Gardeners’ World presenter Monty Don highlights the primrose as his top floral treasure, recommending planting before March ends for a vibrant spring display.
Monty Don’s Longmeadow Garden Legacy
Monty Don maintains his Longmeadow garden alongside his presenting duties. He acquired the property in 1991, transforming two acres of derelict field and rubble into four distinct garden areas filled with thriving plants and flowers. The garden often features on Gardeners’ World, where viewers gain insights into his maintenance techniques.
Why Primroses Stand Out
Fans frequently ask Monty Don about his favorite flower. He explains that preferences vary by season, setting, activity, and company, but when pressed, he selects the humble primrose. “No other plant so perfectly celebrates the coming of spring or does it with such gentle charm and beauty,” Monty Don states.
This woodland flower thrives in cool, damp banks, the sheltered side of hedgerows, or coppiced woodlands. Native Primula vulgaris displays a pale yellow hue, though varieties range from nearly pure white to orange. Primroses favor moist soil and summer shade, with heavier soils ideal for shaded spots.
Monty Don envisions primroses carpeting his garden. In Gardeners’ World, he writes: “Primroses, just plain Primula vulgaris, and no other than the tones between ivory and yellow, are my favourite flowers of all. One day I hope they will completely carpet the ground between the hazel bushes, creating a sweet fragrant tapestry.”
Planting Primroses for Success
Experts advise planting Primula vulgaris in early spring, such as February, for blooms in March, April, or May. These flowers attract pollinators and pair well with daffodils, cyclamens, and snowdrops. Sow next year’s plants in July and trim back in February.
Cowslips: Monty’s Other Primula Favorite
Monty Don also favors cowslips, a primula type suited to different conditions. Featuring small flowers on single stems, cowslips excel in open downland and meadows. Gardeners can grow them in sunny, well-drained grass patches left uncut until early July to allow seed setting.
Gardeners’ World airs insights on cultivating nutritious produce and transforming flowers into art, with expert advice from various locations.
