Monty Don, the well-known gardening expert and presenter, has recently revealed the significant challenges he is facing at his home due to shifting weather patterns in the UK. Speaking on the Talking Gardens podcast, the 69-year-old highlighted the impact of increasingly "extreme" weather conditions, which have become a growing concern for gardeners across the country.
Don, who resides at Longmeadow in Herefordshire, described how the property, purchased in 1991 and located on a flood plain, has been adversely affected by flooding. In January, he and his wife Sarah were reportedly "flooded in," unable to leave their home because of rising water levels. He spoke about the efforts they have taken to mitigate the problem, saying, "In my own garden we've put in big drains this year, at great trouble and expense to try and take some of the water away in winter."
Highlighting the unusual nature of current weather trends, Don explained, "It's the extremes of weather, rather than the weather trends, that are the problem, so we are getting very wet weather, very dry weather, very cold weather and very hot weather." He noted that these dramatic variations are pushing gardeners to seek out plants that can withstand such conditions. Traditionally, gardeners would select plants that fit specific environmental niches, but now the focus has shifted toward finding species capable of adapting to variable extremes.
He also pointed out the difficulties posed by soil conditions at Longmeadow, reporting a "saturation" of the ground and observing "puddles bubbling out of the ground." While Don stated that he is able to plant species suited to wet conditions, the dry summers present another challenge. "The interesting thing," he said, "is to what extent plants will adapt themselves."
One positive observation he shared concerns plants like hostas, which he finds are growing stronger during drier summers, provided they benefit from sufficient winter rainfall. According to Don, the critical factor lies in maintaining a soil system that "holds moisture yet has reasonable drainage."
Don’s comments on increased flooding echo those he made on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, where he described flooding as a longstanding natural occurrence that has, in recent years, become "more frequent." Having lived at his current residence for 34 years, he has witnessed this change firsthand.
Monty Don first gained national recognition in 1989 with a gardening segment on This Morning and became a household name in 2002 as the lead presenter of BBC’s Gardeners’ World, succeeding Alan Titchmarsh. His expertise and approachable style have made him a beloved figure in the gardening community.
Gardeners’ World is scheduled to air on BBC Two at 8pm on April 18. In the upcoming episode, Don will share advice on maximising plant potential through seed division and sowing techniques to create a vibrant summer garden. He will also showcase his RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden, constructed with the assistance of his golden retriever, Ned. Meanwhile, fellow gardening expert Carol Klein will offer guidance on designing colourful and dynamic flower beds and borders.
The Examiner Live is reporting.
Source: Noah Wire Services