Monty Don Considers Letting Go of Gardeners After BBC Show Exit
The longtime Gardeners' World host revealed the BBC contributes to the salaries of two full-time gardeners at his home, a contribution that will cease with his departure.
Monty Don has indicated that he may need to dismiss the gardeners who maintain his property for the BBC's Gardeners' World, following his announcement that he will be stepping down from the program after 23 years.
Don, 71, stated that his BBC contract stipulated the necessity of having two full-time gardeners at his Herefordshire home, Longmeadow. This arrangement was to ensure the garden was ready for filming, particularly when he was away on assignments.
The BBC currently contributes to the wages of these two gardeners, a contribution Don acknowledged was not substantial but still appreciated. He anticipates this financial support will end with his departure from the show.
His current gardening team, which includes two gardeners, a propagation expert, and a landscaper, has been with him for a decade. Don expressed that he cannot afford to retain them without generating income from the garden itself. He plans to explore revenue-generating opportunities for his garden but does not expect to implement them until mid-next year at the earliest.
Speaking at the RHS Malvern autumn flower show, Don also ruled out opening his two-acre private garden to the public, citing difficulties with organizing parking in the area.
He and his wife Sarah established the garden in 1991 on what was then a neglected field. Longmeadow has since evolved to include various distinct garden styles, such as a cottage garden, a jewel garden, an Islamic-inspired paradise garden, and a vegetable garden.
Don began presenting Gardeners' World in 2003 and has hosted it from his home since 2011. He cited that it was "the right time for a change," expressing a desire to write more books and create additional programs. He affirmed that he would continue gardening at Longmeadow.
Throughout his tenure on the show, Don has openly discussed his experiences with grief and depression, highlighting the positive impact of nature on his mental health.
BBC's chief content officer, Katie Phillips, conveyed her sadness at Don's departure and thanked him for his "honesty and kindness."
The current series of Gardeners' World, hosted by Don, will continue to air from Longmeadow until later this year. He is expected to collaborate with the BBC on future projects, including a travel program titled Island Gardens.