Monty Don post leaves fans 'crying' as Gardeners' World star shares special memory

The presenter shared a throwback post on Instagram

BBC
Olivia Gantzer

By Olivia Gantzer


Published: 03/07/2024

- 18:07

The 68-year-old presenter sparked a flood of comments when he shared a post on social media

Gardeners' World host Monty Don has left fans in tears after he shared an adorable throwback photo with fans.

The 68-year-old has been advising green-fingered viewers about how to take care of their plants and gardens for decades after taking over from Alan Titchmarsh on the BBC show back in 2003.


Don has built a huge following of fans who enjoy his gardening demonstrations as well as the relationship he has with his beloved dogs, which is always a feature of the series.

Heartbreakingly, his Labrador Nell died late last year, three years after the death of fellow Gardeners' World pooch, Golden Retriever Nigel.

On both occasions, Don paid a special tribute as he broke the sad news with fans, and he continues to update them on the four-legged friends he still has, Ned and Patti.

Earlier this week, Monty shared a nostalgic photo of Nell, Patti and himself which showed him smiling down at the two sleepy dogs in his arms.

The gardening expert penned: "Found this picture taken 4 years ago of Nell and Patti (and me)" and fans were quick to comment on the beautiful moment he'd captured, with many left emotional because it featured the late Nell.

One penned: "Awww beautiful Nell, what a lovely photo," while another added: "They love their Dad. Dear Nell, always remembered."

"Aawww made me cry. Sending you a hug Monty for all your fur babies," another shared.

"How lucky we all are to have shared our life’s with beautiful furry family members, thank you for sharing yours with us," a fourth remarked.

Monty and Ned

Monty still has two dogs, Ned and Patti

BBC

Someone else wrote: "Poor Nell. She seemed so young when Nigel died and then to be gone herself a couple of years later."

"What a beautiful photo it makes my heart ache as we lost our last golden early April xxxx," another commented.

"She was a darling, gone too soon. Patti seems to fit really well into that nook, gorgeous photo," one fan posted.

He went on to share another precious memory of Nell which showed her standing on two legs with her paws on Don's arm, with a puppy lying at his feet.

"More memories- reassuring Nellie just a few days after Ned arrived," Don explained.

Nell died in October 2023 of cancer, with a devastated Don announcing the news on social media at the time.

Alongside some photos, he wrote: "I was going to tell you about my new book which is published next week but that can wait because my lovely dear Nell died last night.

"She was diagnosed with cancer in June and every day this summer has been a gift but it is over now.

"We buried her in the garden next to Nigel wrapped in one of my jackets with flowers, balls and her favourite biscuits.

"Her end was peaceful and dignified and ended obvious suffering but it never gets any easier to bear. So life goes on, but for the moment we are very, very sad."

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