# Monty Don Steps Down From Gardeners' World After 22-Year Tenure
Monty Don is leaving Gardeners' World, the BBC's flagship horticultural program, after more than two decades as its lead presenter. The decision marks the end of an era for the long-running show, which has become synonymous with Don's distinctive voice and methodical approach to garden design and cultivation.
Don confirmed his departure in a statement, describing his time on the show as "deeply rewarding" while emphasizing that "now is the right time for a change." The presenter did not specify what comes next, leaving open questions about his future television projects or whether he plans to focus on his own gardening pursuits and written work.
The 67-year-old horticulturist joined Gardeners' World in 2003, eventually becoming the show's main presenter. Over his tenure, he transformed the program into one of the BBC's most reliable audience draws, attracting millions of viewers annually. His approachable teaching style and emphasis on sustainable gardening practices helped the show maintain relevance across multiple generations of viewers, from longtime enthusiasts to newcomers discovering gardening through streaming platforms.
Don's departure arrives at a moment when gardening content commands substantial viewership across traditional television and digital platforms. The pandemic sparked renewed interest in home gardening, driving audience growth for horticultural programs. Gardeners' World benefited from this surge, with its audience expanding considerably during lockdowns as people invested time in outdoor spaces.
Beyond television, Don has built a parallel career as an author, landscape designer, and gardening columnist. He contributes regularly to publications including The Telegraph and maintains a significant presence on social media, where he shares gardening advice and photography. His books on garden design and horticulture have sold widely in the UK and internationally. This portfolio suggests Don may transition toward writing and design work rather than stepping entirely away from public life.
The BBC has not yet announced who will replace Don or whether the broadcaster plans to restructure the show. Gardeners' World remains one of the corporation's longest-running programs, having debuted in 1968. The show's format centers on practical gardening advice, plant profiles, and visits to notable gardens across the UK. Finding a successor capable of matching Don's credibility and audience connection represents a substantial challenge for BBC production teams.
Don's departure also reflects broader shifts in television viewing habits. Younger audiences increasingly access gardening content through YouTube channels, TikTok creators, and Instagram accounts rather than traditional broadcast schedules. This fragmentation has forced established programs to compete for attention while maintaining production costs, a tension that sometimes drives high-profile departures.
For Don, the timing allows him to shape his own narrative around retirement rather than being forced out. His statement emphasizing readiness for change suggests a planned, deliberate exit rather than an abrupt or contentious split with the BBC. This approach preserves goodwill and leaves room for guest appearances or special projects in future years.
Gardeners' World will need to either elevate an existing presenter or recruit someone with comparable expertise and television presence. Whoever assumes the role faces the task of building on Don's legacy while establishing their own distinctive voice.