How to create a dog-friendly garden

May 23, 2025
Black Labrador 'Wish' sat on a bench amongst Haskins Snowhill dog-friendly garden display. Lots of pink, purple and green plants such as lupins, hostas and much more.

With a focus on plants loved by dogs this year at RHS Chelsea, thanks to Monty Don & BBC Radio 2’s dog-friendly garden, let’s join the trend & create an outdoor space for all the family to enjoy. Here are our top tips for creating a dog-friendly garden! 

Pick ‘play-proof’ plants!

As all dog owners know, dogs are partial to running around (and through) plant borders! Picking robust plants and short dense grasses and hedges is a good choice; throw in some lavender and catmint, and your furry friends will be super happy.

Make space for shade in summer

Whether you have an existing tree like a field maple or hawthorn (both dog-friendly favourites) or larger, colourful shrubs such as camellias, be sure to include a shady spot for your pooch to relax; double this up with a hydration station for extra points!

Create a sensory experience

Keep your dog’s mind stimulated and decrease boredom adding sensory herbs and fragrant dog-friendly plants like rosemary, basil, thyme and lemon balm – a great way for pooches to explore using their noses! 

You could also try a brain game by hiding a Scooby snack or two around the garden; include different textures in your lawn, bark in your borders and maybe a stepping stone or two for their paws to find while they follow their noses for hidden treasure!

Make it eye-catching

Us humans enjoy a beautiful garden, so our dogs should too! 

Did you know dogs mostly see in blue and yellow? Help them enjoy the garden by planting dog-friendly plants that catch their eyes too! 

We love: 

  • Cornflowers 
  • Pansies 
  • Asters 
  • Sunflowers 

And finally, know what to steer clear of 

Inevitably, there are plants that can be toxic to our beloved pets; here are a few popular ones that dogs should avoid 

  • Onions 
  • Garlic 
  • Leeks 
  • Foxgloves 
  • Rhododendrons 
  • Azaleas 
  • Bleeding heart 
  • Hellebores 
  • Lilies 
  • Mistletoe 

For a full list of potentially harmful plants, head to the HTA website – https://hta.org.uk/poisonousplants 

And remember to look out for natural ‘pet-friendly’ feeds & weed killers that are safe for our furry friends. If you are worried your pet may have ingested something they shouldn’t, consult your vet immediately. Symptoms can present in various ways, from an upset stomach to even heart problems. It is always better to be on the safe side.

For more gardening advice, pop in and see us we’re always happy to help or check out our website – https://www.haskins.co.uk/tag/gardening/ 

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