Renowned gardening expert and BBC Gardeners' World presenter Monty Don has disclosed the one essential element he prioritises above all others when evaluating any garden. The celebrated horticulturist, who has fronted the beloved BBC programme since 2003, emphasised that while technical skill and botanical knowledge are important, they are secondary to a more elusive quality.
The Paramount Importance of Charm
During a candid conversation on Gyles Brandreth's Rosebud podcast, Monty Don elaborated on the concept he cherishes most. "The one element of any garden that I'm looking for, above all else, is charm," he stated unequivocally. He described charm as a deliberately ambiguous term, noting that its very nature defies precise definition.
"The whole point about charm is you can't quite put your finger on it," Don explained. "It's charming people, charming places. But when it's there you know it, and when it's not there you equally know it." He contrasted charming gardens with those that, despite being filled with resplendent plants and maintained with expert precision, lack this vital characteristic entirely.
Wollerton Old Hall: A Masterclass in Charm
While Monty Don is typically reluctant to single out favourite gardens, comparing the task to choosing a favourite book or piece of music, he made an exception for Wollerton Old Hall in Shropshire. He praised this garden as possessing charm in abundance, placing it at the very top of his personal list.
"With Wollerton Hall, the minute you walk in, you're bowled over by the charm," he enthused. "It's brilliantly done. The Jenkins, husband and wife, Leslie and John, have made it from a field. It's their creation." He highlighted the collaborative effort behind the garden, which has been cultivated over forty-five years.
Don also addressed the garden's current status, revealing that Wollerton Old Hall is unfortunately for sale. He expressed sadness at this development, acknowledging that such a personal creation cannot remain unchanged under new ownership. "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," he noted philosophically.
The Evolving Nature of Gardens
The gardening icon offered a broader perspective on garden ownership and development. "I feel very relaxed about that," he said regarding inevitable changes. "The terrible mistake inexperienced gardeners make is to somehow think it's finite, it's finished. It's never finished." This insight underscores his view of gardens as living, evolving entities rather than static displays.
Monty's Notorious Plant Preferences
In related gardening commentary, Monty Don recently made headlines for his forthright opinions on certain plants. He specifically named begonias as an "ugly" plant he "hates" because they simply "don't work" for him. Recalling a live television moment from the Chelsea Flower Show where he expressed this dislike, he joked about the aftermath.
"Live on TV, I heard myself saying, 'I really hate begonias'," Don recounted. "Of course, the producer loved it - every paper [ran it], and I practically needed a bodyguard." The incident led to him being sent to interview a begonia expert the following day, where he found himself "grovelling" and offering qualified praise.
Despite being inundated with begonias from listeners and viewers following his comments, Monty Don remains steadfast in his opinion. "And I still have to say, I'm not really converted," he concluded with characteristic honesty. This episode illustrates how even Britain's most respected gardening voice maintains personal preferences that sometimes contradict popular horticultural trends.
