Monty Don’s emotional reaction to Gardeners’ World star’s ‘big secret’

Monty Don Shares Heartfelt Congratulations as Gardeners’ World Co-Star Announces Pregnancy

Traveloasisspot.com – The gardening world celebrated a joyful moment as Monty Don offered his warmest wishes to fellow presenter Jamie Butterworth following the younger man’s pregnancy announcement. The emotional exchange between the two television personalities highlights the close-knit nature of the Gardeners’ World family, where personal milestones are shared with genuine enthusiasm.

A Growing Family for Butterworth

Butterworth, 31, took to social media to reveal that he and his wife Devon are expecting their first child together. The announcement, shared through a series of touching photographs on Instagram, showed the couple celebrating what they described as “a fairly big secret.” In the images, Butterworth can be seen gently resting his hand on Devon’s growing baby bump as she proudly displays their ultrasound scan.

“We’ve been keeping a secret (and a fairly big one). Baby Butterworth, due early January 2027,” he wrote in his caption.

The gardening expert, who has become a familiar face on BBC Two’s beloved programme, has built a reputation for his expertise and approachable style. His marriage to Devon in August 2025 marked the beginning of a new chapter, and now the couple is preparing for parenthood while living in Windsor.

Don’s Supportive Response

At 71 years old, Monty Don was among the first to respond to the announcement, offering his congratulations with characteristic warmth. His message read simply: “Hurrah. Congratulations.”

The two presenters have developed a strong professional relationship over their time working together. Last year, they collaborated on the RHS Show Feature Dog Garden at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show, a project that showcased both their horticultural knowledge and creative vision. Butterworth, who also appears regularly on ITV’s Love Your Weekend, has been praised by Don for his contributions to the programme and his work in the garden industry.

Don’s tribute to his colleague comes after he opened up about his own health struggles, detailing his recent surgery and the challenges of recovery.

Don’s Health Journey Continues

The timing of Butterworth’s announcement coincides with Don’s own period of physical adjustment. The veteran presenter underwent a knee replacement surgery in November, a procedure he described as “horribly painful.” He revealed that he will likely require another replacement operation in late 2027, but remains determined to continue his work in television and gardening.

“I was finding by the end of a day’s filming I could barely walk upstairs and I certainly couldn’t take the dogs for a walk,” Don explained to Saga magazine about his recovery period.

Don has been filming Gardeners’ World at Longmeadow, his Herefordshire home that he shares with his wife Sarah. The physical demands of the work became increasingly challenging during his recovery, but he refused to let his health issues disrupt his career.

“It was severely limiting what I was doing. I did it so I could keep on working because it was getting to the point where filming was cutting round me limping,” he said.

Despite the discomfort, Don has made significant progress. Three months after his surgery, he has returned to gardening and has not needed to use a walking stick for a month. He acknowledged that recovery can be unpredictable, noting that pain levels can vary significantly from day to day.

“However you do it, a knee replacement is horribly painful. But three months on I’m gardening again and haven’t walked with a stick for a month,” Don shared.

The Doghouse and a Misunderstood Tribute

Don’s recent public life has also been marked by another emotional moment involving his beloved dogs. Last week, he shared a photograph showing the names of his seven-year-old Yorkshire Terrier Patti and his four-year-old Golden Retriever Ned engraved into the stone pathway of his Doghouse. The Doghouse, originally designed as part of his Chelsea Flower Show garden, now serves as his potting shed at Longmeadow.

Don, who has previously credited his dogs with helping him through depression and anxiety, captioned the post: “In the threshold of the Doghouse.” Unfortunately, many fans interpreted this as a farewell message, with numerous comments expressing concern that Patti had passed away.

“Patti died? I did not realise this I’m so sorry,” one fan wrote, while another asked: “Did Patti pass away?”

Others quickly clarified the situation, pointing out that the names had been engraved in the stone the previous year and that both dogs were alive and well. The incident highlighted the deep connection Don has cultivated with his audience, who feel personally invested in his life and the lives of his pets.

Looking Ahead

Don has confirmed his intention to continue presenting Gardeners’ World until at least 2028, though he admits he struggles to envision what retirement might look like. His dedication to the programme and to gardening in general has made him one of the most respected figures in British horticulture.

As Butterworth prepares for fatherhood and Don continues his recovery, both men represent the enduring spirit of Gardeners’ World—a programme that has brought joy and knowledge to millions of viewers for decades. Their stories, both personal and professional, remind us that life’s milestones, whether they involve new babies or new knees, are best faced with resilience and support from those around us.

The gardening community has rallied around both presenters, offering congratulations to Butterworth and encouragement to Don. Their stories, shared through social media and television, demonstrate how public figures can maintain genuine connections with their audiences, celebrating life’s moments together regardless of distance or circumstance.