[Cathy]

Not sure if this goes in soft 'scape or homeowners.

Looking for recommendations on flower bed selections for dog owners. My little dog isn't much of a concern, but the big one loves to wander through the flower beds. I actually don't mind but just want to find something other than liriope and vinca vine.

I'm in zone 7 and the beds are either full sun or partial sun/partial shade (more sun than not).

Thanks!

[VoodooChile]

Dog-resistant Junipers is relevant.

[Bill Schwab]

Without trying to sound like a complete wise guy, build a dog run and designate it. We have dogs, and there is no way to keep them out of the lawn, perennials, or anywhere else without turning whatever they tinkle on yellow. You might find a select this or that which is somewhat resistant, but in the end, anything dog urine or poop hits is going to turn yellow unless you remove it or water it in immediately.

[Cathy]

Unfortunately, it is a townhouse back-yard so it "is" the dog run. (I think it's about 600 sq. ft. total.) And, no, you didn't sound like a wise-guy. I would have suggested the same thing with the lack of details given.

Any thoughts otherwise?

[GLAN]

What I noticed regarding dogs is that in general, they don't run through planting beds as if it is an obstacle course. They would rather run behind them, they will find their favored entry and exit points. They just seem to like running behind, hidden between the planting and a fence.

Consider their needs and allow space between the fence and the planting.

Also in the case of your bigger dog.......behavior modification helps a great deal

[HardDaysKnight]

Originally posted by Bill Schwab
Without trying to sound like a complete wise guy, build a dog run and designate it. We have dogs, and there is no way to keep them out of the lawn, perennials, or anywhere else without turning whatever they tinkle on yellow. You might find a select this or that which is somewhat resistant, but in the end, anything dog urine or poop hits is going to turn yellow unless you remove it or water it in immediately.

I had 2 female cocker spaniels and i gave up on the lawn
entirely. I'd swear thier urine was made of 100% round-up.

[trees]

In zone 7, a great plant that can take a small dog is Liriope. I use it alot for settings like this & it works. That's right, the ever-present monkey grass. It's bulletproof if not sexy, but a large sweep of it, underplanted with daffodils, a few stella d'oro daylilies, maybe a boulder or 2 and a few specimen plants & it's a pretty effective garden.

In zone 7 if you can't do liriope, think concrete!

Also, do leave some space between the fence & planting. Dogs typically will wear a path there.

[trees]

I know you said not Liriope, but I'm afraid that you're pretty well stuck with that. Use it like I said above & it won't look so pedestrian.

What part of the world are you in anyway?

[Cathy]

Thanks for the suggestions. I am in Charlotte NC so zone 7 to 8 plants work here.

Here's some details on the plans - Between "mowing" with an electric trimmer (don't tell me, I already know how bad that is), the lack of drainage and the dogs - the grass is now being replaced by a larger patio with a couple of planting beds. Remember - it's only about 600 sq. ft. so no big beds but I'll have large spots of mulch if I'm left with just monkey grass (which is thriving in my present garden). So, I am looking for a few shrubs that can take the occassional trampling (maybe once/week) and the urine, as well as some accent plants for color. (I like some of the plants suggested here already so I'll look into how they work together.)

For the record, getting rid of the dogs and/or training them to stay out of the beds are not an option (in my book anyway). I know dogs are a pain in the a** for many contractors but my are my kids and I'm simply too laid back to worry so much about it. But... if I'm going to put some money into the plant material, I might as well give the plants a fighting chance by picking something on the hearty side.

[trees]

Okay, here's a short list of really tough shrubs (although all will suffer with too much dog waste)...

Nandina (choose 'Gulf Stream' -- great winter color & a good habit, not leggy at all & stays compact)
Spirea (I like 'Gold Mound' & 'Lemon Princess' -- the yellow foliage won't show doggy-pee stress *a technical term* as much)
Carissa Holly (stays small & works anywhere)
Dwarf Yaupon Holly (same as above -- maybe not as tough)
Barberry (I like 'Concorde' for the color & if the dogs get too close, it may teach them a lesson)
Knock-out Rose

Again, not a sexy list, but all those plants work in small spaces and play well together. With creative placement it can work. The design is going to be key to making the ordinary look special. For small trees look at Sweetbay Magnolia & Acoma Crapemyrtle. Don't forget about a boulder or two. They can add presence to the garden & don't give a crap about, well, crap...

[Cathy]

Jesse, thanks for the great recommendations!

[Cathy]

doggy-pee stress *a technical term*

I just caught that. Good one!