Monty Don reveals moment he knew it was time to quit Gardener's World
In September, Monty Don announced he would be leaving Gardener's World after 23 years.
Monty Don has revealed the moment when he knew it was the right time to quit Gardener's World.
Last month, the 71-year-old horticulturist, who first joined the BBC show in 2003 as its presenter and Head Gardener, announced he would be leaving the show.
Per The Sun, Monty wrote in Gardener’s World magazine: "The commute is delightfully short, but when I go home I take the job with me seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
"Then, one day this summer, I woke up and knew it was time to stop. Simple as that. They say of sportspeople wondering when to retire, 'You just know.' Well, I just knew."
Monty said the move will allow him to do other projects.
He said: "I am not retiring – heaven forfend – there are programmes I want to make, books I want to write, family I want to spend more time with.
"My enthusiasm for visiting gardens of all kinds all over the world remains as keen as ever.
"But the time for these things is growing limited."
In September, Monty announced he is to step down from Gardener's World after 23 years of offering viewers gardening tips, seasonal advice and insight into his life outdoors, often with his beloved dogs.
The star said in a statement: "I have decided that the current series of Gardeners’ World is to be my last. I began hosting the programme 23 years ago, first at Berryfields and for the past 16 years here in my own garden, Longmeadow.
"Throughout that time - and around seven hundred programmes - I have had the privilege of sharing my own abiding passion for gardens and gardening with an equally passionate, and often equally knowledgeable audience.
"That connection with millions, not just in Britain but across the world, who share a love of gardens, plants and the natural world is something I have always treasured and which I increasingly believe to be at the heart of a life well lived.
"I have also always relished the craft of programme making and to do so, week in week out, as part of a superlative BBC team has been a deeply rewarding experience.
"But now is the right time for a change.
"I look forward to continuing to work with and for the BBC on other projects, as well as following new avenues. There are more books to write, more programmes to make.
"And of course, I will still be gardening, dog by side, here at Longmeadow."
Sharon Fisher, BBC Studios Series Editor, Gardeners’ World, said Monty's departure marks "the end of a remarkable chapter in the programme’s history".
She added: "Monty’s contribution to Gardeners’ World has been extraordinary. Through his warmth, wisdom and deep love of gardening, he has inspired millions to discover the pleasure and purpose that getting your hands into the soil can bring.
"I have seen first-hand the care, integrity and generosity he brings to everything he does. His departure marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the programme’s history.
"All of us on the Gardeners’ World team will miss him enormously, but we celebrate everything he has given to the programme, the gardening community and the audience who have welcomed him into their homes every week for over two decades."
Kate Phillips, BBC’s Chief Content Officer, thanked Monty for his work on Gardeners' World, and is looking forward to working with him on future BBC projects soon.
She said: "Monty’s decision to leave Gardeners' World is one I respect, but I’m still very sad he’s leaving. Monty is utterly unique, a wonderfully engaging broadcaster with a soothing, calm presence who has inspired so many with his passion for gardening.
"We are a nation full of budding gardeners, and his tips and advice have been invaluable to viewers for more than 20 years and have certainly helped me increase my knowledge as well as my plant survival rate!
"I would like to thank Monty personally for his honesty and kindness, which has seen him open up about his own personal struggles and the power of the natural world to improve mental health.
"We will miss him on the show hugely.
"Monty will be presenting BBC Gardeners' World from his beautiful Longmeadow gardens until the end of the year, and I look forward to working with him on the BBC on future projects."
