Is Monty Don Leaving Gardeners World? Who is Monty Don?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Nov 11, 2023
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. In a recent interview on the 'Off Air With Fi and Jane' Times Radio podcast, he 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.
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.
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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. Born in Germany and raised in England, he pursued his education at Magdalene College, Cambridge, where he eventually met his future wife. Together, they operated a successful costume jewelry business until the stock market crash of 1987, which led to significant financial challenges.
In 1989, Monty Don made his television debut as a regular on This Morning, where he presented a gardening segment, subsequently opening up various opportunities for him in the television industry. Throughout the 1990s, he hosted his own shows on both BBC Television and Channel 4, concurrently starting his writing career and publishing his first book in 1990. From 1994 to 2006, Monty Don contributed a weekly gardening column to The Observer.
In 2003, he stepped into the role of lead presenter of Gardeners' World, taking over from Alan Titchmarsh. He temporarily left 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, which was broadcasted in 2022. With his extensive contributions to the world of gardening and horticulture, Monty Don has become a well-respected figure in the industry and among gardening enthusiasts worldwide.
Name
George Montagu Don
Gender
Male
Date of Birth
8 July 1955
Place of Birth
Iserlohn, West Germany
Age
68
Nationality
British
Other names
Montagu Denis Wyatt Don
Occupations
Horticulturist, Broadcaster, Writer
Years active
1989–present
Television
Gardeners' World
Spouse
Sarah Erskine (1983–present)
Children
Adam, Tom, and Freya
Monty Don Career
Monty Don's career shows his resilience and versatility, marked by his transition from a successful business entrepreneur to an acclaimed horticulturist, writer, and television presenter. In 1981, alongside his wife Sarah Erskine, he established Monty Don Jewellery, a thriving London-based venture that specialized in designing and selling costume jewellery. Within a short span, their business flourished, with their creations being sought after by celebrities such as Boy George, Michael Jackson, and Princess Diana. Unfortunately, the 1987 stock market crash resulted in substantial financial setbacks, leading the business to the brink of bankruptcy.
Following this challenging period, Monty Don redirected his focus towards writing and broadcasting. He began with gardening articles and eventually landed a gardening column for the Mail on Sunday. His writing career gained momentum as he secured a book deal and a screen test opportunity for the ITV television show This Morning, where he debuted in 1989. This opened up avenues for him, leading to further television appearances on BBC Television's Holiday and Tomorrow's World.
In 1999, Channel 4 aired the gardening series Fork to Fork, hosted by Monty Don and his wife. This was followed by several other successful series such as Real Gardens, Lost Gardens, and Don Roaming. In 2002, the BBC appointed Monty Don as the new lead presenter of the renowned series Gardeners' World, a position he held until temporarily stepping back in 2008 to recover from a minor stroke. During his tenure, he transformed the show, albeit facing a decline in viewership, with subsequent efforts to revitalize the program.
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 has written for various other publications, including the Daily Mail and Mail Online. He has authored numerous books, including The Jewel Garden: A Story of Despair and Redemption, a joint autobiography chronicling his and Sarah's journey of creating their home and gardens at Longmeadow.
Despite his vast success on television, Monty Don has always maintained his primary identity as a writer, demonstrating his passion for storytelling and his enduring love for the art of gardening.
Monty Don Family Background
Monty Don, whose birth name is George Montagu Don, was born on 8 July 1955 in Iserlohn, West Germany. He is the youngest among five siblings, born to British parents, Denis Thomas Keiller Don, who served as a career soldier stationed in Germany at the time, and Janet Montagu (née Wyatt). Shortly after his birth, his parents changed his name on the birth certificate to Montagu Denis Don due to a family dispute over the name. At the age of 10, he included his mother's maiden name, becoming Montagu Denis Wyatt Don.
Notably, Monty Don is a descendant of the renowned botanist George Don and the Keiller family, famous as the creators of Keiller's marmalade. On his maternal side, he traces his lineage back to the Wyatt family of architects. Additionally, Monty Don has a twin sister named Alison, who was involved in a serious car accident at the age of 19, resulting in a broken neck and partial blindness. His family background, rich in both historical and personal significance, has undoubtedly influenced his life and work in the field of horticulture and broadcasting.
Monty Don Early Life
Monty Don's early life began in Hampshire, England, where his family settled when he was just a year old. He described his upbringing as being under the guidance of "very strict" parents. His educational journey started at several independent schools, including Quidhampton School in Basingstoke and Bigshotte School in Wokingham, where his exuberant nature led to his expulsion at the tender age of seven.
Following this, he attended Malvern College in Malvern, an experience he openly expressed his dislike for, and later transitioned to the Vyne School, a state comprehensive school also located in Basingstoke. Despite facing academic challenges and failing his A-levels, Monty Don persisted by studying for retakes at night school while working on a building site and a pig farm during the day.
From a young age, Don developed a strong passion for gardening and farming, which continued to grow throughout his childhood. In his late teens, he ventured to Aix-en-Provence, France, where he engaged in gardening work and played rugby for local teams. Upon returning to England, he determinedly pursued admission to Cambridge University, ultimately passing the entrance exams to study English at Magdalene College. During his time at university, he met his future wife, Sarah Erskine, who was trained as a jeweller and architect.
Monty Don even took up boxing in an attempt to impress his father, a former heavyweight boxing champion in the army, earning a Cambridge Half Blue for his efforts. However, he decided to abandon the sport after experiencing a knockout and subsequent concussion. His early experiences shaped his resilience and determination, laying the foundation for his eventual success in the world of horticulture and broadcasting.
Monty Don Wife and Children
Monty Don's wife is Sarah Don, formerly known as Sarah Erskine. The couple has three children named, Adam, Tom, and Freya. Sarah is a skilled jeweler and architect, with whom Monty Don established the successful London-based business, Monty Don Jewellery, in 1981. The company specialized in the design, manufacture, and sale of costume jewelry, and within a short period, it achieved significant success. Operating from a shop on Beauchamp Place in Knightsbridge, the business expanded to encompass a network of outlets across the UK, including prestigious establishments like Harrods, Harvey Nichols, and Liberty. Their clientele included prominent figures such as Boy George, Michael Jackson, and Princess Diana.
Despite the initial triumph, the 1987 stock market crash brought about severe financial challenges for the company, leading to a near-complete bankruptcy, particularly due to the significant setback in American sales, their primary market. Following this adversity, Monty Don transitioned into a career in writing and broadcasting, marking the beginning of his journey as a renowned horticulturist, writer, and television presenter.
Monty Don and Sarah Erskine have experienced life's highs and lows together, and their enduring partnership has been a cornerstone of support and resilience throughout their professional and personal endeavors.
Monty Don Age
As of 2023, Monty Don is 68 years old, having established himself as a prominent figure in the world of horticulture and broadcasting. His extensive career spans successful ventures in television presenting, writing, and hosting various gardening series.
Despite facing personal and professional challenges, including the setback of a business venture, Don's resilience and passion for gardening have solidified his reputation as a respected and influential voice in the industry. With his wealth of experience and contributions, he continues to inspire and educate audiences worldwide, leaving a lasting legacy in the realm of gardening and horticulture.
Monty Don Net Worth
Monty Don's Net Worth is £1million and £5million. His primary sources of income stem from various facets of his career. These include earnings from his work as a television presenter, notably through his role as the lead presenter of the long-running BBC series Gardeners' World, which has contributed significantly to his income over the years. Additionally, his involvement in producing and presenting numerous gardening and horticulture-related series, both for the BBC and Channel 4, has also been a significant source of income for him.
Aside from his television work, Monty Don derives income from his prolific writing career. He has authored numerous books on gardening, horticulture, and personal memoirs, which have garnered a substantial readership and contributed to his financial success. His regular contributions to various publications, including The Observer, the Daily Mail, and Mail Online, also provide an additional source of income.
Furthermore, Monty Don has diversified his income through various projects, including collaborations, endorsements, and public speaking engagements, often centered around his expertise in gardening and horticulture. His involvement in initiatives related to small-scale farming and community gardening has also contributed to his overall income.
Is Monty Don Leaving Gardeners World - FAQs
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.
Monty Don's full name is George Montagu Don.
Monty Don is best known for being the lead presenter of the popular BBC gardening television series, Gardeners' World.
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."
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.