The Dog-Friendly and Dog-Proof Garden
For many, both gardening and dogs are central to their lives. However, dogs and plants don't always coexist peacefully. On one hand, there’s the safety of the dog to consider; on the other, the safety of the plants.
The goal is to create harmony between your dog(s) and your plants.
1. Prioritize Dog Safety
Keeping your dog safe in the garden is essential. In the past, when organic gardening was the norm, safety concerns were minimal. But today, with many chemical products on the market and vague labeling, it’s easy to believe they’re “safe.” Creating an organic garden is ideal for dog safety: use organic fertilizers or aged manure, skip pesticides and herbicides, and carefully choose mulch. A curious dog may ingest mulch even in fenced areas, so it’s important to know the ingredients in any materials used in your garden, especially since it’s a shared space with your furry friend.
2. Set Boundaries
Fencing is key to setting boundaries. Enclose your vegetable patch so your dog doesn’t risk overeating. Even if the plants are dog-safe, they should only be supplemental and not overconsumed by dogs.
3. Choose Dog-Friendly Plants and Avoid Toxic Ones
Many plants that are toxic to humans are also toxic to dogs, so avoid these altogether. If you love certain toxic plants, plant them in an area inaccessible to your dog. Raised beds and containers can also expand your plant options by keeping certain plants out of reach.
Protecting Plants from Dogs
Now, let’s consider plant safety. Dogs, especially active ones, can unintentionally damage delicate plants. A 30-pound dog bounding through the garden isn’t gentle on fragile foliage, so fencing benefits both plants and dogs.
4. Select Sturdy, Native Plants
Choose native shrubs and perennials that can withstand both northern weather and energetic dogs. Native plants improve soil health, air quality, and ultimately, your well-being. Healthy soil has compounding environmental benefits, which is especially helpful for dogs since they’re closer to the ground. For instance, wild strawberries are excellent ground covers in dog-frequented areas. The entire plant is edible, and it produces small fruit only in June, minimizing the risk of overconsumption.
5. Consider Trees for Shade and Comfort
If your garden has space, incorporate native trees. Dogs love being outdoors but can overheat in direct sunlight. A shade tree offers your dog a cool retreat on hot days. For large yards, consider red or white oaks. For smaller spaces, lawn trees like Juneberries, redbuds, and ironwood (hop-hornbeam) are excellent choices that benefit both lawns and gardens.
We hope you found this blog helpful! Contact us for assistance with native plant choices, and feel free to share your experiences or questions about balancing a dog-friendly, dog-proof garden in the comments below.
Photo Credit: Berkay Gumustekin