Monty Don Discusses Home Gardening Debates with Wife Sarah

Monty Don recently opened up about a longstanding debate with his wife, Sarah, regarding the presence of certain plants in their home. The couple, married for over four decades, met during their time at Cambridge University. They have lived at their Longmeadow residence in Herefordshire since 1991, where Monty has cultivated a garden that serves as a prominent backdrop for BBC’s Gardeners’ World.

During an appearance on the Gardeners’ World podcast, Monty highlighted a specific plant that often leads to discussions in their household: the Christmas amaryllis. While Monty appreciates the beauty of this seasonal bloom, Sarah has reservations about keeping the vibrant red varieties beyond the winter months.

Debate Over Seasonal Blooms

Monty explained the differing perspectives on the amaryllis, stating, “I like amaryllis and I have to say, this is one of the great debates in the Don household. Sarah sees the red ones as very much a Christmas thing.” He acknowledged that while it is traditional to enjoy these plants during the festive season, there are other varieties that can thrive well into spring.

The couple shares a fondness for the pink and pale green amaryllis, which can bloom as late as March, April, or even May. Monty feels that these delicate colors should not be restricted to the holiday season. He expressed his frustration, saying, “But she objects strongly to having red amaryllis after February; somehow it’s unseasonal. But you see, I feel that I’ve gone through the trouble of growing the damn things, I want to enjoy it.”

Monty noted that many gardeners often receive an amaryllis or poinsettia as a Christmas gift, but he has reservations about the latter. He believes that maintaining a poinsettia is often not worth the effort.

Gardening Tips and Personal Experiences

In discussing his own gardening journey, Monty revealed that he has “pots and pots” of “slightly dodgy” amaryllis that he has managed to keep alive. He shared practical advice for fellow gardeners, suggesting they “cut the flowering stem off” and place the plants in a sheltered area with adequate watering.

He explained the importance of allowing the amaryllis to enter a dormant phase between August and October. “They die right back and push through again,” Monty explained. However, he acknowledged that many gardeners often mismanage their care routines. “It’s fine if you remember to do all of that, but the reality is that most of us will overwater or underfeed or get the timing wrong,” he said.

Monty’s experience with gardening has led to a humorous accumulation of plants. “Then suddenly your three amaryllis becomes six, and then suddenly you realise you’ve got about 14 amaryllis that haven’t really performed over the past five years,” he remarked, reflecting on the common challenges gardeners face.

This candid discussion highlights not only the personal dynamics within the Don household but also the joys and challenges of home gardening. Monty Don’s insights serve as a reminder that even seasoned gardeners can find themselves navigating the complexities of plant care and seasonal preferences.