Monty Don Under Fire After Posting Waterfall Photo With Ned

Monty Don’s gardens have always had pawprints on their paths. From the earliest episodes of Gardeners’ World filmed at Longmeadow to his heartfelt reflections in books and interviews, dogs have been woven into the fabric of his life. They’re not just background companions — they’re central characters in the story of his home, his garden, and his emotional landscape.

A Gardener Who Writes Like a Dog Lover

Monty has often said that the garden belongs to his dogs as much as to him. His 2016 book Nigel: My Family and Other Dogs is more than a memoir about a single golden retriever — it’s a meditation on the unique role dogs play in shaping a life. They’re anchors during emotional storms, loyal companions through changing seasons, and silent witnesses to the daily rhythm of gardening.

His love for dogs is not performative; it’s lived. Viewers have seen them trotting through borders, lounging by flowerbeds, and lying contentedly beside him during filming breaks. Over the years, these dogs have become household names for millions.

The Dogs He’s Had to Say Goodbye To

Nigel — Perhaps the most famous of Monty’s companions, Nigel was a golden retriever with a love of tennis balls and a serene presence that viewers adored. He appeared on television for nearly a decade, becoming an unlikely celebrity in his own right. In May 2020, Nigel died suddenly, just days before his 12th birthday. Monty buried him in the garden with his favorite balls, a deeply personal farewell that he shared with the public. He later spoke openly about how Nigel’s companionship helped him through bouts of depression, making his passing a profound emotional blow.

Nell (Nellie) — Nell joined Monty’s household in 2016. Intelligent, loyal, and deeply affectionate, she became a fan favorite in her own right. In June 2023, she was diagnosed with cancer. By October that year, Monty shared the heartbreaking news that Nell had passed away. She was laid to rest next to Nigel, wrapped in one of his jackets with flowers and biscuits — a gesture that reflected the family’s quiet, personal way of honoring their dogs. Monty wrote movingly about how every day with her that summer had been a gift, showing how love and loss intertwined in real time.

Beaufort, Red, Poppy & Barry — Walk through the coppice at Longmeadow, and you’ll find simple headstones for these earlier dogs, along with the family’s cats. Their presence is permanent, their stories etched into the soil of the garden itself. Though they were not television stars, they were beloved members of the household and set the stage for Monty’s later, more public canine companions.

Brenda and Barry-Anne — In interviews from the early 2000s, Monty mentioned a miniature dachshund named Brenda and a Jack Russell called Barry-Anne. They represent an earlier chapter of his family life — lively, characterful dogs who were part of the daily hum of the house before Nigel’s era began.

How Loss Reshaped the Garden — and the Gardener

Monty has never shied away from talking about grief. The way he described Nigel’s absence — the silence of the garden, the empty spot by his side — resonated with many who have lost a pet. These moments of vulnerability created a bond with viewers. They weren’t just watching a gardener; they were witnessing someone navigating loss with honesty and tenderness. His garden became both a resting place and a living memorial, holding the memories of the dogs who had walked its paths.

The Companions Padding Along Today

Patti — In the spring of 2020, Patti, a tiny Yorkshire Terrier, joined the family. Small in size but big in attitude, she quickly established herself as the boss. She often rides in Monty’s jacket and brings a spirited energy to Longmeadow that contrasts beautifully with the calm retrievers.

Ned — In 2022, Ned, a golden retriever puppy, arrived. Viewers watched as he grew into his role at Monty’s side, bounding through the garden with the carefree energy only a young retriever possesses. He carries the legacy of Nigel and Nell forward, symbolizing renewal after loss.

Fans are Concerned with Monty’s recent activity with Ned.

Recently, Monty Don shared a joyful snapshot of his young retriever, Ned, splashing under a waterfall with a stick in his mouth. Captioned simply, “waterfall, dog, stick = happiness”, the image captured a classic moment of canine bliss—but it also sparked a lively debate in the comments section. Some followers raised serious safety concerns, warning of the dangers associated with stick play. Richard Finney cautioned that if a stick lodges in the ground and the dog runs onto it, the point can pierce the roof of the mouth, sometimes with fatal consequences. Others, like Toni Stoner, swiftly defended Monty, noting that he’s an experienced and responsible dog owner who clearly supervises Ned closely. Breckland Gundog Training added that while Monty may be careful, many of his followers might not be as informed—so highlighting the risk could prevent accidents elsewhere. Meanwhile, other fans struck a more lighthearted tone, advising Ned to “stick to tennis balls” or reminiscing about their own retrievers’ love of water. A few shared harrowing personal stories, like Valerie Burns, whose dog suffered a pierced gullet from a stick, while others suggested safer alternatives like rubber sticks. The exchange reflected both the affection Monty’s audience has for Ned and their willingness to engage in thoughtful conversations about responsible pet care.