Gardeners’ World star Monty Don paid an emotional tribute during this week’s episode of the BBC series (May 16) after an avid gardener shared his powerful story of mental health recovery. In honour of Mental Health Awareness Week, Monty visited a tranquil garden in Oxfordshire, where he was introduced to Elliot — a man who has battled bipolar disorder and found profound healing through the power of gardening.

Speaking candidly on the show, Elliot revealed: “Early in 2018 I experienced my first major mental health crisis. And then the winter of 2022 I was almost catatonic with a depressive state.” He went on to describe how working in his garden became a turning point for his recovery. “You know they are all certainly worst places to be holed up and the garden became sanctuary and school at the same time. Being able to just come out here, get your hands on the ground, feel the sun on your back and just look at something that you’ve grown from seed or smell a rose, watch the bees, it’s a real tonic.

"I am just level, I’m positive and I’m happy.”

Monty was visibly moved by Elliot’s story, telling viewers: “I don’t think anyone would fail to be moved by Elliot’s story and it will be familiar to many people, myself included, and there is something about the garden and nature that you have to be truthful and truthful to you — and that’s a kind of mysterious but very powerful healing force.”