Monty Don is on the lookout for ‘charm’ in gardens (Image: BBC)
Gardening legend Monty Don has disclosed there is “one element” he seeks in a garden “above all else”.
The 70 year old stands as one of Britain’s most renowned gardeners, having served as the principal presenter on BBC Gardeners’ World since 2003.
He consequently possesses considerable expertise regarding what to watch for. He elaborated that Wollerton Old Hall in Shropshire ranks amongst his favourite gardens because it possesses one quality which consistently features prominently on his list.
Speaking to Gyles Brandreth on his Rosebud podcast, he disclosed why he speaks so glowingly of Wollerton Old Hall in his book British Gardens.
Monty said: “The one element of any garden that I’m looking for, above all else, is charm,” reports the Daily Mirror.
Monty Don admits ‘charm’ is a ‘deliberately fuzzy word’ (Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for The)
“And it’s a deliberately fuzzy word. The whole point about charm is you can’t quite put your finger on it. It’s charming people, charming places.
“But when it’s there you know it, and when it’s not there you equally know it. So there are lots of gardens, all of which will be nameless, which are full of resplendent plants, brilliant gardens, they know every Latin name, and has no charm at all.”
Monty acknowledges that he is “always hesitant to name a favourite garden”, comparing it to choosing a favourite piece of music or favourite book.
Yet he acknowledged that Wollerton Old Hall sits at the summit of his list because it possesses charm in abundance. He added: “With Wollerton Hall, the minute you walk in, you’re bowled over by the charm. It’s brilliant done, the Jenkins, husband and wife, Leslie and John, have made it from a field. It’s their creation.
“They’re a team. It’s actually for sale, which is very sad. When a garden like Wollerton Hall is for sale, and it’s been made by two people over 45 years, it cannot continue. It will change.
Monty Don (Image: PA)
“I feel very relaxed about that. The terrible mistake inexperienced gardeners make is to somehow think it’s finite, it’s finished. It’s never finished.”
This follows Monty identifying an “ugly” plant he “hates” because it simply “doesn’t work”. The Gardeners’ World presenter is no admirer of begonias, the flowering plants recognised for their vibrant, striking blooms and ornamental foliage.
Recalling the instance he disclosed his distaste live from the Chelsea Flower Show, he jested about requiring “a bodyguard” subsequently.
Speaking on the Dig It podcast, the 70 year old remarked: “Live on TV, I heard myself saying, ‘I really hate begonias’. Of course, the producer loved it – every paper [ran it], and I practically needed a bodyguard,” he laughed.
“Then the next day they sent me to interview a begonia [expert], of course they did. I was just grovelling. I had to say, ‘Not your begonias of course, your begonias are lovely’.
“But I’ve been flooded with begonias from people sending me begonias, as you can imagine. And I still have to say, I’m not really converted.”
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