Monty Don Delivers Emotional Tribute to His Beloved Companion, Ned

Monty Don has shared a hidden tribute to his much-loved dog Ned as he unveiled his Chelsea Flower Show garden.

Monty Don has opened up about the special part his dog plays on Gardeners’ World and shared his honest thoughts on being a familiar face to so many fans.

Over the years, Monty has often had a dog by his side while filming. These days, it’s his golden retriever Ned who keeps him company on the show, seen strolling alongside Monty as he offers gardening tips to viewers. Ned was recently spotted having a great time at Monty’s Chelsea Flower Show garden, which will be unveiled to the public – and even members of the Royal Family – during the upcoming five-day event.

This year, Monty has taken a more personal route with his design. The garden is a heartfelt tribute to Ned. To make sure everything is just right for dogs, Ned has been given the important job of exploring and testing the garden before it opens.

In the next episode of Gardeners’ World, viewers will see Monty Don and his loyal golden retriever, Ned, back in action at Longmeadow in Herefordshire. The episode airs Friday at 8 p.m. and again Saturday at 9 a.m., and the BBC promises “an hour of Easter delights.” But while Monty is used to the buzz of the gardening season, it seems it might have been a little too much for Ned.

Earlier this week, Monty took to Instagram to share a behind-the-scenes moment, writing: “Ned feeling a little overwhelmed by the press attention last week at @plantsman_jamie nursery.” The post included a peaceful shot of Ned lounging on a wooden table, soaking up the sun while the film crew worked around him.

Monty added, “Some people (and dogs) just have that star appeal.” Fans were quick to agree. One commented, “Ned is the true star of the show,” while another wrote, “Oh, he knows who the real star is! Such a sweet boy. How blessed you are to have each other.”

Since joining Monty and his wife Sarah in October 2022, Ned has captured hearts on and off the screen. He’s the latest in a long line of beloved dogs in the Don household, joining elder companion Patti, a Yorkshire Terrier. Monty has always had a soft spot for golden retrievers, and Ned continues that cherished tradition.

In 2021, Monty Don faced the heartbreaking loss of his beloved golden retriever, Nigel, who had become a familiar and much-loved presence on Gardeners’ World. Nigel was 12 when he died suddenly, after suffering what Monty described as “sudden, violent, unstoppable seizures.” The news deeply touched viewers who had grown fond of seeing Nigel by Monty’s side.

Three years later, in October of last year, Monty shared another painful update — his dear dog Nell had passed away after a battle with cancer. Nell, another golden retriever, had also been a regular companion in the garden and captured the hearts of fans.

Monty’s love for dogs runs deep. On his personal website, he even dedicates a section to his canine companions, reflecting just how important they are to him and his way of life.

“I’ve lived with dogs all my life,” Monty writes, “so it feels completely natural that wherever I go in the garden, a dog or two is there with me. The garden belongs to them just as much as it does to me or anyone else in the family.”

He goes on to add, “They almost never cause any trouble — they don’t dig up plants or trample through flower beds. Though, I’ll admit, they do see the long paths as racetracks, chasing after the ball we always end up throwing for them. But that’s all part of the fun, and it does no real harm.”

For Monty, dogs aren’t just pets — they’re loyal partners who share in the rhythm of his daily life, and their presence in the garden adds warmth, joy, and a sense of peace.