Monty Don, a prominent gardening expert, has issued a warning to gardeners about the illegal practice of digging up bluebells, a protected species in the UK. The National Trust highlights that bluebells are vital to the UK's natural heritage, with nearly half of the world's population found in the country. Uprooting or damaging these delicate flowers can lead to fines of up to £5,000. Don emphasizes that bluebells take five to seven years to establish from seed to bloom, making their protection crucial. He advises gardeners against planting wild bluebells, as they can become invasive. Instead, he recommends purchasing bulbs from commercial suppliers after the flowers have finished blooming in May. This approach ensures that bluebells can thrive in gardens, although gardeners should be prepared for a gradual improvement in bloom quality over the years.