I first encountered Monty when art directing the Observer magazine in 2001; every week I looked forward to reading his copy and designing his pages. I found his writing absorbing and all things plants and gardening were made fascinating reading. Years later, Gardeners' World on a Friday evening became, for me, a TV 'must see'; a jewel in the generally crappy crown of television. I found Monty the most engaging and gifted of presenters, with an infectious enthusiasm and that rare ability to inspire his audience. I wish him well, and look forward to his return to my TV screen soonest.
