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 the staff in our garden centre in Athlone for more information and advice about adapting your garden to accommodate your dog.