Whether your dog runs through the garden or digs in the dirt, the resulting damage often leaves the flowers trampled or dead. Various barrier and training options are available to keep your dog out of the flower bed. Protecting your flower beds often takes one or more control methods, depending on your dog's response and your preferences.
A barrier to prevent the dog from reaching the garden is often an effective method of protecting flowers. For a small dog, building a raised planting bed for your flower garden may discourage the animal from entering the garden. A fence built around the bed itself allows your dog access to most of the yard, but the structure is likely to block the view of the flowers. Another option is to fence off a different portion of the yard away from the flower garden just for your dog. An invisible fence designed for use with dogs restricts your pet's access to the garden area without any visible barriers that affect the look of the yard.
Train the Dog
Even with physical barriers such as fences, some dogs are able to find a way into the flower bed. Training your dog when you're in the yard together teaches him to stay away from your flowers. This option works best if you are usually in the yard with your dog so you can consistently redirect him when he nears the flower garden. Dogs respond differently to training methods, so training with techniques you already use is most effective. For example, if your dog responds well to clicker training, use it to teach him to steer clear of your flowers.
Make the Garden Unappealing
Textures and materials that are unappealing to the dog help deter him from entering the garden. One option is to sprinkle red pepper flakes around the garden. The unpleasant scent and taste of the pepper keeps some dogs away from the area. Plants that feel rough, such as rose bushes, around the perimeter of the flower bed slow some dogs down as they near the garden. Placing pieces of pruned rose bushes around the perimeter is a feasible solution that doesn't require any new planting. If your dog digs in the garden, cover the soil with materials that discourage digging, such as mulch, decorative rocks or brick pavers.
Make a Space for the Dog
Some changes to the flower garden and the rest of the yard make the space dog-friendly and reduce damage to the plants. If your dog doesn't dig or otherwise damage the flowers, an option is to create a mulched path through the flower garden. Your dog is able to pass through the area without hurting your bed. The path adds access for you for easier weeding and care of the garden. Another option is to create a more appealing space in a different part of the yard for your dog. Choose a shaded area that includes paths they can run along and a dog house or similar structure for shelter. Only incorporate plants in the dog-friendly portion of the yard that you don't mind getting trampled.
Your Planting Articles
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images