Monty Don Explores the Secrets Behind British Gardens: A Deep Dive Into the Nation’s Unique Gardening Culture
Monty Don, the beloved presenter of Gardeners’ World, is widely regarded as the nation’s head gardener. But before he became a household name, he was a nomadic reporter, globe-trotting for the Holiday programme in the 1990s. Little did he know that his passion for gardens would evolve into a landmark career, as he travelled from Italy to Japan, Iran to America, exploring gardens and uncovering the cultural stories behind them.
However, after two decades of showcasing global gardens, Monty admits it had never occurred to him to explore British gardens in the same way. It was too familiar, too close to home. But with the post-COVID world offering a unique opportunity to reflect on British gardening culture, Monty and his team embarked on a two-year journey to uncover what makes British gardens so special. The result is a captivating five-part BBC series and an accompanying book titled British Gardens.
What Makes British Gardens So Unique?
Monty’s exploration revealed that the British approach to gardening is like no other in the world. Here are the nine standout features of British gardens that make them a cultural treasure:
1. It’s Deep in Our Culture
“What struck me most is that we have a gardening culture unlike anywhere else on Earth,” says Monty. From the number of gardens we have access to, to the diversity of plant life, British gardens stand out as deeply ingrained in our identity. We garden for passion and pleasure, and the connection to our heritage shapes the way we approach it.
2. Our Weather is Good to Us
The UK’s weather might be the subject of endless complaints, but Monty notes that we are incredibly lucky. “It’s rarely too hot or too cold,” he explains. The moderate climate allows a vast range of plants to flourish, making gardening easier and more accessible. The rain, while often maligned, is a gardener’s best friend, ensuring plants grow effortlessly.
3. Gardening is Classless
In a nation often defined by its class distinctions, gardening is one area where class lines blur. Whether you’re a duke or a dustman, gardening is a shared experience that unites people from all walks of life. “Gardening is something that connects us all,” says Monty.
4. We Garden Out of Aspiration, Not Privilege
Gardening in Britain is rooted in nostalgia and a longing for an idealized, pastoral past. It reflects a desire to create beauty and harmony in a world that has often been shaped by industrialization and urbanization. Gardens are our way of reaching for a dream that may not have existed but continues to shape our national identity.
5. History and Revolution Shaped Us
Britain’s industrial revolution set the stage for the rise of the garden, transforming the way the middle class engaged with nature. As the British Empire expanded, the introduction of new plants from around the world helped shape our distinct approach to gardening.
6. Opportunity is All Around Us
Over 80% of people in the UK have access to a garden. Whether it’s a large backyard, a tiny plot, or a community allotment, gardening is something many people can do. “Where people don’t have space, they get creative,” Monty observes, noting the rise of communal gardening spaces and even urban gardening projects.
7. It’s About Growing, Not Showing
British gardeners care about the process as much as the result. “In other countries, the focus is often on the end product – a perfect, flawless garden,” Monty explains. “For us, the act of gardening itself is what’s valued most, even if the garden isn’t always picture-perfect.”
8. We Make Moral Judgements on Gardening
There’s a certain moral virtue in gardening ourselves. “If you do it yourself, it’s considered better somehow,” says Monty. This attitude makes British gardening unique: the satisfaction comes from growing and nurturing the plants yourself, rather than paying someone else to do it.
9. British Gardens Share a Certain Beauty
Despite the diversity of gardens in Britain, they all share a common characteristic: a rich and varied display of plants. Monty notes that our climate allows us to grow a vast array of plants from all over the world. The result is a garden culture dominated by lush flowering plants, whether in grand stately homes or humble suburban backyards.
In Conclusion: Why British Gardens Are Like No Other
Monty’s deep dive into British gardens has revealed the layers of history, culture, and passion that make them a national treasure. From the soothing rain to the communal spirit, British gardens reflect the values and aspirations of the people who tend them. Gardening is not just a hobby in Britain—it’s a way of life, one that continues to inspire and connect people across generations.
