Page 51 - ESPC_Aug-25

GARDENING
Dobbies unveils how to keep your

With around
of
50%
Dobbies customers
owning a dog, the garden

garden pet safe this summer centre is passionate about
helping create harmonious

garden living spaces that
both pets and owners
Dobbies Garden Centres has unveiled its garden living tips for dogs, can enjoy.
giving pet-owners advice on how to create an outdoor space the
whole family can enjoy this summer.

nown for its love of dogs, all Dobbies Nigel Lawton, recommends when it comes to excited paws dashing through flower beds, so garden looking its best and give your dog a fun
stores are dog-friendly, and the creating a safe and welcoming environment consider planting those in raised containers outlet, why not create a designated play area
K garden centre runs a dedicated for your pup this summer. or protected spots. In your flower beds, opt for digging, using sand or bark, and sniffing,
programme of events for dogs throughout for sturdy shrubs and hardy, well-established using dog-friendly plants? Filling the area with
the year, including Hopping Hounds, Pup-kin Choose your plants wisely perennials that can handle a bit more activity.” their favourite toys and treats will stimulate
Patch, and Santa Paws. their senses and decrease the risk of them
Playful pups bring lots of joy to the garden, Plant protection digging elsewhere in your garden. Dog-friendly
With around 50% of Dobbies customers but their energy could be a bit much for When it comes to protecting your hard work, plants like Cornflowers and Calendula, and
owning a dog, the garden centre is passionate delicate plants. That’s why Nigel recommends Nigel recommends utilising raised planters herbs like Rosemary, Sage and Thyme are safe
about helping create harmonious garden choosing your summer bedding plants with and containers to keep plants away from for dogs to sniff so can be planted to give them
living spaces that both pets and owners can care. He says: “Young plants and those with curious dogs. He says: “If you’ve got a young a dedicated area to explore with their nose.”
enjoy. Here’s what Dobbies’ Plant Buyer, delicate stems might not stand up well to
puppy or particularly lively dog, making the Create shady areas
most of container displays will mean you can
enjoy summer colour in your garden without Nigel says it’s important to be aware of
worrying about playful paws causing damage. the amount of sun your dog gets in the
All bedding plants at Dobbies can be planted garden, especially in the summer months. He
in pots, window boxes, or hanging baskets, comments: “To ensure your garden is a fun
so you can still create an interesting flower and safe space for your dog this summer, it’s
display that your dog can sniff without getting a good idea to create shaded areas where
too close.” they can keep cool. You can do this with sun
parasols or naturally with trees, like Birch or
Maple, or even large shrubs like Camellias can
Create a dedicated zone for dogs
help provide shade for your dog during hot
Your dog loves the garden just as much as you weather spells. You can also add a pet-friendly
(maybe even more!) so if you have the space, water feature to your garden to give dogs extra
Nigel recommends giving them their own entertainment and keep them hydrated on
special area for play. He notes: “To keep your warmer days.”

For more gardening tips and advice, visit dobbies.com.
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