Gardening is seen as a pastime that is almost like belonging to the Church of England - a sign of maturity and wisdom and right thinking.

The quote "Gardening is seen as a pastime that is almost like belonging to the Church of England - a sign of maturity and wisdom and right thinking" by Monty Don explores the perception of gardening in society as a symbol of maturity, wisdom, and respectability. Don draws a comparison between gardening and being part of an institution like the Church of England, suggesting that both are viewed as traditional, stable, and aligned with conventional values. Gardening, in this context, is seen as a pastime for those who have reached a certain age or stage in life, where their approach to the world is more thoughtful and grounded.

The comparison to the Church of England implies that gardening is not just a casual hobby but something with deeper cultural significance. It conveys the idea that those who engage in gardening are often seen as possessing wisdom and maturity, qualities associated with a thoughtful and reflective approach to life. In this sense, gardening can be viewed as an activity that marks someone as part of a socially accepted and stable group, similar to how the Church has long been associated with social norms and respectability.

Don’s words also comment on the idealization of gardening in some circles, where it is perceived as a noble or proper pursuit that reflects one's character and way of thinking. There’s a subtle critique of how society associates certain activities with a certain moral or intellectual superiority, implying that gardening has been elevated to a status that reflects cultural ideas about what is "right" or acceptable.

Monty Don, a well-known British gardener and television presenter, often reflects on the cultural significance of gardening in his work. His quote highlights the social perception of gardening as more than just a practical activity, but as a symbol of refinement and virtue. By comparing gardening to something as entrenched as the Church of England, Don underscores how certain activities can take on a cultural weight that extends beyond their practical value, shaping how people are seen in society.