Monty Don says ignore the RHS, because this is the very best time to cut hedges

Flowerbed with Agapanthus, Foxgloves, Salvia and Cosmos with a lawn in the background. The garden of a semi detached period house in Islington, North London, home of Adam and Irenie Cossey and three children.

Monty Don is, let's face it, one of the UK's top gardening gurus – so when he tells us the best time to cut hedges, you better believe we sit up and pay attention. 

That's right: if a hedge is on your list of garden ideas (and it makes a lot of sense if so, as this is one of those garden trends that can add value to your home), then it's important to learn the dos and don'ts of looking after it.