SAD NEWS: Gardeners’ World’s Monty Don ‘accosted’ after comment on show sparked backlash
Monty Don said he got ‘huge stick’ over his lawn advice
Monty Don announced he is stepping away from Gardeners’ World after 23 years on the BBC show on Tuesday morning (September 8). Just days before sharing the surprising news with fans, the 71-year-old discussed how some of the advice he gave on the programme sparked backlash.
The horticulturist revealed that he once received “huge stick” after giving viewers advice on what to do with their lawns.
Speaking on the latest episode of BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine podcast, he said: “What’s interesting or interested me was, when I would say, you know, ‘Let your lawn grow long, just cut a path through it’.
“I got huge stick from the green keepers, lawn people, mower manufacturers, I mean someone accosted me this morning. Golf people, the world of cut grass, [said] how I wasn’t a representation of the people. ‘Everyone wanted a lawn’.
Monty Don has quit Gardeners’ World (Image: Getty)
“Okay, fine, fair enough and then when I made a lawn, I got huge stick from all the organic people who wanted lawn grass and rewilding one, you can’t please [everybody] and I support both parties.”
Taking to his Instagram page to announce his departure from the show, the BBC star shared a video of himself sitting alongside his dog, Ned.
He began: “I began hosting Gardeners’ World 23 years ago, and for the last 16 years we’ve been here at Longmeadow, and it’s been fantastic. I’ve loved every minute, I’ve worked with some amazing people, and it’s been a joy to share my gardening life and my dogs with you.”
He went on to say it was “time for a change” and that there were some “new adventures in the future”.
Many of Monty’s fans have reacted to the news of his exit (Image: INSTAGRAM/MONTYDON)
Monty also confirmed that he will continue to work with the BBC on other projects, as well as following new avenues.
Sharing what he has in the pipeline, he added: “There are more books to write, more programmes to make. And of course, I will still be gardening, dog by side, here at Longmeadow.”
Many of Monty’s 1.4 million followers flocked to the comments section to express their sadness over the news.
Kate Thornton wrote: “Nooooo! This is a horticultural tragedy. Thank you for sharing so much passion, knowledge and wisdom. You will be hugely missed.” A fan added: “You will be so missed in Gardeners world.
Monty Don presents Gardeners’ World
“Awww, you will be missed, thank you for your beautiful, thoughtful presenting, wishing you fab times ahead,” a third typed.
The official account of Gardeners’ World also penned: “Thank you for everything.”
According to the BBC, audiences will still be able to see Monty broadcast from Longmeadow until later this year.
Kate Phillips, BBC’s Chief Content Officer said in a statement: “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,” adding he will be “hugely” missed by the team.
