Gardeners' World viewers have criticised Monty Don for apparently failing to warn about a poisonous plant. During the 31 July edition of the BBC programme, Monty tackled the show's regular "jobs for the weekend" feature and was shown cutting a plant while wearing gloves, a detail that didn't escape the attention of viewers.
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 moved on to the following section of the segment, which involved feeding chilli plants.
Viewers point out missing caution
Several viewers highlighted that Monty appeared to have overlooked an important matter concerning the handling of the plant. The footage, shared on the show's official Facebook page, generated a number of concerned responses.
One said: "Disappointed he didn't caution regarding the sap that burns." Another wrote: "But be careful of the sap; it can burn skin." A third wrote: "He should be wearing more ppe including safety glasses."
A fourth wrote: "Monty forgot to emphasise the poisonous sap. Though I did notice he wore gloves." Euphorbia, or spurge, contains a milky sap that can irritate the skin and may prove harmful if it comes into contact with the mouth or eyes.
Facebook caption included warning
The Facebook caption did note, however: "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!"
Martin Roberts' experience
One individual who discovered this danger first-hand was Homes Under the Hammer star Martin Roberts. Back in 2019, he was rushed to hospital in agony following contact with the toxic plant.
Even though seven years have passed, Martin admitted that he "still hasn't recovered", having nearly lost his eyesight. He recounted the terrifying experience on Channel 5's Garden Makeovers from Hell.
He said: "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."
Serious exposure to the plant can result in "vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty swallowing, and swelling of the mouth", according to poison triage tool Poison Control.
Regarding eye exposure, euphorbia can result in "redness, irritation, blurred vision, and temporary blindness", with some reported instances of "permanent blindness". Fortunately, Martin made it through.
He added: "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.
