A Gardeners’ World presenter has shared a ‘sad’ update as he said goodbye to the main series of the BBC show, while also reflecting on a ‘difficult’ gardening trend
Robin Cottle Assistant Editor Trendswatch
18:00, 07 Nov 2025
One Gardeners’ World presenter said a ‘sad’ goodbye to the show (Image: BBC)
A popular Gardeners’ World presenter has spoken of his sadness as the programme’s main series draws to a close for 2025, whilst highlighting a gardening challenge that can prove ‘difficult’ for enthusiasts to navigate.
BBC star Joe Swift, a regular on the gardening show, has revealed that 2025 has thrown up particular challenges for Britain’s green-fingered community owing to more extreme weather.
The year has been “warm, very dry and sunnier than most (years)”, creating complications for gardeners when selecting suitable plants for their outdoor spaces.
Writing in the Radio Times, Joe said: “Sadly it’s that time of year where the Gardeners’ World main series is over (although there are some fabulous winter specials coming up) and I say goodbye for the winter months.
“It’s been quite a memorable gardening year. Warm, very dry and sunnier than most – which is likely to become the norm going forward,” reports Gloucestershire Live.
Joe Swift (right) with Gardeners’ World’s main presenter Monty Don(Image: Getty Images)
“But this is difficult for gardeners to predict so it certainly puts ‘resilient gardening’ on the agenda.”
The expert explained that gardeners must now be increasingly selective about their plant choices, ensuring they meet certain essential criteria.
Plants need to demonstrate they can withstand the “more extreme weather conditions” that appear to be affecting the UK with growing frequency.
Joe continued: “This basically means choosing plants that don’t need mollycoddling and watering, and can cope with more extreme weather conditions, like ornamental grasses, hardy geraniums and tough viburnums.
“It doesn’t mean the garden has to be boring in any way, as there are plenty of exciting plants out there to work with – but a little more thought might go into choosing them.
“Gardeners are custodians of patches of land for a snapshot in time. I, for one, want to garden mine sustainably – and try to leave it more healthy and biodiverse than I found it.”
This follows Gardeners’ World host Monty Don clearing up a controversial comment he’d made regarding his time on the beloved BBC programme.
Joe Swift (left) with other Gardeners’ World’s presenters (Image: BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine/Ja)
Last year, he hinted at potentially leaving the show before turning 70, sparking worry amongst dedicated viewers.
However, he later reassured supporters he wasn’t going anywhere just yet, telling The Telegraph: “But I’d be very happy to do another five years. If the BBC renew my contract, I’d happily take it.”
Most recently, he’s confirmed he’s signed on to present for a minimum of two additional years, beginning January 2025.
Monty’s initial remarks emerged whilst discussing his professional prospects on Times Radio. Then 68, the horticultural expert suggested “the logical thing to do” would be to eventually depart from the programme.
“The serious point is I will be 70 in two years’ time,” he said.
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