BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Podcast Monty Don on pruning advice and when to cut back or not
Sep 2, 2025
Monty Don, a renowned gardener and broadcaster, shares insights from his garden, Longmeadow. He talks about the timing and techniques of pruning, emphasizing the balance between aesthetics and supporting wildlife. Monty explains the importance of using the right tools and methods for winter pruning, particularly for apple trees and roses. He reassures listeners that mistakes in gardening are normal, as plants often recover swiftly. Discover the art of mulching and how it can enhance garden resilience while keeping your space thriving!
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Garden By Instinct Not By Fear
- Gardening should be intuitive and responsive rather than a stress about doing the 'right' thing every time.
- If your approach works, it's right for your garden even if it differs from others.
Cut Herbaceous Perennials After Flowering
- After flowering, cut herbaceous perennials back hard to ground to refresh foliage and often encourage a summer re-flower.
- This is optional but prevents dying-back foliage and can produce a second bloom.
Stagger Autumn/Winter Cutbacks
- Use a gradual autumn-to-winter cutback: start in October and continue through to Christmas based on weather and support needs.
- Leave statuesque plants and seedheads for wildlife, cutting anything left by early March.