Dog-friendly gardening

Four-legged friends can be wonderful companions in the garden: there's something comforting about having a friendly dog snuffling nearby while you weed.

But let's face it - sometimes they can be one of the worst of all garden pests. It is possible to have both a dog and a nice garden, as long as you take precautions.

Choose plants wisely: more robust plants easily withstand doggy rough and tumble, and there's a wide range in our garden centre. They include lavender, potentilla, and sturdy geraniums and Astrantia.

Follow your dog: watch your dog's route through the garden: they're creatures of habit and usually follow the same path. Avoid planting where he runs, and consider converting his routes into your paths.

Protect plants: Sturdy metal supports placed strategically around more delicate plants steer the dog clear of accidents - there's a good range to choose from in our garden centre.

Provide a digging spot: Dogs who love to dig can be persuaded to use a dedicated earth box: try burying his favourite toys for him to find so he's encouraged to use it instead of your borders.

Please ask a member of the Lakeside team for more information and advice about adapting your garden to accommodate your dog.