Creating the perfect garden for your pets can take time and a lot of trial and error. But it’s all so that your family and your pets can enjoy a green space suitable for everyone.
2 types of gardens for pets
In general, we have two types of clients who ask us for these gardens:
1. The one who has just welcomed a new member into the family and realises that their garden is no longer what it used to be, thanks to the puppy’s excitement.
2. The one who is thinking about adopting a pet and wants to adapt the garden so that both the family and the new arrival can enjoy it.
1. Create a safe zone for them
The puppy, or even the best-trained adult, will want to accompany you wherever you go in your garden. The first step is to make sure your garden is a safe haven. If you have a very busy road nearby, a gap in a hedge or a cluster of particularly delicate plants, the best idea is to make sure your pet cannot hurt itself or damage your plantings.
Stone obstacles or small fences can be a good natural screen for an area that needs to be kept separate, such as a vegetable patch. Obviously, as time goes by and your pet learns which areas are off-limits, you can reduce or even remove those fences.
2. Paths and hard surfaces
Sometimes, with work and family, going out for a walk with your furry companion can be difficult. Therefore, in the perfect garden for your pets, it is important to design paths and hard surfaces so they can walk and run. They will also be able to wear down their claws while running, saving you the need to trim them.
A combination of paving stones and compacted hard material can create a magnificent, functional look that suits them. We do not usually recommend gravel, as dogs tend to get overexcited and dig holes. It can also cause problems with young puppies, as they might swallow the stones.
3. Planting species suitable for our pets
We must not forget that our pets use their noses and sense of taste to discover the world. There are many plants that are toxic to them.
Here we present safe plants for dogs, species that, if they chew on them, should not be toxic. This is only a very short list; there are literally thousands of plants you can grow:
Lavender: this evergreen shrub with purple flowers is the perfect relaxant for both dogs and humans.
Rosemary: this wonderful shrub with blue flowers, which you can also use to add the perfect touch to your meals.
Sage: another fragrant herb for your dog to sniff. The flowers vary from blue to magenta depending on the variety.
Calendula: its yellow or orange flowers will brighten your garden without harming your furry friend.
Cornflower: its vibrant blue flowers will add unrivalled contrast.
Sunflower: these cheerful giants are fun to grow and produce impressive, fiery flowers. And don't forget their seeds.
4. Create a play area
All pet owners know that their animals spend most of their time playing while they are in the garden. The stimulation of flowers, soil, insects and textures can sometimes drive them into an absolute frenzy.
To make sure they don't end up with the areas you need to care for, create a dedicated play area for them in your garden. This could be an area where they keep their toys. Put their water and food bowl there to give them ownership of that part of the garden. Reward them when they play there to reinforce the area as theirs.
5. Use strong scents to stop them digging holes
Digging holes is natural behaviour for many animals. Here are a few scents that can help prevent both dogs and cats from making those holes in your garden:
Sprinkling spices such as dried pepper or ground mustard around some of our plants or key spots can help keep our little friend away.
Used coffee grounds generally make dogs stay away. An added bonus is that ground coffee is an excellent fertiliser in many cases, so you get two benefits in one!
The smell of citrus peel such as orange or lemon also helps reduce their interest.
Ultimately, having both a garden and a pet can be a life-changing experience for the better. To design the perfect garden for your pets, all you need is a little planning and careful structure to ensure that both you and your best friend enjoy the full potential and beauty of your green space.
