Celebrating the UK’s reputation as a nation of dog lovers and garden enthusiasts, the RHS and BBC Radio 2 are joining forces with Monty Don to create a garden for man’s best friend
The RHS and Radio 2 Dog Garden, William Nathan, Form Plants Ltd
The RHS and Radio 2 Dog Garden will be the first garden at
RHS Chelsea Flower Show to be designed by BBC Gardeners’ World’s Monty Don, whose dogs often feature on the programme.
Clare Matterson, RHS Director General, says: “It’s exciting to be working with Radio 2 and Monty Don to create a garden that celebrates the connection between two of the UK’s greatest loves – dogs and gardens. Nothing lifts us like a beautiful garden, and then, for a little bit of extra joy, we’ve added some wagging tails. Over 2025 we really want to celebrate how we’re here for all gardeners; dog lovers, families, keen cooks, houseplant fanatics, everyone, and this garden is a great example of how individuals can all bring to life their passions in their outside spaces.”
Dog-friendly design
With the nation’s dog owners wanting beautiful spaces for them and their furry friends, The RHS and Radio 2 Dog Garden will inspire the millions of dog lovers at home to create green havens for them and their pets. Monty wants the garden to be both an exemplar of all the things that dogs love, regardless of horticultural fashion, and a beautiful space that any dog owner would love too.
Monty Don at RHS Chelsea
Monty Don & Ned sitting in the fragrant garden. © Jason Ingram BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine.
Although Monty Don has presented BBC coverage of RHS Chelsea for many years, this will be the first Garden he will be bringing to the show himself. In 2022, Monty was awarded the RHS Victoria Medal of Honour (VMH), the highest honour in horticulture. The award in part recognised his role in bringing gardening into the homes of BBC Gardeners’ World viewers for over 20 years. Since 2011 the programme has been presented from Monty’s own garden, Longmeadow, where his beloved dogs can be seen playing, sleeping or sometimes getting in the way, as Monty carries out his gardening jobs.
“This is an irresistible opportunity to join with the RHS and Radio 2 to share my love of gardens and dogs at the world’s greatest horticultural event. Along with the superb team headed by Jamie Butterworth we shall be making a garden that is inspired by Longmeadow and my own dogs but above all a celebration of the way that so many of us share our gardens with our canine companions.” Monty Don
Golden retriever Nigel, soon became a fan favourite and the subject of both a topiary statue at Longmeadow and a book, Nigel: My Family and Other Dogs, by Monty Don. The current canine residents at Longmeadow are Ned, another enthusiastic golden retriever, and Patti, a precious Yorkshire terrier.
Along with RHS Ambassador and fellow plantsman Jamie Butterworth, whose dog, Hector (left) won lots of fans at RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival last year, Monty will create a garden both for dogs– with a lawn for rolling and playing, but also, about dogs – with an area exploring some of the less dog-friendly plants to avoid. Her Majesty The Queen’s adopted Jack Russell Terriers, Beth and Bluebell, will also feature in the garden, their names inscribed on the garden path, along with beloved pets of RHS Ambassadors and Radio 2 presenters.
After RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the The RHS and Radio 2 Dog Garden – except the plants harmful to dogs – will live on across the River Thames at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home for all the rescue dogs and the people who work and volunteer there to enjoy.
More from the RHS
Help compile a dog-themed soundtrack
DJ, keen gardener, dog-lover and RHS Ambassador, Jo Whiley, will be championing the garden on Radio 2, encouraging listeners to choose songs for a special doggy playlist, to play in a beautiful hipped-roof summer house within The RHS and Radio 2 Dog Garden.
“This is a dream come true, bringing my passion for gardening and my love of dogs together for this very special garden. We’ll be getting Radio 2 listeners involved in the playlist a little closer to the time so do tune in for more on that next year.” Jo Whiley
RHS Chelsea Flower Show runs from 20-24 May 2025
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