Thin branches with small, fresh green buds and leaves are shown close up, with soft sunlight filtering through a blurred, leafy background.

It’s almost March – that awkward and messy, yet exciting time in our yards and gardens when life begins to sprout amid the mucky, soggy spoils of seasons in transition. Possibility abounds! Muddy paws proliferate! But hope springs eternal, right? Right!

 

A fluffy gray and white dog sits on green grass in sunlight, with a wooden fence and deck in the background. The dogs fur is being blown by the wind.

It’s entirely possible to create lovely, inviting spaces that can hold up to our pet’s wear and tear while maintaining our sanity. It’s called Petscaping, which basically means creating safe, thoughtful, beautiful and practical spaces where pets can live and play that are pleasing to both pets and humans alike. A landscape in “pawfect” harmony. Sorry.

 

Consider adding dog friendly plants like edible flowers (i.e. marigolds, pansy and nasturtium). Dogs also like the taste of herbs, like basil and cilantro, which can also freshen their breath. Fruits and vegetables are also great choices, as long as you don’t mind sharing. Drought and salt tolerant plants should be considered as well. They are better able to tolerate dog urine, which can burn foliage similar to de-icing materials. When possible, forego plants with thorns, and stay away from cocoa mulch.  Be sure to research all plants prior to planting. The ASPCA is a great place to start, and offers a listing of toxic and non-toxic plants.

A dog jumps in the air on a grassy lawn, appearing to play in the spray of water from a sprinkler, with houses and trees in the background.

Dogs also love access to water, which can be offered artfully and playfully. Consider self-circulating, self-filling water features, like fountains or ponds. Bacteria killing UV filters can be added to keep water clean and safe.

 

Create pathways that will aid in keeping pets from tromping through planting beds and mud while keeping their paws relatively clean. Consider rotten granite, flagstone, river rock, pavers or certain mulches. If your dog likes to patrol the perimeter of the yard, consider adding stepping stones.  Take notice of your dog’s instincts as they tend to take the same paths through the yard. Use this as your guide to creating pathways they already naturally enjoy.

Four people and a dog walk down a leaf-covered path surrounded by tall trees with autumn foliage.

If you don’t have a lot of natural shade, consider adding umbrellas or overhead sails where dogs can retreat from the heat. Ornamental trees can also be planted, which are both aesthetically pleasing and utilitarian. In offering shaded areas, dogs may be less inclined to dig.

A scruffy black and gray dog with large, upright ears stands on a wooden floor next to a table, looking up at the camera. Part of a person sitting at the table is visible in the background.

Keep chemicals to a minimum, and be sure to read labels thoroughly when using. Pay attention to the “re-entry interval” if listed, which refers to the time in which dogs can return to the area safely. If no “re-entry interval” is listed, keep pets away until the dust has settled, and the chemical has time to dry. Even better, choose native plants that generally require little maintenance or intervention as they already thrive in our soil and climate, and be prepared to live with some weeds.

A backyard at night with trees, scattered fallen leaves, and a spotlight illuminating the grass. A house sits on the right, while a fence and more trees are in the background.

As an additional safety measure, consider adding landscape lighting.  This will help keep your pets visible while deterring nocturnal wildlife, like skunks and raccoons.  Motion sensing lights can be especially beneficial.

A person plays fetch with two dogs on a grassy lawn surrounded by rocks and trees. One dog chases a thrown object, while the other stands nearby looking toward the camera.

Establish play areas that will endure a fair amount of wear and tear. For our part of the world, Kentucky Bluegrass and turf-type tall fescues stand up well to dog traffic while being drought tolerant.

A large, fluffy black and brown dog stands on green grass in a shady park area, with trees and bushes in the background on a sunny day.

Dogs are a big part of our families, and enjoy the outdoors as much, if not more than we do. Invite them out into the landscape by creating safe, dog-friendly areas that are both beautiful and practical. Reach out to Sweeney’s, and we’ll help you design and create a landscape you can both enjoy!

Plant of the Week

Two tall stems with clusters of small bright red flowers stand out against a background of rounded green leaves.

Firefly Coralbells

Fragrant, vibrant red flowers bloom on wispy stems amongst attractive green foliage June – August.  Prefers full sun to partial shade, and moist, well-drained soil.  Grows 6-8″ tall and 8-12″ wide.  Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.

“To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring — it was peace.”

~Milan Kundera

Warm wishes,

Kim Sweeney