What We Know About Monty Don's Gardeners' World Exit

Monty Don presented his last episode of "Gardeners' World" on Friday, ending a run on the BBC gardening show that began in 2003, according to BBC News. The farewell aired from Longmeadow, the garden in Herefordshire that doubles as his private home and has served as the show's base for 16 years.

"From myself, Ned, and Longmeadow it's the final goodbye," Don said on the program, the BBC reported. He called the run "a privilege and pleasure."

How long did Monty Don host Gardeners' World?

Don, 71, took over the series in 2003 at the request of his predecessor, Alan Titchmarsh, the BBC said. He moved production to Longmeadow — the garden he and his wife, Sarah, bought in 1991 — 16 years ago. He stepped away for three years after a minor stroke in 2008 before returning to the program.

Why is Monty Don leaving the show?

Don announced in September that the current series would be his last, saying in a statement that hosting had been "a deeply rewarding experience" but that "now is the right time for a change," according to the BBC. The broadcaster said at the time that Don had "inspired and guided millions of viewers with his warmth, wisdom and passion for gardening" since 2003.

Who replaces Monty Don on Gardeners' World?

No successor has been named. The BBC said details of the next series will be announced later. Regular co-presenters Frances Tophill and Adam Frost have been named by bookmakers and viewers as contenders, though Tophill has played down expectations that she will step directly into the role, the BBC reported.

What is Monty Don doing next?

Don will remain on the presenting team for next year's Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show, the BBC reported. He is also set to appear in two winter specials expected to air before Christmas, including one episode reflecting on his years at Longmeadow.

Gardeners' World figures at a glance

• 23 years: Length of Don's run presenting the show, starting in 2003.
• 16 years: Time the program has been filmed at Longmeadow.
• 71: Don's age at the time of his final episode.
• 2018: Year Queen Elizabeth made Don an OBE for services to horticulture, broadcasting and charity, per the BBC.

Glossary

• Gardeners' World: A long-running BBC television series on gardening techniques and garden design.
• Longmeadow: Don's private garden in Herefordshire, used as the show's filming location since 2010.
• RHS Chelsea Flower Show: An annual flower show in London organized by the Royal Horticultural Society.
• OBE: Officer of the Order of the British Empire, a British honor for distinguished service.

The final episode is available to stream on BBC iPlayer, the broadcaster said. Don also received the RHS Victoria Medal of Honour, the organization's highest horticultural award, according to the BBC.

Smorgi Challenge — A live iOS party game. Random alarms drop dares. Not a wake-up alarm.