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In the world of gardening and horticulture, Monty Don is a name that resonates deeply with enthusiasts and television viewers alike. As the beloved host of the iconic BBC gardening series, “Gardeners’ World,” Monty Don has become synonymous with all things green and blooming. However, recent rumblings in the gardening community have raised questions about his future on the show. Is Monty Don leaving “Gardeners’ World”? Let’s dive into the insights, considerations, and future plans of this horticultural icon.
Monty Don’s Contemplations
As of now, Monty Don isn’t leaving “Gardeners’ World,” but he is planning to step away from the long-running BBC Two gardening television series in the next two years. In a recent interview on the ‘Off Air With Fi and Jane’ Times Radio podcast, the 68-year-old broadcaster shared his considerations, expressing a desire to step away from the “remorseless treadmill” of television and allocate more time to his passion for writing and traveling.
Monty, who is set to turn 70 in a few years, conveyed his enthusiasm for writing books and doing TV shows but acknowledged the need to make choices. He emphasized his love for travel and writing and stated that he is unwilling to give up these pursuits. While he hinted at the possibility of accepting more time if offered, he recognized the inevitability of letting go of certain commitments.
Monty Don’s Privileged Perspective
Reflecting on his privileged background, Monty acknowledged the doors that have been open to him throughout his life due to his middle-class Oxbridge upbringing. Despite considering himself “just like anybody else” at various stages of his life, he recognized the inherent privilege he has enjoyed.
Furthermore, Monty expressed a desire for his potential replacement on ‘Gardener’s World’ to come from an under-represented group. He emphasized the importance of creating a more inclusive space in both television and gardening. Monty’s vision for a just and fair society involves opening doors that may be perceived as shut, acknowledging the complexity of achieving true inclusivity.
Who is Monty Don?
Before we delve deeper into Monty Don’s career and life, let’s take a moment to introduce this renowned British horticulturist, television presenter, and writer.
Monty Don was born on 8 July 1955 in Iserlohn, West Germany, and raised in England. His birth name is George Montagu Don, but his name was changed on the birth certificate to Montagu Denis Don shortly after his birth. He is a descendant of the renowned botanist George Don and the Keiller family, famous for Keiller’s marmalade. Monty also has a twin sister named Alison, who overcame significant challenges following a serious car accident.
Monty Don’s Diverse Career
Monty Don’s career is a testament to his resilience and versatility. He initially co-established a successful costume jewelry business called Monty Don Jewellery in 1981, alongside his wife Sarah Erskine. The business thrived but faced near-bankruptcy following the 1987 stock market crash.
Following this challenging period, Monty Don redirected his focus towards writing and broadcasting. He began with gardening articles and eventually secured a television gig on ITV’s This Morning in 1989, where he presented gardening segments. This opened up opportunities for him in the television industry, leading to his own shows on both BBC Television and Channel 4 in the 1990s.
In 2003, Monty Don took on the role of lead presenter of Gardeners’ World, temporarily leaving the show between 2008 and 2011 due to health issues. Since then, he has continued to create and produce several garden series, the most recent being Monty Don’s Adriatic Gardens in 2022. His contributions to gardening and horticulture have solidified his status as a well-respected figure in the industry.
Monty Don’s Influence
Monty Don’s on-screen presence often featured his beloved dogs, including Nigel, who became a much-loved fixture on Gardeners’ World until his passing in 2020, followed by the introduction of Nell and Patti. Besides his work on Gardeners’ World, Monty Don has produced and presented several other series, including the BBC’s Around the World in 80 Gardens, My Dream Farm, Mastercrafts, and various other documentary-style programs exploring gardens across the globe.
Alongside his television career, Monty Don continued to establish himself as an accomplished writer. He contributed a weekly gardening column to The Observer for over a decade and authored numerous books, including The Jewel Garden: A Story of Despair and Redemption.
Monty Don’s Early Life
Monty Don’s early life was marked by transitions and challenges. He grew up in Hampshire, England, and attended several schools before eventually studying English at Magdalene College, Cambridge. During his time at university, he met his future wife, Sarah Erskine.
From a young age, Don developed a strong passion for gardening and farming, which continued to grow throughout his childhood. Despite academic challenges and failing his A-levels, he persevered by studying for retakes at night school while working on a building site and a pig farm during the day.
Monty Don’s Family
Monty Don’s family background is rich in historical and personal significance. His parents, Denis Thomas Keiller Don and Janet Montagu (née Wyatt), changed his name on the birth certificate shortly after his birth due to a family dispute over the name. Monty Don’s maternal lineage traces back to the Wyatt family of architects.
Monty Don’s Personal Life
Monty Don is married to Sarah Erskine, a skilled jeweler and architect. Together, they weathered the challenges of their costume jewelry business and have remained steadfast partners throughout their professional and personal journeys.
Monty Don’s Age and Net Worth
As of 2023, Monty Don is 68 years old. His net worth is estimated to be between £1 million and £5 million, stemming from his television work, writing career, collaborations, endorsements, and public speaking engagements.
Is Monty Don Leaving Gardeners World – FAQs
1. Is Monty Don Leaving Gardeners World?
As of now, Monty Don isn’t leaving Gardeners World but he is planning to leave the long-running BBC Two gardening television series in the next two years.
2. What is Monty Don’s full name?
Monty Don’s full name is George Montagu Don.
3. What is Monty Don’s famous television show?
Monty Don is best known for being the lead presenter of the popular BBC gardening television series, Gardeners’ World.
4. Has Monty Don authored any books?
Yes, Monty Don has authored numerous books, including works on gardening, horticulture, and personal memoirs. Some of his notable books include “The Jewel Garden: A Story of Despair and Redemption” and “Nigel: My Family and Other Dogs.”
5. Who is Monty Don?
Monty Don is a renowned British horticulturist, television presenter, and writer, widely recognized for his prominent role as the main presenter of the BBC gardening television series called Gardeners’ World.
