Monty Don's BBC Exit: Will His Beloved Gardeners Lose Their Jobs?
Monty Don's BBC Exit: Will His Beloved Gardeners Lose Their Jobs?
Beloved Gardeners' World host Monty Don reveals post-BBC contract struggles. His iconic Longmeadow garden team faces an uncertain future as he departs the show after 23 years. What's next for his famous estate?
Long-standing 'Gardeners' World' presenter, Monty Don, 71, recently made headlines following his announcement last month that he would be stepping down from the popular BBC show after an impressive 23-year tenure. This news, which came shortly after the passing of his beloved Yorkshire terrier, Patti, and amid his own reported health struggles, has left fans speculating about his replacement and, now, the future of his garden staff.
Don revealed at the RHS Malvern autumn flower show that his departure from 'Gardeners' World' could have significant implications for the two full-time gardeners who maintain his famous two-acre Herefordshire estate, Longmeadow. Since 2011, when filming for the show began at his garden, a portion of these gardeners' salaries has been covered by the BBC as part of his contract.
This arrangement ensured Longmeadow remained camera-ready, even when Don was away filming in various international locations.
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,
Don explained. He added, "The BBC pays a contribution towards their wages.
Not enough, but they do pay something, which is great. Obviously, that contribution is going to go." The presenter expressed concern for his team, who have been with him for 10 years, stating, "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." This puts the jobs of his dedicated staff in jeopardy, a prospect that clearly weighs heavily on him.
Despite the financial predicament, Don is firm on not opening Longmeadow to the public.
He cited privacy concerns and the logistical nightmare of managing parking as key reasons.
He and his wife, Sarah, painstakingly transformed the neglected field in Ivington into the vibrant Longmeadow garden back in 1991.
The estate features several distinct areas, including a cottage garden, a jewel garden, an Islamic-inspired paradise garden, and a productive vegetable patch, all meticulously maintained. As Don navigates this new chapter, the gardening community watches closely, hoping a solution can be found to protect the livelihoods of the people who help keep one of Britain's most beloved gardens thriving.
