Renowned celebrity gardener Monty Don has shared that he and his wife were confined to their home earlier this week due to severe flooding.
The 69-year-old horticulturist and broadcaster emphasized that the escalating frequency of flooding in the UK is becoming “a far greater challenge than drought.”
Reflecting on the situation, Monty said,
“We live in Herefordshire, on a flood plain, so flooding has always been a part of life here. However, it has undeniably worsened over the years. The floods are not only more severe but also occurring with much greater regularity.”
Monty Don, the beloved host of the TV show Gardeners’ World, presents the program from his own iconic garden, Longmeadow.
Recently, he has been working on an exciting new series, Monty Don’s British Gardens, where he travels across the UK, uncovering the unique stories and cultural insights that gardens reveal about the nation.
“Gardeners everywhere are being forced to face the reality of climate change,” Monty Don reflected.
“One striking aspect of filming across Britain—from the north of Scotland all the way down—is seeing how universally people are grappling with the impacts of these changes.”
He noted that flooding has emerged as a far greater challenge than drought.
“If you’d asked me about climate change twenty years ago, I would have predicted a shift toward a Mediterranean climate and advised adapting to that. But what we’re actually experiencing are dramatic extremes. Gardens are now coping with sudden floods, prolonged dryness, and biting cold—all of which create significant challenges.”
Monty went on to highlight the unpredictable nature of these events.
“What’s so strange is that it doesn’t take weeks of rain to cause chaos. It can happen almost overnight, and suddenly the waters rise. Just this past Monday, my wife and I were completely trapped—unable to leave the house or garden because of flooding. No one could come in, and we couldn’t go out. It was manageable for us, but I have a 97-year-old neighbor. If something had happened to him, we’d likely have needed a helicopter to reach him.”
Monty Don Gets candid about his Mental Health Struggles.
Monty Don, the esteemed horticulturist and presenter of BBC’s Gardeners’ World, has been open about his lifelong battle with depression, particularly Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). His journey underscores the therapeutic power of nature and the importance of seeking help when needed.
In his mid-twenties, Don began experiencing episodes of depression, which he later identified as being linked to seasonal changes.
The darker months, especially November and December, proved particularly challenging, with symptoms intensifying during this period. He described the experience as feeling like “the world is pressing in on you,” leading to a significant depletion of energy
The strain of his mental health struggles impacted his personal life, prompting his wife, Sarah, to urge him to seek professional assistance. Don pursued cognitive behavioural therapy and briefly took antidepressants.
Recognizing the seasonal nature of his depression, he found relief through the use of a lightbox, which simulates natural sunlight, helping to alleviate the symptoms of SAD.
Gardening emerged as a vital component of Don’s mental health management. Immersing himself in the rhythms of the natural world provided solace and a sense of purpose.
He noted that engaging with the garden allowed him to be present in the moment, offering a reprieve from depressive thoughts. This connection to nature became a cornerstone of his well-being, reinforcing the therapeutic benefits of horticulture.
Beyond his personal practices, Don has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. He has shared his experiences publicly, aiming to destigmatize discussions around mental health and encourage others to seek support.
His openness has resonated with many, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and addressing mental health challenges.
In addition to his battle with depression, Don has faced other health challenges, including a minor stroke in 2008 and a recent hospitalization in November 2024. Despite these setbacks, he continues to inspire audiences with his resilience and dedication to both gardening and mental health advocacy.
Monty Don’s journey illustrates the profound impact of nature on mental health and the significance of seeking help. His story serves as a testament to the healing power of the natural world and the importance of openness in the face of mental health challenges.