David C. H. Austin, known for his deep love of dogs, was rarely seen without his Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bertie. Whether wandering through the rose gardens, riding on his gator, or enjoying quiet moments in the restaurant, their bond was unmistakable. David always believed that a garden should be a place for everyone to enjoy - and that includes our four-legged companions.
With the right roses and thoughtful planning, you can easily create a dog-friendly rose garden where both you and your dog can relax and enjoy the outdoors together.
The key to a dog-friendly rose garden lies in selecting roses that are beautiful and safe for your dog to explore. Roses with fewer or no thorns make the perfect choice, allowing your dog to wander freely without the risk of sharp thorns.
Mary Delany® (Ausorts) is a charming climbing rose with almost no thorns. Its soft pink flowers bloom in large sprays over a long season, revealing golden stamens as they open. With a light, fruity fragrance, it adds a delicate charm to fences or trellises, without posing any risk to your dog.
Kew Gardens® (Ausfence) is another fantastic option. This variety produces soft apricot buds that open into small, single white flowers, held in large, hydrangea-like clusters. Its almost thornless nature and continuous bloom from early summer to autumn create a graceful and airy display in any garden.
Lichfield Angel® (Ausrelate) offers pale peachy-pink buds that open to creamy rosettes, forming large, domed blooms. With its rounded, almost thornless growth, this rose ensures a safe environment for your dog to explore while adding timeless elegance to your garden.
Featured Rose: Strawberry Hill® (Ausrimini)
Companion Plants to Complement Your Rose Garden
Beyond roses, companion plants can greatly enhance the beauty of your garden while ensuring it remains safe for your dog. By choosing the right plants, you can create a harmonious space where both you and your pet can relax and enjoy the outdoors.
• Lavender is a wonderful addition, offering calming scent and vibrant purple blooms. Not only is it safe for dogs, but it also helps deter pests, combining beauty with practicality.
• Thyme is another excellent choice. This low-growing herb makes an ideal ground cover beneath your roses, providing a soft, fragrant texture that your dog can safely explore.
• Chamomile, with its delicate white flowers, complements roses beautifully. Easy to grow and dog-friendly, it creates a soothing atmosphere, turning your garden into a peaceful retreat for both you and your pet.
• Marigolds are a cheerful option that adds a burst of colour to your garden. Their bright blooms not only bring visual appeal but also help keep pests at bay, all while being safe for dogs to enjoy.
The layout of your rose garden is crucial in creating a safe and beautiful space for both you and your dog. By positioning your roses thoughtfully and ensuring plenty of room for your dog to roam, you can design a garden that suits everyone’s needs. Consider placing your roses along trellises or fences to keep them out of your dog’s reach, allowing you to enjoy their beauty while keeping the flowers safe. Dedicating a specific area for your roses will also give your dog ample space to explore and enjoy the garden without disturbing the plants.
Creating clear walking paths is another great way to enhance the garden. Line the paths with soft ground covers like thyme or clover, which will not only provide comfort for your dog’s paws but also add texture and greenery to the overall design. This thoughtful approach ensures a harmonious space for both you and your pet to enjoy.
Featured Rose: Rambling Rector
When planning your dog-friendly rose garden, it's important to ensure all your plants are safe for your pet. Avoid toxic varieties like azaleas, lilies, and certain types of foxgloves, as these can be harmful if ingested. Always double-check that your plants are dog-safe before adding them to your garden.
Shade is another key consideration, as dogs can easily overheat in the sun. Planting taller roses or trees will create cool, shaded areas where your dog can rest comfortably, ensuring they stay relaxed even on hot summer days.
Incorporating soft ground covers like thyme or clover is also beneficial. These plants are gentle on your dog’s paws, while their lush greenery not only adds to the beauty of your garden but also provides a safe space for your dog to explore.
Creating a dog-friendly rose garden is all about selecting the right roses, such as Mary Delany®, Kew Gardens®, and Lichfield Angel®, and pairing them with dog-safe companion plants like lavender, thyme, and marigolds. With a little thought and planning, you can design a safe, beautiful space where both you and your dog can relax and enjoy nature together.
Just as David C. H. Austin spent time with Bertie in the gardens, you too can create a garden where roses thrive and your dog can safely explore. With the right touches, your rose garden can become a haven for everyone - two legs and four - to enjoy together.
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