If you’re a dog person, you aren’t likely to want a “no-dogs” garden. Dogs love to be in the backyard on a sunny afternoon, romping around while you pull weeds, or enjoying a nap on the patio. Is it possible to build a landscape that will welcome your pet while keeping those flowers and shrubs happy as well? A dog-friendly garden isn’t an impossible dream, as long as you take time to think through the arrangement. I’ve had dogs all my life and currently travel with my best girl Delilah, a 50-pound rescue pup who feels at home in both my backyard garden in San Francisco and my bigger landscape in Sare, France. I’ve got lots of ideas on how you can make it work.
Letting the Tail Wag the Dog
Some gardeners design their dream garden, then look for some small part of it that can accommodate their dog. Not me. I never make any garden plans without thinking through what will work for Delilah. Some of my friends call the way I garden “letting the tail wag the dog.” And I assure you, it’s easier that way. That’s because dogs naturally need places to sniff and run and play. Since these pathways must be an integral part of the garden, it’s a lot easier to plan for them in advance.
Doggy Runways
Sometimes dogs amble down the garden pathway, stopping to sniff here and there, then flop out in the sun. But many times, especially first thing in the morning, your dog needs something akin to an airport runway that allows them to dash along and work off some of their energy. Creating effective dog pathways will not only make the garden inviting to your dog, but it will also keep big paws and sniffing noses out of your herb garden. Make sure that the path is wide and made of tough, stable material. This is not the place to use a gentle groundcover like thyme plants.
In San Francisco, we installed a flagstone pathway that runs up to the end of the garden, then circles around and comes back on the other side. Compacted gravel or decomposed granite would work well too. Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free copy of our e-book “How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes”. These spacious side paths work well for me too, since it’s easy to wheel up the wheelbarrow up wide passageways. The stone pathways stay cool for dog paws and also look elegant.
Pet Service Areas
One of the big “problems” cited for mixing pets and gardens is the fact that pets use the bathroom outside. You could keep your dog out of the garden completely. or you could set up service areas. Find a good bathroom area for your pet, far from veggie and herb gardens. The spot should have good drainage and, ideally, slope down and away from irrigation or other water sources. Cover the area with materials that drain well, like gravel, then plant “screening” shrubs to give your pet some privacy. You’ll need to steer away from dog-toxic plants. You’ll want something dog-safe with lovely flowers, like hydrangeas or camellias. Install a stepping stone path through the planted area for ease of doggy access.
Patio for Sun and Shade
I have a wooden patio in San Francisco, a stone patio in France. There is a comfy dog bed on each patio plus a bowl of water, and each offers areas of sun and shade. My dog loves to hang out on the patios, moving from sun to shade as the mood strikes her. Sometimes she changes lounging areas from sun to shade then back again every 10 minutes. I’ve planted shrubs and also trees around the patios to offer natural shade, but even a pergola or an umbrella will work. Both pergolas and gazebos can create lovely shade where dogs can keep cool on hot summer days. You can cover them with grapes, kiwis, or other vines! This gives this backyard area a natural, airy atmosphere.
Play Areas for Bouncy Pets
Even the smallest dog will need at least 200 square feet (18 square meters) and bigger dogs may need twice that space to exercise. A designated play area provides a safe and enclosed space for your dog to run and play freely, away from delicate plantings. Consider using a sturdy fence or natural barriers like dense shrubs to define the boundaries. Soft surfaces like mulch or pea gravel are kinder to paws than hard surfaces.
Dog-Safe Plant Selection
Choosing the right plants is crucial for a harmonious pet-friendly garden. Many popular ornamental plants are toxic to dogs, leading to potential health issues if ingested. Hydrangeas, camellias, and impatiens are generally considered safe choices. Ornamental grasses are also a good option, offering texture and movement without posing a threat. Avoid lilies, azaleas, daffodils, and sago palms, as these are known to be highly toxic. Research any plant before introducing it to your garden to ensure it’s safe for your furry friend.
Materials for Pathways and Patios
The materials you choose for pathways and patios should be durable, comfortable for paws, and easy to clean. Flagstone, decomposed granite, and compacted gravel are excellent choices for pathways, offering good traction and drainage. For patios, consider materials like composite decking, pavers, or sealed concrete. These surfaces are resistant to wear and tear and can withstand the occasional muddy paw print. Avoid materials that get excessively hot in the sun, as this can burn your dog’s paws.
Creating a Sensory Garden for Dogs
Beyond physical space, consider engaging your dog’s senses with a dedicated sensory garden. Incorporate plants with interesting textures, scents, and sounds. For example, lamb’s ear has a soft, velvety texture that dogs enjoy sniffing, while mint and lavender offer appealing aromas. Rustling ornamental grasses can provide auditory stimulation. This type of garden provides mental enrichment and keeps your dog entertained.
Maintaining a Dog-Friendly Garden
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your dog-friendly garden looking its best. This includes regular watering, weeding, and pruning. Be mindful of any potential hazards, such as sharp objects or poisonous plants, and remove them promptly. Consider using pet-friendly fertilizers and pest control methods to avoid harming your dog. A little extra care will ensure that both you and your furry companion can enjoy your outdoor space.
Designing a garden that caters to both your green thumb and your dog’s needs is entirely achievable. By incorporating thoughtful elements like doggy runaways, pet service areas, and safe plant choices, you can create a beautiful and functional outdoor space that everyone can enjoy. It’s about finding a balance – a space where your dog feels comfortable and secure, and your plants thrive. With a little planning and creativity, you can have the best of both worlds.
1. Doggy Runways:
Create wide, stable pathways using flagstone, compacted gravel, or decomposed granite. These allow for energetic bursts of speed without disturbing delicate plants or becoming muddy.
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2. Pet Service Areas:
Designate a specific area for bathroom breaks, located away from vegetable and herb gardens. Ensure good drainage and use dog-safe, aesthetically pleasing ground cover like gravel.
3. Patio for Sun and Shade:
Provide multiple patio areas with both sunny and shaded spots. Use pergolas, gazebos, or strategically planted trees to offer relief from the heat.
4. Play Areas for Bouncy Pets:
Enclose a dedicated play space with a fence or dense shrubs. Use soft surfaces like mulch or pea gravel for comfortable landings.
5. Dog-Safe Plant Selection:
Choose plants known to be non-toxic to dogs, such as hydrangeas, camellias, ornamental grasses, and impatiens. Avoid lilies, azaleas, and sago palms.
6. Importance of Drainage:
Ensure proper drainage throughout the garden to prevent waterlogging and maintain healthy soil. Consider raised beds or sloped areas to direct water flow.
7. Materials for Pathways and Patios:
Select durable, paw-friendly materials like flagstone, pavers, or composite decking for pathways and patios. Avoid surfaces that become excessively hot in the sun.