If pets are part of your family, you’ll want your garden to be a place where they can relax, exercise and play, as well as a space you can enjoy too. Creating a pet-friendly garden doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are 5 simple pet-friendly landscaping ideas to help you create a garden that works for everyone.
1. Pet-Friendly Ground Cover
Think beyond the traditional lawn and introduce some exciting textures for your pets to explore. Ground cover plants come in a wonderful variety of colours and textures, offering a stimulating sensory experience that you’ll enjoy as much as they do! Create a patch of soft thyme or a carpet of Irish moss for your dog to roll in. It’s a great way to add interest to your garden and provide a more resilient play area for your pets.
2. Create Shady Spots
Just like us, our pets need a break from the sun, especially on hot summer days. If you find your dog digging holes to cool off, it’s a sure sign they’re looking for a spot to cool off.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to incorporate shady spots into your garden landscaping. Planting trees is a great long-term solution, while awnings, pergolas, or even a carefully placed garden umbrella can offer instant relief. Don’t forget, existing structures like sheds and fences can also provide welcome shade.
3. Choose Pet-Friendly Plants
Many of us want to fill our gardens with colourful flowers and lush greenery, but it’s important to remember that not all plants are safe for our dogs, cats and other pets. Some can cause mild irritation, while others can be more serious. Before you head to the garden centre, check out the PDSA’s handy guide to toxic plants. It’s packed with information to help you create a garden that’s both beautiful and safe for your pets.
4. Securing Your Boundaries
Fences, walls, and hedges aren’t just about keeping your pets safe; they also add structure and style to your garden. Choose from a variety of materials and designs to add variety to your garden and include ‘pet-free’ zone for your vegetable garden or delicate plants. From traditional picket fences to contemporary walls and lush hedges, there’s a boundary solution to suit every garden and every pet. With careful planning and a trusted landscaper, you can create a space that’s both beautiful and functional.
5. Add Variety and Adventure
When designing your pet-friendly landscape, think about incorporating different levels and textures to make it more of an adventure playground for them. Raised beds, steps, and even a small rockery provide interesting features for exploration.
Varying the planting scheme offers interesting visuals and textures, creating a space that appeals to all the senses. And if you have the space, a dedicated play area with a soft surface like bark chippings is a great way to keep energetic pets happy. Add a water feature for cooling off – a shallow pond or fountain can provide hours of fun on a hot day.
An Evolving Garden Landscape
No two pet-friendly gardens are the same. Yours will be a unique reflection of your pets’ personalities and your own design style. As you see how your pets interact with their surroundings, you’ll learn what brings them joy and add new elements, making adjustments along the way. The result will be a garden that evolves with your pets, creating a truly unique and enriching environment for all.
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