Monty Don has spent many years helping viewers see gardening as something peaceful, patient and full of meaning. But as he reaches a new stage in life, the Gardeners’ World presenter has spoken about a small personal change that has affected the way he works in the garden.
In a recent interview with Country Life, Monty explained that he no longer gardens while listening to music. It was once a familiar part of his routine, especially Baroque music, which helped him settle into the right frame of mind.
Over the past few years, however, that habit has changed. Monty suggested that his hearing may not be quite what it once was, meaning he now has to concentrate more carefully when music is playing. Instead of helping him focus, it can now pull his attention away from the task in front of him.
He still has great affection for Baroque music and has spoken warmly about the work of composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach. But these days, he finds that music and gardening no longer sit together in the same easy way.
For Monty, music has never simply been background sound. He has also admitted that he does not enjoy music being played casually during dinner parties, because he feels it can reduce something meaningful into noise in the background.
The change may seem small, but it says a lot about how people adapt as they get older. Rather than treating it as a loss, Monty appears to have found a new rhythm in the garden — one built around quiet, attention and being fully present.
Gardening has shaped much of his life, although his love for it did not arrive immediately. As a child, he was not always eager to help with weeding, but over time that early reluctance grew into a lifelong passion. He later developed practical country skills and eventually worked as a professional gardener in France before becoming one of Britain’s best-known gardening voices.
Since taking over as the main presenter of Gardeners’ World in 2003, Monty has become a trusted and comforting presence for viewers. His thoughtful style has helped make gardening feel accessible, emotional and deeply connected to everyday life.
He has also reflected openly on turning 70 and becoming more aware of time. Rather than stepping away from work, though, Monty has suggested he would be happy to continue with Gardeners’ World if the opportunity remains. He has also spoken about wanting to keep making documentaries and exploring gardens around the world.
Monty’s latest comments are not really about giving something up. They are about adjusting to life with honesty and care. His love of gardening remains clear — only the soundtrack has changed.
