Monty Don has said his final goodbye (Image: Getty)
Monty Don has presented his final episode of the BBC’s Gardeners’ World after more than two decades on the program. The much-loved host bid farewell to Longmeadow – the show’s home for the past 16 years. The 71-year-old thanked viewers as he signed off alongside his dog, Ned.
Speaking on the programme, Don said: “From myself, Ned, and Longmeadow, it’s the final goodbye. I first started presenting Gardeners’ World 23 years ago at Berryfields, and we came here to Longmeadow 16 years ago and, in that time, things have changed.
“The garden has grown, Nigel has been and gone, and Nellie and Patty (his previous dogs). But there has been one constant factor, and that has been the incredible privilege and pleasure of sharing my garden and my gardening life with you here, as well as working with so many superb people.
“So, thank you. Thank you for coming on that journey with me and good luck with your own gardens in the future. So, for the last time. Goodbye.”
During the episode, Don confirmed he will remain on the presenting line-up for next year’s Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show. He will also appear in two winter specials, due to air between now and Christmas.
Don took over from fellow TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh in 2003 at his predecessor’s request, having previously fronted shows such as Tomorrow’s World and Holiday, as well as presenting a gardening slot on This Morning. He then took a three-year break from the program after suffering a minor stroke in 2008, and when he returned the show relocated to his private garden.
Details of the next series of Gardeners’ World will be announced at a later date. Don’s final episode of Gardeners’ World is available to stream on BBC iPlayer if you missed it, or watch to watch it again.
Monty Don’s favorite tips from the Express
1. Monty Don is an expert when it comes to all things gardening, as we all know, but this time he has some advice for dog owners. And a certain item should be avoided.
READ THE ARTICLE HERE: Monty Don urges millions of dog owners to stop using 1 item in gardens
2. British gardeners are advised to buy one key food that will attract garden birds, as the autumn and winter threaten to put robins through a hard time.
READ THE ARTICLE HERE: Gardeners’ World tells Brits to leave out one key food to attract robins to their garden
3. According to Monty Don and Alan Titchmarsh, one of the main things in gardens that attracts rats is compost. One of our Express reporters has been composting for years and says it’s a fantastic way of disposing of certain kitchen and garden scraps, which can, in turn, make your plants healthier. Here’s what she has to say.
READ THE ARTICLE HERE: I stop rats invading my garden with 1 simple task Monty Don and Alan Titchmarsh recommend
4. Monty Don has shared some handy gardening advice for this month, outlining a few key jobs to get done in November – and it includes a very handy method on how to clean your patio.
READ THE ARTICLE HERE: Patios will be cleaner without scrubbing or chemicals using Monty Don’s ‘best’ method
5. With shorter days and falling temperatures, hedgehogs are busy putting on weight for winter. But there’s a simple way you can help them out in your own garden.
READ THE ARTICLE HERE: Gardeners’ World says to leave one thing for hedgehogs to keep them safe this winter
You can read more Monty Don tips here.