Due to its warm and sunny summers and cold, snowy winters, Winnipeg offers a diverse opportunity for pet-friendly gardens that can be enjoyed year-round. When designing a garden that is safe and enjoyable for pets, consideration has to be taken for the various elements, this includes which plants to select, boundaries, and water features.
Pet-Safe Garden Practices
Safety should be the number one priority when designing a pet-friendly garden. Planting plants that are toxic to pets should be avoided, these include lilies, azaleas, and certain types of ivy. Alternatively, plants like marigolds and sunflowers are pet-friendly options you can opt for instead. These plants can liven up your garden while your pet can roam freely without any worry.
When creating a pet-friendly garden, it is important to designate specific areas for your pets. Common ways to achieve this include the use of fencing and hedges, which can aid in blocking off areas your pet cannot access.
The use of water features can be a wonderful addition to your garden. Installing a shallow pond or a small fountain can improve the look of your garden while also providing your pets with a hydration source. Maintaining the water source regularly to ensure clean drinking water is crucial for the health of your pets.
Optimizing For A Beautiful Yard & City Garden
Creating a pet-friendly garden doesn’t come at the expense of beauty. There are many ways to create a beautiful yard all while keeping it pet-friendly, using aspects like walkways lined with pet-friendly plants, trees, pergolas, and designated areas for your pet to play safely can enhance the look of your yard. Using gravel or mulch instead of traditional paving can also be an effective way to safely enhance the look of your garden.
Choosing Pet-Friendly Plants For Winnipeg Gardens
Because of the unique climate in Winnipeg, it is crucial to select the appropriate plants that will allow your garden to thrive year-round. Low-maintenance grasses like buffalo grass or fescue succeed in harsher climates because of their ability to withstand weather and foot traffic—all while being safe for your pets to play in. Consider adding plants like catmint, echinacea, and lavender as they are pet-friendly and also aid in maintaining a healthy garden because of their ability to attract beneficial insects.
Choosing Water Features That Your Dog Will Love
Water features can add enjoyment to your garden for both pets and owners. Fountains and ponds are effective features that can allow pets to cool off and play. Water features must be safely designed for pets, minimizing all risks, with shallow water, entry and exit points, and clean, regularly maintained water. Water plants like duckweed can help enhance a water feature by adding beauty and functionality.
Conclusion
Designing a pet-friendly garden in Winnipeg requires careful planning and consideration of both your pet’s needs and the local climate. By implementing pet-safe practices, selecting appropriate plants, and incorporating enjoyable water features, you can create a garden that enhances your outdoor living space while providing a safe and enjoyable environment for your pets. Whether it’s lounging in the sun, exploring lush foliage, or splashing in a refreshing fountain, your pets will thank you for creating a garden that they can truly call their own. Bergen Gardens provides the opportunity for residents to have pets in their homes and tend to their gardens in the summer.