Monty Don may have just turned 70, but the king of British gardening shows no signs of slowing down. Ahead of his new book British Gardens, Monty reveals why retirement is something he can’t picture – and why he’ll keep digging into Gardeners’ World for years to come.
The BBC favourite, who has spent 22 years bringing gardening into millions of homes, recently turned down a prestigious role as master of an Oxford University college, joking it felt too “conventional” for his free spirit.
“I genuinely don’t know what retirement would look like,” Monty admits. “I don’t play golf or tennis, and I can’t see myself doing the crossword all day. Whenever I say to Sarah, ‘Thank God, I have no addictions,’ she rolls her eyes and says, ‘You are completely addicted to work!’”
He marked his milestone birthday in classic Monty style – outdoors, digging a fresh crop of potatoes with his wife Sarah, 42 years his partner, by his side. “It’s just one step nearer the grave,” he laughs, shrugging off the fuss of turning 70.
Monty credits his work ethic to an unconventional upbringing. Born in 1955 as the youngest of five, he was sent to boarding school at seven, and chores on the vegetable patch as a child – once loathed – eventually sparked his lifelong love for gardening.
With more documentaries and his BBC contract running until at least 2028, Monty Don proves that passion, not age, dictates when you stop. “There comes a point in life when saying no is the least interesting option. And in reality, I like work,” he admits.
Fans of Gardeners’ World can rest easy: Monty isn’t hanging up his trowel anytime soon. 🌿✨
