Dobbies store in Braehead shares gardening tips for owners

On April 11, Dobbies Garden Centres, which welcomes dogs in all its stores, shared advice on creating a pet-friendly outdoor space for spring.

Dobbies, which has year-round events for dogs and a dog-friendly policy, says around half of its customers own a dog.

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As such, the gardening centre says it is passionate about creating a harmonious garden living space for both pets and their owners.

Dobbies Garden Centres has shared advice on creating a pet-friendly outdoor space  (Image: Andrew Cawley) Nigel Lawton, the plant buyer at Dobbies, has shared his top tips for creating a garden space that both pets and their owners can enjoy.

Mr Lawton said: "Young plants and those with delicate stems might not stand up well to excited paws dashing through flower beds, so consider planting those in raised containers or protected spots.

"In your flower beds, opt for sturdy shrubs and hardy, well-established perennials that can handle a bit more activity."

He also recommends using raised planters and containers to protect plants from curious pets.

Mr Lawton said: "If you’ve got a young puppy or particularly lively dog, making the most of container displays will mean you can enjoy spring colour in your garden without worrying about playful paws causing damage.

"All spring bedding plants at Dobbies can be planted in pots, window boxes, or hanging baskets, so you can still create an interesting flower display that your dog can sniff without getting too close."

If you have the space, Mr Lawton suggests creating a dedicated play area for dogs.

He said: "To keep your garden looking its best and give your dog a fun outlet, why not create a designated play area for digging, using sand or bark, and sniffing, using dog-friendly plants?"

As the weather gets warmer, it is also important to be aware of how much sun your dog is getting.

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Mr Lawton said: "To ensure your garden is a fun and safe space for your dog this summer, it’s a good idea to create shaded areas where 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 help provide shade for your dog during hot weather spells.

"You can also add a pet-friendly water feature to your garden to give dogs extra entertainment and keep them hydrated on warmer days.”

More gardening tips and advice for pet owners can be found on the Dobbies website.