Monty Don has spoken for the first time since announcing his exit from Gardeners' World, admitting he may have to let go of the two full-time gardeners who have kept his Herefordshire garden camera-ready for 15 years.

Speaking at an audience event during the RHS Malvern Autumn Show, the 71-year-old explained that the BBC had contributed towards the wages of two gardeners at Longmeadow ever since he began fronting the show from his own garden in 2011, a requirement written into his contract.

"I have had two full-time gardeners, and have had them since I have been on Gardeners' World, and from day one it's been in my BBC contract that I have to have two full-time gardeners," he told the audience (as per The Guardian).

The horticulturalist explained that the arrangement existed because the garden had to look ready for filming at all times. "If I'm off filming in the Rhine or India or somewhere like that, somebody has got to be getting it ready," he said.

With his departure, that support will end. "The BBC pays a contribution towards their wages. Not enough, but they do pay something, which is great. Obviously, that contribution is going to go," he said.

His current team, which includes two gardeners, a propagation expert and a landscaper, have been with him for about 10 years. He added: "They are a great team and we all work together really well. will have to think of ways, I can't afford it unless we earn money from it, so I am going to think of ways of earning something from the garden, but I can't do that until the middle of next year at the earliest."

Don and his wife, Sarah, created the two-acre garden in the village of Ivington in 1991, transforming what was a neglected field with a single hazel tree. It is now divided into four gardens: the cottage garden filled with shrub roses, the multicoloured jewel garden, the Islamic-inspired paradise garden and the vegetable garden.

The BBC announced earlier this month that Don would leave Gardeners' World at the end of the current series, ending a run of more than 20 years fronting the programme. He said it was "the right time for a change" and stressed that he is not retiring.

He said in a statement at the time: "I have decided that the current series of Gardeners' World is to be my last. I began hosting the programme 23 years ago, first at Berryfields and for the past 16 years here in my own garden, Longmeadow.

"Throughout that time - and around seven hundred programmes - I have had the privilege of sharing my own abiding passion for gardens and gardening with an equally passionate, and often equally knowledgeable audience.

"That connection with millions, not just in Britain but across the world, who share a love of gardens, plants and the natural world is something I have always treasured and which I increasingly believe to be at the heart of a life well lived. I have also always relished the craft of programme making and to do so, week in week out, as part of a superlative BBC team has been a deeply rewarding experience. But now is the right time for a change.

"I look forward to continuing to work with and for the BBC on other projects, as well as following new avenues. There are more books to write, more programmes to make. And of course, I will still be gardening, dog by side, here at Longmeadow."

The corporation has not named a replacement, and Don is due to continue presenting from Longmeadow until later this year.

Gardeners' World is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

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