Monty Don's 71-Year Journey Leaves Fans in Tears as He Says Goodbye at Longmeadow

# **Monty Don’s Final Gardeners’ World Broadcast Leaves Fans in Tears as He Says Goodbye at 71** When Monty Don stepped out of his beloved Longmeadow garden for the last time on Friday night, a hush fell over the studio and, more strikingly, over the millions of viewers who had followed him for 23 years.

The veteran horticulturalist, who first appeared on *Gardeners’ World* in 2003, announced earlier in the year that he would be stepping down, a decision that had been quietly brewing for months.

In the final episode, the 71‑year‑old took the viewers on a reflective stroll through his two‑acre home, offering a mix of gratitude, nostalgia, and a promise that his love of plants would live on in new projects. The episode was a tear‑jerker in more ways than one.

Don recounted the first day he walked into Berryfields, the very garden that would become the show’s studio for the next 16 years, and reflected on the countless hands—both his own and those of the two full‑time gardeners who kept Longmeadow pristine.

He spoke of the dogs that had accompanied him on the set—Ned, and the late Nellie and Patty—highlighting how these companions had become as much a part of the show’s identity as the plants themselves.

The final scene, a quiet moment with Ned on his lap as the camera panned over the jewel garden, was emblematic of the calm, almost meditative tone that had defined Don’s hosting style for decades.

The episode also served as a reminder of the deeper themes that Don had woven into the show over the years: the therapeutic power of tending to soil, the resilience required in gardening, and the simple pleasures of watching a flower bloom.

In a world that often feels rushed and chaotic, Don’s calm presence offered a counterpoint—a chance for viewers to pause, breathe, and appreciate the slow, deliberate rhythm of nature. ## Background & Context Monty Don’s relationship with *Gardeners’ World* began in 2003, when the BBC was seeking a fresh face to bring the program to a broader audience.

Don, already a respected figure in the horticultural community, quickly became the show’s beloved host. He transitioned the studio from the original Berryfields garden to his own property in Ivington, Herefordshire, in 2011, turning Longmeadow into the heart of the show’s production.

Over 16 years, the garden evolved from a neglected field with a single hazel tree into a cottage beds, a jewel garden bursting with colour, an Islamic‑inspired paradise, and a vegetable plot that supplied produce almost year‑round. Throughout his tenure, Don never shied away from sharing his personal life with viewers.

He openly discussed periods of grief and depression, attributing the restorative effects of gardening to his mental well‑being. His honesty and gentle humor became a cornerstone of the program’s appeal, allowing audiences to see gardening not as a chore but as a therapeutic journey.

The show’s loyal viewers—ranging from seasoned gardeners to those with no garden of their own—founded a community that celebrated the shared experience of watching a plant grow. The decision to step down did not arrive abruptly.

Don had hinted at the possibility of retirement as early as March, when he explained that he could not envision a life without work and that his contract negotiations with the BBC were still underway.

In an interview with *Saga Magazine*, he admitted that the choice was complex: “Each time, it comes down to whether I want to continue.

There will come a time when either they say ‘no, thanks’ or I say ‘it’s time for a change,’ but neither of us has reached that point yet.” This candidness about the future reflected the same transparency that had made him a trusted figure on television. ## What People Are Saying The final episode sparked an outpouring of emotion on social media, particularly on X, where fans flooded the platform with comments about the bittersweet farewell.

Messages ranged from heartfelt thanks—“Thank you for being a constant sense of calm in a ridiculous world”—to personal anecdotes of how Don’s guidance had helped them navigate lockdown or cultivate their own gardens.

The phrase “Friday evenings won’t be the same” echoed across the feed, underscoring the sense of loss that many felt after watching Don’s last stroll through Longmeadow. The comments also highlighted the deep personal connection many viewers felt to Don.

One user shared a childhood memory of a mother’s aquarium, comparing it to the Aquilegia plant Don had first shown on the show, a small reminder of how his words had translated into tangible experiences in . Another fan wrote, “I fell in love with the programme during Covid.

Thank you for letting me watch the garden grow, even when I couldn’t.” These remarks illustrate how Don’s presence transcended the screen; he became a quiet companion in viewers’ daily routines. The outpouring of gratitude extended beyond X.

Fans also left messages on the official *Gardeners’ World* Instagram page, where Don had posted a short video earlier in the week announcing his last show. The video featured Don in his garden with Ned, speaking candidly: “This Friday will be my very last Gardeners’ World.

I began 23 years ago.

For 16 years, we've been filming in this garden with my various dogs, and that’s come to an end.” The post was met with a flurry of supportive messages, from “Thank you, Monty, for teaching us that gardening isn’t about perfection but patience” to “Wishing you a slower pace, long mornings with the dogs, and a garden that’s finally just yours again.” These expressions of support show that Don’s impact was as much emotional as it was educational. ## What Happens Next While Don’s exit from *Gardeners’ World* marks the end of an era, it does not signal a retreat from the world of horticulture.

He has already confirmed that he will continue to appear on screens, notably as part of the presenting line‑up for the 2027 Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show. His role in this prestigious event promises to keep his voice and expertise in front of an international audience, albeit in a different context.

Beyond the garden and television, Don is preparing for a new chapter that involves writing more books and producing additional programmes.

He hinted at a forthcoming travel series titled *Island Gardens*, which is expected to feature a tour of botanical paradises around the world. he plans to engage more deeply with the private space of Longmeadow.

While he has ruled out opening the two‑acre garden to the public due to logistical challenges, he intends to find ways to sustain the property’s upkeep, perhaps through revenue‑generating ventures that align with his personal gardening philosophy.

Don’s departure also raises practical questions about Longmeadow’s future. The BBC’s contribution to the salaries of the two full‑time gardeners who have worked with Don for a decade will cease once his tenure ends.

In a recent statement, Don reflected on the essential role of the team, acknowledging that “the contribution is going to be gone.” He expressed confidence that the garden would continue to thrive, but noted that new arrangements would be necessary to keep the space well‑maintained.

This transition underscores the collaborative nature of *Gardeners’ World*, where the show’s success depended not only on Don’s on‑screen presence but also on the hands that nurtured the plants behind the scenes. As for the fans, the community will likely rally around the memories and lessons Don has imparted.

The final episode has already become a touchstone, a shared moment of collective reflection for anyone who has ever watched a bud sprout into a bloom.

In the months and years to come, Don’s legacy will be measured not only by the shows he will still host but by the countless gardens that will continue to flourish under the guidance of a generation that learned to listen to the quiet wisdom of soil and seed. **Monty Don may be stepping out of *Gardeners’ World*, but his love for plants, his gentle mentorship, and his unwavering dedication to sharing knowledge will continue to inspire viewers worldwide, ensuring that the garden he cultivated will keep growing long after the last episode ends.**