Monty Don, the popular host of BBC Gardeners’ World, revealed on a podcast episode that there’s one plant that he ‘doesn’t like’ as he described what his dream garden would look like
Monty Don has revealed one popular item that he’s “never willingly” had in his garden
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Monty Don has revealed one popular plant that he “doesn’t like very much”. In a revelation that may come as a surprise to enthusiasts, the BBC Gardeners’ World presenter disclosed that he’s not a particular fan of a much-loved plant that adorns gardens up and down Britain.
Speaking in an episode of the Talking Gardens podcast, Monty was asked to name something he wouldn’t allow in his “dream garden”, prompting him to reveal that he’s actually “quite tolerant”.
Monty, whose stunning Longmeadow garden appears on the show, explained that due to his long tenure on the BBC programme, they have to feature “all kinds of things” to cater for “all kinds of tastes”.
He also noted that he wouldn’t have such a “complicated and complex” garden if it weren’t being filmed. Monty then shared three things that he isn’t particularly keen on, including one plant that he “doesn’t like very much”.
The BBC Gardeners’ World favourite disclosed that he’s not a fan of a much-loved gardening staple
(Image: Getty Images)
Monty said: “So, in a sense, I’d just get rid of half of what we… you know, it’s too much of everything. I’ve never willingly had a hanging basket, but I don’t mind other people having them, if that’s what they want, and I don’t…I don’t hate them.
“They don’t offend me; I just don’t want them. Bedding, I guess. Bedding is not something that interests me, and I don’t often like it. I don’t like chrysanths (chrysanthemum) very much.
“What I’m trying to do is whittle out what I’ve already got, not keep out what I don’t have. So, I think that’s the issue, I’m trying to get rid of things that I do quite like, rather than keep out things I don’t want.”
Despite this mild aversion to hanging baskets, it hasn’t stopped the helpful host from dishing out some advice on how to keep them blooming over the summer months.
Monty was asked to name something he wouldn’t allow in his “dream garden”
(Image: Getty Images)
Writing in his column for the Daily Mail, Monty advised people to remember that baskets dry out “much faster” than pots, particularly when they’re exposed to the elements. He did say there are two things keen gardeners can do to address this.
He suggested a watering lance, a tool that helps people reach “high awkward places”. Alternatively, you can try a method involving planting the basket to keep as “much moisture as possible”.
Monty wrote: “Plant the basket to retain as much moisture as possible without it getting water-logged. Start off by balancing it on an empty bucket as your work surface.
“Line the bottom of the basket and part of the way up the sides with moss preferably collected from your garden. This will retain the compost and hold moisture.”
Meanwhile, moss can serve as an insulating layer for the soil. He went on to say that evergreen clippings, including the “soft growth” of conifers, can help “bind it together”.
Finally, Monty advised people to place a recycled piece of plastic over the moss to help lock in moisture, but ensure it is pierced.
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