HEARTBROKEN: Gardeners’ World’s Monty Don ‘accosted’ after comment on show sparked backlash
Monty Don has revealed the surprising backlash he faced over his gardening advice, just days before announcing that he is stepping away from Gardeners’ World after more than two decades on the BBC programme.
The 71-year-old presenter confirmed on Tuesday, September 8, that he will leave the much-loved show after 23 years, bringing one of its most familiar eras to an end.
But shortly before making that announcement, Monty opened up about the criticism he has received over the years — particularly when it came to one of gardening’s most divisive subjects: lawns.
Speaking on the latest episode of the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine podcast, he recalled encouraging viewers to allow their grass to grow longer rather than keeping every section of a garden closely cut.
“Let your lawn grow long, just cut a path through it,” he remembered advising.
The suggestion did not go down well with everyone.
Monty said he received “huge stick” from greenkeepers, lawn specialists, mower manufacturers and people connected with golf, with some arguing that his approach did not reflect what most gardeners actually wanted.
Monty Says He Couldn’t Please Everyone
The irony, Monty explained, was that criticism later came from the opposite side of the debate too.
When he created a more traditional lawn, he said people who supported organic gardening and rewilding also objected.
The experience left him acknowledging that satisfying everyone was impossible.
“You can’t please everybody,” Monty said, adding that he could understand both sides of the argument.
His comments came only days before he revealed that his long-running role on Gardeners’ World was coming to an end.
Monty first began presenting the BBC series 23 years ago and has broadcast from his Longmeadow garden for the past 16 years.
Announcing his departure, he reflected warmly on his time with the programme and the people he had worked alongside.
“I’ve loved every minute,” he said, explaining that sharing his gardening life — and his dogs — with viewers had been a joy.
But he also made clear that he now feels ready for something different.
Monty described it as “time for a change” and teased “new adventures” ahead.
BBC Career Is Not Over
Despite leaving Gardeners’ World, Monty is not walking away from broadcasting or from the BBC altogether.
He confirmed that he still has other projects planned, including more television programmes and books.
Gardening itself will also remain at the centre of his life.
“There are more books to write, more programmes to make,” he said.
“And of course, I will still be gardening, dog by side, here at Longmeadow.”
The announcement quickly prompted an emotional response from fans.
Presenter Kate Thornton described the news as a “horticultural tragedy” and thanked Monty for the passion, knowledge and wisdom he had shared over the years.
Other viewers said he would be deeply missed, while the official Gardeners’ World account simply responded: “Thank you for everything.”
The BBC has confirmed that viewers will continue to see Monty broadcasting from Longmeadow until later this year.
Kate Phillips, the BBC’s Chief Content Officer, said she respected his decision while admitting she was “very sad” to see him go.
She described Monty as a uniquely engaging broadcaster whose calm presence and passion for gardening had inspired countless viewers, adding that he would be “hugely” missed by the team.
Monty’s departure closes a major chapter for Gardeners’ World, but his comments in the days beforehand also offered a reminder of why his approach connected with so many people.
Whether telling viewers to let their lawns grow wild or creating something more traditional, he never expected every gardener to agree.
After 23 years, that mix of experience, strong opinions and calm delivery has become part of what made him one of the BBC’s most recognisable gardening figures.
