Monty Don presented Gardeners' World for the final time, thanking viewers for “coming on the journey” with him for more than two decades. The 71-year-old head gardener signed off from his Longmeadow garden, where the BBC series has been based for 16 years, sitting alongside his dog, Ned.
A Final Farewell from Longmeadow
In his parting words, Monty also mentioned other beloved dogs familiar to viewers, including Nigel, who died in 2020. He said: “From myself, Ned, and Longmeadow it’s the final goodbye.
“I first began presenting Gardeners’ World 23 years ago at Berryfields and we came here to Longmeadow 16 years ago and in that time things have changed. The garden has grown, Nigel has been and gone and Nellie and Patty.
“But there has been one constant factor and that has been the incredible privilege and pleasure of sharing my garden and my gardening life with you here as well as working with so many superb people. So, thank you. Thank you for coming on that journey with me and good luck with your own gardens in the future. So, for the last time. Goodbye.”
Monty then stood up and walked away with Ned by his side as the camera followed him into the distance along a garden path.
What Comes Next for Monty Don
Monty confirmed during the show that he will be part of the presenting line-up for next year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. He will also feature in two of the Winter Specials airing between now and Christmas, including a special celebratory episode looking back on his years presenting the series.
Monty replaced fellow TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh on the show at his predecessor’s request in 2003. His previous television roles included hosting Tomorrow’s World, Holiday and a gardening segment on This Morning.
The presenter took a three-year break from the programme after suffering a minor stroke in 2008, and the show moved to his private garden when he returned. Details of the next series of Gardeners’ World and who will be the new main host will be announced at a later date.
A Deeply Rewarding Experience
Monty announced he was leaving in September, describing the show as a “deeply rewarding experience” but adding that “now is the right time for a change.” Despite quitting the show, he insisted he would “still be gardening, dog by side, here at Longmeadow.”
At the time, he added: “Throughout that time - and around 700 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. That connection with millions, not just in Britain but across the world, who share a love of gardens, plants and the natural world is something I have always treasured and which I increasingly believe to be at the heart of a life well lived.”
He began presenting the programme at Berryfields, a rented garden in Stratford-upon-Avon, before it moved in 2011 to his own garden, Longmeadow in Herefordshire. Monty’s final episode of Gardeners’ World is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
