Gardeners' World presenter Monty Don's surprising admission about 'hating' gardening

made the surprising confession that gardening wasn't always something he enjoyed. The broadcaster and horticulturist, 69, has inspired millions with his gardening expertise over the years and has gone on to have a hugely successful career as a television presenter.

The BBC star has fronted Gardeners' World since 2003, taking over from Alan Titchmarsh. And while gardening became a passion that helped Monty through his mental health challenges, it wasn't always the case.

Growing up, Monty recalled how he was "dragooned" into helping out in the large garden of the house he grew up in in Hampshire.

"You were expected to go and work in the garden and that would earn you the right to go and play, and of course I deeply resented this," he told . "I hated bloody gardening, because it stopped me doing what I wanted to do."

He added: "However, I'm extremely grateful, because, along the way, grudgingly, I did learn about it." Monty often shares glimpses of his own cottage garden nestled in the stunning Herefordshire countryside, after posting an image featuring two towering conifers in his outdoor space.

Many of his followers found the trees unappealing and felt they clashed with the cottage garden's delicate flowers.

One wrote: "I love your gardens-but not this one. The conifers look so out of place, especially with the tops being horizontal and not leaving their standard shape. If it were my garden, I would remove them. I love the tulips, though!".

Responding swiftly to the comment, Monty clarified that the trees in question are actually "Irish yews," beloved by garden enthusiasts for adding structure and height to plantings.

Defending his choice, Monty remarked: "Each to their own... and not conifers but Irish yews looking lovely with their flat tops!"

A regular at RHS The Chelsea Flower Show, Monty will be designing his first ever garden at the annual event when it returns next month. He will be creating The RHS and Radio 2 Dog Garden, inspired by his own garden at his home in Herefordshire.

The RHS and Radio 2 Dog Garden will inspire millions of dog owners to create the perfect outdoor space for their pets, as well as themselves.

In collaboration with Jamie Butterworth, a renowned plant expert and RHS ambassador, Monty will partner with Form Plants to bring this unique project to life.

The garden will be on display when the annual show begins on Tuesday 20 May and runs for four days.