Monty Don has filmed his final episode of Gardeners' World at his Herefordshire garden, Longmeadow, marking the end of his 23-year tenure on the BBC programme. The 71-year-old announced last month that he is leaving the show after the current series, citing it as the "right time for a change".
The news follows a difficult period for the horticultural expert, who has been recovering from a "horribly painful" knee replacement surgery and the death of his dog Patti.
Final Filming at Longmeadow
On Wednesday, Don shared a photo on Instagram of the camera crew packing up in the Jewel Garden at Longmeadow, captioned: "Filming today what will be the very last visit to Longmeadow." He also posted a snap of his Golden Retriever Ned balancing on a stone dome with the caption "Balancing act."
Fans expressed their sadness in the comments, with one writing: "I feel genuinely sad. Every Friday I look forward to hearing Monty say 'Hello' at the beginning of the programme. That is all it takes to make me feel like all is well and calm has been restored no matter what my week has been like." Another added: "Bittersweet. Thank you for all the wonderful years of watching you garden at Longmeadow."
Departure Statement
In his departure statement last month, Don 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."
He added: "Throughout that time - and around seven hundred 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. But now is the right time for a change."
Don clarified that he is not retiring from television entirely, stating: "I'm not retiring. I am leaving Gardeners' World, but I have other projects on the go." He also mentioned future books and programmes, and said he will continue sharing Longmeadow on Instagram.
Health and Future Plans
Don has been recovering from a knee replacement he had last November, which he described as "horribly painful." He admitted in April that he struggled to film due to the procedure and expects to have another operation on his other knee in late 2027.
He told Saga magazine: "I was finding by the end of a day's filming I could barely walk upstairs and I certainly couldn't take the dogs for a walk. It was severely limiting what I was doing." He added: "However you do it, a knee replacement is horribly painful. But three months on I'm gardening again and haven't walked with a stick for a month."
Since announcing his departure, Don has collaborated with the shoe brand New Balance, modelling trainers inspired by "wild gardens." Fans are speculating on his replacement, with regular contributors Adam Frost and Frances Tophill tipped as likely contenders.
