Monty Don is preparing to say goodbye to Gardeners’ World after an extraordinary 23 years as one of the BBC programme’s most familiar faces.

The 71-year-old gardening expert has confirmed that the current series will be his final one, bringing an end to more than two decades in which he became closely associated with the long-running horticultural programme.

Don joined Gardeners’ World in 2003 as presenter and Head Gardener. Over the years, his relaxed style, practical advice and enthusiasm for plants helped him become one of Britain’s best-known gardening broadcasters.

A 23-Year Television Journey Comes to an End

Don’s career on Gardeners’ World began at Berryfields before the programme eventually became closely connected with his own garden, Longmeadow, in Herefordshire.

Since 2011, Longmeadow has provided the backdrop for much of Don’s work on the programme. Viewers have watched the garden evolve through the seasons while Don shared gardening projects, planting advice and reflections on the natural world.

Across his time on the programme, Don has presented roughly 700 episodes, making his departure a significant moment in the history of the BBC series.

In announcing his decision, Don explained that he believes the time has come for a change. His departure, however, should not be interpreted as a complete retirement from television or gardening.

Don Is Not Walking Away From Gardening

While his regular role on Gardeners’ World is coming to an end, Don intends to remain active in the world of horticulture.

The broadcaster has indicated that he will continue gardening at Longmeadow and will remain involved with the BBC through other projects. He is also planning to devote more time to writing and developing additional television programmes.

That means viewers are unlikely to have seen the last of Don on television. Instead, his career is entering a different phase, allowing him to explore subjects and formats beyond the weekly gardening programme.

He has already demonstrated an ability to combine gardening with travel, writing and broader reflections on nature, giving him several possible directions for future work.

Longmeadow Became a Familiar Part of the Show

For many viewers, Don’s identity became inseparable from Longmeadow.

The Herefordshire garden was more than simply a filming location. It became a place where audiences could follow the progress of different plants and garden areas throughout the year, while also getting a glimpse into Don’s own approach to gardening.

His dogs were frequently part of that familiar setting, adding to the informal atmosphere that became a trademark of his presentation style.

That personal connection helped distinguish Don’s era of Gardeners’ World. Rather than presenting gardening solely as a technical subject, he often approached it as something connected to everyday life, wellbeing and a relationship with the natural world.

BBC Pays Tribute to the Gardening Broadcaster

The BBC has expressed its sadness at Don’s decision while praising the contribution he has made to the programme.

BBC Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips described him as a distinctive broadcaster whose calm presence and enthusiasm had encouraged large numbers of people to become interested in gardening.

She also highlighted Don’s openness about personal difficulties and his belief in the positive influence of the natural world on mental wellbeing.

Series editor Sharon Fisher similarly described Don’s contribution as exceptional, saying that his warmth, knowledge and passion had helped inspire millions of viewers.

The BBC confirmed that Don will continue presenting Gardeners’ World from Longmeadow until the end of 2026 before moving on to his next chapter.

A Career That Goes Beyond Gardeners’ World

Don’s television career stretches considerably further back than his time on the BBC gardening programme.

Before becoming synonymous with Gardeners’ World, he had already established himself in broadcasting and gardening. His television career began in the late 1980s, and he later developed a parallel career as an author, producing numerous books about gardening and horticulture.

His influence has consequently extended beyond television. Through his books, programmes and public appearances, he has helped make gardening accessible to audiences who may previously have regarded it as a specialist or intimidating hobby.

What Comes Next for Monty Don?

Don’s announcement marks the conclusion of one era rather than the end of his career.

He plans to continue working with the BBC, explore new television opportunities and write more books. At the same time, he intends to remain at Longmeadow, continuing the gardening work that has been central to his life for decades.

For Gardeners’ World, however, finding a new leading figure will represent a major challenge. Don has been the programme’s longest-serving Head Gardener and has become deeply associated with its modern identity.

His departure will therefore be felt both on screen and among the show’s devoted audience.

After 23 years and approximately 700 programmes, Monty Don is closing one of the defining chapters of his television career. But with new BBC projects, books and plenty of gardening still ahead, this appears to be less a farewell to the screen than a decision to make room for something new.