Arabic version: مونتي دون يغادر «عالم البستانيين» بعد 20 عاماً

According to BBC News, Monty Don will step down as host of Gardeners’ World at the end of the current series, concluding more than 20 years on the programme. The 71-year-old is the show’s longest-serving head gardener and joined it in 2003.

Don said his work on the programme had been a “deeply rewarding experience”, but said it was now “the right time for a change”. He said he had shared his passion for gardens and gardening with an audience he described as equally passionate and knowledgeable across Britain and the world.

The presenter began hosting from Berryfields, a rented garden in Stratford-upon-Avon, before the programme moved in 2011 to Longmeadow, his garden in Herefordshire. Don said he had made about 700 programmes and would continue gardening at Longmeadow.

He said he looked forward to working with and for the BBC on other projects, as well as following new avenues. Don also praised the “superlative BBC team” he had worked with during his time on the series.

BBC chief content officer Kate Phillips called Don “unique” and said he had inspired viewers with a soothing, calm presence. She said his gardening tips and advice had been invaluable for more than two decades, while acknowledging his openness about personal struggles and the natural world’s power to improve mental health.