Monty Don Reacts as King Charles and Chelsea Flower Show Lift 13-Year Gnome Ban
Gardeners' World presenter Monty Don has shared his reaction following the announcement that King Charles and the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show have lifted a ban on garden gnomes for the first time in 13 years. The decision marks a significant shift for the prestigious horticultural event, with the monarch permitting gnomes in his garden displays ahead of the 2026 show.
Monty Don's Tolerant Stance on Gnomes
Speaking on Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball's Dig It podcast, Monty Don revealed that while gnomes are not to his personal taste, he adopts a laid-back approach 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 explained. This comes as the RHS reverses a ban that was originally implemented on grounds that gnomes were deemed too commercial and inconsistent with the show's design standards.
Fundraising Initiative for School Gardening
The lifting of the ban is part of a fundraising effort designed to support the next generation of gardeners. Celebrities have been invited to decorate gnomes, which will be showcased at the 2026 Chelsea Flower Show and subsequently auctioned to generate funds for the RHS Campaign for School Gardening. RHS Director General Clare Matterson stated that the initiative aims to promote a more light-hearted approach to gardening, with proceeds helping to spark curiosity about gardening among schoolchildren and support broader access to gardening in education.
King Charles's Horticultural Passion
The decorated gnomes will be positioned across gardens featuring vibrant blooms, including delphiniums in blue, which are reportedly among King Charles's most cherished flowers. Monty Don has frequently praised the King's passion for horticulture, describing him as a "keen and good gardener" with a "real personal interest" in gardening. He also noted that Queen Camilla shares this enthusiasm, having even visited his own garden.
Monty Don recalled a visit to the King's Birkhall estate in Scotland, where he observed the monarch's practical involvement, such as pruning trees himself. He described feeling "privileged" to experience the garden, noting it was "in some ways" on par with other private gardens he has explored. Last year, Monty helped create the BBC Radio 2 Dog Garden at the Chelsea Flower Show, which welcomed King Charles and Queen Camilla as visitors.
Historical Context of the Gnome Ban
This decision marks only the second time the RHS has lifted its gnome ban at the Chelsea Flower Show, with the previous exception made in 2013 for the show's centenary. The long-running prohibition was based on concerns over commercialism and design consistency, but the current U-turn reflects a strategic move to engage a wider audience and support educational causes through fundraising.
As the gardening community anticipates the 2026 show, this initiative highlights a blend of tradition and innovation, with Monty Don's comments underscoring a spirit of tolerance and support for charitable efforts in horticulture.
