Yesterday, VIP guests gathered on the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea to enjoy an exclusive first look of the floral displays at RHS Chelsea Flower Show. This year, however, there was another group of visitors that got people talking – all thanks to one special garden.
Dogs were spotted at the horticultural event yesterday, bound for a one-off exhibit: the RHS and BBC Radio 2 Dog Garden, a celebration of the bond between humans and our four-legged companions.
Designed by gardener and broadcaster Monty Don (his Chelsea garden debut) and award-winning horticulturalist Jamie Butterworth, it is the first of its kind at the Chelsea Flower Show, now in its 112th year.
Monty Don, Jo Wiley and Scott Mills with their dogs
New pictures released from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 press day show Monty’s Golden Retriever, Ned, enthusiastically enjoying the garden.
Ned’s mum, Mabel, and his sister, Isla, also paid a visit to the outdoor space – along with their owner James Middleton, the Princess of Wales’ brother.
Numerous other famous faces also visited throughout the day with their pets, including Jo Wiley and her dog Brodie, who enjoyed a dip in the stream; Sophie Raworth and her dog Luna; Scott Mills and his dog Teddy and Alex Jones with her Labrador, Scout.
Monty Don and Ned in the dog garden
Ned (right) with his mother Isla (left) and sister Mabel (middle)
The garden, which will not be judged and exists purely for the enjoyment of our four-legged friends, is imbued with that philosophy. Monty’s lifelong love for dogs becomes clear in every feature of the garden, from the imperfect lawn for dogs to roll around in, to the human-sized ‘dog house’ adorned with a weather vane in the shape of a dog.
Following a year of planning and a three-week build, the thoughtfully crafted 20 x 10m garden features a shallow stream for dogs to wallow in, large trees – including a flowering dogwood – casting shade, meandering paths to explore and countless plants to sniff.
The RHS and BBC Radio 2 Dog Garden designed by Monty Don
Next to the dog-friendly features, the designers have included a large border at the front of the garden (with dog paths cutting through them), replete with a joyful mix of flowers, from poppies to lupins and fennel to cirsiums, making it a space that appeals to humans and pets alike.
“It is a flower show, and it should be all about the flowers,” Jamie told Garden Illustrated on the opening day.
Monty Don and Ned with Sophie Raworth and her dog Luna
The joyful space, one of its kind at the floral showcase, not only functions as an oasis for visiting dogs and their owners, but also honours the canine companions of some of the nation’s most famous dog owners.
A brick path winding through the garden bears the names of the dogs of RHS ambassadors and BBC Radio 2 presenters, but also those of Queen Camilla’s dogs: her Jack Russell Terrier Bluebell, her late dog Beth, and her brand new rescue, Moley. King Charles III’s dog, a Lagotto Romagnolo named Snuff, is also featured.
On the opening day, the Queen and King visited the garden to admire their dogs’ names etched into the path.
Jo Wiley’s dog Brodie enjoying the shallow stream
Last year, Monty Don shared that while he doesn’t disapprove of the showcase’s “competitive, judgmental aspect”, he thinks that the best gardens are those that show off the personality of the owner. “To enjoy a garden you have to let the flower-show medal mentality take a hike,” Monty said.
Speaking about the garden, Jamie added: “There’s no sponsor we’re trying to please, or message we’re trying to tell. It’s just a joyous garden that brings together Monty’s favourite things, which are plants and dogs, and my favourite things. Being not judged and being the RHS Feature Garden, we’ve been able to just have some fun.”
It’s this effortless harmony in design, its charming authenticity, and, of course, the presence of dogs enjoying the space that truly make this garden exceptional. Ahead of the showcase, Monty shared: “I like the idea of doing something that’s not cluttered with messages and symbols – just a simple celebration of dogs and gardens.”
King Charles III and Queen Camilla visit the dog garden
After the showcase, the garden will be moved to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in London, continuing its tribute to the nation’s beloved pets.
Lap up more from Chelsea Flower Show below
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Monty Don’s dog garden
Wanda Sachs is the Daily Writer for House Beautiful and Country Living, exploring the latest in interior design, home trends, property news, wellbeing and sustainable living. With a keen eye for style and a passion for storytelling, she previously served as an Associate Editor at The Berliner in Berlin, where she launched and led the magazine’s monthly style vertical, covering emerging fashion trends. Wanda holds a combined BA in English and German from Goethe University Frankfurt.
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