British gardening broadcaster Monty Don has opened up about the demanding production workload behind the BBC flagship show Gardeners’ World. He offered this insight into the realities of the program as he prepares to step down after 23 years at the helm.
The 71-year-old presenter recently explained that his long-running television role involves extensive production planning, continuous scriptwriting, frequent travel, and a wide array of professional commitments. Contrary to the misconception that daily filming is simply casual outdoor work, Don emphasized that the program relies on a substantial, carefully coordinated production team.
The Demanding Reality Behind the Screen
Speaking on the Good Food podcast and during appearances at events like the RHS Malvern autumn flower show, Don detailed the structural coordination required to produce around 700 episodes. Since moving the show’s location in 2011 to his private Herefordshire property, Longmeadow, maintaining a broadcast-ready garden has required year-round dedication.
Under the terms of his long-standing BBC contract, the corporation has contributed toward the salaries of two full-time gardeners-a landscaper and a propagation expert-who have worked alongside Don for a decade. These staff members ensure the two-acre garden remains healthy and camera-ready while Don travels internationally for other documentary projects, such as filming in the Rhine region or India.
With his departure from Gardeners’ World at the end of the current series, that financial contribution from the BBC will conclude. Don noted that he must evaluate new ways to support the maintenance of Longmeadow moving forward. He added that he cannot easily open the private two-acre space to the public due to local infrastructure and parking limitations.
Looking Ahead After 23 Years
Don began hosting the program in 2003 at Berryfields, a rented garden in Stratford-upon-Avon, before transitioning the production to Longmeadow, which he and his wife Sarah originally created in 1991. Reflecting on his departure, Don described his time on the show as a deeply rewarding experience that allowed him to connect with an international community of plant and nature lovers.
While stepping away from Gardeners’ World, Don plans to continue collaborating with the BBC on future projects, including potential travel programming such as Island Gardens. He also intends to focus on writing upcoming books and managing his physical recovery following a knee replacement procedure.
Audiences can continue watching Don present Gardeners’ World from Longmeadow through the remainder of the current series airing later this year, marking the close of a remarkable two-decade chapter in horticultural broadcasting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Monty Don leaving Gardeners’ World?
Monty Don announced that after 23 years hosting the BBC program-including 16 years broadcasting from his own garden, Longmeadow-he felt that now is the right time for a change to pursue new book projects, television formats, and other professional avenues.
Who pays for the gardeners at Longmeadow?
Since the show moved to Longmeadow in 2011, the BBC has contributed toward the salaries of two full-time gardeners as part of Don’s contract to ensure the property remained camera-ready during his filming absences. With his exit, Don will need to find alternative ways to fund the garden team.
How long has Monty Don been the host of Gardeners’ World?
Monty Don joined the BBC program in 2003, succeeding Alan Titchmarsh. He served as the show’s longest-serving head gardener, completing around 700 episodes over 23 years.
What are Monty Don’s future plans with the BBC?
Although he is stepping down from Gardeners’ World, Don has confirmed he will continue working with the BBC on other projects, which are expected to include new travel documentaries and television ventures.
Will Longmeadow be open to the public?
No, Don has stated that Longmeadow will remain a private family space rather than opening to the public, citing logistical challenges such as local parking and visitor management.
