Monty Don's Gardeners Face Uncertain Future After BBC Exit
Monty Don's Gardeners Face Uncertain Future After BBC Exit
Gardening icon Monty Don reveals he might have to let go of his long-time gardeners after leaving Gardeners' World, impacting his beloved Longmeadow. Discover why!
Gardening beloved Monty Don has shared his concern for the future of his two dedicated gardeners following his recent announcement to step down from BBC's Gardeners' World after 23 years. The 71-year-old presenter, who earlier this month revealed it was "the right time for a change," admitted that the BBC has historically contributed to the salaries of his full-time landscaper and propagation expert.
Don explained at the RHS Malvern autumn flower show that since he began hosting the show from his own garden, Longmeadow, in 2011, his BBC contract included a provision for the contribution towards his gardeners' wages.
If I'm off filming in the Rhine or India or somewhere like that, somebody has got to be getting it ready,
he stated, highlighting the essential role they play in maintaining his Herefordshire garden, which has become a star in its own right.
With his departure from the show, this BBC contribution is set to cease, leaving Don to re-evaluate how he can afford to keep his team of gardeners. "Obviously, that contribution is going to go," Don said. "I will have to think of ways, I can't afford it unless we earn money from it, so I am going to think of ways of earning something from the garden, but I can't do that until the middle of next year at the earliest."
The gardeners have been with Don for 10 years, and he praised them as "a great team." He also touched upon the possibility of opening his two-acre garden to the public to generate income, but quickly dismissed the idea due to its private nature and the logistical challenges of parking.
Don and his wife Sarah transformed their two-acre property in Ivington from a neglected field into a horticultural paradise in 1991. Longmeadow boasts a variety of distinct areas, including a romantic cottage garden, a vibrant jewel garden, an Islamic-inspired paradise garden with its classic Charbagh layout, a productive vegetable garden, and a blue and yellow garden surrounding the potting shed.
The future funding for the meticulous upkeep of these diverse and beloved spaces now hangs in the balance as Don transitions from his long-standing role.
