Monty Don has opened up about his decision to step down from Gardeners' World after 23 years as its longest-serving head gardener.
The horticulturist, who joined the programme in 2003 and has entertained and inspired millions of viewers with his gardening passion, announced last month that he would be leaving the show.
Speaking about the decision recently in Gardeners' World Magazine, Don explained that the demands of the role rarely ended when the cameras stopped filming.
"The commute is delightfully short, but when I go home I take the job with me, seven days a week, 24 hours a day," he said.
He continued: "Then, one day this summer, I woke up and knew it was time to stop. Simple as that. They say of sportspeople wondering when to retire, 'You just know. Well, I just knew."
Sharing the news that he would be retiring, Don said last month: "I have decided that the current series of Gardeners’ World is to be my last. I began hosting the programme 23 years ago, first at Berryfields and for the past 16 years here in my own garden, Longmeadow.
"Throughout that time – and around seven hundred programmes – I have had the privilege of sharing my own abiding passion for gardens and gardening with an equally passionate, and often equally knowledgeable audience."
He continued: "That connection with millions, not just in Britain but across the world, who share a love of gardens, plants and the natural world is something I have always treasured and which I increasingly believe to be at the heart of a life well lived."
The presenter added that he thinks "now is the right time for a change" and looks forward to working on other BBC projects, as well as new "avenues".
"There are more books to write, more programmes to make," he said. "And of course, I will still be gardening, dog by side, here at Longmeadow."
Initially, Don presented the programme at Berryfields, a rented garden in Stratford-upon-Avon, before moving to his own garden, Longmeadow in Herefordshire, in 2011, following his recovery from a stroke.
Kate Phillips, BBC’s chief content officer, added that she was "very sad he’s leaving", thanking him "personally for his honesty and kindness which has seen him open-up about his own personal struggles and the power of the natural world to improve mental health".
She added: "Monty is utterly unique, a wonderfully engaging broadcaster with a soothing, calm presence who has inspired so many with his passion for gardening."
Gardeners' World continues on Friday 11 September on BBC Two.
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