Monty Don talking to Jo Whiley

Thanks for posting, Hannah I will definitely find it on iPlayer.

Monty writes in detail about his childhood and young adulthood in The Jewel Garden including his descent into depression so I'll look forward to this.

Thanks Hannah. I'll also find it on iPlayer. It sounds interesting. We watch Gardeners' World whenever it is on and Monty comes across as such a pleasant, warm person.

I enjoy Gardeners World and more recently the program about Paradise Gardens that Monty presented.

I do get the feeling he is almost from another world, bohemian almost, with his flamboyant scarves, linen shirts and trousers and straw hats.

I have always felt a certain vibe from him and not sure if i actually like him or just the programs he presents. I will definately try to listen to the Radio on Iplayer later today to find out if i can pinpoint something in his character that makes me feel that way.

I will look for the catch up as I’m a fan of MD. not so much his gardening - even he makes mistakes and he does like to do things the hard way - but mostly for his beautiful writing and his enthusiasm. I have all his books and read them over and over, he’s a fabulous writer. He did run off with his friends wife and life wasn’t easy, they built up a jewellery business only to see it fail and they lost everything. His depression plays a big part of his story. There’s something for everyone in his story.

Thanks HLL, will listen on iplayer. I like to think of him being a bit naughty!

Oh that's good to know.I find listening to something interesting helps me wind down for sleep so will find that later tonight.I love Monty's books,and as a huge dog lover the one about Nigel and his other dogs reduced me to tears several times.He has a lovely soothing voice,and in the depths of winter when it's hard to imagine spring I have sometimes thought about his struggle with depression when my own mood is low,and feel inspired by how he's overcome the 'black dog ' and a past failed business to build a succesful career and beautiful garden.

Just listened to it on iPlayer and I have to agree with his wife. His taste in music would depress the hell out of me.

Love Monty's writing and his books are my go to winter reading.

I have listened on iplayer now, and agree with the music choices being depressing. I bet he was a great Smiths fan!
I looked up his books and have ordered a used copy of 'Nigel and Other Dogs' from Ebay. I look forward to reading it and passing it on to fellow Monty/Nigel fans.

Isn't he gorgeous? The dod's lovely too

Dog

Jo Whiley actually said to him " you're depressed because you listen to such miserable music" she was joking, but slightly meaning it.