As Gardeners' World hero Monty Don bids goodbye, will we ever see his like again?

Monty Don with his golden retriever Ned at the Chelsea Flower Show last year. Picture: Ben Montgomery | Getty Images

First broadcast in 1968, Gardeners’ World is a British institution that has undoubtedly helped generations of green-fingered folk grow flowers to beautify their lives and reap many a bountiful harvest.

For 20 of those 58 years, its head gardener and main presenter has been Monty Don, who became a household name as he communicated his passion for this most special pastime in authoritative, quiet and measured tones.

However, yesterday the 71-year-old said goodbye as he presented his last official episode, saying the one constant factor during his time on the show had been the “incredible privilege and pleasure of sharing my garden and my gardening life with you here, as well as working with so many superb people”.

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There is no doubt that he, his garden, Longmeadow, and his dog, Ned, will be missed by many fans, although he will be back for BBC coverage of the Chelsea Flower Show, and will feature in two winter specials.

Gardening is a British obsession, and one with proven health benefits. For two decades, Don has been its greatest champion. We shall be lucky to see his like again.