Gardening at Longmeadow

by Montagu Don

Monty Don made a triumphant return to our screens as presenter of Gardeners' World . A firm favourite with viewers, Monty's infectious enthusiasm for plants, attention to the finer details of gardening technique and easy charm have seen the ratings soar. Here Monty invites us into the garden at Longmeadow, to show us how he created this beautiful garden, and how we can do the same in our own. Following the cycle of the seasons, Gardening at Longmeadow will introduce readers to the garden from the earliest snowdrops of January through the first splashes of colour in the Spring Garden, the electric summer displays of the Jewel Garden, the autumn harvest in the orchard, and on to a Christmas feast sourced from the vegetable gardens. Describing the magic of each area at different times of the year, Monty will explain the basics of what to do when and how to get the most from each plant. He'll talk through the essential techniques and more complex processes, accompanied by easy-to-follow, step-by-step photography. Longmeadow is a gardeners' garden, but this will be a book for gardening enthusiasts of all skill levels who have been inspired by what they've seen, and who would like to achieve something similar for themselves.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Horticulture, Nature

352 pages, Hardcover

First published April 24, 2012

About the author

Montagu 'Monty' Denis Wyatt Don is a German-born British television presenter, writer and speaker on horticulture, known for presenting the BBC television series Gardeners' World.

Reviews

[PamG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gardening at Longmeadow by Monty Don takes readers and gardeners through a year at the famous garden. After a short introduction that includes what the property looked like when he purchased it, the book is organized into monthly chapters and filled with photos.
Each chapter contains information on the author’s personal experiences at Longmeadow as well as what is happening with flowers, trees, shrubs, and vegetables during the month. It contains tasks to do as well as how to do them.

While the soil, weather, and temperatures are very different where I live, there is still a lot of information that is applicable. While items such as when to sow certain seeds needs to be adjusted for my climate, the task itself is the same. The how-to instructions are great. Monty also shares insights into life and how gardening is a positive influence on him.

Overall, this was an enjoyable and educational read. I’m looking forward to reading more of his books on gardens and gardening.

I purchased a physical copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
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My 4.19 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.

[Talia Van der wel · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no one who gardens like Monty Don and no one who writes as poetically reverent about gardening backed with true know-how. An excellent and beautiful read.

[Jason Baldauf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monty Don always delivers, and Gardening at Longmeadow is no exception. His writing is witty, charming, knowledgeable and infectiously engaging. He touches on a little of every topic a gardener can hope for, each one packed generously with know how. It’s written in a month by month format, with musings appropriate to each. I found to be the more engaging by reading it as such, month to month through my own gardening year, and I found it to be a joy. It’s hard to pick a favorite between this and Down to Earth, both are equally good for their own reasons. Down to Earth is more approachable, especially for the novice. It contains more gardening basics, whereas Gardening at Longmeadow digs in deeper. Thoroughly enjoyable!

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won’t try to hide it. I love Monty Don. This isn’t really a book you sit and read at one time. It is organized month by month, based on what is blooming or planted during that time. Really, the gem of this book is the passage he writes at the beginning of each month — Monty writes about the seasons in the garden much like a poet writing to a lover. His passion for gardening and the natural world are evident and he has the ability to make ordinary, daily events in the garden seem magical. And I love him for it. I doubt I will reference this book for gardening advice as much as I will google, but for the pictures and his thoughts on the seasons, this book is priceless.

[Marcia Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always love Monty Don books. This one is right up there with all the rest.

[Samantha Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love gardening you will love this

[Justin9494 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great month by month format and what should be done in those months or what to look for. solid read for any gardener

[pwcresswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A relaxing informative read

Much like his style on TV this is a relaxing read, the information is passed on in his skilled conversational manner. It's a gardeners handbook an insight into how he gardens and his own garden and its style. A journey leading you by the hand to help you create your own magical garden. Late to gardening and to Monty Don I thoroughly enjoyed it and will just say ....... roll on the arrival of spring.

[minz · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was pretty good book on what to do for each month of the year. Not that it was anything wrong with it (liked it rating means liked it). I was not expecting it to be more gardening tips rather than what was blooming in longmedow. I guess it was like a published book of my garden log with a little bit of background.

[Sophie James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Monty Don's writing, and I love his words - 'glaucous' is one of my faves.

[Christina Towsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative

Another excellent book from Monty. I will again re-read and take notes. Plenty of tips and advice. I would recommend for beginners to expert gardeners. A gem

[Lisa Betts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Less of a how-to book about gardening, and more about reflections on his time at Longmeadow.

[Agata · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading this book. I consider myself to be an experienced gardener now but I still take great pleasure in looking to Monty’s books and TV programmes for inspiration and ideas.

I read many of Monty’s books already and therefore decided to savour this particular one as it’s so beautifully divided into 12 chapters that correspond to the 12 months of a gardening year. I read one chapter a month to fully embrace and cherish my own garden. It’s been a wonderful journey that I concluded just in time for Christmas.