Monty Don Compares ‘Gardeners’ World’ Experience to Returning to School
Monty Don is filming the latest Gardeners’ World series at his Longmeadow garden in Herefordshire. He and his team must plan around the weather and the rhythms of the plot.
Television work: planning and pace
Don says the on-screen ease hides complex logistics. Production takes weeks of preparation, two days of filming, and six days of editing.
The crew typically films two days each week. Between shoots, they ready the garden for the next segments.
He likens the intensity to returning to school for both himself and the team. The aim is to make each episode feel spontaneous to viewers.
British Gardens — the book
Don has produced a coffee-table volume titled British Gardens. It serves as a tie-in to last year’s BBC series.
The book, illustrated by Derry Moore, surveys private and public gardens across Britain. It ranges from Scotland down to Cornwall.
Why Britain stands out
Don highlights climate as a key factor. He argues the weather supports a wider range of planting than most countries.
He also points to gardening’s popularity. About 83% of the population still has access to a garden today.
That figure has fallen from over 90% in the past 25 years. Yet gardening remains a strong, cross-cutting cultural activity.
Gardens featured in the book
Birkhall, Cairngorms National Park
Birkhall is presented as a private royal garden. Filming there was described as a rare permission and a significant moment.
The site combines kitchen gardens, lawns and woods. Don notes its private, domestic atmosphere despite its royal status.
Scampston Hall, North Yorkshire
Scampston Hall features a 4.5-acre walled garden designed by Piet Oudolf. It is divided into ten distinct rooms by hedges.
Planting includes prairie-style schemes, structured hedges, a mound and water features. The restoration and maintenance are notable.
Wollerton Old Hall, Shropshire
Wollerton Old Hall sits on four acres, half of which is woodland. The garden links different spaces with sightlines and paths.
Lesley and John Jenkins created the layout over about forty years. Their collaboration balances design and plant cultivation.
Balmoral Cottage, Kent
Topiary defines the garden at Balmoral Cottage. Charlotte and Donald Molesworth began restoring it after moving there in 1983.
The garden features high box hedging, brick paths, box balls and figurative topiary. Don describes it as charming and eccentric.
Rousham, Oxfordshire
Rousham dates from the 1730s and represents the landscape movement. It predates Capability Brown and remains largely unchanged.
The garden is known for its evergreen planting, statues and water. Public access is managed with strict house rules at the entrance.
Publication details
British Gardens by Monty Don and Derry Moore is published by BBC Books. Photography is by Derry Moore and the price is £35.
The book is available now and complements Don’s ongoing television work. Filmogaz.com covered the new volume and related filming insights.
