Monty Don has been one of Britain’s most beloved television personalities for more than two decades, winning over millions of viewers with his gardening knowledge, warm personality and love of nature.
However, as the 71-year-old prepares to step down from his presenting role on BBC’s Gardeners’ World, fans are reflecting on his remarkable career and the fascinating life he has led away from the cameras.
In September 2026, Don announced his decision to leave the long-running gardening programme after 23 years as its lead presenter. While the show will continue, his departure marks the end of an era for viewers who have spent countless Friday evenings watching him tend to his beautiful Longmeadow garden.
Beyond his television success, Don has experienced business failure, financial hardship and personal struggles that helped shape the man audiences know today.
Here are five surprising facts about Monty Don that reveal another side of the gardening legend.
1. Monty Don Once Ran a Jewellery Business Loved by Celebrities
Before becoming famous for gardening, Monty Don enjoyed success in the fashion industry.
During the 1980s, he and his wife Sarah established a costume jewellery business that attracted several high-profile customers.
Their designs reportedly caught the attention of celebrities including Princess Diana, Michael Jackson and Boy George.
However, their success proved short-lived. Following financial difficulties in the late 1980s, the business eventually collapsed, leaving the couple struggling financially.
The experience was devastating for Don and his family, but it also helped redirect his career towards writing and gardening.
What initially seemed like a major personal setback eventually opened the door to his remarkable television career.
2. He Never Studied Gardening at University
Despite being considered one of Britain’s most knowledgeable gardening presenters, Don never received a formal university education in horticulture.
Instead, he studied English at Magdalene College, Cambridge.
His gardening expertise developed through years of practical experience, personal research and experimentation.
Rather than following conventional academic training, Don learned by working directly with plants, observing their growth and understanding how different gardening techniques worked.
His unconventional background has become part of his appeal, encouraging ordinary viewers to believe they can create beautiful gardens without professional qualifications.
Throughout his television career, Don has consistently promoted gardening as an activity anyone can enjoy, regardless of experience.
3. His Famous Longmeadow Garden Was Once Little More Than a Field
Longmeadow has become one of the most recognisable gardens on British television.
Located in Herefordshire, the property has served as the main filming location for Gardeners’ World since 2011.
However, when Don and his family moved there in the early 1990s, the garden looked nothing like the beautifully maintained outdoor space viewers recognise today.
Much of the land was undeveloped, requiring extensive planning, planting and years of hard work.
Working alongside his wife Sarah, Don gradually transformed the property into a breathtaking garden featuring colourful borders, vegetable beds and carefully designed pathways.
The transformation also carried emotional significance, taking place after the family’s earlier financial struggles.
Today, Longmeadow represents not only Don’s gardening expertise but also his determination to rebuild his life after difficult circumstances.
4. Monty Don Is Also a Successful Author
Although best known for presenting Gardeners’ World, Don has enjoyed an equally impressive career as a writer.
Before becoming the programme’s main presenter in 2003, he had already established himself as a respected gardening journalist.
He served as gardening editor of The Observer from 1994 to 2006 and has written numerous books covering gardening, travel, nature and personal experiences.
Among his popular publications are The Complete Gardener, Down to Earth, The Ivington Diaries and Nigel: My Family and Other Dogs.
His work frequently goes beyond practical gardening advice, exploring the connections between nature, human emotions and everyday life.
Don has also travelled internationally for television programmes examining gardening traditions in countries including Japan, Italy and France.
Despite leaving his regular presenting role, writing and television projects are expected to remain important parts of his professional life.
5. He Has Openly Discussed His Battle With Depression
One of the most personal aspects of Don’s life is his openness about experiencing depression.
The television presenter has previously spoken about difficult periods, particularly following the collapse of his jewellery business and the financial problems that followed.
During these challenging times, gardening became an important source of comfort and stability.
Working outdoors, caring for plants and watching his garden develop helped provide structure and purpose in his everyday life.
Don has frequently highlighted the positive impact gardening can have on mental wellbeing, while acknowledging that depression can be a recurring struggle.
His willingness to discuss these experiences has earned him admiration from viewers who appreciate his honesty about life’s challenges.
For Don, gardening has always represented something deeper than simply growing flowers and vegetables. It has also been a source of personal fulfilment and emotional support.
What’s Next for Monty Don After Gardeners’ World?
Although Don’s departure from Gardeners’ World marks a major change, he is not expected to retire from broadcasting entirely.
The gardening expert has plans to continue exploring new television opportunities, including gardening travel projects.
His decision also raises questions about the future of Longmeadow, particularly after he revealed that the BBC had contributed towards the wages of his gardening team.
Nevertheless, his passion for gardening remains as strong as ever.
For millions of viewers, Don’s departure will be emotional. His calm presenting style, practical advice and personal connection with nature have made him one of the most respected figures in British gardening television.
And while his regular appearances on Gardeners’ World are approaching their conclusion, his extraordinary legacy will continue to inspire gardeners across Britain and beyond.
