With Monty Don stepping down from his role on Gardeners’ World, some voices within the gardening community are calling for the long-running BBC program to take a new, less polished approach that reflects the realities of most British gardens. Traditionally known for showcasing idyllic and carefully maintained gardens, the show’s format could shift to embrace the disorder and challenges experienced by everyday gardeners.

Richard Eltringham from Leicester suggests that Gardeners’ World adopt a format akin to the motoring series Top Gear, which is known for its lively and unpredictable style. Eltringham proposes a presenting team comprising a charismatic lead gardener with bold ideas, a sidekick who thrives on chaos, a reserved purist, and a silent figure performing risky garden tasks, much like Top Gear’s “Stig.”

The proposed reboot would feature more authentic garden makeovers that acknowledge the common struggles of domestic gardening. Segments could include a test of reasonably priced plants and obstacle courses constructed from unstable fences and other garden elements, adding an element of excitement and realism rarely seen on the program.

The suggestion highlights a tension between the show’s historical portrayal of serene, pastoral gardens and the experience of many viewers whose gardens are often small, untidy, and in flux. As Gardeners’ World moves into a new chapter without one of its most iconic presenters, these ideas underscore a possible shift toward content that resonates more directly with the everyday realities of British gardeners.