Monty Don, the well-known gardener and presenter of BBC's Gardeners' World, has announced he will step down from the show after more than 20 years. The BBC confirmed the news, stating that Don, who has served as the program's head gardener, has "inspired and guided millions" since joining the programme in 2003. Don began hosting the show in 2003 at Berryfields, a rented garden in Stratford-upon-Avon, before it moved in 2011 to his own garden, Longmeadow in Herefordshire. He said the current series would be his last, marking the end of a run of around 700 episodes filmed at both locations. Don described his time on the show as "deeply rewarding," but said "now is the right time for a change." He expressed that he had "had the privilege of sharing my own abiding passion for gardens and gardening with an equally passionate, and often equally knowledgeable audience." He added that the connection with millions of viewers, not just in Britain but across the world, who share a love of gardens, plants, and the natural world, is something he has always treasured and which he increasingly believes to be at the heart of a life well lived. Don also mentioned that he plans to write more books and work on new projects with the BBC. He thanked the "superlative BBC team" he worked with over the years and said he looks forward to continuing to work with and for the BBC on other projects, as well as following new avenues. He added that he will still be gardening, dog by side, at Longmeadow. BBC Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips thanked Don for his "soothing broadcasting style" and his openness about mental health. She described him as "unique" and "a wonderfully engaging broadcaster" who has inspired many. She expressed respect for his decision to leave Gardeners' World but said she would miss him on the show. She also acknowledged the impact of his advice on viewers, noting that it had helped her increase her knowledge and plant survival rate. Don, whose full name is George Montague Don, made his TV debut in 1989 with a gardening segment on ITV's This Morning. That led to further work on the BBC and Channel 4, a newspaper column, and the publication of more than 20 books about gardening authored by Don. He replaced Alan Titchmarsh on Gardeners' World in 2003 but took a break from the programme in 2008 as he recovered from a stroke. He has also presented other programmes including Around the World in 80 Gardens, My Dream Farm, Mastercrafts, Monty Don's Rhineland Gardens, and coverage of the Chelsea Flower Show.