Monty Don says he may have to dismiss some of the gardeners who maintain Longmeadow after he leaves *Gardeners’ World*, because the BBC contribution towards their wages will end. Don, who has presented the programme since 2003 and filmed at his Herefordshire garden since 2011, said he cannot afford the team without finding ways for the garden to generate income.

Two full-time gardeners are required under his BBC contract when he is away filming; his current team also includes a propagation expert and a landscaper, who have worked with him for ten years. Don said he would consider income-generating ideas from the middle of next year at the earliest, but ruled out opening the two-acre garden to visitors because of parking difficulties. He plans to continue gardening and work with the BBC on other projects, including a travel programme reportedly called *Island Gardens*.