I don’t know about you but this year in particular I seem to have spring fever. I am so excited that spring has finally arrived after what has seemed like a particularly cold winter. One of the things that really lifts my spirits at this time of year is seeing spots of colour appearing in what has been a fairly dreary looking garden during the colder months. Have you also been wondering what to plant now? If you’ve been thinking of brightening up your outside space too, read on for tips on what to plant now to give an instant splash of colour, but with a dog-friendly approach.
What to plant now?
If you are a dog owner, ensuring that your garden is safe for dogs to be in is a must. Unfortunately there are many plants that are toxic for dogs. The Kennel Club has put together a list so that dog owners know which ones to avoid in their own gardens. Fortunately there are many others that won’t be problematic, enabling you to truly relax when you are spending time out there with your dog.
April is the perfect month to plant evergreen shrubs. Unfortunately there is still the chance of frost at this time of year. For more delicate plants it is better to wait until we are well into May. When May arrives, a quick and easy way to add colour is by preparing hanging baskets. These not only add colour and fragrance, they are easy to plant. Due to the height of their placement they do not pose a risk for dogs either. We really liked the ideas given by Ideal Home for some very colourful options that can be used in garden settings and balconies alike.
Preparation for planting
I always love the idea of selecting new plants at the garden centre. However, if I’m honest, in previous years I haven’t always planned ahead. In the past I’ve relied on using a piece of plastic bag offered to me at the till to protect the boot of my car. Frankly it just doesn’t cut it. Its boot protection is completely inadequate if there’s a hole in the bag of compost that you’ve just purchased or if your new shrubs have recently been watered. Although I love spending time at the garden centre, I don’t want my car smelling like compost for days afterwards. This year, I’m preparing in advance. Adding a vehicle-specific mat such as a Travall Liner, ensures that every contour of your boot is completely protected from loose soil and water thanks to its lipped design. If you do spill soil or water, it stays on the liner and clean up is simple. You can easily wipe down the boot liner or hose it off if needed.
Please excuse me while I start pinning boards on Pinterest with ideas for colour combinations in my hanging baskets. We’d love to see your ideas for dog-friendly outdoor spaces too – why not share your pics with us on Instagram?
