Monty Don Bids An Emotional Final Farewell To Gardeners’ World After 23 Years – But One Familiar Companion Makes His Goodbye Even More Heartbreaking

Monty Don has officially brought an extraordinary chapter of his television career to an end. After 23 years at the helm of BBC’s Gardeners’ World, the much-loved presenter delivered an emotional final sign-off, thanking viewers who had followed his gardening journey for more than two decades.

The 71-year-old chose to say goodbye from Longmeadow, his beloved Herefordshire garden, with his faithful dog Ned sitting beside him. But as Monty reflected on the years gone by, his words also brought back memories of another familiar face who had become a firm favourite with audiences.

An Emotional Goodbye From Longmeadow

Addressing viewers in his final episode, Monty made it clear just how much the programme and its audience had meant to him.

“From myself, Ned, and Longmeadow it’s the final goodbye,” he began.

Looking back, he recalled first taking over as presenter 23 years ago at Berryfields before moving the programme to Longmeadow 16 years ago.

Over that time, the garden had transformed, and so had the familiar companions who shared his life there.

“The garden has grown, Nigel has been and gone and Nellie and Patty,” he reflected.

Nigel, Monty’s much-loved dog who became a television favourite, sadly died in 2020. His appearance in the farewell speech added another emotional layer to the moment.

But Monty said one thing had remained unchanged throughout his time on the programme: the privilege of sharing his garden and his passion for gardening with viewers.

He also paid tribute to the many talented people he had worked alongside over the years.

“Thank you for coming on that journey with me and good luck with your own gardens in the future,” he told viewers before delivering his final words:

“So, for the last time. Goodbye.”

With that, Monty stood up and walked away alongside Ned. The camera remained focused on the pair as they disappeared into the distance along a garden path, bringing his 23-year association with the programme to a poignant close.

Fans Will Still See Monty On Their Screens

Although his departure marks the end of a major era for Gardeners’ World, there is some reassuring news for his devoted followers.

Monty confirmed that he will remain part of the presenting line-up for next year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

He will also appear in two Winter Specials scheduled to air between now and Christmas. One of those episodes will be a special celebratory programme looking back at his years presenting the BBC gardening series.

So while his regular role is coming to an end, viewers have not seen the last of him just yet.

Why Monty Don Decided It Was Time To Leave

Monty announced his decision to step away from Gardeners’ World in September, describing his time on the programme as a “deeply rewarding experience”.

However, he also made clear that he felt ready for a new chapter, explaining that “now is the right time for a change”.

Reflecting on his extraordinary run, he revealed that he had presented around 700 programmes, sharing his passion for gardens and the natural world with millions of people in Britain and beyond.

He said the connection with such a dedicated audience was something he had always treasured, adding that he increasingly believed a love of gardens, plants and nature was “at the heart of a life well lived”.

Importantly, leaving television does not mean leaving gardening behind.

Monty reassured fans that he would continue tending to his beloved Longmeadow garden, promising he would “still be gardening, dog by side, here at Longmeadow”.

From Alan Titchmarsh’s Successor To A Television Favourite

Monty’s journey on Gardeners’ World began in 2003, when he replaced fellow television gardener Alan Titchmarsh at his predecessor’s request.

Before becoming the familiar face of the BBC gardening programme, Monty had already built up an impressive television career, presenting shows including Tomorrow’s World, Holiday and a gardening segment on This Morning.

He did, however, step away from Gardeners’ World for three years after suffering a minor stroke in 2008.

When he eventually returned, the programme moved to his private garden. Longmeadow subsequently became the backdrop for much of his television work and a place viewers came to recognise almost as well as Monty himself.

The garden first featured as the programme’s setting in 2011, following its earlier years at Berryfields, a rented garden in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Who Will Take Over Gardeners’ World?

With Monty now officially stepping down, attention will inevitably turn to the future of Gardeners’ World.

The BBC has yet to announce details of the next series or reveal who will take over as the programme’s main presenter. Further information is expected at a later date.

For now, viewers can revisit Monty’s final appearance and the emotional farewell that marked the end of his remarkable 23-year journey.

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