# Monty Don Departs Gardeners' World After 23 Years The iconic presenter concludes his long tenure on the beloved BBC horticultural program. - **Source:** [iNews](https://inews.co.uk) - **Published:** 2026-11-06 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/0387e1fc-c4a6-4120-af32-9a77d913e90f ## A Television Era Ends Monty Don is set to deliver his final episode of the long-running BBC series Gardeners' World tonight at 8pm. Having helmed the program for 23 years, his departure marks the conclusion of a significant era for the show, which has existed for nearly six decades as a staple of British television. ## The Longmeadow Legacy Since 1991, Don has cultivated his Herefordshire garden, Longmeadow, which served as the primary backdrop for his presentations. His deep attachment to this specific plot of land allowed viewers to witness the slow evolution of a garden, emphasizing the patience and experimentation required to succeed in the horticultural craft over time. ## From Business to Botany Before his television career, Don operated a high-end costume jewellery business in Knightsbridge, serving notable clients like Princess Diana. Following the 1987 stock market crash, his business collapsed, leading him toward gardening as a therapeutic pursuit. He has frequently credited the outdoors for helping him navigate significant periods of personal depression. ## Authenticity and Mental Health Don’s openness regarding his mental health struggles, including a minor stroke in 2008, significantly altered public perception of him. By sharing his vulnerabilities and health challenges, he highlighted the curative effects of nature. His transparency helped bridge the gap between a television personality and his audience, fostering a sense of genuine connection. ## An Unconventional Expert Despite his status as a national treasure, Don never received formal training as a gardener. He describes himself as an amateur gardener and a professional writer, attributing his authority to a lifetime of practical experience. His approach focuses on sharing failures and successes, making the hobby accessible to millions of viewers. ## Iconic Style and Persona Don’s aesthetic, often described as a human Peter Rabbit, has become as iconic as his advice. He is rarely seen without his faded French bleu de travail jacket and high-waisted corduroy trousers. This utilitarian wardrobe reflects his practical philosophy, where clothing is designed to serve the wearer during long hours of work. ## Addressing Public Criticism While generally beloved, Don has faced criticism regarding the perceived artifice of his garden, with some questioning the extent of his personal labor versus his team of helpers. However, most viewers view Longmeadow as an inspirational space rather than a literal representation of what a single person can achieve alone. ## Future of the Program While Don’s departure is significant, the show has survived previous transitions, such as the eras of Alan Titchmarsh and Geoff Hamilton. Potential successors like Francis Tophill and Adam Frost are already established within the show’s roster. Gardeners' World remains a resilient format, capable of evolving beyond any single lead presenter's tenure. ## Sources covering this story - https://inews.co.uk/culture/television/will-never-another-monty-don-4873597 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._