Monty Don has a knack for sparking conversations, but this time, it’s not his gardening tips that have fans talking—it’s a single photo and a curious caption that’s left everyone scratching their heads. Why would he call a charming garden shed 'The Doghouse'? The beloved Gardeners' World host, 70, recently shared a snapshot of a picturesque shed in his Herefordshire garden, Longmeadow, but it’s the name he gave it that’s stirred up a mini-debate among his followers. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the name—it’s about the story behind it.
The photo itself is a feast for the eyes. A cobbled garden path winds its way to the shed, flanked by lush greenery and a scattering of green apples on the flagstones. A black bucket brimming with more apples sits casually under an apple tree, its branches arching gracefully overhead. Rusty flower pots cluster near the shed’s double doors, adding a touch of rustic charm. But the real focal point? The shed itself, with its grey wooden doors and reddish-brown slatted roof. Perched atop the roof is a golden dog attached to a weather dial—a detail that seems to explain the 'doghouse' moniker. But here’s where it gets controversial: fans aren’t sold on the name.
Comments poured in, with some suggesting alternatives like 'The Ned Nest' or 'Canine Cave,' while others joked about the phrase’s double meaning. 'Doghouse can sound like someone was naughty,' one fan quipped, while another laughed, 'I wouldn’t mind being in the doghouse if it looked like that!' It’s a lighthearted debate, but it raises a fun question: does the name fit the shed’s undeniable charm? Or does it deserve something grander?
This isn’t the first time Monty’s garden has grabbed attention. Longmeadow, the backdrop for his BBC show, is a labor of love he and his wife, Sarah, have nurtured since 1991. When they first bought the historic Tudor hall, it was a ruin—no roof, no electricity, no running water. 'It took 10 years to finish the initial building work,' Monty shared with The English Home, 'but restoring it has been a privilege and a joy.' Today, the garden and home are celebrated for their beauty, though Monty’s playful 'doghouse' label has fans wondering if he’s subtly hinting at a story we’re not yet privy to.
But here’s the real question: Is 'The Doghouse' a fitting name, or does this shed deserve a title as grand as its setting? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—and while you’re at it, what would you call this quaint garden retreat?
