Green pooch haven! Gardener’s World star Monty Don to design tail-wagging dog-themed garden for his debut entry at the Chelsea Flower Show

Green pooch haven! Gardener's World star Monty Don to design tail-wagging dog-themed garden for his debut entry at the Chelsea Flower Show

As a dedicated follower and dog lover myself, I am absolutely thrilled about Monty Don’s upcoming garden design at the Chelsea Flower Show! Having spent countless hours tending to my own garden with my four-legged companions by my side, I can truly appreciate the effort he is putting into creating a space that caters to both dogs and their human counterparts.


Many people who own dogs can attest to the fact that dogs and gardens don’t always mix harmoniously. Often, dogs may dig in places they shouldn’t, potentially damaging a well-manicured lawn or tearing out cherished flowers.

Instead, let’s say that well-known gardener and dog enthusiast Monty Don is planning a garden specifically tailored for dogs at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show.

According to the Royal Horticultural Society, the garden of the long-time Gardeners’ World presenter is designed to cater to dog owners seeking attractive outdoor areas for themselves and their dogs. The goal is to motivate the numerous dog enthusiasts across the country to develop pet-friendly green sanctuaries in their own homes.

For twenty years, Monty Don has given his thoughts on the work of fellow garden designers at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) event. Although this garden won’t be entered in the contest for the prestigious “Best in Show” award, other garden designers are eager to evaluate and appreciate Don’s gardening endeavors.

Regular readers of Monty’s articles in the Daily Mail are familiar with his heartfelt affection for canines. At present, he is caring for two: Ned, a Golden Retriever, and Patti, a tiny Yorkshire Terrier.

Green pooch haven! Gardener's World star Monty Don to design tail-wagging dog-themed garden for his debut entry at the Chelsea Flower Show

Green pooch haven! Gardener's World star Monty Don to design tail-wagging dog-themed garden for his debut entry at the Chelsea Flower Show

Last Sunday, he shared on Instagram a photo of his beloved old dog Nellie, who passed away a year prior. In the caption, he wrote: ‘Exactly a year ago today, Nellie left us, yet I don’t mourn her passing, but rather cherish the memories of how she filled our lives with grace. No other pet we’ve ever had was as in sync not just with me, but with our entire family.’

As a passionate dog lover, I strive to make our shared garden project, undertaken alongside Radio 2, embody everything that delightful canines cherish, transcending horticultural trends. My aim is to create a captivating haven, a place where every dog-loving owner would feel at home and find joy.

Yesterday, he mentioned that alongside the excellent team led by Jamie Butterworth, they will create a garden, which draws inspiration from his personal garden, Longmeadow, as well as his beloved dogs. However, what truly defines this garden is its celebration of the common bond we all share when our gardens are enjoyed by our cherished canine friends.

In the heart of the garden, you’ll find a well-trimmed patch of grass that serves as an ideal spot for dogs to lounge around, sunbathe, roll over, scratch themselves, and play fetch with balls. A large tree will provide shade over this area, making it comfortable for dogs to rest on warm afternoons.

I’m absolutely smitten! Next season, I’ll let my lawn grow lush and long, dotted with vibrant ornamental spring blooming bulbs. It’s going to be less about the untamed wildflower meadow and more about a delightful tameflower haven right in my own backyard!

Straight brick walkways form scenic views, reminiscent of Longmeadow, where one serves as a pathway for guests across the garden, while another intersects perpendicularly, leading towards the summerhouse.

Green pooch haven! Gardener's World star Monty Don to design tail-wagging dog-themed garden for his debut entry at the Chelsea Flower Show
Green pooch haven! Gardener's World star Monty Don to design tail-wagging dog-themed garden for his debut entry at the Chelsea Flower Show
Green pooch haven! Gardener's World star Monty Don to design tail-wagging dog-themed garden for his debut entry at the Chelsea Flower Show

To honor the unique bond we share with our canine companions, paths throughout the garden will bear the names of dogs owned by Radio 2 presenters and RHS ambassadors, including our very own Monty’s cherished pet, Ned.

In my capacity as an advocate for the well-being of animals, I’m thrilled to share that Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, a place close to many hearts, will continue to bloom with life post-RHS Chelsea, thanks in part to the Queen’s beloved Jack Russell Terriers, Beth and Bluebell. These charming canine companions will gracefully adorn one of our garden paths, further enriching this sanctuary for animals everywhere.

In the The RHS and Radio 2 Dog Garden, a designated area has been set aside where humans can admire an array of plants, serving to educate about those that are harmful to dogs and other pets. This section will feature a blend of popular and beloved plant species, along with a distinctive focus on spherical structures filled with various alliums, as well as topiary balls of varying sizes and types.

Visitors should note that only guide dogs are permitted within the Flower Show, meaning they won’t be able to bring their pet dogs along to enjoy the garden.

Following the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the RHS and Radio 2 Dog Garden will persist post-event, relocating near the River Thames at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. This means that rescue dogs, staff members, and volunteers alike can continue to appreciate it.

Clare Matterson, the RHS Director General, expressed: ‘A stunning garden can instantly brighten our mood, and to make it even more delightful, we’ve included some playful wagging tails.’

By 2025, our goal is to commemorate the fact that we cater to a diverse range of enthusiasts – from gardeners to dog lovers, families, skilled cooks, and houseplant fanatics alike. This garden serves as an inspiring testament to how each person can transform their outdoor areas into vibrant expressions of their personal passions.

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2024-10-22 03:04

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