Monty Don has expressed his admiration for a lesser-known garden that he had never visited before, as he embarked on his latest television journey.
In the upcoming series Monty Don’s British Gardens, the renowned TV gardener explores 60 gardens across the UK, with the first episode featuring Scotland and Northumberland, set to air this Friday on Two.
During an appearance on The One Show with Alex Jones and Clara Amfo this Wednesday (January 8th), Monty was particularly taken aback by The Alnwick Garden, which he visited during his travels.
He praised the vision behind the garden, saying, “It was an extraordinary idea. The Duchess decided to make this vast public garden and I don’t think anybody’s ever done that before.
“To make a garden deliberately for the public that they can enjoy. And spending millions, I mean millions and millions and millions”, reports .
Monty Don admits he’d never been to ‘extraordinary’ hidden gem garden (Image: BBC)
Reflecting on his own anticipation, he added, “It was… I’d never been, I’d wanted to go.”
Monty also shared a past conversation about the allure of the garden, located just a short drive from Newcastle, recalling, “I remember talking to someone years ago, saying ‘What is it about Alnwick?’
“And this was someone who lived in Newcastle, and he said ‘It’s because it’s ours’. And that’s special.”
Monty Don was in the One Show studio with Aisling Bea and Nick Frost (Image: BBC)
Alex Jones chimed in with her impression of Alnwick’s welcoming water feature, noting its design encourages children to play in the fountain.
Confirming the family-friendly nature of the garden, Monty concluded: “The best thing about it… I went in and you’re looking around, what can we film, what’s going on here?
“And I saw a row of toy tractors lined up in front of that thing, I thought ‘Yeah, this is the place’.
Monty highlighted Alnwick Garden’s water feature (Image: BBC)
“They encourage children to muck about, they encourage people to run around and bash into things and have fun.”
The upcoming series comprises five hour-long episodes showcasing the finest gardens across the UK, making it a must-watch for Monty’s fans and those seeking new destinations to explore in 2025.
The journey begins in Scotland and Northumberland, followed by episode two where Monty visits England and Northern Ireland. He then travels to Wales and Norfolk, before heading to London and the home counties, and finally concludes with the South West in episode five.
The One Show airs weekdays at 7pm on One and iPlayer. Monty Don’s British Gardens Friday at 8pm on Two.