Monty Don has spoken out about a controversial garden ornament favored by King Charles: the garden gnome. Just ahead of this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, it was announced that the monarch will allow garden gnomes to be included in his horticultural displays, marking a major change in event policy.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has rarely permitted garden gnomes – only allowing them once before, in 2013, to celebrate the show’s centenary. The 13-year ban was due in part to concerns that gnomes were too commercial and didn’t meet the show’s design standards.
Appearing on the Dig It podcast with Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball, Monty Don expressed a tolerant stance towards the ornaments. “I don’t have them in my garden, so they’re not part of my life, but I don’t object to them in any way,” he admitted.
READ MORE: Independent Somerset Food Hall Crowned Best in the UK
READ MORE: Anyone Born Before 1976 Should Sign Up for Free NHS Cancer Screening Kit
The ban’s removal ties into a fundraising initiative to support future generations of gardeners. The RHS invited celebrities to customize garden gnomes, which will feature at the 2026 show before being auctioned to raise funds for the Campaign for School Gardening.
RHS Director General Clare Matterson explained the project’s aim is to bring a playful spirit to horticulture while encouraging more children to take up gardening. “Gardening in schools increases resilience, builds confidence, encourages curiosity and gives access to nature,” she said. “It’s a vital resource that every school should have access to.”
The gnomes will be placed among vibrant garden displays, including delphiniums in blue – one of King Charles’s favourite flowers.
Monty Don, who helped create the BBC Radio 2 Dog Garden at last year’s Chelsea Flower Show alongside Jamie Butterworth, also reflected on meeting the King and Queen Camilla at the event. Posting on Instagram, he described them as “true lovers and champions of gardens and gardeners.”
He has often praised King Charles’s genuine passion for gardening. Speaking to Radio Times, Monty called the King a “keen and good gardener” with a “real personal interest” who even prunes trees himself at his Birkhall estate in Scotland. He described visiting Birkhall as a “privilege” and likened it to some of the finest private gardens he has seen.
Earlier this year, Monty described King Charles as “incredibly impressive” and meticulous in his gardening knowledge, also recognizing Queen Camilla’s shared enthusiasm.
Gardeners’ World continues tonight at 8pm on BBC Two.