// BBC ENTERTAINMENT & ARTS — MODA & SOCIETÀ
Monty Don bids 'final goodbye' to Gardeners' World after two decades
Monty Done! Monty and his dog, Ned, have been a fixture on the show
TV horticulturalist Monty Don thanked viewers and his furry friend Ned the dog while presenting his final episode of Gardeners' World, after more than two decades on air.
The head gardener on the long-running BBC TV series signed off from Longmeadow garden, where the show has been based for 16 years, on Friday.
"From myself, Ned, and Longmeadow it's the final goodbye," he said on the programme, adding it had been "a privilege and pleasure" to share his garden experiences with so many people.
During the episode, Don, 71, confirmed he would remain part of the presenting line-up for next year's Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show.
Monty Don started on Gardeners' World in 2003, replacing Alan Titchmarsh
He added he will feature in two winter specials, expected to air between now and Christmas.
One celebratory episode will see him reflect on his years presenting the series and the changes he has seen at Longmeadow, external, which is also the garden of his private home, which he and his wife Sarah bought in 1991.
Don replaced Alan Titchmarsh on the show in 2003, at his predecessor's request.
"I first began presenting Gardeners' World 23 years ago at Berryfields, and we came here to Longmeadow 16 years ago - in that time, things have changed," he recalled, on Friday's farewell.