Beloved horticulturalist Monty Don, who previously described Gardeners’ World as a “remorseless treadmill”, has now confessed there was a time when he wanted a “sabbatical”
Beloved horticulturalist Monty Don, who previously described Gardeners’ World as a “remorseless treadmill”, has now confessed there was a time when he wanted a “sabbatical”
Monty Don, the much-loved TV gardener, has confessed that he once felt “fed up with gardens” and yearned for a break. He previously hinted at his time on Gardeners’ World drawing to a close. Speaking to Times Radio, Monty described working on Gardeners’ World as akin to a “remorseless treadmill”. He also told Abode2 Magazine that he was prepared to welcome a slower pace of life.
On the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Podcast, Monty once again discussed his demanding gardening schedule and admitted there was a period when he desired a “sabbatical”.
When questioned if gardening can become mentally overwhelming, especially as people prepare for a busy spring, Monty revealed: “I used to think that I wanted…by October, I was fed up with gardens and I wanted a break. I wanted a sabbatical and that I didn’t really know what I meant by that.”
He added: “I probably just meant a week or two and I didn’t have to think about them. I don’t think that any more; it’s not October. I often feel overwhelmed by what needs to be done, really, I mean, as I say, because of filming and television.”, reports the Express.
“There’s a real sense of, as we get ready for Gardeners’ World, which usually nowadays starts filming at the beginning of March. You know, once we get into February, we think, ‘Crikey; there’s a lot of jobs to be ticked off’.”
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Monty further explained that it could be affected by weather conditions like floods or snow, but they continue to work throughout the year until December, always keeping busy. Monty confessed to a relentless schedule, but has come to find filming days the most manageable. Having reached a mature age, he’s learned to worry less and accept that “failure” is a natural part of life.
With a career spanning over three decades, Monty has been a familiar face on television since taking the reins of Gardeners’ World from Alan Titchmarsh in 2003. The show has given fans a glimpse into his stunning Longmeadow garden. Speaking to Abode2 last year, Monty expressed his gratitude for the opportunities he’s had, saying he’s “loved every second” of his career. However, he now feels it’s time to adopt a more laid-back approach and watch “garden life flow by”.
Meanwhile, he told Times Radio that he continues to enjoy making TV programmes, writing books and to “have the energy to do that and not scrabble”. He said: “So therefore the logical thing to give up is Gardener’s World, which is, for all its virtues, a remorseless treadmill.”
Despite previously hinting at uncertainty, Monty told Radio Times magazine that he’s committed to filming two more series of Gardeners’ World, starting in January 2025. He explained: “Every time I think, ‘Am I really going to do this? ‘ But the truth is that I do enjoy it. I’m lucky because it’s in my own garden. If the programme is made well, I’ll continue.”