BBC Gardener’s World star Monty Don reveals there's one plant he 'doesn't like'

Monty Don has confessed that there's a certain plant that he "doesn't like very much". In a surprising admission that may well stun gardening fans, the BBC Gardeners' World host admitted he's not particularly fond of a cherished bloom found in gardens across Britain.

During an appearance on the Talking Gardens podcast, Monty was quizzed about what he'd ban from his "dream garden", leading him to confess he's actually "quite tolerant".

The presenter, whose magnificent Longmeadow garden features on the programme, explained that his lengthy stint on the BBC show means they must showcase "all kinds of things" to appeal to "all kinds of tastes". He also noted that he wouldn't have such a "complicated and complex" garden if it weren't being filmed.

Monty then shared three things that he isn't particularly keen on, including one plant that he "doesn't like very much".

Monty said: "So, in a sense, I'd just get rid of half of what we... you know, it's too much of everything. I've never willingly had a hanging basket, but I don't mind other people having them, if that's what they want, and I don't...I don't hate them.

"They don't offend me; I just don't want them. Bedding, I guess. Bedding is not something that interests me, and I don't often like it. I don't like chrysanths (chrysanthemum) very much.

"What I'm trying to do is whittle out what I've already got, not keep out what I don't have. So, I think that's the issue, I'm trying to get rid of things that I do quite like, rather than keep out things I don't want."

Despite this opinion of hanging baskets, it hasn't prevented the knowledgeable presenter from offering some guidance on how to keep them blooming throughout the summer period.

Writing in his column for the Daily Mail, Monty advised people to remember that baskets dry out "much faster" than pots, particularly when they're exposed to the elements.

He mentioned there are two approaches dedicated gardeners can employ to tackle this challenge. He recommended using a watering lance, an implement that enables people to access "high awkward places".

As an alternative, you might attempt a technique that involves planting the basket to preserve as "much moisture as possible".

Monty wrote: "Plant the basket to retain as much moisture as possible without it getting water-logged. Start off by balancing it on an empty bucket as your work surface.

"Line the bottom of the basket and part of the way up the sides with moss preferably collected from your garden. This will retain the compost and hold moisture."

Meanwhile, moss can serve as an insulating layer for the soil. He went on to say that evergreen clippings, including the "soft growth" of conifers, can help "bind it together".

Finally, Monty advised people to place a recycled piece of plastic over the moss to help lock in moisture, but ensure it is pierced.