Honestly, if you watch Gardeners’ World just for the pruning tips, you’re in the minority. Most of us are there for the wagging tails. There is something deeply grounding about watching Monty Don lean over a tray of seedlings while a Golden Retriever makes a frantic bid for a nearby tennis ball. It’s a vibe. It’s home.
But the relationship between Monty Don and dogs isn't just a cute TV gimmick. It’s actually been the backbone of his mental health for decades. He’s been very open about how his dogs—specifically the legendary Nigel—helped him navigate the "black dog" of depression. When you see him at Longmeadow, those dogs aren't just pets; they're co-workers, therapists, and occasionally, garden vandals.
The Dogs of Longmeadow: Past and Present
Right now, in 2026, the pack looks a bit different than it did a few years ago. If you’ve been following along, you know the heartbreak of losing Nigel in 2020 and then Nellie in late 2023. It felt like a national day of mourning both times.
Currently, the stars of the show are Ned and Patti.
Ned is a Golden Retriever through and through. He’s got that "I’ve never had a bad day in my life" energy. He’s actually the son of a dog named Isla and even has a sister named Mabel who pops up in his life. Then there’s Patti. She’s a Yorkshire Terrier who, frankly, doesn't care about the cameras as much as the big boys do. She’s more likely to be found chilling off-camera or tucked away in the house.
📖 Related: Why Transparent Plus Size Models Are Changing How We Actually Shop
It's a smaller pack than usual. Monty recently mentioned that having three dogs (including those less seen on screen) is the fewest he’s had in about twenty years.
A History of Paws in the Soil
Monty’s garden at Longmeadow is essentially a living memorial. In the "coppice" area of the garden, there are graves for many of his previous companions. You’ve got:
- Nigel: The GOAT. The dog who had his own fan mail and a book dedicated to him.
- Nellie: The gentle Golden who took over the mantle after Nigel passed.
- Beaufort, Red, Poppy, and Barry: Earlier dogs that shaped Monty’s life before the Gardeners' World fame hit its peak.
The Great "Poisonous Plant" Debate
Here’s something that gets people's gardening gloves in a twist: Monty doesn't believe in "dog-proofing" a garden by ripping out every interesting plant.
When he designed the RHS and BBC Radio 2 Dog Garden for the 2025 Chelsea Flower Show, he included foxgloves and alliums. If you look at any vet’s "danger list," those are right at the top. So, why did he do it?
👉 See also: Weather Forecast Calumet MI: What Most People Get Wrong About Keweenaw Winters
Basically, he thinks we need to be sensible rather than hysterical. He’s had dogs for over 65 years and he’s never had one eat a foxglove. Dogs are generally smarter than we give them credit for. They don't just go around salad-barring the borders unless they’re incredibly bored or very young puppies.
His philosophy is pretty simple: train the dog, don't just sanitise the world around them.
How to Actually Garden With Dogs (The Monty Way)
If you're tired of your lawn looking like a lunar landscape of pee-patches and holes, Monty has some pretty blunt advice.
- Discipline is a thing. He’s gone on record saying that if your dog is trashing the garden, you need to stop them. It’s not about being mean; it’s about boundaries.
- The "Wallow" is genius. In his Chelsea garden, he introduced a shallow stream or "wallow." Most dogs love a damp ditch. If you give them a designated place to get wet and muddy, they’re less likely to create their own in your prize flower beds.
- Paths are for everyone. He uses "dog paths" that weave through the borders. Dogs like to follow a route. If you don't give them one, they’ll make their own right through your hydrangeas.
- Tough plants only. Use things like lavender, rosemary, and nepeta (catmint) near the edges. They smell great, they can take a hit from a wagging tail, and they aren't fragile.
The Secret of the "Doggy Playlist"
One of the more quirky things Monty introduced recently was the idea of auditory enrichment. During the 2025 Chelsea project, he worked with Jo Whiley to create a playlist for dogs. It turns out that sound can be just as important as scent in keeping a dog calm while you’re busy deadheading the roses.
✨ Don't miss: January 14, 2026: Why This Wednesday Actually Matters More Than You Think
What Most People Get Wrong About Monty's Dogs
People often think Nigel or Ned were "trained" to be on TV. They weren't.
Nigel famously just followed Monty out one day when the cameras were rolling. The crew realized the dog had an innate sense of where the light was. He would find a "mark" and stay there. Ned is a bit more chaotic, which is why you often see him being "enthusiastic" (code for: getting in the way) during filming.
The bond you see on screen is 100% real. There are no trainers off-camera with treats. It’s just a man and his dogs living their lives, and we just happen to be watching.
Real-World Advice for Your Garden
If you want to emulate the Monty Don and dogs lifestyle, start with the "scruffy lawn" approach. A perfect, striped, bowling-green lawn and a large dog are natural enemies. Monty’s Chelsea garden featured a hardy rye grass mix with clover and daisies. It’s tougher, it stays green in a drought, and it hides the "evidence" of a dog's daily life much better than a delicate ornamental turf.
Don't be afraid of a little chaos. A garden is a place for living, not just for looking.
Next Steps for Your Dog-Friendly Space:
- Audit your edges: Replace brittle plants near paths with "robust" shrubs like dogwood or viburnum.
- Create a "Wallow": Even a shallow, sturdy plastic tray hidden behind some grasses can give your dog a place to cool their paws.
- Define the "No-Go" zones: Use low hazel hurdles or small hedges to tell your dog where the "human-only" borders are.
- Check the labels: While Monty is relaxed about toxicity, if you have a "chewer," stick to the RHS-approved safe list (like sunflowers, snapdragons, and marigolds).