Monty Don, a beloved figure in the world of gardening, has recently shared a touching memory from his past that sheds light on his emotional journey with his wife, Sarah. As the host of Gardeners’ World since 2003, Monty has become a familiar face to gardening enthusiasts around the world. In a recent interview with the Telegraph, the 69-year-old opened up about a poignant moment he experienced while driving past a field of barley with Sarah, his wife of nearly four decades.
A Childhood Memory of Loss and Longing
Monty Don recalled a vivid memory from his childhood when he returned home from boarding school at the age of seven to find his garden blooming with flowers. This experience left a lasting impression on him, as he described it as a feeling of having “missed Christmas” but not necessarily a loss. However, as he grew older, he found himself feeling nostalgic for those carefree days of his youth. It was during a drive with Sarah through the countryside that Monty was struck by a wave of homesickness when he saw a field of barley swaying in the wind.
He described the sight of the barley rippling in the breeze as a trigger for a flood of memories associated with his childhood. Monty shared, “I realized with an incredible pang of homesickness that my whole childhood was associated with the ripple of barley. It was heartbreaking to realize that those halcyon days of my youth were now lost to me.” This moment of reflection highlighted the bittersweet nature of memory and the passage of time.
A Journey of Personal Growth and Discovery
Despite his challenging experiences at boarding school, where he associated dark and dreary landscapes with his time there, Monty found solace and joy in the beauty of nature. In his twenties, he and Sarah embarked on a journey out of London, which led to a profound realization about his connection to the natural world. Monty’s passion for gardening was ignited by a moment of pure ecstasy while sowing carrots, a turning point that would shape his future endeavors.
While his teenage years were marked by rebellion and a focus on other pursuits, Monty eventually found his calling in horticulture. His journey into the world of gardening led him to a successful career as a television presenter, with Gardeners’ World becoming a platform for him to share his expertise and passion with audiences worldwide. His love for gardening transcended personal challenges, including the ups and downs of running a jewelry business with Sarah in the 1980s.
A Love Story of Unconventional Beginnings
Monty’s relationship with Sarah has been a central theme in his life, marked by twists and turns that have only strengthened their bond. Reports of their unconventional beginnings, with Sarah being married to a botanist when they first met, added a layer of complexity to their love story. Despite the initial hurdles they faced, Monty expressed no regrets about how their relationship unfolded.
In a candid interview on the White Wine Question Time podcast, Monty reflected on the intense attraction he felt towards Sarah from the moment they met. While he acknowledged feeling guilty about the circumstances of their early relationship, he firmly believed that all is fair in love and war. Their enduring love and partnership have weathered challenges and obstacles, proving that true love knows no boundaries.
Fans of Monty Don can look forward to seeing him on the upcoming episode of Gardeners’ World, where his passion for gardening and his unique perspective on life will continue to inspire and captivate audiences. As he navigates loss, longing, and love in his personal and professional life, Monty’s journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience, growth, and the enduring beauty of nature.