Gardeners’ World star Monty Don recently shared the distressing aftermath of a significant flood that impacted his home in Herefordshire. On November 15 and 16, the 70-year-old gardener posted several photos and videos on social media, highlighting the extensive water damage caused by heavy rainfall in the region.
The flooding is part of a broader trend affecting many homes and businesses in Herefordshire. In an Instagram post, Don reflected on the situation, stating, “There has been really bad flooding in this part of the country and homes and businesses have suffered very badly, so we are lucky that it is just the fields and garden that is wet here.” His property, known as Longmeadow, is located near a river and water meadows, which have made Don accustomed to seasonal flooding.
Despite the challenges posed by the flood, Don maintained a sense of perspective. He noted in a later post that the flooding also brings what he described as “transformative beauty,” as the lush greenery surrounding the area remained largely untouched. He shared a photo showcasing the high water levels, which nearly engulfed the tree trunks outside his home.
On November 15, Don captured the immediate impact of the weather, revealing that the grass in his garden was completely submerged. “A little wet in the garden this morning after yesterday’s storm that dropped a month’s worth of rain in 24 hours,” he wrote. While the conditions were difficult, his golden retriever, Ned, appeared to enjoy the water, with Don sharing a video of the dog retrieving a ball from the flooded area. “The small matter of a major flood is not going to stop Ned retrieving his ball!” he humorously captioned the clip.
The flooding resulted from the recent Storm Claudia, which brought severe weather conditions to parts of England and Wales. Wind speeds reached up to 60 miles per hour, contributing to extensive rainfall and widespread flooding.
Don has experienced flooding at Longmeadow before. Earlier this year, he and his wife, Sarah, found themselves trapped in their home due to rising water levels. “I live in Herefordshire. We live on a flood plain, so flooding has always been part of life there,” he explained in January. “But it’s definitely got worse. It’s definitely got more frequent.”
In a previous blog post from January 2024, Don described the persistent rain, stating, “It has barely stopped raining for the past three months and as I write this, the fields as far as the eye can see are underwater as are sections of the garden.” He expressed frustration at the conditions, which hindered his gardening activities and resulted in muddy paths.
Monty Don and his wife purchased Longmeadow in October 1991, transforming it from a two-acre abandoned field into a flourishing garden over the course of ten years. He described the initial state of the property, stating, “When we bought this house, it was a ruin – no roof, electricity, running water or sanitation.” Their restoration efforts have since created a picturesque home complete with pruned box hedges, a cozy country sitting room, and a large farmhouse kitchen.
As the couple continues to navigate the challenges posed by flooding, Don’s commitment to his garden and home remains steadfast. His ability to find joy amidst adversity reflects a resilient spirit, even in the face of nature’s unpredictability.
