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Imaginary Gardens, Devoted Dogs and Lettuce Love with Monty Don | Roots S1 E5 | The RHS

RHS - Royal Horticultural Society

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This Roots is a collaboration between the RHS and the BBC as they celebrate their partnership at this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Ahead of RHS Chelsea 2026 and the wonderful coverage across BBC 1 and BBC 2 beginning on Sunday 17 May, the RHS and BBC have joined forces to bring you this Roots special with the one and only Monty Don in his incredible garden at Longmeadow.

Jo Whiley and Monty Don chat about the secret garden at Longmeadow that never makes it to camera, his make-believe jewel garden and love for lettuce.

RHS Roots is our new twice monthly visual podcast, also available on all podcast platforms. New episodes drop the first and third Friday of the month.

For more content like this please like, share and subscribe to the channel.

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Watch Episode 3 with actor Dame Judi Dench - Worms, First Memories, Trees and Fizz with...
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20 Comments

@kathleenmueller8660 4 months ago

Hands down, this was the most fabulous interview with Monty Don; it was a visual feast but alas, it was the poetry of his life’s reflections I enjoyed even more. His life story would make a memorable movie. I saved this and plan to watch again and again.

@matiastikvic7989 4 months ago

Its really nice to hear an older Idol of onesself talking humanly about struggels and overcoming them
Gosh Darn can make this man anymore likeable

@R0291-l1l 4 months ago

It's so important to remember that no matter what age you are, if you're alive, you can always start over. You can always find new passions. You can come through dark times. Thank you, Monty.

@Aina-l2m4w 4 months ago

It was fun to learn more about how it all started. About Monty Dons television career and the start and development of long Meadow. This man is such an inspiration on so many levels, he truly is a gem and I refer to him a lot. Many greetings from Norway. Britta 🌿

@LMLewis 4 months ago

Loved seeing the blissful look on Ned's face as Monty stroked him.

@NormaGreene-o7e 4 months ago

What a great interviewer Jo is. She let Monty talk without interruption which is rare these days. Loved hearing about Monty's life and how the garden evolved. Sarah and he should be very proud of what they have achieved. I must say that like Monty I would like to spend the winters somewhere sunny and warm!

@lauramiddleton6974 4 months ago

When I'm growing things is when my mental health is at it's best. After losing my dad and two children, gardening is the only therapy that works for my grief.

@joansmith3492 4 months ago

Monty's voice, rhythm of speaking, and openness of his life is so interesting and enjoyable to listen to.

@Omlittlebuddha 4 months ago

You never forgot hardship, and having no food, I also grow all my own food because of this, like Monty.

@MarkKelly-e3r 4 months ago

That man brings a calmness to my life, like no other. Loving the ROOTS series.

@stuartbradburn3488 4 months ago

Lovely to be reminded of the times when an AppleStore was a store for real apples, rather than a place to download apps from☺️

@a-g3003 4 months ago

Very emotional interview. Life is one big beautiful mess. Winter is hard but spring is always on its way. Thanks Monty! ❤

@diannehiggs 4 months ago

I often struggle to sleep. I then head straight to Gardener's World on YouTube. I don't even need to watch it but I listen to Monty's voice and soon fall asleep. NOT because he is boring but because his voice is soothing! So good for calming an over active brain in the middle of the night. 😴

@lyndaturner6686 4 months ago

Fantastic interview with Monty , so inspiring how he fought through adversity to become a national treasure .

@lorrainel2314 4 months ago

I didn’t know Monty’s story. Gardening is an important therapy for my mental health too.
I love his garden.
Thanks for the interview.

@stalkingcrane 4 months ago

My favorite British gardener. So genuine and humble.

@kathyf7862 4 months ago

Such a joy to see Monty's transparency as he shares his life. This could be so helpful for younger people who don't yet grasp the ups and downs of life.💞

@happy-gardener-Aus 4 months ago

What a wonderful interview!

@JanMorristheadminmaven 4 months ago (edited)

Love Monty. Most of my gardening knowledge has come from him.

@trishabdesign 4 months ago

What a gift to hear the back story of Monty’s life. It’s no surprise that he is so gifted… The ones who’ve been through the hardest times, always are. This has to be one of my favorite interviews of a gardener… thank-you.