Gardener Monty Don to create a canine-focused garden for RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2025
Monty Don, a well-known presenter of BBC Gardeners' World and Chelsea Flower Show coverage, will be designing a special garden for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2025. This garden, named the RHS and Radio 2 Dog Garden, is designed as a dog-friendly domestic garden that includes features tailored for dogs such as a wallow, plenty of shade, and a thick lawn, all on a scale and style suitable for a typical family back garden[1][2][3].
The lawn in the RHS and Radio 2 Dog Garden will be planted with ornamental spring flowering bulbs as a tameflower meadow, similar to Monty's own garden at Longmeadow. This meadow will provide a beautiful display of colour, while also offering a safe and enjoyable space for dogs to explore[4][5].
The RHS and Radio 2 Dog Garden will also feature a neatly mown lawn and a large tree for shade. The brick paths in the garden will include the names of Her Majesty The Queen's adopted Jack Russell Terriers, Beth and Bluebell, as well as the names of dogs belonging to Radio 2 presenters and RHS ambassadors, including Monty's beloved dog Ned[6][7].
Clare Matterson, RHS director general, is excited about creating a garden that celebrates the connection between dogs and gardens. She said, "We are thrilled to be working with Monty Don to create a garden that not only showcases beautiful horticulture, but also provides a space for dogs to enjoy[8]."
Radio 2 presenter Jo Whiley will be championing the RHS and Radio 2 Dog Garden on her show and will curate a doggy playlist to be played during the Chelsea Flower Show 2025. The garden aims to help dog lovers create garden spaces for their pets, as part of the RHS's 'Your Space, Your Story' initiative[9].
After the Chelsea Flower Show, the RHS and Radio 2 Dog Garden will be relocated to the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, where it will provide rescued dogs with a safe outdoor space among plants to explore and feel comfortable, replacing a simple patch of plastic grass previously used there[2][4][5]. An area for humans to enjoy the plants and an area for dogs to visit supervised will be included in the garden.
The RHS and Radio 2 Dog Garden is inspired by the nation's love of dogs. Monty Don will be working alongside the team at Form Plants, led by Plant Expert and Horticulturist Jamie Butterworth, to ensure that the garden is both beautiful and practical for dogs[10]. The garden will raise awareness of certain plants that are toxic to dogs and other pets, making it a valuable resource for pet owners[11].
References:
- BBC News - Monty Don to design dog-friendly garden for Chelsea Flower Show
- RHS - Monty Don to design dog-friendly garden for RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025
- Monty Don's Garden - Monty Don to design dog-friendly garden for RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025
- Dogstodaymagazine - Monty Don to Design Dog-Friendly Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025
- Battersea Dogs & Cats Home - Monty Don to design dog-friendly garden for RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025
- The Telegraph - Monty Don to create dog-friendly garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025
- The Guardian - Monty Don to create dog-friendly garden for RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025
- RHS - Monty Don and Jo Whiley to create dog-friendly garden for RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025
- RHS - Monty Don and Jo Whiley to create dog-friendly garden for RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025
- Monty Don's Garden - Monty Don to work with Form Plants for RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025
- RHS - Monty Don's dog-friendly garden to raise awareness of toxic plants for pets
- Monty Don, in collaboration with Form Plants, will ensure that the RHS and Radio 2 Dog Garden is both aesthetically pleasing and practical for dogs, while also raising awareness about toxic plants for pets.
- The RHS and Radio 2 Dog Garden, designed by Monty Don, will feature a tameflower meadow similar to his own, providing a colorful and safe space for dogs to explore, as part of the RHS's 'Your Space, Your Story' initiative.
- After the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the RHS and Radio 2 Dog Garden will be relocated to the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, where it will offer rescued dogs a comfortable outdoor space among plants, replacing a simple patch of plastic grass.
