Monty Don’s final Gardeners' World leaves fans in tears and searching for a successor

Gardeners' World fans were left in tears as Monty Don delivered his final episode on Friday night, bringing to a close a 23-year tenure that defined the BBC’s flagship gardening programme. According to the Mirror ^[1], viewers took to social media to express that they were "not prepared" for the end of an era, with many sharing heartfelt tributes to the presenter’s gentle guidance.

The Daily Mail reported ^[3] that Don, 71, signed off from his Longmeadow home with his dog Ned by his side, stating, "From myself, Ned, and Longmeadow it’s the final goodbye." He acknowledged that while the garden has grown and his previous dogs have passed, the privilege of sharing his life with the audience remained constant. The Independent noted ^[5] that Don took over the show in 2003 from Alan Titchmarsh, and his departure marks a significant transition for the programme.

The Guardian ^[2] described the finale as "poetic," noting that Don used the changing autumn colours at Longmeadow as a metaphor for loss and regrowth. In a subtle nod to his own career, he focused on pruning roses and preparing tropical trees for winter, acts that mirrored his own exit from the weekly spotlight. The article highlights that Don has always avoided commercialisation, unlike peers who might have turned Longmeadow into a brand, preferring to garden for the love of it.

While the show’s future is uncertain, the Mirror ^[1] states that the BBC has yet to announce who will succeed Don. This lack of confirmation is echoed by other outlets, leaving fans wondering who will fill his boots. Don has confirmed he will remain on BBC screens, presenting at the 2027 RHS Chelsea Flower Show and featuring in two winter specials before Christmas, according to the Daily Mail ^[3].

In a video shared earlier in the week, Don explained that "now is the right time for a change," having considered his contract renewals carefully. He revealed that the BBC’s contribution towards his two full-time gardeners’ salaries is ending, meaning he may need to find new ways to fund the maintenance of his two-acre property. He admitted he cannot open the garden to the public due to parking issues, leaving the future of Longmeadow’s on-screen presence in his hands. The final episode is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.