After a remarkable 23 years as the head gardener on the BBC's iconic Gardeners' World, Monty Don has made the decision to step down – but he's made a promise that will save us from too much heartache about his departure.
Since joining the BBC's longest-running gardening TV show back in 2003, Monty quickly became a fan favourite – and later, the programme's longest-serving presenter. From 2011 he let us into his own garden, Longmeadow in Herefordshire, each week, sharing glimpses of his individual gardening challenges as well as his much-loved dogs, Ned, Patti, Nell and Nigel.
Now he's made the decision to quit. Monty said: 'I have decided that the current series of Gardeners’ World is to be my last. I began hosting the programme 23 years ago, first at Berryfields and for the past 16 years here in my own garden, Longmeadow.
'Throughout that time – and around 700 programmes – 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 across the world, who share a love of gardens, plants and the natural world is something I have always treasured and which I increasingly believe to be at the heart of a life well lived.
'I have also always relished the craft of programme making and to do so, week in week out, as part of a superlative BBC team has been a deeply rewarding experience. But now is the right time for a change.'
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The good news for us is that this doesn't seem to be a hard stop or a total retirement. Monty has pledged that he'll keep working with the BBC, so is likely to be back on our screens in some capacity. And he'll continue to broadcast from Longmeadow until 'later this year', so we have some time to come to terms with the move.
Monty said: 'I look forward to continuing to work with and for the BBC on other projects, as well as following new avenues. There are more books to write, more programmes to make. And of course, I will still be gardening, dog by side, here at Longmeadow.'
Fans are, of course, absolutely gutted. 'Oh no,' wrote one fan on X, formerly known as Twitter, 'Floribundas at half-mast'. Others have described the move as 'devastating', while one viewer summed up how we all feel with a simple 'nooooooo'.
Even the pros over at the BBC admit to be 'very sad' about Monty's departure. Kate Phillips, the BBC’s chief content officer, said: 'Monty’s decision to leave Gardeners World is one I respect, but I’m still very sad he’s leaving. Monty is utterly unique, a wonderfully engaging broadcaster 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 more than 20 years and have certainly helped me increase my knowledge as well as my plant survival rate!
'I would like to thank Monty personally for his honesty and kindness, which has seen him open-up about his own personal struggles and the power of the natural world to improve mental health. We will miss him on the show hugely. 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 on the BBC on future projects.'
Sharon Fisher, BBC Studio series editor for Gardeners' World, worked directly with Monty over the last two decades. She added: '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 pleasure and purpose that getting your hands into the soil can bring. I have seen first-hand the care, integrity and generosity he brings to everything he does. His departure marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the programme’s history. All of us on the Gardeners’ World team will miss him enormously, but we celebrate everything he has given to the programme, the gardening community and the audience who have welcomed him into their homes every week for over two decades.'
No word yet on who will take over from Monty once his tenure is complete. They'll have big gardening boots to fill.
