A Floral Finale with Unexpected Charm
Can you hear it? That sigh of relief from the gardening world? The Chelsea Flower Show—often called Gardening Christmas—has wrapped up another season of creativity and floral innovation. Designers, contractors, growers, and garden lovers have immersed themselves in the event’s annual whirlwind of construction, curation, and celebration.
Whether you tune in on TV, brave the crowds in person, or skip it entirely, Chelsea’s influence on gardening trends is undeniable. Much like The Devil Wears Prada’s cerulean sweater metaphor, the ideas planted here soon sprout in gardens everywhere. Corten steel, Mediterranean plants, wildflower meadows, and outdoor kitchens—many of these trends began at Chelsea.
Dogs Take the Spotlight
This year, a new star emerged—dogs. Beloved gardener Monty Don, more often seen on BBC’s Chelsea coverage or enjoying hospitality at The Newt, brought his creative energy to the RHS and BBC Radio 2 Dog Garden. Marketed as Chelsea’s first-ever dog-friendly garden, it technically wasn’t (credit to Jo Thompson in 2012), but the focus on pets returned with renewed enthusiasm.
Despite the contested novelty, the Dog Garden tackled a theme long overlooked in design: gardens that truly accommodate dogs. One designer even admitted dodging dog mess was their least favorite task, highlighting why many avoid this topic entirely.
Designing for Man’s Best Friend
Monty Don’s garden, built by Jamie Butterworth and his team, offered a lush, inclusive landscape that prioritized canine companions. Featuring a lawn rich with dandelions, clover, and daisies—relocated from RHS Garden Wisley—it provided both aesthetic appeal and sensory engagement for dogs.
Clover was a standout star. Not only does it remain green during drought and resist dog urine damage, but it’s also an ideal option for pet-friendly lawns. For those eager to follow suit, now’s the time to rake bare patches and sow white clover. If your dog hasn’t created a bald patch yet, rest assured—they will.
Creating a Safe and Stylish Space
Gardening with dogs in mind also means avoiding toxic plants like azaleas, lilies, and autumn crocus. Instead, choose resilient, non-toxic flora like rosemary, roses, hardy geraniums, and Alchemilla mollis, which handle rough play and curious paws.
Got an energetic digger? Consider adding a designated digging zone, similar to a child’s sandpit. Concealed within a raised bed or behind greenery, it offers a focused outlet—though whether your dog will prefer it over your flowerbeds is another story. As the author wryly put it, “Whether your dog will choose to dig there over a flowerbed is a matter beyond my horticultural knowledge.”
A Garden for All
At its heart, this year’s canine-centric garden is about inclusion. It reimagines outdoor space as something shared by all members of the household, human and animal alike. With drought-proof planting and thoughtful design, it balances beauty with functionality in a way that could shape UK gardens for years to come.
As Chelsea continues to set trends and inspire, perhaps the gardening world will begin wagging along behind—one paw print at a time.
