Monty Don Lifts the Curtain on Gardeners' World Production
Renowned broadcaster Monty Don has journeyed across the globe, from the icy Arctic Circle to the steamy Amazon rainforest. Yet, his heart remains anchored at Longmeadow in Herefordshire, where he films the cherished series Gardeners' World. While viewers might picture cameras casually trailing him through flowerbeds, the reality involves a substantial professional effort. Monty reveals that producing just one hour of television demands a full week of meticulous preparation and editing.
"The reality is it's quite a big production team. It takes weeks to prepare – two days to film, six days to edit. It's full on. In between filming, which we do two days a week, we then have to prepare the garden for what we're filming thereafter," Monty explains. This behind-the-scenes glimpse underscores the dedication required to bring gardening inspiration to screens nationwide.
The Essence of British Gardening
Monty attributes the UK's deep connection with gardening to its temperate climate, which he calls perfect for fostering a diverse plant life. He notes that despite frequent complaints about rain, it is precisely this weather that enables a wide array of species to flourish. "Napoleon said we're a nation of shopkeepers. He got it wrong. We're a nation of gardeners," Monty asserts. He highlights that approximately 83% of the population has access to a garden, a figure that has declined from over 90% in the past 25 years but remains significantly high.
This accessibility transcends social boundaries, uniting people across class, race, gender, and age. Gardening serves as a common bond, reflecting a shared passion that defines British culture.
Highlighting Exceptional British Gardens
In his new book, British Gardens, Monty Don showcases remarkable locations that embody the spirit of British horticulture. Here are four of his top selections:
- Rousham House and Gardens, Oxfordshire: Monty praises this as one of the greatest landscape gardens ever designed, dating back to the 1730s and largely unchanged. It features evergreen plantings, statues, and water features, with eccentric opening rules including no dogs or children under 15.
- Scampston Hall, North Yorkshire: Designed by Dutch nurseryman Piet Oudolf, this walled garden spans 4.5 acres and is divided into ten distinct areas by hedges. Monty appreciates its early design elements, such as prairie planting and structured spaces.
- Wollerton Old Hall, Shropshire: Created over 40 years by Lesley and John Jenkins, this garden blends different areas through sight lines and paths. Monty describes it as a "wow" garden on a domestic scale, showcasing magical design and plant cultivation.
- Balmoral Cottage, Kent: Featuring intricate topiary by Charlotte and Donald Molesworth, this garden includes figurative shapes and geometric hedging. Monty calls it a charming and eccentric epitome of the British garden.
Additionally, Monty shares his admiration for Birkhall in Aberdeenshire, the private garden of King Charles III, which he describes as a blend of royal grandeur and domestic intimacy.
Through these insights, Monty Don not only demystifies the production of Gardeners' World but also celebrates the enduring appeal of British gardens, inspiring both novice and seasoned gardeners alike.
