BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Podcast Monty Don and savouring the scent of summer
10 snips
Jun 2, 2025 Monty Don, a renowned gardener, broadcaster, and writer, delves into the sensory joys of summer gardening at Longmeadow. He discusses the delightful scents of sweet peas and enticing nighttime fragrances that attract pollinators. Monty reflects on the rich sounds of nature, emphasizing the authenticity of a garden's ecosystem. He shares personal stories linking scents to memories, highlights the emotional impact of garden design, and emphasizes the joy of connecting deeply with nature. This immersive experience paints a vivid picture of summer’s charm in the garden.
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Episode notes
Longmeadow's Vibrant Dawn Chorus
- The summer soundscape at Longmeadow is dominated by a very loud dawn chorus starting from early June.
- Birds and natural sounds like rain on leaves and rustling foliage shape the garden's atmosphere throughout the day.
Attract Birds with Habitat
- Provide birds with cover, food, water, and a rich variety of insects to attract many songbirds.
- Once established, birds naturally populate your garden without much intervention.
Monty's Limited Sense of Smell
- Monty Don discovered he couldn't smell wisteria during a garden visit, but his friends could.
- This led him to realize his limited sense of smell affects his gardening experience, especially with fragrance.