Monty Don is leaving Gardeners’ World after more than two decades as the BBC show’s longest-serving Head Gardener.
The presenter, 71, made the announcement on Monday, confirming that the current series, broadcast from his own garden, Longmeadow in Herefordshire, will be his last.
Monty joined the show in 2003 and in 2011 welcomed the public to his own garden every week, sharing the joys and challenges of garden life with his beloved dogs close behind.
Commenting on his decision, Monty said: “I have decided that the current series of Gardeners’ World is my last. I started hosting the program 23 years ago, first at Berryfields and for the past 16 years here in my own garden, Longmeadow.”
‘Throughout that time – and some seven hundred programs – I have had the privilege of sharing my own abiding passion for gardens and gardening with an equally passionate, and often equally knowledgeable, audience.
‘That connection with millions, not just in Britain but around the world, who share a love of gardens, plants and the natural world, is something I have always cherished and increasingly believe is at the heart of a life well lived.
Monty Don is leaving Gardeners’ World after more than two decades as the BBC show’s longest-serving Head Gardener
‘I have also always enjoyed the craft of program making and doing that week in week out, as part of a superlative BBC team, has been a very rewarding experience. But now is the right time for change.
‘I look forward to continuing to work with and for the BBC on other projects and breaking new ground. There are more books to write, more programs to create.
“And of course I’ll continue to garden here in Longmeadow, with the dog side by side.”
Kate Phillips, BBC Chief Content Officer, said: ‘Monty’s decision to leave Gardeners World is one I respect, but I am still very sad to see him go. Monty is completely unique, a wonderfully engaging presenter with a soothing, calm presence who has inspired so many with his passion for gardening.”
‘We are a nation full of budding gardeners, and his tips and advice have been invaluable to viewers for over 20 years and have certainly helped me increase my knowledge and the survival of my plants!’
“I would like to personally thank Monty for his honesty and kindness in opening up about his own personal struggles and the power of the natural world to improve mental health.”
‘We will miss him immensely on the show. Monty will be presenting BBC Gardeners World from his beautiful LongMeadow gardens until the end of the year, and I look forward to working with him at the BBC on future projects.”
Sharon Fisher, BBC Studios Series Editor, Gardeners’ World, who has worked with Monty for the past twenty years, said: ‘Monty’s contribution to Gardeners’ World has been extraordinary.’
“Through his warmth, wisdom and deep love of gardening, he has inspired millions to discover the joy and purpose that can come from putting your hands in the soil. I have seen firsthand the care, integrity and generosity he brings to everything he does.”
“His departure marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the program’s history. All of us on the Gardeners’ World team will miss him dearly, but we celebrate all he has given to the program, the gardening community and the audiences who have welcomed him into their homes every week for more than twenty years.”
Audiences can still watch Monty broadcast from Longmeadow until later this year.
