The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is drawing closer!  The Show runs from the 20^th to the 24^th May, the Tuesday and Wednesday being Members’ Days. 

I’m watching the BBC’s Gardener’s World as I type this, and am very excited about the news of the garden Monty Don is creating (aided by his gorgeous golden retriever, Ned) the RHS and BBC Radio 2 Dog Garden!

The idea is to ensure that dogs are integral to the design.   Ned helped Monty design the paths that intersect through the planting.  As you can imagine, golden retriever Ned just followed his nose – and that forged the routes to be copied at the Show!

Monty is creating the garden with a team at Form Plants, led by Jamie Butterworth, who is a plant expert and horticulturalist.  After the Show, the garden is heading to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, where the animals can enjoy it! 

Read the five tips for creating a dog friendly garden from the RHS and Battersea here

The hope is that the RHS & BBC Radio 2 Dog Garden will encourage dog owners to create green spaces for both owners and pets. 

The RHS and Battersea have got 5 top tips for creating a dog-friendly garden which you can read here.   They include fencing off anything which could be toxic to your dogs and the article has information about that.  

Woof for now!

Dig here for more information about the garden Ned has had a paw in designing.

Please note that for entry to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the RHS website says, "Only guide and assistance dogs can be admitted, no pet animals. Please do not leave dogs unattended in parked cars."

Why not treat your loved one to a day out at an RHS Flower Show? 

There are a number of these throughout the year, including a new one, the RHS Flower Show Wentworth Woodhouse in South Yorkshire from the 16th to 20th July.   Find out about the RHS Flower Shows here.