Ahhh, the lovely Monty Don, and his amazing garden, which is the star of one of our favourite Instagram feeds. Monty doesn't tend to wax lyrical about his garden on Insta, preferring to write a simple caption and let the pictures do the talking. Which only makes us look harder.
A few weeks ago we spotted a picture of his pergola and thought we'd share it with you as a great idea to copy for your own garden at home. In fact, there are (sort of) two pergolas, and both are traditional in as much as they have pretty flowers trained up them, but both are also highly unusual in the materials they're made from.
Keep scrolling to find out more, and for more garden ideas, don't miss our dedicated feature.
- How to build a pergola – our practical, step by step
The Complete Gardener is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn how to garden. In it, he reveals the secrets of growing vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs while respecting the needs of the environment by gardening organically.
Japanese Gardens – A Journey is the complement to the BBC2 series, Japanese Gardens, and has over 200 original photographs from Derry Moore. In it, Monty Don takes a look at the traditions and culture which inform some of the most beautiful gardens from all over Japan.
My Garden World: the natural year is Monty Don's personal journey through the natural year, month by month, season by season, observed from the immediate world around him.
Now take a peek at Monty Don's genius pergola
A photo posted by @themontydon on Jul 4, 2020 at 2:49am PDT
Monty's small pergola (above and below) has been cleverly created with offcuts of tree trunks and branches, with slim but sturdy trunks as the uprights and more delicate branches to create the 'ceiling'. Pretty climbing roses and wisteria are trained up the uprights to create a natural, appealing look. Don't have your own trees to use? Speak to a timber yard or agricultural supplier. You can also find old telegraph poles for sale on eBay, which can be securely cemented into the ground.
A photo posted by @themontydon on Jun 14, 2020 at 3:35am PDT
Monty's larger pergola (below) has actually been constructed with living, espaliered trees – we're calling it a pergola, it's more of a sheltering wall of green. Yet another clever way of creating shelter in a natural way that looks beautiful and encourages wildlife. We love your work, Monty!
A photo posted by @themontydon on Jun 25, 2020 at 11:55pm PDT
- Planting roses: growing and caring for a rose garden
Join our newsletter
Get small space home decor ideas, celeb inspiration, DIY tips and more, straight to your inbox!
Lucy is Global Editor-in-Chief of Homes & Gardens having worked on numerous interiors and property titles. She was founding Editor of Channel 4’s 4Homes magazine, was Associate Editor at Ideal Home, before becoming Editor-in-Chief of Realhomes.com in 2018 then moving to Homes & Gardens in 2021. She has also written for Huffington Post, AOL, UKTV, MSN, House Beautiful, Good Homes, and many women’s titles. Find her writing about everything from buying and selling property, self build, DIY, design and consumer issues to gardening.
-
This colourful home makeover has space for kitchen discos
Leila and Joe's home blends dark and light palettes perfectly
By Karen Wilson Published
-
How to paint a door and refresh your home instantly
Painting doors is easy with our expert advice. This is how to get professional results on front and internal doors.
By Claire Douglas Published
-
DIY transforms 1930s house into dream home
With several renovations behind them, Mary and Paul had creative expertise to draw on when it came to transforming their 1930s house Real home: Couple's DIY skills helped them to create their dream home
By Alison Jones Published
-
12 easy ways to add curb appeal on a budget with DIY
You can give your home curb appeal at low cost. These are the DIY ways to boost its style
By Lucy Searle Published
-
5 invaluable design learnings from a festive Edwardian house renovation
If you're renovating a period property, here are 5 design tips we've picked up from this festive Edwardian renovation
By Ellen Finch Published
-
Real home: Glazed side extension creates the perfect garden link
Louise Potter and husband Sean's extension has transformed their Victorian house, now a showcase for their collection of art, vintage finds and Scandinavian pieces
By Laurie Davidson Published
-
I tried this genius wallpaper hack, and it was perfect for my commitment issues
Beware: once you try this wallpaper hack, you'll never look back.
By Brittany Romano Published
-
Drew Barrymore's new FLOWER Home paint collection wants to give your walls a makeover
Drew Barrymore FLOWER drops 27 brand-new paint shades, and every can is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic.
By Brittany Romano Published