Monty Don has announced he is leaving Gardeners' World after an incredible 23 years at the helm. This news has left viewers devastated, and rightly so. While the programme has a rich history dating back to its commissioning by David Attenborough, Don transformed it into something truly special. His greatest strength was that he approached gardening as a self-taught enthusiast, which made the show far more welcoming to newcomers who might otherwise have felt intimidated by the subject matter. This was a masterstroke that changed everything.
Don viewed himself primarily as a writer, which allowed him to discuss gardening in emotional and philosophical terms rather than purely technical ones. Under his guidance, the emotional connection to gardening became as important as practical knowledge. After suffering a minor stroke five years into his tenure, he made the significant decision to present from his own home, Longmeadow in Herefordshire. Audiences watched his garden develop across seasons, sharing both its triumphs and failures, which created an unbreakable bond between host and viewers. His growing openness and willingness to embrace silence made him even more relatable, and the programme became a celebration of patience and resilience, surging in popularity during the pandemic.
Speculation about Don's successor is inevitable, though the role requires careful consideration given its demands. Unlike other programmes that suffered from starry appointments, Gardeners' World needs someone willing to commit long-term. Potential candidates include Adam Frost, who already presents solo episodes, Frances Tophill with her conservation focus, and Jamie Butterworth. However, Don has confirmed he is not retiring completely, promising more books and programmes to come. His gardening travelogues to Italy, Spain, Japan, and the United States built on his original TV break in 1990s holiday programming. He remains, quite simply, the best to ever do it.
