🌿 “THIS IS MY NEW CHAPTER” — Monty Don’s Emotional Revelation About His Stunning New BBC Series Will Leave You Inspired and Teary-Eyed 😢✨

At 70, the nation’s favourite gardener could be winding down… but Monty Don is doing the exact opposite. In a deeply personal announcement, he unveils Monty Don’s Rhineland Gardens — a breathtaking new three-part BBC journey that’s already being called his most meaningful project ever.

“This isn’t just another gardening show,” he says. “It’s my new chapter — about renewal, healing through nature, and how gardens help us all breathe again after everything life throws at us.”

Why does this one hit different? Monty opens up like never before about why gardening saved him — and why this series matters more than anything he’s done.

Full details:

Veteran broadcaster and gardener Monty Don has returned to BBC screens with a new three-part series, Monty Don’s Rhineland Gardens, which began airing on BBC Two on January 16, 2026. The program follows the 70-year-old presenter as he travels the length of the River Rhine, from its alpine origins in Switzerland to its outlet in the Netherlands, examining the diverse gardens shaped by the waterway over centuries.

The series arrives amid Don’s continued role as lead presenter of Gardeners’ World, the long-running BBC staple filmed at his Longmeadow garden in Herefordshire. Recent episodes of that show wrapped for the year in late 2025, with Don and his dogs appearing in seasonal segments before a brief hiatus. Viewers were assured of more content soon, as promotional materials highlighted the Rhine project as a special addition to his schedule.

Monty Don’s Rhineland Gardens traces the river across four countries—Switzerland, Germany, France, and the Netherlands—visiting a range of sites influenced by the Rhine’s geography, history, and cultural intersections. The journey begins in the dramatic alpine landscapes near the river’s source and progresses through romantic valleys, industrial heartlands, and urban settings before reaching the North Sea. Don explores how local climates, traditions, and human ingenuity have created distinct gardening styles along the route, from formal estates to community plots and innovative modern designs.

In previews and interviews around the launch, Don emphasized the Rhine’s role as a connector of peoples and ideas. He noted that while each country approaches horticulture differently—reflecting national identities and environmental conditions—gardening remains a universal expression of creativity and care. The series aims to showcase this diversity while celebrating the passion that drives gardeners everywhere. Production credits list AHA Productions, with filming capturing the river’s varied scenery, including dramatic vistas and intimate garden details.

The Rhine has long held significance in European history, serving as a trade route, border, and inspiration for art and literature. Don’s approach integrates these elements, linking garden design to broader narratives of migration, industry, and environmental change. Episodes highlight how gardens adapt to challenges such as flooding or urban development, offering practical insights alongside reflective commentary.

Don, a familiar face on British television since the 1980s, has built a reputation for accessible, thoughtful gardening content. His work often blends horticultural advice with personal anecdotes, drawing from his own experiences at Longmeadow, where he cultivates a mix of formal, wildlife-friendly, and experimental spaces. The new series continues this style but shifts focus outward, exploring international influences rather than domestic projects.

Promotion for the program included social media teasers from Don and the BBC, with clips showing him walking riverbanks, examining plants, and speaking with local gardeners. One segment featured his observation that gardening transcends borders as an art form, a theme echoed in coverage from outlets like The Dirt Horticulture News and the Hereford Times. The series airs Fridays at 8pm on BBC Two, competing in the schedule with other programming but positioned as family-friendly viewing for gardening enthusiasts.

Don’s recent health has occasionally drawn attention; he has managed arthritis and other issues over the years, crediting gardening with aiding both physical and mental well-being. While the Rhine series does not center on personal recovery narratives, its emphasis on nature’s restorative qualities aligns with broader discussions in his work about how gardens provide solace and renewal. In late 2025 previews, he described the project as an “adventure,” underscoring enthusiasm for continued exploration at this stage of his career.

Public interest in the launch has been strong, with fans expressing appreciation for Don’s calm, knowledgeable presence. Social media reactions highlight anticipation for the visual beauty of the Rhine landscapes and the opportunity to learn about lesser-known European gardens. The program follows other recent Don specials, such as Monty Don’s British Gardens in early 2025, which examined domestic horticultural heritage.

As Gardeners’ World prepares to return later in 2026, the Rhine series offers a bridge, maintaining Don’s visibility while expanding his scope. No immediate plans for additional international journeys have been announced, though his track record suggests openness to similar formats.

The series underscores gardening’s evolving role in public broadcasting—from practical how-to guidance to cultural and emotional exploration. For Don, it represents an opportunity to share insights gained over decades while introducing audiences to new perspectives along one of Europe’s iconic rivers.

Viewers seeking escapism and inspiration amid winter months may find the program particularly appealing, with its blend of travel, history, and horticulture. As episode one aired to positive early feedback, expectations remain high for the remaining installments to deliver on the promise of discovery and appreciation for the natural world.