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Garden going to the dogs? |
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Garden Going to the Dogs?
Here's some advice from bhg.com to
help you coexist peacefully with your canine
companion:
Dig for a Solution - Dogs dig. It's their nature.
Use bricks and add dirt to fill their holes. After
scraping claws on bricks, dogs will decide that this
isn't fun after all.
They also enjoy scraping off huge sections of
lawn, leaving bare dirt. Lay chicken wire, burying edges
deep so they can't pull the wire out. Over this, lay St.
Augustine sod. Wire effectively discourages digging in
gardens, too.
Dogs may repeatedly dig in the same spot to get at
underground decaying matter. One way around that is to
cover those spots with brick squares topped by
decorative planters.
Use a plant's natural defenses to keep your dog from
ruining your flowers.
Many herbs and pungent flowers perfume the air when
dogs plow through. While that won't discourage the
canines from doing their thing, it's a silver lining to
cling to when beds get trampled.
Although small-thorned or prickly bushes such as
barberry and hollies will discourage some dogs, resist
the urge to plant varieties with long, lethal thorns or
points, such as yucca. These might injure a dog's eyes.
Sometimes a mulch that's uncomfortable or uneasy to walk
on will work. A thick carpet of pinecones, for example,
discourages even steamrollers.
Give in to your dog, and create an attractive path
that suits your pet and protects your plants.
Be willing to compromise. Turn a dog's favorite route
into a decorative pathway and landscape around it.
To keep dogs on track, consider lining the path
with raised beds or ornamental fencing.
Another option is to divide the yard, giving the dog
a private area that is at least partially shaded.
Line pathways with soft materials (pine needles or
leaves) that dogs will like. A pretty but uncomfortable
paving will send dogs on new routes.
In a fenced-off section, add a sandpile for digging,
safe toys, and a flat-roof doghouse so they can get on
top and survey their domain. Dogs like that. By the same
token, if you have a stockade fence, leave a small
window for them to see through.
Dogs, like people, are all different. It
may take a lot of experimenting to see what works for
both you and your pet. The important thing is to keep
your sense of humor.
Remember, dogs think their
behavior is perfectly normal and you're the one who's
not cooperating.
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