The RHS & BBC Radio 2 Dog Garden, unveiled at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025, was a joyful and deeply personal celebration of the special bond between people, plants and dogs. Designed by Monty Don and brought to life by my team and I at Form Plants, the garden explored how thoughtful planting and design can create outdoor spaces that enrich the lives of both humans and their four-legged companions.

Working alongside Monty on this project was a true privilege. His vision — a garden that felt real, comforting and filled with life — resonated completely with my own belief that gardens should be lived in, not just looked at. Together, we set out to create a place that balanced horticultural excellence with warmth, humour and accessibility; a garden where every plant, material and layout choice was led by both function and feeling.

At its heart, the Dog Garden was about connection and wellbeing. The design encouraged gentle exploration, with curved pathways leading visitors and their canine friends through immersive planting. The palette was built around texture, movement and scent — resilient plants such as Pennisetum, Salvia, Thymus and Nepeta that engage all the senses, withstand playful paws and thrive in real-world gardens. Soft meadows and aromatic borders framed restful seating areas, while a shallow water feature offered a place for dogs to cool off, adding light, sound and motion to the space.

Sustainability was central to the build. We sourced responsibly grown plants, locally quarried stone and recycled materials wherever possible. Every detail — from surface finishes to planting density — was considered through the lens of longevity and environmental care. My role focused on translating Monty’s concept into a living, breathing landscape, ensuring that every plant and element performed beautifully on site while staying true to his creative intent.

The collaboration between Monty, BBC Radio 2 and the RHS brought enormous public interest, and it was wonderful to see so many visitors respond with affection and enthusiasm. For many, the garden sparked conversations about the role of outdoor spaces in wellbeing — not just for people, but for the animals that share our lives.

Delivering this garden was a career highlight — a project that perfectly captured what I love most about horticulture: the power of plants to connect, to heal, and to tell stories. Working with Monty and such an inspiring team reminded me that when a garden is designed with heart and built with care, it becomes far more than a showpiece — it becomes a reflection of joy, companionship and the living artistry of nature.