The thorny subject of garden design and animals
I am often asked about pets in the context of garden design. Whether it's about how to make a garden more secure to contain a particular pet, or how to keep out the unwanted visits of pets from other properties. Take a look on the internet, and you'll soon find these to be very popular topics of discussion.
My Experience with a ginger cat
I have recently been looking after a large and very amiable ginger cat for a friend. His owners are currently posted overseas, and thus the arrangement has been quite long-term. I think that this is what has prompted my recent rumination on the topic of gardens and pets.
My initial reaction to the request was one of slight trepidation. I grew up with dogs and have never really had much to do with felines. I am also very fond of birds, which I understand can be quite tricky with a cat in residence. Thus far, my preconceptions have not been confirmed. Most importantly for the local wildlife, I have not been gifted the carcass of a poor songbird. This is with the exception of mice, which have not fared so well.

Cat friendly garden design
Designing a cat friendly garden should include attention to providing a stimulating and safe environment for your pet. The inclusion of areas to explore, climb and play will determine the extent to which your cat is happy with the end result. Also practical considerations such as drinking water and a place for it to use as a latrine are also important considerations.
The planting design is, as always, what will have the biggest impact on the garden's success. There are a number of plants that are proven to be enjoyed by cats. Most people will be aware of catnip (Nepeta), but there are others that your cat will love you for including in your garden.
Valerian
Honeysuckle
And for something for them to chomp on, Cat Grass
The impact of cats on gardens
That being said, I have witnessed many times the devastating impact that the presence of a local cat can have on a garden's birdlife. For this reason, I do understand those that want to discourage their presence in their gardens. Given the agility and climbing skills of cats, I think that any ambition of achieving their permanent exclusion is destined for disappointment.
Some top tips for putting them off (a little) are the inclusion of strong-smelling plants. A lot of herbs work quite well, such as:
Rosemary
Lavender
Curry plant
Also, thorny plants can be effective. A climbing rose grown over a trellis is very effective, as is Pyracantha coccinea 'Red star' grown against a fence, which is also incredibly effective at deterring cat burglars! The Berberis family is also a great one to look into (Berberis darwinii for winter colour and an impenetrable barrier is a winner!).
Dogs in the Garden
Dogs can be hugely destructive in a garden. Lawn lovers were often advised to avoid buying a female dog to avoid the bald patches caused by the strong acid from their squatting and urinating indiscriminately across the sward. However, male dogs, if neutered young, do exactly the same. I've seen products that can be added to their food to neutralize the acid, but I cannot vouch for them.
The choice of dog can be something to think about if you aren't already encumbered. Christopher Lloyd once said that his beloved miniature Dachshunds were the most garden-friendly breed on the planet. Whippets, I think, are my personal recommendation, but they are a little fragile.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show and Dogs!
Of course, Monty Don is synonymous with dogs and gardens. In fact, this year The RHS and BBC Radio 2 are joining forces with him to create a garden that celebrates dogs and gardens in this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show. I think that I will leave my tips on this part of the topic until I have seen the garden myself.
See you there I hope.
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