Monty Don leaves Gardeners’ World after more than 20 years on the show. The BBC reported this in a statement on Tuesday. The TV presenter said Don, as the show’s head gardener, has “inspired and guided millions” since joining the program in 2003. Since 2011, he has taken viewers into his own garden, Longmeadow, Herefordshire, every week. Don said: “I decided that the current episode Gardeners’ World will be my last. I started running the program 23 years ago, first at Berryfields and for the last 16 years here in my own Longmeadow garden. “Throughout this time—and nearly 700 programs—I have had the privilege of sharing my enduring passion for gardens and horticulture with an equally passionate and often equally knowledgeable audience. “This connection with the millions of people not only in the UK but around the world who share a love of gardens, plants and the natural world is something I have always cherished and which I increasingly believe lies at the heart of a life well lived.” Monty Don was the “Head Gardener” of Gardeners’ World for over 20 years. (Battersea Dog and Cat Home) Don said creating the program with the “excellent” BBC team had been a very rewarding experience, but “now is the right time for a change.” He said he was looking forward to working with the BBC on other projects as well as “exploring new avenues”. He said: “We need to write more books, create more programs. “And of course, I’ll still be gardening, dog by my side, here in Longmeadow.” BBC chief content officer Kate Phillips said she was “very sad” when Don left the show. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days Only new subscribers. £9.99 per month. after the free trial. The plan will automatically renew until cancelled. Try it for free ADVERTISING. If you sign up for this service, we will receive a commission. This income helps fund The Independent’s journalism. “Monty is completely unique: a wonderfully attractive TV presenter with a calming and calm presence who has inspired many with his passion for gardening,” she said. “We are a nation full of new gardeners and his advice and guidance has been invaluable to viewers for over 20 years and has certainly helped me expand my knowledge as well as improve the survivability of my plants!” Monty Don has said he will continue to work with the BBC on other projects. (Pennsylvania) Throughout his time on the show, Don has been open about his mental health struggles, including depression, anxiety and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). He also spoke about the therapeutic nature of gardening, saying that being outdoors and working with the soil can promote healing. Phillips said she wanted to personally thank Don for his “honesty and kindness” regarding these issues and for speaking out about the power of the natural world in improving mental health. Sharon Fisher, Series Editor, BBC Studios Gardeners’ Worldsaid Don’s contribution to the show was “extraordinary”. “With his warmth, wisdom and deep love of gardening, he inspired millions of people to discover the pleasure and purpose that working with their hands in the soil can bring,” she said. “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 history of the program.” “We are all on Gardeners’ World team, he will be greatly missed, but we celebrate all he gave to the program, the horticultural community and the public that welcomed him into their homes every week for over two decades.” Viewers will be able to see Don broadcast from Longmeadow before the end of the year. Subscribe here to get the latest news from The Independent. Post navigation BBC announces Monty Don is leaving Gardeners’ World after more than 20 years Can the Jets ease the pressure on the Hellebuyck trade with the late free agent signing?