W
ho can fail to share a
large dog’s delight as it
bounds up and down a
tiny garden with glee?
Well, erm, anyone who
values the health of their
plants and doesn’t want their outdoor space
redesigned in the wag of a tail – or the cock of a
leg. We have expectations about how we share
our home with our animals, so it’s only natural
that we apply the same approach outside. “It’s
great for owners to want to create a garden that
their pets can enjoy,” says Dr Jane Tyson, a
scientific officer at the RSPCA. “Whether your
dog uses it for a sniff around and a wee, a cat for
sunbathing in a favourite spot, or a rabbit to get
some exercise and munch grass, there are many
ways to make a garden animal-friendly.”
With a little planning, you can protect your
plot, add interest for you and your pets and
create shady areas to cool off in. The result is a
sanctuary for all creatures, great and small.DOGS
Exerciseandstimulationarethemost
importantrequirementsofourcanine
companions.Aswellassectioningoffanarea
forballgames(wherepossible),youcancreate
entertainmentintheformofa sensorytreasure
trailwheretreatsarehiddeninmaterialssuch
aswoodchippingsandnon-toxicsand.
Whattoplant:Dogscanself-medicateif
providedwithpeppermint(relievesindigestion
andsickness),camomileandviolets(ease“Theresultis a sanctuaryfor all
creatures,greatandsmall”
anxiety). Species that are harmful to canines
include cherry laurels, rhododendrons, azaleas,
lilies, horse chestnuts and oaks (ie conkers and
acorns; search ‘poisonous’ for a full list at
thekennelclub.org.uk). Plant tough-as-old-boots
lavender where your hound is likely to brush
past boisterously and not only will it withstand
the tireless to-and-fro, but it may scent the fur.
Choose other mature and sturdy specimens
including shrub roses for well-pawed areas.
How to landscape: The height of fencing
depends on your dog’s breed and temperament.
A low picket style is charming but won’t be
popular with your neighbours when your
bouncy springer spaniel arrives on the other
side. Consider willow or hazel (if chewing is a
problem, protect it with a length of chicken
wire above teeth height) or featherboard, which
is solid and can be built high enough to foil any
escapee’s efforts. A simple wire stock fence is
soon hidden within a hedge, which then offers
a prettier enclosure.
Distinguishbetweentheareasofthegarden
whereyourpetisandisn’tallowedbyputting
downlargestonestodemarcateyourplantings.
Elevatelessrobustspecimensoutofharm’sway
inpotsorraisedbeds.Fora path,consider
light-colouredslabsthatwon’tbecometoohot,
andavoidgravelorpea-shingle,whichcanA football ground for
the hound; chomping
on a violet can soothe
a stressy pooch; from
catnip to cat naps, your
garden can become
a jungle for your
favourite felineGARDENS»PHOTOGRAPHY: ALAMY, GAP PHOTOS, STOCKSY