The Gardeners’ World presenter on being a sucker for spy stories, pub nights in the early 70s, and having his prejudices challenged by a gigantic floral dog

Born in 1955 in West Germany and raised in Hampshire, Monty Don studied English literature at the University of Cambridge. After running a costume jewellery business in the 80s, he was the Observer ’s gardening editor from 1994 to 2006. He has presented Gardeners’ World since 2003, as well as his own series including Around the World in 80 Gardens and Monty Don’s Japanese Gardens . He lives in Ivington, Herefordshire with his wife, Sarah; they have three children. He has published 27 books, the latest of which is Spanish Gardens (BBC Books, £39.99), with photography by Derry Moore, is out now.