With RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 just around the corner, we've got all things gardening on the brain – from pretty planting ideas to smart small garden solutions.
But ahead of the biggest horticultural event of the year, writer, broadcaster and horticulturist Monty Don has shared one plant you’ll never find in his garden.
Speaking to Barbour in an Instagram video mini series, Monty shared his most ‘controversial gardening take’ – a colourful perennial he simply can’t stand.
“I was asked what plants I didn’t like, and I said I hate begonias...” Monty says in the clip.
“...and the entire begonia industry rose up against me and I had to grovel and say: 'of course I like some begonias… and I like your begonias'”
“But the truth is, no, I could never love a begonia.”
Begonias are known for their vibrant blooms – usually red, pink, white or yellow – and are typically used in shady gardens or sheltered flowerbeds, favoured for their low-maintenance and versatile nature.
But it seems the gardening legend isn’t a fan of the popular bedding plant. He did, however, reveal a plant he feels deserves more love in gardens: ferns.
Monty explains: “Ferns get bad press. They’re seen as a bit dull and to do with darkness. But they’re exquisite and beautiful.”
The recent video also gives us an insight into some of Monty’s favourite things in the garden and beyond. He shared the one landscape he never gets bored of, The Black Mountains in Wales, adding “that’s where my heart is.”
The Chelsea Flower Show presenter was also asked a near-impossible question for gardeners – whether he prefers planting and pruning – stressing his love for both, before answering “by a whisker… planting.”
He fondly finished up with: “There is nothing about gardening I don’t love.”
That is, apart from begonias.
Summer gardening edit
John Lewis VegTrug
Eden Terracotta Pot
Metal Square Digging Spade
Lizzie is the Daily Editor at Country Living, where you’ll find her writing about unique property market finds and dreamy UK staycation spots. Her specialisms include interiors, property, wildlife, travel, slow living and more. Previously, she’s written for Metro, Evening Standard, Ideal Home, Woman & Home and various other home and lifestyle titles. Lizzie studied English Literature at University of Liverpool, where she also was a writer and editor for her uni paper.
