The first RHS Chelsea show garden designed by the broadcaster and gardener, Monty Don, the RHS and Radio 2 Dog Garden, is a reflection of Don’s deep affection for dogs. The garden is inspired by his own garden Longmeadow, his much loved dogs and the joys of canine companionship.
Designed to inspire dog lovers to create green havens for them and their pets, Don 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. At the RHS Autumn Conference, Don explained: “This is not meant to be deeply serious garden. This is a garden that is to be enjoyed by everyone.”
He will be creating the garden along with a team from Form Plants, led by RHS Ambassador and fellow plantsman, Jamie Butterworth. After show, the The RHS and Radio 2 Dog Garden will be moved to the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home for all the rescue dogs and the people who work and volunteer there to enjoy for generations to come.
“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, “explained Don.
The design
Not often seen at RHS Chelsea, the centre of the garden will be dominated by neatly mown lawn – which whilst tended, is essential for canine play, relaxing and sleeping. A large tree will cast much needed shade in the garden. The lawn will drift into longer grass planted with ornamental spring flowering bulbs to create more of a tame flower meadow – as opposed to wildflower meadow. Similar to Longmeadow, brick paths create vistas, as they run through the garden, leading to the summerhouse.
Don explained: “I wanted to do something that’s not cluttered with messages or symbolism, or metaphors. Its’s just a celebration of gardens, dogs and the combination thereof,” he said.
More is to be revealed but according to Don, a part of the garden will be designed by dogs (Ned) for dogs. Most likely, he was inspired by his Spanish Gardens safari, where Don visited La Moraleja in Madrid, designed by Alvaro Sampedro. La Moreleja had a unique, dynamic design with evolving spaces which were shaped by the meanderings of dogs, reflecting the passing of time and a garden that is in constant evolution.
Paths will be inscribed with the names of dogs belonging to Radio 2 presenters and RHS ambassadors, as well as Don’s beloved dog Ned. As Patron of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Her Majesty The Queen’s adopted Jack Russell Terriers, Beth and Bluebell, will also feature on the path.
Within the garden, a sectioned off area will be a place for people to enjoy a beautiful tapestry of plants, and for dogs to visit when supervised. This space aims to raise awareness of plants that are toxic to dogs and features a mixture of planting of familiar yet favourite plants, as well as a distinct theme of balls with lots of alliums and topiary balls of different sizes and kinds.
Celebrating all gardeners
Don’s garden is part of the RHS ‘Your Space, Your Story’ initiative, which aims to champion the individuality of all gardeners which brings to life every person’s passion from pet-friendly sanctuaries to small urban havens. According to Clare Matterson, RHS Director General, throughout 2025, the RHS wants to celebrate all gardeners, from dog lovers, families, keen cooks, houseplant fanatics – everyone.
“This garden is a great example of how individuals can all bring to life their passions in their outside spaces. 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,” said Matterson.
Radio presenters and keen gardener, Jo Whiley, will be championing the garden on Radio 2, encouraging listeners to choose songs for a special dog playlist, which will play in a beautiful hipped-roof summer house within The RHS and Radio 2 Dog Garden.
Jo Whiley, said: “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!”