Monty Don bids 'final goodbye' to Gardeners' World after two decades

TV horticulturalist Monty Don thanked viewers and his furry friend Ned the dog while presenting his final episode of Gardeners' World, after more than two decades on air.

The head gardener on the long-running BBC TV series signed off from Longmeadow garden, where the show has been based for 16 years, on Friday.

"From myself, Ned, and Longmeadow it's the final goodbye," he said on the programme, adding it had been "a privilege and pleasure" to share his garden experiences with so many people.

During the episode, Don, 71, confirmed he would remain part of the presenting line-up for next year's Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show.

He added he will feature in two winter specials, expected to air between now and Christmas.

One celebratory episode will see him reflect on his years presenting the series and the changes he has seen at Longmeadow, external, which is also the garden of his private home, which he and his wife Sarah bought in 1991.

'Good luck with your own gardens'

Don replaced Alan Titchmarsh on the show in 2003, at his predecessor's request.

"I first began presenting Gardeners' World 23 years ago at Berryfields, and we came here to Longmeadow 16 years ago - in that time, things have changed," he recalled, on Friday's farewell.

"The garden has grown, Nigel has been and gone, and Nellie and Patty [his previous dogs], but there has been one constant factor, and that has been the incredible privilege and pleasure of sharing my garden and my gardening life with you here, as well as working with so many superb people.

"So, thank you. Thank you for coming on that journey with me and good luck with your own gardens in the future. So, for the last time... goodbye."

Details of the next series of Gardeners' World will be announced at a later date, the BBC noted in a statement ahead of Don's farewell. His successor has not yet been named.

Bookmakers and viewers have pointed to regular co-presenters like Frances Tophill and Adam Frost as top contenders, though Tophill has played down expectations of stepping directly into his shoes.

Prior to fronting Gardeners' World, Don hosted other shows including Tomorrow's World, Holiday and - a preview of coming attractions - a gardening segment on This Morning.

He took a three-year break from the programme after suffering a minor stroke in 2008.

In September this year, Don announced that the current series would be his last. In a statement, he said working on the show had been a "deeply rewarding experience", but added that "now is the right time for a change".

The BBC said at the time that Don had "inspired and guided millions of viewers with his warmth, wisdom and passion for gardening" since joining the programme in 2003.

Don was made an OBE by Queen Elizabeth, in 2018, for services to horticulture, broadcasting and charity. And he also received the RHS Victoria Medal of Honour - highest honour in horticulture.

His final episode of Gardeners' World is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.