Monty Don signs off from Gardeners' World after 23 years

Monty Don has presented his final episode of Gardeners' World after 23 years on the BBC programme. The 71-year-old head gardener signed off from Longmeadow Garden, where the show has been based for 16 years, thanking viewers alongside his dog Ned.

In the episode, he said: 'This Friday will be my very last of Gardener's World. I began 23 years ago.' The programme was framed as a weekly invitation to sit back and relax. It offered what the report called a quiet oasis of pottering, dogs and the sound of clipping in the noisy world of TV.

More than 20 years of gardening tips have come with birdsong, wheelbarrow compost and potting. He told viewers: 'Come on, we've got a job to do.' He also spoke of sharing the seasons and watching the years go by.

In its earlier bulletin, BBC One West reported that Don said his children had grown up and their lives had changed, all bound up with the garden he had made. It also carried his line: 'It's been a complete privilege to be part of it.' He invited viewers to join him 'on friday for the last time'.

In its later bulletin, BBC One West reported that the episode had been his final one as head gardener and that a final winter special would follow. The bulletin carried a fuller goodbye: 'For myself, Ned and Longmeadow, it's the final goodbye.' Don recalled starting at Berryfields 23 years ago and moving to Longmeadow 16 years ago. He said the garden had grown and that Nigel, Nellie and Patty had gone, but that sharing his garden and gardening life with viewers had been a constant privilege.

David Sillito reported for BBC News. The coverage presented the farewell as the end of a long run rather than a sudden departure.