Monty Don, the longtime presenter of the BBC’s Gardeners’ World, has announced that he will step down from the show at the conclusion of its current series. Don has been a central figure on the programme for 23 years, beginning in 2003, and his departure marks the end of a significant era for the gardening series.
Throughout his tenure, Don guided audiences through the gardening year, initially presenting from Berryfields, a rented garden in Stratford-upon-Avon, before moving the show in 2011 to his own property, Longmeadow, in Herefordshire. He has produced around 700 episodes, sharing not only gardening expertise but also his personal experiences, including the challenges and triumphs of cultivating his own garden. This approach helped deepen the connection between Don and viewers worldwide.
Don’s background as a self-taught gardener lent a distinctive quality to his presentation style. Unlike his predecessors, who often approached gardening with a more technical focus, Don emphasized the emotional and philosophical aspects of the craft. This shift made the show more accessible to newcomers and encouraged a broader appreciation for the natural world. His openness about his personal journey, including a stroke in 2008 that necessitated a three-year hiatus, further endeared him to the audience.
The move to filming at Longmeadow is widely credited with revitalizing Gardeners’ World by showing gardening as a lived and evolving experience rather than an abstract demonstration. Viewers witnessed the garden’s seasonal changes firsthand, including moments of both success and setback, which reinforced the themes of patience and resilience in gardening.
Monty Don also acknowledged the role of his dogs in the show, referencing past canine companions such as Nigel, Peggy, Patti, and his current golden retriever, Ned, who have featured at various points throughout his broadcasts.
Looking ahead, Don has expressed enthusiasm for continuing his involvement with gardening through other projects, including writing books and producing new television programmes. He has also undertaken gardening travelogues in countries such as Italy, Spain, Japan, and the United States, which have showcased his broader engagement with horticulture beyond Gardeners’ World.
The BBC now faces the task of choosing a successor to carry forward the show’s legacy. Past hosts, including Alan Titchmarsh and Geoff Hamilton, have set precedents for long-term stewardship, and many observers suggest that the next presenter should be someone capable of bringing their own passion and sensibility to the role. Potential candidates already involved with the programme include Adam Frost, Frances Tophill, and Jamie Butterworth, all of whom have received attention as possible future hosts.
As Gardeners’ World prepares for its next chapter, Monty Don’s departure leaves a notable gap but also signals new opportunities for the presenter and the programme alike. Don’s influence on gardening broadcasting, marked by warmth, knowledge, and an inclusive approach, remains a defining feature of the show.