Horticulturalist Monty Don thanked viewers and his dog Ned while presenting his final episode of Gardeners’ World on Friday, marking the end of a 23-year run on the BBC programme. The 71-year-old broadcaster signed off from his private Herefordshire garden, Longmeadow, where the show has been based for 16 years.
“From myself, Ned, and Longmeadow it’s the final goodbye,” Don told viewers on the programme, describing his tenure as “a privilege and pleasure.” The BBC stated that Don had “inspired and guided millions of viewers with his warmth, wisdom and passion for gardening” since replacing Alan Titchmarsh in 2003.
The Evolution of Longmeadow and Two Decades on Air
Don first began presenting the show at Berryfields before moving operations to Longmeadow in 2011, a property he and his wife Sarah bought in 1991. The final episode featured seasonal pruning tasks, a segment on bulb layering first demonstrated on television in 1989, and a poetic look at the transition from autumn to winter. The broadcaster previously took a three-year break from the series following a minor stroke in 2008. Over his decades on air, the programme documented the passing of several garden dogs, including Nigel, Nellie, and Patty.
In September, Don announced that the current run would be his final series, stating that “now is the right time for a change.” He was appointed an OBE by Queen Elizabeth in 2018 for services to horticulture, broadcasting, and charity, and holds the Royal Horticultural Society’s Victoria Medal of Honour.
Monty Don Confirms Winter Specials and Chelsea Flower Show Appearances
While Don’s tenure as the lead presenter of Gardeners’ World has concluded, he confirmed he will still appear in two winter specials scheduled to air before Christmas. One celebratory episode will feature a retrospective examining his years on the series and the physical evolution of Longmeadow.
Don also confirmed he will remain part of the presenting line-up for the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show next year. Meanwhile, the BBC announced that details regarding the next series of Gardeners’ World and Don’s eventual successor will be released at a later date, with co-presenters Frances Tophill and Adam Frost frequently cited as contenders by viewers and bookmakers.
Community Contributions Featured on the Final Episode
The final broadcast also showcased grassroots horticultural efforts, including a profile of Janet Willoner, a grandmother from Boroughbridge who grew 5,000 native trees from seed in her back garden. Willoner began the project in 2019 after watching her grandchildren participate in school climate strikes, eventually donating the saplings to the Yorkshire-based rewilding organization Make It Wild.
Monty Don's final goodbye in full as he leaves Gardeners’ World after 23 years https://t.co/nIay9iFpxe
“Janet is an amazing lady and worthy of all the praise and awards she has received for her diligent work growing trees from seed over many years,” said Chris Neave, co-founder of Make It Wild. The organization planted the trees beside ancient woodland at Summerbridge.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Departure
Who did Monty Don replace when he joined Gardeners’ World in 2003?
Don took over the presenting role from Alan Titchmarsh at Titchmarsh’s direct request.
Where was the show filmed before moving to Longmeadow?
The programme was originally based at Berryfields, a rented garden in Stratford-upon-Avon, before relocating to Don’s private Herefordshire home in 2011.
Will Monty Don appear on television again this year?
Yes, he is scheduled to appear in two winter specials for the BBC airing between the final episode and Christmas.
Monty Done: TV horticulturalist presents last Gardeners’ World after two decades https://t.co/Ic1wHz3Qc6
Earlier coverage: Monty Don to host final Gardeners' World episode after 23 years
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