Beloved British gardener and broadcaster Monty Don has made a powerful statement about his latest project: “I’m not slowing down — I’m starting again.” At 70, the longtime face of BBC’s Gardeners’ World is launching a brand-new series this January, one he describes as more personal than anything he’s done before. Far from winding down, Don is embracing a renewed sense of purpose, stripping back the familiar to reveal something deeper and more reflective.

The series, filmed amid stunning European landscapes along the Rhine River—from the Swiss Alps to the North Sea—shifts the focus away from pure horticultural technique toward the human stories behind the gardens. Don explains that he wanted to “remove everything” extraneous, creating space for a slower, more contemplative pace. “It’s not just about the plants,” he says. “It’s about how gardening helps us breathe again.”

Viewers can expect practical advice woven into gentle reassurance. The show highlights how gardens serve as anchors for communities, reflecting cultural identity and fostering connection. In one village along the route, Don was struck not by exotic flora but by how local residents had transformed their shared spaces, breathing new life into their community through collective effort. This emphasis on people over plants marks a subtle evolution in his storytelling—gardening becomes a metaphor for resilience, renewal, and finding calm amid life’s demands.

Don’s career has long shaped Britain’s relationship with the natural world. Through decades on television, he’s championed accessible, thoughtful gardening that connects us to seasons, soil, and each other. This new venture feels like a natural progression: after exploring gardens across continents in previous series, he’s now turning inward while venturing outward along one of Europe’s iconic waterways. The Rhine’s diverse landscapes provide a rich backdrop—alpine meadows, riverside plots, and urban green oases—each revealing unique approaches to cultivation shared by Swiss, German, and Dutch gardeners.

What sets this series apart is its deliberate rhythm. In a world that often rushes, Don invites audiences to slow down, observe, and reflect. He offers hands-on tips—seasonal planting, community involvement, and sustainable practices—but packages them in moments of quiet insight. Gardening, he suggests, isn’t merely a hobby; it’s a way to reclaim peace, process emotions, and reconnect with the simple act of nurturing life.

For longtime fans, this feels like Monty at his most authentic. No flashy reveals or high-pressure challenges—just an experienced guide sharing what truly matters. As he embarks on this “starting again,” Don reminds us that growth doesn’t always mean moving faster; sometimes, it means pausing, rethinking, and beginning anew with clearer eyes.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or simply seeking solace in nature, the series promises to deliver both inspiration and comfort. In Don’s hands, a garden is more than soil and seeds—it’s a space where we can all learn to breathe a little easier.