Jo Whiley and Monty Don have joined forces for a very special garden design which has been 'created with man's best friend in mind'. The collaboration between Monty Don and BBC Radio 2 for Chelsea Flower Show is Monty's be first design for the annual event, and the pair were on-site to unveil it for the first time on Monday (19 May). The RHS and Radio 2 Dog Garden has been created especially for dogs and dog owners to enjoy together, and the public were invited to submit photos of their pets to be part of it.
The garden display includes a dog house, which features a selection of specially chosen dog photographs submitted by Radio 2 listeners and members of the public. Monty Don told the BBC that he hopes the new garden will be 'an exemplar of all the things that dogs love - regardless of horticultural fashion - and also a beautiful space that any dog owner would love.' For this reason, it's been carefully designed to ensure both dog owners and the dogs themselves can get the most out of it.
At the centre of the garden there is a mown lawn which is intended for 'canine sprawling, sleeping, rolling, flopping, itching and chasing balls, whilst a large tree will cast shade on the grass to stretch out under on a warm afternoon.'
The lawn is planted with ornamental spring flowering bulbs to a "tameflower meadow" (rather than a less structured wildflower meadow) and there are brick paths creating routes through the garden, including leading to a summer house.
The aim of the garden's create is to inspire other gardeners to create their own dog-friendly spaces across the country. Once Chelsea Flower Show concludes, the display will be carefully replanted at Battersea Cats and Dogs Home for the rescue animals there to enjoy. Queen Camilla adopted Jack Russell Terriers, Beth and Bluebell from the charity, and her dogs will also feature on the path in the garden.
Chelsea Flower Show is open to RHS members and the public from Tuesday 20 May to Saturday 24 2025, in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. You can find out everything you need to know about Chelsea Flower Show in our dedicated guide.
