Monty Don has presented his final episode of the BBC's Gardeners' World, concluding a 23-year tenure with the horticultural program. The emotional farewell aired Friday night, with viewers taking to social media to express their sadness at his departure.
Don, 71, announced in September that he would be stepping down from the show. His final broadcast from his Longmeadow home was an occasion he described as an "incredible privilege." He thanked viewers for joining him on the journey over the years. "From myself, Ned, and Longmeadow it’s the final goodbye," Don said, referring to his dog Ned. "I first began presenting 23 years ago at Berryfields and we came here to Longmeadow 16 years ago and, in that time, things have changed."
Fans shared their reactions on X, formerly Twitter, with many expressing that "Friday evenings won't be the same." Comments included "Why am I crying" and "Ah sad day, We will miss you Monty and Ned." One viewer noted, "Not me crying already because the first thing he went to was Aquilegia, a plant my mum bought me a couple of, and she always had a picture of up in the bathroom."
Despite leaving Gardeners' World, Don confirmed he will continue to appear on screens. He is part of the presenting lineup for the 2027 Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show and will feature in two winter specials scheduled before Christmas. Earlier this week, Don shared a video on Instagram with his dog Ned, reiterating that it had been a "complete privilege" to host the program and that Friday would be his last show. He explained that it was "the right time for a change" and that he had more books to write and programs to make.
Don joined Gardeners' World in 2003 and began hosting from his own garden at Longmeadow in 2011. He has spoken openly about his struggles with grief and depression, crediting the "power of the natural world" for benefiting his mental health. The BBC's chief content officer, Katie Phillips, expressed sadness at his departure, thanking him for his "honesty and kindness."
Don's contract with the BBC included provisions for two full-time gardeners at his Longmeadow home to maintain the property for filming. He noted that the BBC contributed to their wages, a contribution that would cease with his departure. He plans to explore ways to generate income from his garden starting mid-next year to support his gardening team. His two-acre garden, which he and his wife Sarah created from a neglected field in 1991, features various sections including a cottage garden, a jewel garden, a paradise garden, and a vegetable garden.