Monty Don, the beloved British horticulturist and longtime host of “Gardeners’ World,” is set to captivate audiences once again with a fresh BBC series premiering in January 2026, dispelling any notions that the 70-year-old icon is slowing down. Titled “Monty Don’s Rhineland Gardens,” the three-part program will see Don exploring the cultural and historical ties between four European countries through their gardens, all connected by the majestic Rhine River. The announcement comes amid speculation about Don’s future on television, following a poignant “last show” episode of “Gardeners’ World” in December 2025, but fans can breathe easy—Don’s passion for plants remains as vibrant as ever.

The series, airing on BBC Two starting Friday, January 16, 2026, promises a scenic journey from the Netherlands through Germany and France to Switzerland, uncovering how gardens reflect national identities and shared histories. In the first episode, Don delves into the Rhine’s role as a natural and cultural artery, visiting sites like a park repurposed from disused factories—a nod to industrial heritage reborn as green spaces. “According to the BBC, the new programme will see Monty travel along the Rhine, crossing four countries and taking in ‘the importance of history,’” a promotional description states, highlighting Don’s signature blend of storytelling, practical advice, and serene narration. Viewers can expect breathtaking visuals of diverse landscapes, from formal estate gardens to wild riverside plots, interspersed with Don’s tips on seasonal planting and sustainable practices.

Don, born in Germany in 1955 to British parents and raised in Hampshire, has been a fixture on British screens since the 1990s. His breakthrough came with “Gardeners’ World” in 2003, where his down-to-earth style—often featuring his golden retrievers Nell and Patti—turned him into a household name. Over two decades, he’s inspired millions to pick up trowels, emphasizing gardening’s therapeutic benefits amid modern stresses. “Gardeners’ World,” which wrapped its 2025 season with a special episode on December 19, saw Don and his dog Ned bidding a temporary farewell, leaving fans emotional and speculating about retirement. “The BBC presenter and his dog Ned will appear in the last episode of the year before the show returns in January 2026,” a statement clarified, but the wording fueled rumors.

In reality, “Gardeners’ World” is slated to return in March 2026, with Don confirmed as host through the end of the year. The interim period allows for “Rhineland Gardens,” a project that expands Don’s repertoire beyond British borders. This isn’t his first international venture; series like “Monty Don’s Italian Gardens” (2011) and “Monty Don’s Paradise Gardens” (2018) have explored global horticulture, blending travelogue with expertise. “Rhineland Gardens” continues this tradition, focusing on the Rhine’s 760-mile path as a metaphor for interconnectedness in a divided Europe.

Don’s enduring appeal lies in his authenticity. A former jewelry designer who turned to gardening after a business setback in the 1980s, he’s openly discussed personal struggles, including depression and the loss of his dog Nigel in 2020—a moment that united viewers in grief. “Gardening is my therapy,” Don has said in interviews, crediting his Longmeadow garden in Herefordshire as a sanctuary. Fans flooded social media with support after the “last show” announcement, with one writing on X: “Monty Don’s calm charm makes gardening feel like pure joy.” Another queried: “Is Monty in a new 2026 series of GARDENERS WORLD?! Or hasn’t the new series got a name yet?”

The BBC’s decision to greenlight “Rhineland Gardens” reflects Don’s box-office draw. “Gardeners’ World” consistently pulls in over 2 million viewers per episode, and his books, like “The Gardening Book” (2023), top bestseller lists. Executives see him as a bridge between generations, appealing to eco-conscious millennials while retaining boomer loyalists. “Monty’s not slowing down; he’s starting again,” a fan page on Facebook proclaimed, echoing the excitement. The series also aligns with broader trends in programming, emphasizing sustainability amid climate change. Don, a vocal advocate for organic methods, often critiques chemical-heavy practices, as in his 2024 comments on neonicotinoids.

Production details reveal a meticulous shoot. Filmed over summer 2025, the series captures seasonal shifts along the Rhine, from Dutch tulip fields to Swiss alpine meadows. Don’s narration, recorded in his home studio, adds intimacy. “He discovers an extraordinary range of gardens along the way – including a park created from disused factories,” teases the Episode 2 synopsis, set for January 23. Companion content, including podcasts and online guides, will offer planting tips tailored to UK viewers.

Don’s health has been a concern, with back issues forcing a 2023 break from “Gardeners’ World.” Yet, he reassures fans: “I’m fit and ready,” he told Yahoo News in December 2025. His commitment extends to charity; as president of the Soil Association, he promotes biodiversity. The new series may touch on these themes, linking European gardens to global environmental challenges.

Anticipation is high. Forums buzz with countdowns, and retailers report spikes in gardening gear sales. “Expect breathtaking gardens, seasonal tips, and Monty’s signature calm charm,” a BBC promo promises. For Don, it’s about legacy: “Gardening connects us to the earth,” he’s said. As “Rhineland Gardens” debuts, it reaffirms his role as Britain’s green guru.

With “Gardeners’ World” resuming in spring, Don’s schedule remains packed. Whether exploring foreign soils or tending his own plot, his influence endures, proving that at 70, he’s far from done.