BBC Radio and Gardeners’ Question Time star Matthew Biggs died on Thursday, May 21, at the age of 65. The star had been living with bowel cancer since 2020, but continued broadcasting until just a week before his death. He made what he knew would be his final appearance on Gardener's Question Time last week, 32 years after his debut on the show in 1994, alongside presenters Peter Gibbs and Kathy Clugston, with panellists Pippa Greenwood, Christine Walkden and Anne Swithinbank. Tom Stuart-Smith and Sue Stuart-Smith also appeared in the programme

The poignant episode was broadcast from The Serge Hill Project in Bedmond, near Abbots Langley, which is a garden space created on the belief that working with nature can radically transform people’s health and wellbeing. During the special, he talked about his life in gardening, the strength he drew from it during his long illness, and its all-round therapeutic benefits.

Mohit Bakaya, the Controller of Radio 4, praised him ahead of the broadcast saying: "Everyone at Radio 4 is deeply grateful to Matthew for everything he has given to Gardeners’ Question Time over the years. "He has been an extraordinary contributor and a true ambassador for Radio 4 in the horticultural world."

He said on the show that he hoped by sharing his story he could offer "both guidance to others facing illness and encouragement to listeners of all ages".

In recent years, the star has become a passionate advocate for gardening as a tool for wellbeing. While undergoing treatment at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, he became involved in redeveloping a garden space to create a restorative environment for patients, staff and visitors.

Alongside his work on the BBC, he had appeared on Channel 4’s Garden Club. He also turned his hand to directing with ITV's Grass Roots. His broadcasting career ran alongside his work as an author, and he penned numerous books, including Garden: Exploring the Horticultural World and A Home for Every Plant: Wonders of the Botanical World.

He is survived by his wife Gill and his daughters Chloe and Jessica.

Tributes flooded in for the much-loved star as the news of his death became public. On Facebook, one reads: "We are deeply saddened to hear of Matthew Biggs' passing today. He was a fantastic person, a much-loved horticulturist and a great friend of Perennial. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his wife, family and friends at this very sad time."

Another added: "Very sad news to hear of the passing of Matthew Biggs VMH, one of horticulture’s most generous and enduring voices...He had a wonderful gift for making people feel welcome, inspired and connected to plants and gardens.

A third chimed in: "A true plantsman, broadcaster and educator who gave so much to horticulture and to so many people. He will be hugely missed." A fourth penned: "Such sad news. His last episode of GQT last week was so moving. Condolences to his loved ones,"

A fifth commented: "Ahhh, no, I listened to him on GQT and saw a clip of him at Chelsea, and he was so unwell, poor man. I understand. Much love to his family ." Meanwhile, a sixth lamented: "Oh no, such a warm, knowledgeable and wonderful chap with a great sense of humour. Condolences to his family and friends."