'I can't afford it': Monty Don warns he may have to sack his two gardeners after leaving Gardeners' World

From the Newshound archive · first published 28 September 2026 · last updated 29 September 2026.

Monty Don has revealed the BBC has been partly funding the salaries of two full-time gardeners at his Herefordshire garden, Longmeadow, since 2011 — and that contribution will now disappear following his departure from Gardeners' World after 23 years. The 71-year-old made the disclosure speaking publicly for the first time since his exit announcement, at the RHS Malvern Autumn Show.

Don's BBC contract required him to employ two full-time gardeners — a landscaper and a propagation expert — to keep Longmeadow camera-ready while he filmed abroad.

'The BBC pays a contribution towards their wages — not enough, but they do pay something,' Don said. 'Obviously that contribution is going to go.'

Adam Frost and Frances Tophill are reportedly tipped to replace Don as host, meaning Longmeadow will no longer serve as the show's setting.