Monty Don final Gardeners' World episode — Monty Don has presented his last episode of Gardeners’ World, closing a chapter that began more than two decades ago. The horticulturist used his final appearance to thank viewers and acknowledge his dog Ned, who has been a regular companion on the programme.
Speaking from Longmeadow, the garden that has hosted the show for 16 years, Don described his time on the series as both a privilege and a pleasure. His departure was announced in September, when he said the moment had come for a change.
A long tenure at Longmeadow
Don first joined Gardeners’ World in 2003, taking over from Alan Titchmarsh at Titchmarsh’s own request. The programme was then based at Berryfields, and it moved to Longmeadow—the garden of Don’s private home, which he and his wife Sarah purchased in 1991—16 years ago.
During Friday’s episode, he looked back on the transformations he has witnessed. He noted that the garden has evolved over time and that several of his dogs, including Nigel, Nellie and Patty, have come and gone during his tenure. Yet one element remained constant: the experience of sharing his gardening life with the audience.
Future plans and farewell
Although stepping away from the weekly show, Don, 71, will not disappear entirely from the BBC’s gardening coverage. He confirmed he will be part of the presenting team for next year’s Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show. Two winter specials are also expected to air before Christmas, one of which will see him reflect on his years presenting the series and the changes at Longmeadow.
The BBC has said details of the next series will be announced in due course, and no successor has been named. Regular co-presenters such as Frances Tophill and Adam Frost have been mentioned by bookmakers and viewers as possible contenders, though Tophill has played down suggestions that she will step directly into the role.
Don’s association with television extends beyond Gardeners’ World. Before fronting the series, he presented programmes including Tomorrow’s World and Holiday, and he also had a gardening segment on This Morning. In 2008, he took a three-year break from Gardeners’ World after suffering a minor stroke.
His contributions to horticulture were recognised with an OBE in 2018 for services to horticulture, broadcasting and charity, and he has also received the RHS Victoria Medal of Honour, the highest accolade in the field.
For viewers who missed the farewell, the final episode is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
