Monty Don, the beloved host of BBC's Gardeners' World, has announced he may have to let go of his gardeners after leaving the show. For 15 years, viewers have admired his beautiful Herefordshire garden, Longmeadow, which he shared from his own backyard. But with his departure, the financial support from the BBC for his gardening team is set to end.
Monty Don's Departure from Gardeners' World
Earlier this month, Monty Don revealed he was leaving Gardeners' World after 15 years. Speaking at the RHS Malvern autumn flower show, he opened up about the practical consequences of his decision. The 71-year-old presenter explained that his BBC contract required him to have two full-time gardeners to keep Longmeadow camera-ready. "I have had two full-time gardeners, and have had them since I have been on Gardeners' World, and from day one it's been in my BBC contract that I have to have two full-time gardeners," he said.
The Financial Reality of Maintaining Longmeadow
The BBC has contributed towards the salaries of these gardeners, but Don admitted it wasn't enough. Now, with his departure, that contribution will cease. "Obviously, that contribution is going to go," he said. This leaves Don facing the prospect of letting go of his current team, which includes two gardeners, a propagation expert, and a landscaper who have been with him for 10 years.
What This Means for the Future of Longmeadow
Longmeadow has been a central part of Gardeners' World, serving as both Don's personal garden and the show's primary filming location. The garden's immaculate appearance required constant attention, especially when Don was away filming in locations like the Rhine or India. Without the BBC's financial support, maintaining the garden to its current standard may become unsustainable.
Monty Don's Gardening Team: Roles and Responsibilities
Don's team is highly specialized. The two full-time gardeners handle day-to-day maintenance, the propagation expert manages plant breeding, and the landscaper oversees structural elements. Their combined expertise has kept Longmeadow looking pristine for over a decade.
| Role | Responsibility | Years with Monty Don |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time Gardener | General maintenance, planting, pruning | 10 |
| Full-time Gardener | General maintenance, planting, pruning | 10 |
| Propagation Expert | Plant breeding, seed saving | 10 |
| Landscaper | Structural design, hardscaping | 10 |
Key Takeaways from Monty Don's Announcement
- Monty Don is leaving Gardeners' World after 15 years.
- The BBC contributed to the salaries of two full-time gardeners.
- That contribution will end with his departure.
- Don may have to let go of his gardening team.
- Longmeadow's future as a broadcast-ready garden is uncertain.
FAQ
Why did Monty Don leave Gardeners' World?
Monty Don announced his departure from Gardeners' World after 15 years. While he hasn't specified a single reason, the decision comes as he approaches his 72nd birthday and may wish to reduce his workload.
Will Monty Don have to let go of his gardeners?
Yes, it's a possibility. The BBC contributed to the salaries of two full-time gardeners, and that contribution will end with his departure. Without it, Don may not be able to afford to keep his current team.
What is Longmeadow?
Longmeadow is Monty Don's private garden in Herefordshire, which has been the primary filming location for Gardeners' World since 2011. It is known for its beautiful design and diverse plantings.
The future of Longmeadow remains uncertain, but Monty Don's legacy as a gardener and broadcaster is secure. Fans will watch closely to see how he navigates this next chapter.
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