Monty Don presents his final episode of Gardeners' World this evening (November 6), bringing to a close a 23-year run on the BBC programme. The 71-year-old horticulturalist is asking viewers to join him "for the last time" in an emotional farewell message shared ahead of the broadcast.
A 23-Year Journey on BBC Two
Don first joined Gardeners' World in 2003 and has since become the longest-serving head gardener in the show's history, featuring in more than 700 episodes. His departure was announced in September, with Don describing the moment as the "right time for a change."
Ahead of the final show, he has described his time on the programme as a "complete privilege." In a message posted on the BBC Gardeners' World Instagram account, Don said: "This Friday will be my very last Gardeners' World. I began 23 years ago. For 16 years, we've been filming in this garden with my various dogs."
He continued: "And that's come to an end. But it's a brilliant programme as ever, and it has been a complete privilege to be part of it." The clip concludes with Don walking away from the camera and saying to his dog: "Okay Ned, shall we go?"
Fans Share Their Goodbyes
Since 2011, Don has welcomed viewers into his own garden at Longmeadow in Herefordshire, sharing practical advice alongside the highs and lows of maintaining a garden, with his dogs often by his side.
With the final episode airing at 8pm on BBC Two, fans have been sending their well wishes. One Instagram user wrote: "You will be sincerely missed by so many." Crufts added: "We will miss you and your beautiful pups."
Another fan said: "Thank you, Monty, for teaching a generation of us that gardening isn't about perfection but patience, paying attention and enjoying the small moments. Wishing you a slower pace, long mornings with the dogs, and a garden that's finally just yours again."
One viewer suggested: "'Sir Monty' would be a lovely and well deserved end to the year and your wonderful contribution to gardening. You more than deserve it! Thank you."
What Comes Next for Monty Don
Despite leaving Gardeners' World, Don has reassured fans he will not disappear from screens entirely. In September, he said: "I look forward to continuing to work with and for the BBC on other projects, as well as following new avenues."
He added: "There are more books to write, more programmes to make. And of course, I will still be gardening, dog by side, here at Longmeadow."
Monty Don's final Gardeners' World episode airs tonight (November 6) at 8pm on BBC Two.
