Pets are family, and should be one of the top considerations when it comes to planning for your outdoor spaces! Here are a few key ideas we keep in mind when designing for a home that has pets:
1. Choose Non-Toxic Plants
One of the most important steps in designing a pet-friendly garden is choosing the right plants. You will want to let your designer know very early in the process that having a pet-friendly garden is at the top of your list. With that in mind, your designer can select plants that are non-toxic to your dogs and cats.
2. Secure the Perimeter
Pets can be remarkable escape artists sometimes! It’s important to have a secure border or fence to your property when you allow them to wander without a leash. As we do not currently install fencing or underground invisible dog fencing, you will want to reach out to a qualified company to ensure this is in place before landscaping can begin.
It’s important to note that this can be easier said than done as many of the most popular and well loved landscaping plants are at the top of the toxic list: Hydrangeas, azaleas, rhododendrons, hollies, yews, hostas, daffodils, daisies, peonies, tulips, and many more are considered to be for dogs. Many of those listed above are also toxic to cats, as well as all lilies, including daylilies, are toxic to cats. The only truly safe way is to have no plants at all that are toxic in any areas you will allow your pets to be in.
3. Know Your Pet (And Share the Knowledge)
If your dog likes to dig up fresh plants, or do their business in them, let your designer know! Each pet is unique and has different needs and personalities, is there a particular spot they like to go to the bathroom? Do they always try to jump up and damage some existing shrubs you have by the neighbors fence?Do they like to munch on your grass?
Keep a close eye on how your pets behave in your current yard and pass along any important details to your designer. They are an important member of the family, and how they use the space should be considered when designing.
4. Consider Space to Play!
Whenever possible, having the space to run around can help pets feel right at home in the landscape. Even designating a small area for them to stretch out is critical for the design to be inherently pet-friendly.
If you can, allow your designer to see how you and your pet use the space together in your appointment. This can be very beneficial to grasp just how much space your pet might need to run around or potential problem areas of the property you can block off with clever non-toxic plantings.
Whatever plants you choose, our knowledgeable team is ready to help you get your garden planted year-round.
5. Expect an Adjustment Period
Change can be difficult for everyone, including our furry friends. Digging up and changing how they experience their outdoor environment can take a bit of time for them to adjust. This may even cause the need for some refreshers in teaching them how to stay out of fresh beds, and overall how to relax and enjoy their new space safely and without creating a mess for you to clean up!
6. Be Flexible with Design Limitations
As mentioned before, the only truly safe way to create a non-toxic garden is to use only those plants that are listed as such. Which can mean you might need to manage your expectations on the pants that are available for the design. While there are gorgeous non-toxic plants, your individual home might have site conditions that further limit the plant selection possibilities. Not all hope needs to be lost however, there is a way to get those plants you love but are toxic in the front yard, or in a section of the garden that your pets don’t have access to.
Designing a garden for all members of the family can be challenging, but also very rewarding! Our talented team of designers can help you navigate all the difficult decisions and help bring about a yard everyone can enjoy.
Love what you read? You’ll love what you see.
Check us out on our YouTube Channel for design tours, behind the scenes and more. @mcdonaldlandscapes
