
The Royal Green Fingers
Contrary to what many might assume about royal gardening practices, King Charles takes a remarkably hands-on approach. "He's not afraid to get his hands dirty," Myddelton revealed, describing how the monarch would often be found personally tending to plants and sharing gardening wisdom with his staff.
The most unexpected revelation? King Charles regularly talks to his plants - a practice he firmly believes encourages healthier growth. "He'd walk through the gardens having conversations with them," the former gardener shared, noting this wasn't just royal eccentricity but a genuine belief in nurturing plants through communication.
Transforming Highgrove
When King Charles first acquired Highgrove House in 1980, the grounds were largely unremarkable. Through decades of dedicated work and his unique vision, the monarch has transformed them into world-renowned gardens that now attract visitors from across the globe.
Myddelton described the evolution as extraordinary, noting that every element reflects the King's personal touch and environmental principles. The gardens now serve as a living testament to sustainable gardening practices and biodiversity conservation.
A Legacy of Environmental Stewardship
What emerges from these revelations is a portrait of a monarch whose gardening passion extends far beyond hobby status. King Charles's approach combines traditional techniques with innovative, eco-friendly practices that have positioned Highgrove as a model for sustainable gardening.
The former gardener's insights reveal a side of the King that the public rarely sees - not just as a figurehead, but as a genuinely skilled horticulturalist whose love for plants has created an enduring green legacy that continues to inspire gardeners worldwide.
