As a proud parent to Cookie the cockapoo, our garden designer David has spent his fair share of time making outdoor and indoor spaces pet-friendly—transforming gardens into havens that cater to both humans and their four-legged family.
He knows first-hand the joy (and occasional chaos!) that pets bring to a garden.
That’s why, when designing a pet-friendly garden, he strives to find the perfect balance between safety, function and, of course, aesthetics. He understands that pet parents want a space where their furry friends can run, explore and relax without turning your flower beds into a disaster zone.
The good news? A stylish, pet-safe garden that enhances your outdoor living experience is entirely possible—read on to learn more.
1. Make Your Garden Escape-Proof
Pets have a natural curiosity that can lead them beyond your garden’s boundaries. So, before the flowers, features or furniture, the most important aspect of a pet-friendly garden is security.
That means fencing should be high enough to prevent any daredevil jumps, gaps should be sealed off to stop small pets from squeezing through and gates should be secured with self-closing mechanisms to prevent accidental escapes.
Harsh materials like spiked fences or wire mesh should be avoided, as they can cause injuries. Instead, opt for sturdy wooden panels, decorative trellises or hedging for a more natural look. With the right boundaries in place, you can then let your pet roam free and enjoy the garden like you do.
2. Choose Pet-Friendly Plants
Every dog parent has googled whether a fruit or vegetable is safe before feeding it to their pet, and the same caution should apply to the plants in your garden.
Many plants that we love for their looks or scent can be toxic to pets. Indeed, popular garden staples like foxgloves to daffodils can be harmful—in some cases, even fatal—if ingested by cats or dogs. That’s why it’s crucial to choose carefully, just in case your pet decides to have a nibble. You can find a list of poisonous plants, garden and household substances from the Veterinary Poisons Information Service here.
Don’t panic if you already have plants that are on the list. You can place them in raised beds or decorative planters to keep them out of reach, or section off a dedicated area just for the humans, where you can enjoy more delicate plants.
If you’re starting fresh, the good news is there are plenty of beautiful, pet-safe alternatives. Lavender, sunflowers, marigolds and roses are all great choices to bring a pop of colour and fragrance to your garden—minus the risk.
3. Designate a Play Area
As mentioned above, you may create a pet-free area for yourselves—similarly, you may want to consider a dedicated play zone to keep the rest of the garden intact whilst allowing your pets, especially dogs, to play and burn off energy.
If you have a large space, incorporating features like tunnels, ramps or a simple open stretch of lawn gives pets a chance to exercise whilst having fun. Even if you have a smaller outdoor area, you can still make it stimulating with pet toys or a small splash pad for water-loving dogs to transform a compact space into a pet-friendly retreat.
4. Choose the Right Grass for Your Lawn
Every homeowner dreams of lush green lawn for their garden, but not all grass types can withstand the wear and tear of energetic pets—dogs, in particular! All the digging, running and using it as their personal bathroom can be rough on the lawn.
Here are some of the best grasses we’d recommend for pet-friendly gardens:
Buffalo grass: Durable and drought-resistant
Bermuda grass: Quick to recover from wear and tear
Fescue grass: Soft on the paws, but hard-wearing
With the right choice of grass, you can enjoy your lawn that stays strong and lush—no matter how much your furry friend puts it to the test!
5. Use Hard-Wearing, Non-Toxic Materials
Again, pets can be hard on surfaces, so it’s important to choose materials that can withstand their claws and paws.
In areas where you’d rather not have grass, opt for gravel, mulch or paving. Just make sure to use smooth, rounded pebbles rather than sharp-edged stones which could hurt your pet's paws. Another thing to avoid is cocoa mulch, as it contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.
When selecting materials for pathways and patios, natural stone and porcelain pavers are not only durable and scratch-resistant but also offer a non-slip surface, making them perfect for high-traffic areas.
Another excellent option is composite decking, which is made from a blend of recycled materials like plastic and wood fibres. It’s scratch-resistant, splinter-free and incredibly pet-friendly! What’s more, composite decking is easier to clean than traditional wood and has the added benefit of staying cooler underfoot, even under direct sunlight, keeping your pets’ paws safe from burns.
Create a Garden for You—and Your Pet
By choosing the right plants, materials and layout, you can create a space that’s both aesthetically striking and safe for your pet’s needs.
At the end of the day, the best garden is one that brings joy to everyone who uses it—both two-legged and four-legged residents included. And you better believe that Cookie gives his stamp of approval to all the tips we’ve shared here!
Thinking of making your garden more pet-friendly? Let’s talk! Get in touch now and find out how we can create a garden you and your furry friends will love.