Monty Don warns “absolutely do NOT do this”: BBC Gardeners’ World host sets fan straight over use of popular garden product

Gardening guru, Monty Don, has given one fan a public dressing down over advice to use a popular product on hazel hurdles. The host of BBC Gardeners’ World replied to a comment on his social media account which recommended the application of a wood preserver which the 70-year-old refuted.

On Thursday (April 13), Monty posted a photograph to his Instagram account, @themontydon, showing a lorry containing the natural fencing, captioning it: “Took delivery today of these wonderful 6 foot hazel hurdles made in woods in Hampshire. We have replaced our hurdles about every eight years and it is always a delight to have such beautifully made copice products in the garden doing such a useful job.”

In response, Chris Hitch said: “I've used these before, they didn't get treated and only lasted 4 years, anyone getting these I recommend a good soaking in a decent wood preserver like cuprinol.”

However, Monty did not agree, replying: “Absolutely do NOT do this! Put them up securely with good chestnut or oak posts 2 ft in the ground and as tall as the hurdles, secure them really tight with wire and have the base only just touching the ground and they will last at least 6 years - and often more - without ruining them with a preservative.”

The advice came the day before Monty’s appearance on BBC show Have I Got News For You, when the usually mild-mannered presenter surprised viewers with some choice language directed at fellow green-fingered star, Alan Titchmarsh. Playing host on the long-running satirical quiz show on Friday (April 10), Monty couldn’t help but have a tongue-in-cheek dig at his ‘rival’.

During the programme, Monty relayed a story of King Charles and Sir David Beckham - dubbed ‘Chas and Dave’ - designing a garden together. The 70-year-old began: "David Beckham is designing a garden with King Charles… and providing expertise for the garden is… YES! You’ve guessed it, it’s TV’s top gardener, national treasure, all round good egg…”

Paul Merton then interrupts: “Alan Titchmarsh?” to which Monty replies: “Yes… the bastard” to gales of laughter.

However, some viewers were shocked by Monty’s outburst. One person writing on social media platform, X, said: “Monty Don!!!!! Language!!! I'm surprised at you!!!!!! This is just plain weird…”

However, many were full of complements for the great job Monty did chairing the quiz. One viewer remarked: “As host was an inspired choice. He should host this show again.” Another said: “Absolutely *loved* Monty Don on #HIGNFY - inspired choice and he was just delightful, I laughed so much!”

Alan is also known for presenting the BBC programme Gardeners’ World in 1996, which he fronted until 2002, with Monty taking over the role in 2003. He also presented the garden makeover TV show Ground Force – which propelled him, Charlie Dimmock and Charlie Walsh to fame.