To celebrate National Pet Day on Friday, April 11, Dobbies Garden Centres has shared its advice for creating an outdoor space that the whole family, including pets, can enjoy this spring.
The garden centre, which is known for its love of dogs, is dog-friendly and runs a dedicated programme of events for dogs throughout the year, including Hopping Hounds, Pup-kin Patch, and Santa Paws.
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Margaret, with her dog Romeo, at Dobbies, Braehead store (Image: Andrew Cawley) With around 50 per cent of Dobbies customers owning a dog, the garden centre is passionate about helping create harmonious garden living spaces that both pets and owners can enjoy.
Dobbies' plant buyer, Nigel Lawton, has shared his top tips for creating a safe and welcoming environment for your pup this spring.
Mr Lawton said: “Young plants and those with delicate stems might not stand up well to excited paws dashing through flower beds, so consider planting those in raised containers or protected spots.
“In your flower beds, opt for sturdy shrubs and hardy, well-established perennials that can handle a bit more activity.”
Mr Lawton also recommends using raised planters and containers to keep plants away from curious dogs.
He said: “If you’ve got a young puppy or particularly lively dog, making the most of container displays will mean you can enjoy spring colour in your garden without worrying about playful paws causing damage.
“All spring bedding plants at Dobbies can be planted in pots, window boxes, or hanging baskets, so you can still create an interesting flower display that your dog can sniff without getting too close.”
If you have the space, Mr Lawton recommends giving your dog their own special area for play.
He said: “To keep your garden looking its best and give your dog a fun outlet, why not create a designated play area for digging, using sand or bark, and sniffing, using dog-friendly plants?
“Filling the area with their favourite toys and treats will stimulate their senses and decrease the risk of them digging elsewhere in your garden.
“Dog-friendly plants like Cornflowers and Calendula, and herbs like Rosemary, Sage and Thyme are safe for dogs to sniff so can be planted to give them a dedicated area to explore with their nose.”
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Mr Lawton also advises creating shaded areas in the garden to ensure your dog stays cool during the summer months.
He suggests using sun parasols or naturally creating shade with trees like Birch or Maple, or large shrubs like Camellias.
A pet-friendly water feature can also provide extra entertainment and keep dogs hydrated on warmer days.
