Monty Don is stepping down from Gardeners’ World after more than 20 years on the show. The BBC announced the news in a statement on Tuesday. The broadcaster said that Don, as head gardener for the show, had “inspired and guided millions” since joining the programme in 2003.
Since 2011, he had welcomed audiences into his own garden, Longmeadow in Herefordshire, every week. 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 said he was looking forward to working with, and for, the BBC on other projects, as well as “following new avenues”. He said: “There are more books to write, more programmes to make. New subscribers only. £9.99/mo. after free trial.
Plan auto-renews until cancelled. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. "We are a nation full of budding gardeners, and his tips and advice have been invaluable to viewers for more than 20 years and have certainly helped me increase my knowledge as well as my plant survival rate!” Throughout his time on the show, Don has been open about his struggles with his mental health, including depression, anxiety, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
He has also spoken about the therapeutic nature of gardening, saying that being outside and working with soil can support recovery. Phillips said she wanted to personally thank Don for his “honesty and kindness” around those issues, and for speaking about the power of the natural world to improve mental health. Sharon Fisher, BBC Studios series editor for Gardeners’ World, said that Don’s contribution to the show had been “extraordinary”.
His departure marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the programme’s history. Subscribe here to get the latest updates from The Independent. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
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