Garden designer Monty Don set to create pet-friendly garden space at RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2025
Monty Don's Dog Garden, a pioneering space designed for dogs, made its debut at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025. This unique garden was the first of its kind at the prestigious event, offering a dog-friendly environment that balances sensory enrichment with a calming natural setting [2][3].
The garden was meticulously designed to cater to the wellbeing and stimulation of dogs. It featured varied surfaces and smells to engage their senses, a tranquil and serene atmosphere to reduce stress, and elements that provided enrichment benefits and supported mental wellbeing [3]. The ultimate goal was to help reduce the time dogs spend in care by aiding their emotional health and adjustment.
After the show, the garden was relocated to the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, an institution with strong historical ties to Queen Camilla and a longstanding patronage to Queen Elizabeth II [3]. The permanent installation aims to continue supporting the wellbeing of dogs in the shelter's care long-term [3][4].
The RHS and Radio 2 Dog Garden is part of the RHS's 'Your Space, Your Story' initiative, a project aimed at helping dog lovers create garden spaces for their pets. Clare Matterson, RHS director general, expressed her excitement about creating a garden that celebrates the connection between dogs and gardens [1].
Monty Don, a regular presenter of BBC Gardeners' World and Chelsea Flower Show coverage, designed the garden in collaboration with the team at Form Plants, led by Plant Expert and Horticulturist Jamie Butterworth. The garden featured a neatly mown lawn and a large tree for shade, with ornamental spring flowering bulbs as a tameflower meadow, rather than a wildflower meadow [1].
In addition, the garden included an area for humans to enjoy plants and an area for dogs to visit under supervision, raising awareness of toxic plants for pets [1]. Radio 2 presenter Jo Whiley championed the garden on her show and created a doggy playlist to be played during the Chelsea Flower Show 2025 [1].
The garden's design was inspired by the nation's love of dogs, and it was no surprise that Monty Don's dog Ned made an appearance, with his name inscribed on the brick paths, alongside those of other Radio 2 presenters, RHS ambassadors, and Her Majesty The Queen's adopted Jack Russell Terriers, Beth and Bluebell [1].
Monty Don's love of dogs is well-known, with his dogs often appearing in his Gardeners' World broadcasts. His dog Ned even made an appearance on the Talking Gardens podcast [1]. The RHS and Radio 2 Dog Garden will continue to serve as a lasting facility at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, providing a sensory and serene environment for dogs long after the Chelsea Flower Show 2025.
[1] The Guardian, "Monty Don's Dog Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025", 2025 [2] BBC News, "Monty Don's Dog Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025", 2025 [3] Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, "Monty Don's Dog Garden", 2025 [4] RHS, "Your Space, Your Story", 2025
- Monty Don's Dog Garden, a pioneering space designed for dogs, incorporates home-and-garden elements to cater to the sensory enrichment and wellbeing of pets.
- The relocated garden at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, inspired by Monty Don and Form Plants' garden design, offers a tranquil atmosphere for pet dogs, ensuring their mental and emotional health.
- Monty Don's pioneering dog garden aligns with the RHS's 'Your Space, Your Story' initiative, motivating dog lovers to create garden spaces that support the lifestyle and benefits of both pets and gardening enthusiasts.
