Monty Don’s dogs – Ned the golden retriever, Patti the Yorkshire terrier and the much-missed Nigel and Nellie – have delighted viewers of BBC’s Gardeners’ World for years.
So it’s only fitting that RHS have announced that the first garden designed by Monty for the Chelsea Flower Show, where we’re most used to seeing him as a TV presenter, will be a dog-friendly space.
Details of the garden, designed with the help of a team led by Jamie Butterworth, are still under wraps. But if you have pets, there are many steps you can take to make sure your yard is a happy and safe place for them.
When we got our cockapoo, Baxter, the first thing we did was completely secure the boundaries of our garden so we could let him out without fear of him escaping.
In summer, Baxter loves to lie on the grass in the sun, until he gets too hot and plops down in a cool corner. Be sure to create plenty of shady spots for animals to relax.
When Baxter was a puppy, one of his favorite things to do was dig holes in our lawn. One solution is to have a designated area where your dog can dig.
Creating many different sensory experiences is great for pets. Long plants and grasses that are safe to play in are good, although be careful with seeds if you have long-haired breeds.
Make sure surfaces do not get too hot in summer and avoid sharp edges. If you have space, include a shallow water source for them to splash around in. Smaller pets, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, benefit from being allowed to run in a secure pen on grass, as long as the weather is not too good. hot or cold.
Dog sitting: Monty Don with dog Ned at Longmeadow in Herefordshire
In our front yard we have raised beds that the neighbors’ cats like to use as litter trays. I put up wire mesh as a deterrent until the seedlings emerged. Having a patch of catnip nearby for him to roll around in helps.
When it comes to planting, choose hardy plants, such as hardy geraniums, lavender, and bush roses that can withstand wear and tear. Include plants that animals can eat, such as raspberries.
Pet-friendly gardens often come down to which plants to avoid. There are many species that are toxic to dogs, including bulbs such as daffodils, tulips and crocuses, as well as aconite, azaleas, foxgloves, delphiniums, hydrangeas and yews.
All members of the onion family should also be avoided or fenced. Lilies and sago palm (Cycas) are particularly toxic to cats. And be careful when choosing houseplants, as ficus, cheese plants, and aloe vera are not cat-friendly.
There are many good reasons not to use chemicals in your gardens; Instead, opt for organic pest and disease control methods, such as companion planting. If you have a pet, this is even more important, to avoid any risk of poisoning.
Stay away from slug pellets as they can be harmful if consumed by pets. Prevent dogs from eating slugs and snails, as they can transmit lungworms.