Garden enthusiasts are feeling the strain of climate change as they look to beloved broadcaster Monty Don, who recently revealed the limitations and challenges posed by extreme weather on his garden.
Taking to Instagram, Don shared alarming visuals of his usually lush garden submerged under murky floodwaters. At 69 years old, the revered gardener voiced his concerns, stating, "I think this is the first time in 34 years we have simultaneously had flooding and lying snow. And the roads to the garden are flooded, so no vehicles are getting in or out today." His followers responded swiftly, with many expressing their support and empathy, one stating, "I do hope everything recovers. Your garden is inspirational and you have worked so hard and with so much love and dedication to create it."
Don also noted how something he considered rare is now happening with alarming frequency. "It is developing... sort of flood we used to get once every 10 years but is now happening 3 or 4 times a year," he noted, with concerned fans urging him to stay safe through these climate challenges.
Sparking significant conversations about the resilience of gardeners, one user remarked, "It seems really heartbreaking to see this flood damage; it seems more common these days." Yet, Monty remained optimistic, mentioning humorously, "At least the potting shed is dry and warm, and I have begun seed sowing (lots of spring salad leaves as well as tomatoes and chillies)."
Shifting focus temporarily from the weather, Don offered his insights on winter gardening. According to him, now is actually the right time for sowing certain vegetables. He instructed, "If the soil is dry enough, sow broad beans and plant onion sets. I always try to sow some broad beans in February for an early crop. It’s worth preparing for."
Further exploring gardening strategies for this winter season, he shared the importance of using potting sheds and greenhouses. "The potting shed and greenhouse become the centre of activity, sowing seeds, taking dahlias out of hibernation, and chitting potatoes. There is a temptation to sow too much, but I find it irresistible to sow as much as I can." He even admitted to enjoying winter tomato planting, preferring to stagger his batches for optimized harvests.
But there’s more to Don's story recently, as he announces the release of his new series, Monty Don's British Gardens, expected to be captivating for both fans of horticulture and casual viewers alike. He travels to 60 distinct gardens throughout the UK, starting from the picturesque landscapes of Scotland to Northumberland. The first episode aired on BBC Two on January 8th and is receiving commendable buzz.
Don particularly highlighted The Alnwick Garden during his tour, expressing genuine awe, saying, "To make a garden deliberately for the public... and spending millions, I mean millions and millions and millions." The Duchess of Northumberland's remarkable vision was personalized by Don, who stressed how it offered something truly unique, accessible, and joyful to the public.
On The One Show, Don reminisced about conversations surrounding the allure of Alnwick Garden, explaining how it has become special to locals who feel ownership over it. "It’s because it’s ours. That’s special," he remarked thoughtfully.
With children’s laughter mingling with nature, he elaborated on the garden's inviting atmosphere, saying, "They encourage children to muck about... they encourage people to run around and bash around and just have fun." Recognizing the importance of accessibility and engagement with nature, Don's admiration for such gardens resonates, especially as more people seek respite through gardening.
The new series promises to offer five hour-long episodes showcasing extraordinary gardens across the UK, urging viewers to stay tuned as Monty continues his horticultural exploration throughout England, Northern Ireland, Wales, and London, culminating with the South West. Fans are encouraged to catch Monty Don’s British Gardens this Friday at 8pm on BBC Two.
The blend of personal experiences with flooding and his professional explorations reminds audiences not just of the beauty of gardening but also of the challenges it faces amid changing climates and the importance of community support. Monty Don remains not just an advocate for his garden but for gardens everywhere, proving once more how significant they are to our lives—no matter the weather.