From paws to plants: creating a dog-friendly garden

Spring is basically nature throwing a garden party, and what’s a party without your best furry friend? As everything wakes up and the world gets greener, let’s make a spot where you and your pooch can both kick back. Picture this: you’re sipping your morning coffee in the garden while your dog sniffs around, tail wagging, among the safe and sweet-smelling plants. A dog-friendly garden isn’t just easy on the eyes—it’s a happy, healthy retreat for both of you.

Laying the groundwork: best layout for a dog-friendly garden

Designing the perfect garden for your dog means balancing their playful nature with your need for a chill, pretty space. Here’s how to strike that balance:

• Zoning for fun and rest: Dogs, like us, need spots for fun and naps. Set up a play area with toys and maybe some agility gear. Opt for sturdy grass or dog-friendly ground covers like clover or soft mulch that can handle the zoomies. For chill time, how about a shady spot under a tree or a cozy canopy?

• Paths for exploration: Build winding paths with dog-safe materials like smooth flagstone, brick, or bark mulch. These paths can lead to exciting spots around the garden, giving your dog a little adventure every time they go outside.
• Secure perimeters: Safety first! A solid fence keeps your dog in and other critters out. Make it high enough to thwart jumpers and deep enough to deter diggers. Dense hedges are also great natural barriers.
• Potty corner: Designate a spot for bathroom breaks to keep the rest of your garden fresh. Train your dog to go there to make clean-up easier.
• Watching over water: If you’ve got a pond or pool, make sure it’s pet-safe. Think about adding fences or sturdy covers to keep it secure.

Top 10 dog-friendly plants to beautify your garden

Picking safe plants is key in a dog-friendly garden. Here are ten great non-toxic choices to make your outdoor space pop:

• Sunflower (Helianthus annuus): Big, bright, and totally safe for dogs. They’ll make any garden corner cheerful.
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): This hardy herb adds structure and a lovely scent, and it’s safe for dogs.
• Camellia (Camellia japonica): Perfect for shady spots, camellias bring evergreen beauty and vibrant blossoms that are dog-safe.
• Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus): With their cool shape and bold colors, snapdragons are safe and fun for any garden.
• Basil (Ocimum basilicum): Super easy to grow, safe for dogs, and delicious in your kitchen—what’s not to love?
• Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum): A tasty and dog-safe herb that’s perfect for your garden and your meals.
• Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum): This ground cover is not only safe for dogs but also gives off a sweet scent when stepped on.
• Fescue (Festuca): A lush, green, and dog-safe grass that’s great for a garden lawn.
• Magnolia bushes (Magnolia spp.): These are not just pet-safe but also stun with gorgeous blooms every year.
• Pansies (Viola x wittrockiana): These little beauties are safe for dogs and offer a splash of color in cooler months.

With these tips and plant picks, your garden will be a beautiful, safe, and fun place for your furry buddy. Here’s to a spring full of green thumbs and happy, waggy tails!

Enjoy the outside