Renowned horticulturist and star of “Gardener’s World,” Monty Don, has been candid about his ongoing battle with mental health challenges. Despite achieving fame as a BBC gardening personality, Don has faced a turbulent journey, marked by a challenging childhood, cancer, a stroke, and the diagnosis of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression recurring in seasonal patterns.
The gardening enthusiast credits his passion for horticulture as a source of solace, particularly during difficult times. However, he emphasizes that it was the unwavering support of his wife, Sarah Don, that played a pivotal role in motivating him to address his mental health struggles. Don revealed that his wife had issued an ultimatum, threatening to leave with their young children unless he sought help.
Acknowledging his battle with depression, particularly exacerbated during the winter months, Don later received a diagnosis of SAD, prompting him to create his garden sanctuary named Longmeadow as an escape from the challenges he faced.
In a recent interview with Radio Times, Monty Don shared insights into his ongoing healing process, stating, “I’m fine. I’m good. I wouldn’t say I have been healed. I’d say I am being healed. It’s an ongoing process. I don’t do the shows just to understand the garden. I do them to understand the gardener. In the end, people are what really interests me.”
This isn’t the first time Don has opened up about his health struggles. In his book, “The Jewel Garden,” he candidly discussed a period when his immune system “packed up,” detailing the physical toll it took on his body.
Despite being the face of the BBC series since 2003, Don hinted at stepping down from “Gardener’s World” in the next two years. Speaking on Times Radio, he shared his contemplation, considering the energy required for other creative pursuits. Don emphasized the demands of the show, describing it as a “remorseless treadmill,” and suggested the BBC might need to think carefully before hiring someone of his profile in the future.
