Monty Don presents final episode of Gardeners' World

Summarised from 4 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 6 Nov, 20:45 · Archive

Monty Don has presented his last episode of BBC's Gardeners' World after 23 years on the show.

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 signed off from Longmeadow garden, where the programme has been based for the past 16 years. He began presenting the show 23 years ago at Berryfields before the series moved to Longmeadow.

In his farewell address, Don thanked viewers and reflected on his time on the programme. Speaking on air with his dog Ned alongside him, he said: 'From myself, Ned, and Longmeadow it's the final goodbye.' He noted that during his tenure the garden had grown and his previous dogs, Nellie and Patty, had passed away, but said the privilege of sharing his gardening life with viewers had been 'one constant factor'.

The final episode featured other segments from the show's presenting team. Carol Klein explored the scientific side of plants, focusing on their shoots, whilst Joe Swift visited garden designer Ann-Marie Powell. The programme also showcased viewers' gardens and featured a woman growing thousands of trees from seed in North Yorkshire and a couple in East Grinstead.

Don will not disappear entirely from gardening television. He confirmed during the episode that he will remain part of the presenting line-up for next year's Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show. He will also feature in two winter specials expected to air before Christmas, with one episode dedicated to reflecting on his years presenting the series and the changes he has witnessed at Longmeadow.

According to TechRadar, Frances Tophill is the likely candidate to take over as presenter, though the BBC has not yet announced who will succeed Don.

How it is being reported

• Monty Don bids emotional farewell in moving final Gardeners' World episodeMuch-loved TV horticulturalist says goodbye alongside his dog as he makes his Gardeners’ World exitEvening Standard · 6 Nov, 20:28
• Monty Done: TV horticulturalist presents last Gardeners’ World after two decadesMonty Don is stepping down from hosting the show after 23 years.Evening Standard · 6 Nov, 20:10
• Monty Don says 'goodbye' to Gardeners’ World after two decades - key tips to remember"For the last time, goodbye." Monty Don signs off from Longmeadow after 16 wonderful yearsDaily Express · 6 Nov, 20:10
• How to watch Monty Don's last Gardener's World for free — Watch online from anywhereMonty Don is waving goodbye to the Beeb with one final episode of the hit gardening show. Here's how to watch the last ever Gardener's World online from anywhere in the world, completely FREE.TechRadar · 6 Nov, 17:00
• TV tonight: Monty Don says goodbye to Gardeners’ World after two decadesHe hangs up his trowel for the final time. Plus, a divorce courtroom showdown in Sienna Miller’s glossy drama War. Here’s what to watch this evening 8pm, BBC Two After more than two decades of planting, hedging and harvesting, it’s finally time for Monty Don to hang up his trowel. Expect his final episode to have a bittersweet tone. However, gardening waits for no man: as Carol and Joe prove, from sowing to apple gathering, there’s always work to be done. PH Continue reading...The Guardian · 6 Nov, 06:20

In this story: Monty Don · BBC · Longmeadow · RHS Chelsea Flower Show · Carol Klein · Joe Swift

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