Even gardening legends face their toughest battles. Monty Don opens up about the “depressing” reality at Longmeadow, where decades of dedicated work are now challenged by unprecedented climate shifts. What does this mean for the future of our green spaces?

Renowned horticulturalist and beloved television personality Monty Don has recently vocalized profound concerns regarding the dramatic environmental shifts impacting his iconic Longmeadow garden and, by extension, the natural world at large. His poignant reflections highlight a significant horticultural transformation witnessed over the past three decades, underscoring a pressing reality for gardeners worldwide.

Don, who has meticulously cultivated Longmeadow since 1992, expressed considerable exasperation over the unprecedented dry conditions experienced throughout 2025. He detailed how his heavy Hertfordshire clay loam, typically rich and moist, has become powdery to a depth of three feet, a direct consequence of a severe lack of significant rainfall since March. This alarming observation paints a stark picture of the challenges facing even the most experienced cultivators.

Writing for the Gardeners’ World magazine, Monty Don elaborated on the current plight of his cherished garden, a place often viewed as a benchmark for aspirational gardening. His candid admission serves as a wake-up call, emphasizing that the idealized image of lush, thriving gardens is increasingly threatened by evolving climatic patterns, necessitating a re-evaluation of traditional gardening practices.

The veteran gardener further revealed that the environmental crisis extends far beyond the borders of the United Kingdom. During his experiences filming “Monty Don’s Rhine Gardens” in Europe, he observed conditions that were “much worse” than those at Longmeadow. The severity of the situation became undeniably apparent on his flight home, offering a sobering aerial perspective of widespread ecological distress across the continent.

Don passionately connected these immediate environmental struggles to a broader, more precarious link between Generation Z and the natural world. He asserted that this critical connection demands urgent attention and diligent stewardship, emphasizing that climate change represents an immense and justifiable worry for younger generations who will inherit these ecological challenges.

In practical terms, the escalating impact of climate change translates into gardeners grappling with increasingly extreme situations, from prolonged droughts to unpredictable weather patterns. This necessitates a fundamental shift in approach, urging individuals to adapt their gardening tips and embrace sustainable practices to foster resilience in their gardens.

Despite the current global environmental anxieties and the significant environmental impact on his Longmeadow Garden, Monty Don, at 70, remains a guiding light for gardeners navigating these turbulent times. He will continue to offer his invaluable expertise and practical advice on “Gardeners’ World,” airing tonight, August 29, at 8pm on BBC Two, providing much-needed support and inspiration to a community grappling with evolving horticultural realities.

His candid account underscores a critical message: the beauty and bounty of our gardens are intrinsically linked to the health of the planet. Don’s personal struggle at Longmeadow serves as a powerful microcosm, reflecting the urgent need for collective environmental consciousness and proactive measures to safeguard our natural heritage for future generations.