After more than 20 years at the helm of BBC Gardeners’ World as its longest-serving Head Gardener, Monty Don has decided to step down at the end of the current series.
Monty joined the presenting team in 2003, basing the show at his own garden, Longmeadow in Herefordshire from 2011 accompanied by his much-loved golden retrievers.
Don said: "I have decided that the current series of Gardeners’ World is to be my last. I began hosting the programme 23 years ago, first at Berryfields and for the past 16 years here in my own garden, Longmeadow.
"Throughout that time - and around seven hundred programmes - I have had the privilege of sharing my own abiding passion for gardens and gardening with an equally passionate, and often equally knowledgeable audience.
"That connection with millions, not just in Britain but across the world, who share a love of gardens, plants and the natural world is something I have always treasured and which I increasingly believe to be at the heart of a life well lived.
"I have also always relished the craft of programme making and to do so, week in week out, as part of a superlative BBC team has been a deeply rewarding experience. But now is the right time for a change.
"I look forward to continuing to work with and for the BBC on other projects, as well as following new avenues. There are more books to write, more programmes to make.
"And of course, I will still be gardening, dog by side, here at Longmeadow."
Who will succeed Monty Don?
Speculation will now begin on who might succeed Don, who will continue to host the programme until later in the year.
One of the most popular candidates to take the lead presenter role has, for some time, been Adam Frost. HortWeek readers voted for Frost over Monty Don as their preferred lead presenter back in 2023.
Though popular with the Gardeners' World audience, Don, who was uncompromising on his stance on peat-free (pro) and bedding plants (against) was regarded, by some as less of an ally to the horticulture industry than fellow gardening presenter, Alan Titchmarsh.
Recent online speculation on the topic has raised names including Frances Tophill and Jamie Butterworth, with Adam Frost still a popular choice.
And former head of nurseries at British Garden Centres' Scott Morahan suggested on LinkedIn that the programme could switch to a rolling presenter system as adopted for BBC comedy show Have I Got News for You?
Attendees at Glee 2026 proposed other options including online influencers Mr PlantGeek Michael Perry, Huw Richards and Jonny Hincks. Jo Wylie was also mentioned.
A straw poll at Glee had a return for Alan Titchmarsh, a step-up for Adam Frost, Carol Klein or Frances Tophill, or a move to industry favourite Michael Perry as possibles.
A younger influencer was suggested as a possibility, with many suggested a younger presenter who could give a broader and simpler view of gardening from a smaller and more relatable garden.
Several Glee attendees suggested a combination of current presenters could take over, with no lead in place. Monty Don's dog was also suggested.
The change at the top could give the BBC an opportunity to rethink the show completely. Media consumption is increasingly shifting to YouTube, streamers and podcasts and the BBC has a director general who brings online sensibilities from his former role at Google. Perhaps we can expect more profound changes to the flagship gardening show.
Who do you think should succeed Monty Don as lead presenter of Gardeners' World?
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The current roster of Gardeners' World presenters:
- Monty Don: Lead host and main presenter
- Adam Frost: Regular presenter and garden designer
- Frances Tophill: Regular presenter and horticulturist
- Joe Swift: Regular presenter and garden designer
- Arit Anderson: Regular presenter and landscape designer
- Carol Klein: Long-standing regular plantswoman and presenter
- Sue Kent: Regular presenter
- Advolly Richmond: Garden history and design presenter
- Nick Bailey: Regular presenter and plant expert
Sharon Fisher, BBC Studios series editor, Gardeners’ World said: "Monty’s contribution to Gardeners’ World has been extraordinary. Through his warmth, wisdom and deep love of gardening, he has inspired millions to discover the pleasure and purpose that getting your hands into the soil can bring. I have seen first-hand the care, integrity and generosity he brings to everything he does. His departure marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the programme’s history. All of us on the Gardeners’ World team, will miss him enormously, but we celebrate everything he has given to the programme, the gardening community and the audience who have welcomed him into their homes every week for over two decades.”
