Monty Don steps down from BBC’s Gardeners’ World after 23 years

Monty Don, the longest serving head gardener on the BBC’s Gardeners’ World programme, will step down at the end of the current series. After 23 years leading the show, which he has hosted alongside his dogs from his own garden in Herefordshire since 2011, Don said it was “the right time for a change”. He will continue working with the BBC on other programmes, as well as pursuing his own projects, such as writing books.

It is understood that he will shortly begin filming a travel programme for the BBC, named Island Gardens. Kate Phillips, the BBC’s chief content officer, said Don was “utterly unique, a wonderfully engaging broadcaster with a soothing, calm presence who has inspired so many with his passion for gardening”. In reference to Don’s frankness about his experience with depression, she added: “I would like to thank Monty personally for his honesty and kindness, which has seen him open up about his own personal struggles and the power of the natural world to improve mental health.

We will miss him on the show hugely.” Sharon Fisher, BBC Studios’ series editor for Gardeners’ World, who has worked with Don for the last 20 years, described his contribution as extraordinary. His departure marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the programme’s history. At the RHS Chelsea flower show this year, Tophill co-designed a garden with David Beckham and King Charles.

Tophill’s Chelsea flower show garden included an area for natural and homeopathic remedies in a shed, requested by the king, and bee-friendly features requested by Beckham. She has deputised for Don when he has been unavailable, and when asked by the Sunday Times this year if she had designs on Don’s job, she said: “I hope [Don] never leaves.”