Monty Don's five lessons for dogs in gardens
- BBC Gardeners' World Magazine
Published: Wednesday, 18 February 2026 at 4:55 pm
A garden with dogs can be full of surprises. Monty Don offers practical, lighthearted advice on making sure both your plants and your pups thrive
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There’s something truly special about sharing your garden with a dog. Whether they’re snoozing in the sun, enthusiastically 'helping' with the digging, or simply keeping you company, dogs bring a joyful chaos to any outdoor space. But as any dog-loving gardener knows, combining the two can be a bit of an adventure. Luckily, Monty Don has picked up a few pearls of wisdom along the way. Watch the video above to discover Monty’s top five lessons for harmonious gardening with your canine companion.
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More dog advice:
- 12 tips for a dog-friendly garden
- Plants toxic to dogs
1. Don't overthink it
Monty’s first and perhaps most important piece of advice is to relax. “The main lesson I would say to everybody is don’t overthink it. Don’t worry about it by and large.” Dogs and gardens are perfectly capable of coexisting. The odd bit of digging or trampling is all part of the fun – and really, who among us hasn’t secretly enjoyed a little help from an enthusiastic canine assistant?
2. Set clear boundaries from the start
According to Monty, “dogs are creatures of habit and they pick up body language.” If you want your dog to avoid certain areas, make it clear from the outset. Give them a space to romp – a lawn or a path – and keep your precious flowerbeds as calm, quiet zones. “If you have an area of beds where you want them just to lie quietly, make sure they always lie quietly from an early age and then let them have a lawn or take them for a walk and they have a good time.”
3. Don't panic about dangerous plants
Worried about toxic plants? Monty’s advice is reassuring: “As regards dangerous plants, that isn’t something I worry about too much.” Most dogs aren’t interested in munching on poisonous things. The main exception is yew (Taxus), which can be harmful. “If you see a puppy chewing some yew... don’t panic. Just take it out of its mouth.” A little vigilance goes a long way.
4. Never throw sticks
“The one thing though that I don’t do anymore at all is don’t throw sticks for dogs.” After a frightening incident with a stick injury, Monty recommends finding safer alternatives for play. “Ned has never had a stick thrown for him.” Opt for balls or safe dog toys instead.
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5. Flexible paths and planting
If your dog insists on making their own shortcuts, embrace it! Monty suggests, “Have temporary paths of gravel or bark and then you can move plants, you can move the paths and the whole thing becomes more fluid.” And a final tip: “Don’t plant anything precious on the corner where two paths cross.” Accept a bit of canine creativity, and your garden will thank you.
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