Gardeners’ World star Monty Don shared his reaction after King Charles and the RHS Chelsea Flower Show lifted a 13-year ban on a garden item
Samantha Masters Content Editor
19:00, 17 Apr 2026
Monty Don shared his thoughts on the decision (Image: BBC)
Monty Don has shared his thoughts on a divisive garden ornament that King Charles is said to favour. In the lead-up to this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, it emerged that the monarch will be permitting garden gnomes to feature in his horticultural displays.
The decision marks a significant shift for the Royal Horticultural Society event, which has only allowed garden gnomes once before – in 2013 to mark the show’s centenary.
During an appearance on Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball’s Dig It podcast, Monty acknowledged that while gnomes aren’t his cup of tea, he has a “tolerant” attitude towards them. “I feel very tolerant. I don’t have them in my garden, so I can’t pretend they are a big part of my life, but I don’t object to them in any way,” he said.
The ban had reportedly been in place due to gnomes being considered too commercial and not within the show’s design standards.
The RHS has removed the restriction as part of a fundraising scheme designed to support aspiring gardeners. Under the campaign, well-known figures have been asked to customise gnomes, which will go on show at the 2026 event, before being sold at auction to generate income for the organisation’s Campaign for School Gardening.
Monty Don with King Charles and Queen Camilla at the Chelsea Flower Show(Image: Getty)
RHS Director General Clare Matterson explained the project aims to promote a more light-hearted attitude towards horticulture. The money generated, she noted, will help spark interest in gardening among pupils and broaden educational access to the pastime.
“Gardening in schools increases resilience, builds confidence, encourages curiosity and gives access to nature – it’s a vital resource that every school should have access to,” she said.
The decorated gnomes will be positioned across gardens brimming with vibrant blooms, including delphiniums in blue, said to be among the King’s preferred flowers.
Monty, alongside Jamie Butterworth, previously assisted in creating the BBC Radio 2 Dog Garden at last year’s Chelsea Flower Show, which welcomed King Charles and Queen Camilla as visitors.
He subsequently shared his experience of speaking to the royal couple at the occasion. Writing on Instagram, he said it was “very good to see the King and Queen at Chelsea,” and characterised them as “true lovers and champions of gardens and gardeners”.
The ban on garden gnomes was lifted for one year in 2013(Image: Getty)
He has frequently expressed admiration for their dedication to horticulture. Speaking to Radio Times, he said that the King possesses a “real personal interest” in gardening and characterised him as a “keen and good gardener,” noting that Queen Camilla shares this passion and has toured his own garden.
Monty also highlighted the King’s practical involvement at the Birkhall estate in Scotland, where he reportedly prunes trees personally.
Recalling a visit there, he expressed feeling “privileged” to experience the garden, noting it was “in some ways” comparable to other private gardens he has explored.
Earlier this year, he also described the King as “incredibly impressive” and someone who “does his homework thoroughly,” going on to praise both Charles and Camilla as “excellent.”
Gardeners’ World airs tonight at 8pm on BBC Two.
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