Dog-Friendly Gardening

Dogs and neatly manicured gardens aren’t always the best of friends. So, instead of spending your time scolding your dog for digging holes and eating your petunias, why not try designing a dog-friendly garden? By making a few simple changes you can keep your garden and your dog happy, and cut down on the stress of keeping the peace between the two.

Try these ideas :

• Start by watching your dog’s movement in your garden. This will allow you to determine their favourite routes and design the flow of the garden around them.
• Dogs often run along perimeter walls to catch a glimpse of people and other pets walking by. If you screen these perimeters with dense shrubs and trees you’ll minimise damage to the garden surface and garden beds next to the perimeter.
• Avoid placing loose material such as gravel, stones and bark chips in areas where dogs spend a lot of time, such as next to an entrance gate. Loose material will be messed up by an active dog in no time.
• Erect temporary fences around garden beds while young plants are becoming established. Once they’re established you can remove the fences as your dogs are unlikely to walk over plants that look more established.
• Place large, heavy objects, such as pots, rocks and driftwood in front of delicate garden areas, to prevent them from being trampled by doggy paws.
• Create special digging areas for your dogs to discourage them from digging in your garden beds. Hide doggy treats in sandpits which you create for this purpose.
• Plant flea-repelling herbs such as lavender, rosemary and khakibos to provide an environment that is less conducive to leaving your pet with a flea infestation.
• Provide soft spots and shade for your dogs to lie in by planting plenty of grass and trees.
• Remember that most dogs attack gardens out of sheer boredom. Taking them for regular walks will go a long way towards preserving your garden.