Monty Don ignores Chelsea Flower Show backlash and fans branding him ‘rude’ as he beams for picture
MONTY Don was all smiles on BBC Radio 2 last night despite receiving backlash from fans for comments he made at the Chelsea Flower Show.
The famous gardener made an appearance on the airwaves alongside Jo Whiley to discuss creatures regularly spotted in the great outdoors.
The radio show host shared a snap of the two of them together, as did Monty, and they both sported big grins in the photos.
Jo gushed about his visit, sharing: “I’m not sure we’ve had a guest with greater eloquence, wisdom or a greater voice than Monty Don.
“Sublime song choices too. Listen again on BBC Sounds for chat about slugs and snails, bindweed, Mare’s Tail and so much more.”
Monty added: “Loved my evening tonight with the fabulous Jo Whiley.”
However, the horticulture expert recently faced some controversy as he made a swipe at the winner of the Chelsea Flower Show.
Ula Maria’s gorgeous Japenese-inspired garden scooped up the first prize, but Monty was not impressed.
In the highlights episode on BBC Two, he told co-host Joe Swift: “Right, well, you got it very wrong. It was certainly not WaterAid by Tom Massey and Je Ahn.”
Joe, who was also surprised by the result, slammed his cue cards on the table in response.
Monty then added: “Well, this is a difficult one because obviously we got it wrong, and that is fine. I think Ula’s garden was fabulous and deserved a gold medal. The fact she is a young, brilliant designer is fantastic.
“But, a lot of people I have spoken to are saying that they just don’t understand where the judges are going.”
But viewers thought they sensed a sexism scandal, with one complaining: “Hmmm…bad look of the presenters on Chelsea Flower Show to fawn over young woman winner of Best Show Garden one minute, then totally dismiss her win relative to two men’s gardens they think objectively better the next – don’t think would’ve happened the other way round…”
Another chimed in: “How rude of Monty Don and Joe Swift to dis Ula Maria’s garden like that. Disgusting. I thought the garden was fabulous but then I’m not there I suppose.”
However, people seem to have come round, and several fans supported his stint on the radio.
One person commented on his post saying: “My King and Queen of calm and happiness.”
Another exclaimed: “Two of my favourite people!!”