Discover the latest updates in the gardening world, including Monty Don's departure from Gardeners' World, giant pumpkins, and extreme weather impacts.
Welcome to the September 2026 garden and plants official updates roundup. This month brings significant changes to beloved television programs, remarkable horticultural achievements, and important updates on how severe weather events continue to impact natural landscapes and growing regions worldwide.
As gardeners transition between seasonal phases, staying informed about broader environmental factors, media shifts, and record-breaking plant growth helps everyone better understand the current state of horticulture. Let us examine the key developments shaping the gardening community this month.
After an incredible tenure spanning 23 years, Monty Don has announced he will step down from his role on the BBC television program Gardeners' World ([The Guardian Gardens](https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/sep/08/monty-don-steps-down-bbc-gardeners-world)). As the longest-serving lead presenter in the show's history, Don has been a comforting and informative presence for millions of viewers who tuned in weekly to watch him cultivate his garden in Herefordshire alongside his loyal dogs.
Reflecting on his departure, Don shared that he felt it was the appropriate moment for a transition ([The Guardian Gardens](https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/sep/08/monty-don-steps-down-bbc-gardeners-world)). While his final series hosting the flagship program will continue broadcasting through the remainder of the year, fans can take comfort in knowing he will maintain a relationship with the BBC through other broadcasting projects while also dedicating time to writing books ([The Guardian Gardens](https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/sep/08/monty-don-steps-down-bbc-gardeners-world)).
Don's unique presentation style has left an indelible mark on modern gardening culture. Since taking the helm, he has championed organic gardening practices, wildlife conservation, and the sheer therapeutic joy of tending to the soil. His departure marks the end of a golden era for the beloved BBC staple.
As the gardening community prepares for a new chapter on Gardeners' World, enthusiasts continue to celebrate the vast library of knowledge Don imparted over more than two decades. His emphasis on working in harmony with nature rather than against it remains a cornerstone of contemporary horticultural education.
In competitive horticulture news, a massive specimen named Gladys has captured the attention of growers globally ([The Guardian Gardens](https://www.theguardian.com/food/2026/sep/08/gladys-the-giant-pumpkin-is-this-biggest-fruit-in-world)). Germinated earlier this spring on April 19 and successfully pollinated on June 30, this extraordinary gourd experienced staggering growth rates during its peak development phase ([The Guardian Gardens](https://www.theguardian.com/food/2026/sep/08/gladys-the-giant-pumpkin-is-this-biggest-fruit-in-world)).
During its most vigorous growing cycle, Gladys put on an astonishing 40 pounds per day ([The Guardian Gardens](https://www.theguardian.com/food/2026/sep/08/gladys-the-giant-pumpkin-is-this-biggest-fruit-in-world)). Such monumental agricultural feats require meticulous care, specialized nutrients, and precise environmental management, sparking conversations about whether this remarkable entry might contend for the title of the biggest fruit in the world ([The Guardian Gardens](https://www.theguardian.com/food/2026/sep/08/gladys-the-giant-pumpkin-is-this-biggest-fruit-in-world)).
While gardeners celebrate record-breaking growth, extreme weather continues to pose severe challenges to plant life and natural habitats. Recently, Hurricane Lowell struck western Hawaii, bringing destructive winds and torrential rainfall to the region ([BBC News Science & Environment](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/c2079ne1xx6o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss)).
The severe storm activity, which impacted the islands intensely over a couple of days, resulted in downed trees and widespread flooding concerns ([BBC News Science & Environment](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/c2079ne1xx6o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss)). Local authorities and environmental monitors raised urgent alerts regarding potential flash flooding and dangerous mudslides that threaten both native ecosystems and cultivated landscapes ([BBC News Science & Environment](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/c2079ne1xx6o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss)).
Beyond localized storms, broader shifts in global climate patterns are increasingly influencing gardens and natural ecosystems. Recent discussions surrounding intensified summer heatwaves highlight a growing scientific consensus that planetary temperatures may be shifting more rapidly than previously anticipated ([BBC News Science & Environment](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c20917w25n4o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss)).
For gardeners and horticulturists, these shifting climatic baselines mean adapting to prolonged dry spells, unpredictable seasonal shifts, and new pest pressures. Understanding these macro trends is becoming just as vital to successful plant cultivation as traditional soil preparation and pruning techniques.
As September progresses, the focus for many growers shifts toward autumn preparations. Harvesting late-season crops, collecting seeds, and protecting tender perennials from impending cooler weather take center stage. Despite the challenges posed by severe weather and transitions in media, the global gardening community remains resilient, enthusiastic, and deeply connected to the natural world.
AI content disclosure: AI tools may assist with research, structure, or drafting. Our publication standards are explained in the Editorial Policy. Last reviewed: Sep 9, 2026.
Yes, Monty Don announced he will step down from BBC's Gardeners' World at the end of the current series after serving as lead presenter for 23 years.
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