Television horticulturalist Monty Don presented his final episode of Gardeners' World on Friday, bringing to a close more than two decades as the show's head gardener. According to BBC News, Don, 71, signed off from Longmeadow garden, where the programme has been based for 16 years, thanking viewers and his golden retriever Ned for their companionship throughout his tenure.
During the episode, Don reflected on his journey with the series and offered a heartfelt farewell.
From myself, Ned, and Longmeadow it's the final goodbye,he said, describing his time on the programme as
a privilege and pleasureto share his garden experiences with audiences. He confirmed he would continue to appear in two winter specials expected to air before Christmas, including a retrospective episode examining his years presenting the series and the transformation of Longmeadow.
Don's final episode featured him undertaking autumn tasks at the garden, including sowing seeds, collecting windfall apples and planting a final bulb lasagne. Over his tenure, he appeared in more than 700 episodes of the programme.
A Quarter-Century of Gardening Television
Don joined Gardeners' World in 2003 at the request of his predecessor Alan Titchmarsh, beginning his tenure at Berryfields before the show relocated to Longmeadow 16 years ago. During his farewell address, he acknowledged the changes witnessed over his time presenting the series.
The garden has grown, Nigel has been and gone, and Nellie and Patty [his previous dogs], but there has been one constant factor, and that has been the incredible privilege and pleasure of sharing my garden and my gardening life with you here, as well as working with so many superb people,he reflected.
Before his television career, Don operated a Knightsbridge costume-jewellery business that collapsed during the 1987 stock-market crash, with gardening later helping him through periods of depression. Despite his prominence as a gardening expert, Don has never received formal gardening training, describing himself as an amateur gardener and professional writer.
Don took a three-year break from the programme following a minor stroke in 2008. He announced his departure in September this year, stating that working on the show had been a
deeply rewarding experience, but that
now is the right time for a change.
What Comes Next for Don and the Series
Don confirmed during his final episode that he would remain part of the presenting line-up for next year's Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show. Beyond television, he plans to continue making programmes and writing books, and to keep gardening at Longmeadow.
The BBC has not yet announced details of the next series or named a permanent successor. Bookmakers and viewers have identified regular co-presenters Frances Tophill and Adam Frost as leading contenders to replace Don, though Tophill has downplayed expectations of stepping directly into his role.
Recognition and Legacy
Don was appointed an OBE by Queen Elizabeth in 2018 for services to horticulture, broadcasting and charity. He also received the Royal Horticultural Society Victoria Medal of Honour, the highest honour in horticulture. Prior to fronting Gardeners' World, he hosted other programmes including Tomorrow's World, Holiday and a gardening segment on This Morning.
His farewell message to viewers captured the spirit of his tenure:
Thank you. Thank you for coming on that journey with me and good luck with your own gardens in the future. So, for the last time... goodbye.
