Monty Done: TV horticulturalist presents last Gardeners’ World after two decades

Horticulturalist Monty Don has presented his last episode of the BBC’s Gardeners’ World after more than two decades on the show.

The 71-year-old head gardener on the series signed off from Longmeadow garden, where the show has been based for 16 years, on Friday, thanking viewers alongside his dog, Ned.

Speaking on the programme, Don said: “From myself, Ned, and Longmeadow it’s the final goodbye.

“I first began presenting Gardeners’ World 23 years ago at Berryfields and we came here to Longmeadow 16 years ago and, in that time, things have changed.

“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.”

During the episode, Don confirmed he would remain part of the presenting line-up for next year’s Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show, and will feature in two winter specials, which are 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 during his time on the show.

Don replaced fellow TV gardener, Alan Titchmarsh, on the show at his predecessor’s request in 2003, with previous television roles seeing him host shows such as Tomorrow’s World, Holiday and a gardening segment on This Morning.

The presenter took a three-year break from the programme after suffering a minor stroke in 2008, and the show moved to his private garden when he returned.

Details of the next series of Gardeners’ World will be announced at a later date.

Don’s final episode of Gardeners’ World is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.