Renowned Chelsea Flower Show Gave Back to Dogs This Year

Whether a complete garden overhaul is in your springtime plans or you’re simply thinking about a few tweaks you’d like to make as you rake up the last of this year’s leaves, UK’s prestigious Chelsea Flower Show totally gets it. Specifically, they get YOU as a pet owner.

You see, this year, the guru of all things leafy and floral, horticulturist Monty Don, created a feature garden designed specifically for dogs.

Not only does he offer a from-scratch version of this pooch-focused paradise for those with money to spare, but he also provides simple tips you can use to redeem some, if not all, of your backyard space. So, regardless of your budget, there are several ways you can take your yard from dog-tired to refreshed, next Spring.

Let’s start with what you’ve already got. You may think your current yard is dog-friendly because he uses it and enjoys it. Right? But that torn-up sod, plots of yellowed grass, and randomly dug potholes, don’t make the space a place you’d ever want to hang out with friends.

So, let’s look at something you can both enjoy. And here’s what those involved in plotting out a pooch-friendly yard, recommend:

1. Create shade. If you don’t have space for a dog house or dedicated shelter for your pet, consider some of the alternatives: a tree, an awning, an umbrella, or just a big table they can lay under. It’s important to provide shelter from the heat. If they seem resistant to using the space try placing their bed in that location to draw them over and help them familiarize themselves with the spot.
2. Provide places for them to chill out. Some dogs love to lay in the dirt, others love to roll around on grass. Observe how your pet uses his existing space, then incorporate that into your design. If they love hanging around on the back deck, create shade in a section where he isn’t underfoot and can retreat throughout the day. Putting his food or water bowl there will help direct him.
3. Further to above, if your pet is immediately drawn to your flower beds, consider creating a digging pit where you can redirect this instinctive behavior. If you are scratching your head about how to get him to pick a specific section of the garden, try burying treats or rewards in it. Over time, he’ll learn that this spot is much more lucrative than anywhere else in the garden.
4. Dogs love lawns. And yes, we all have those yellow spots to prove how well-loved and used, these spaces are. Don’t eliminate this for your pet. It’s a soft, cool space for them to lay down and relax. If you have space, try sodding a discreet area in the back of the yard that can be used specifically for when nature calls.
5. Water features are a big draw for dogs and offer both relief from the heat as well as fun, and mental stimulation. Of course, an organization like the Chelsea Garden Show would envision ponds and waterfalls cascading outside your back door, but that isn’t in the cards for everyone. No space or budget? Consider a kiddy pool placed in a discreet area. Toss in your pet’s favorite toys and he’ll be enjoying it in no time.
6. Plant with your pooch in mind. Ornamental trees and hedge-style shrubs are typically safe however always run a Google search for toxic plants before you invest. Plantings such as Yew and Rhododendron – common in landscaping – are highly toxic.

Now, Monty’s version also included lawn furnishings sized just right for pooches. After the May 2024 flower show, the entire set-up was removed and reinstalled at the gamed Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. Love it!