Meet Teddy. If you've visited the Thermalux team here at Cedar, there's a good chance he's already bounded over to say hello. Teddy is one of several dogs who are very much part of daily life at the centre - alongside Harley and Tonks, who belong to other members of our team. We think that says something rather lovely about this place.
Can You Have a Beautiful Garden with a Dog?
Absolutely - and we'd love to help you design one. The key is thinking about your outdoor space in the same way you'd think about the rest of your home: practical, comfortable, and personal to you. Dogs don't have to mean muddy chaos.
Designing a Garden That Works for Dogs and People
Start with surfaces. Hardwearing decking or smooth paving is ideal for high-traffic areas. It's easy to clean after muddy walks and gentle enough on paws. Our landscaping partners can help you choose the right finish for your space. It's also worth considering a dedicated path or route that your dog naturally follows between the house and garden - laying a hard surface along that line early on can save your lawn from becoming a worn mud track over time.
Think about zoning. Separating a lawn area from your entertaining space gives dogs room to run without disrupting your outdoor dining setup. A little planning goes a long way. Low-level planting, sleeper edging, or a simple change in surface material can all signal a boundary clearly without the need for fencing that interrupts the flow of your garden design.
Choose your plants carefully. Raised or bordered beds help protect planting from curious noses and enthusiastic digging. When it comes to what to grow, dog-safe plants such as lavender, rosemary, and sunflowers are great choices. The RHS Chelsea 2025 dog garden brought welcome attention to just how many common garden plants can be harmful to dogs - always worth checking before you plant. Plants to avoid include foxglove, yew, and certain bulbs such as daffodils and tulips, which are toxic to dogs even in small quantities.
Don't forget shade. On warmer days, dogs need a cool spot to retreat to. Pergolas, garden rooms, and outdoor structures from our partner businesses create natural shaded zones that benefit the whole family. Positioning a water bowl or small outdoor tap nearby makes it easy to keep your dog hydrated during the warmer months without repeated trips back indoors.
Consider your boundaries. A secure garden is a safe garden. Before focusing on aesthetics, it's worth walking the perimeter of your space and checking for gaps in fencing, low points in hedging, or gates that don't latch securely. Even well-trained dogs can be tempted by a squirrel or an interesting scent, so a reliable boundary gives you peace of mind while still allowing you to design freely within it.
Choose durable furniture. Our furniture expert Claire knows this well - she keeps a jar of dog treats at her desk for visiting customers and their four-legged companions. She'll also point you towards pieces that are weather-resistant, easy to wipe down, and built for real life. Textured or woven fabrics tend to show hair and muddy paw prints less than smooth surfaces, and powder-coated metal frames hold up well to the kind of enthusiastic greetings that dogs are known for.
Come and Visit - Dogs Very Welcome
Cedar and all our partner businesses warmly welcome dogs. We're less than 5 miles from RHS Wisley and just 15 minutes from junctions 9 and 10 of the M25 - well worth the trip for some outdoor living inspiration. Claire will have the treats ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
What surfaces are best for a dog-friendly garden?
Smooth-finish decking or paving works well - it's hardwearing, easy to clean, and comfortable underfoot for dogs and people alike.
Which plants are safe for dogs in the garden?
Lavender, rosemary, sunflowers, and herbs such as thyme and oregano are generally considered safe. Always check before planting, as many popular garden plants can be toxic to dogs.
How do I stop my dog from digging up the garden?
Raised beds, defined borders, and a designated digging or play area can help redirect your dog's natural instincts without sacrificing the look of your garden.
Can I bring my dog to Cedar Nursery?
Yes - dogs are genuinely welcome here. Claire in the Furniture department always keeps a jar of treats on hand for visiting dogs.
How do I create a garden that works for entertaining and for my dog?
Zoning is the answer. Use good-quality hard landscaping to define your entertaining area, and keep a separate lawn or open space for your dog. Durable furniture and thoughtful planting tie it all together beautifully.
Ready to start planning your dog-friendly garden? Visit us at Cedar Nursery, where dogs are always welcome, and our team - along with Teddy, Harley, and Tonks - will be happy to help you create an outdoor space that works beautifully for every member of the family. Browse our range of plants, furniture, and outdoor structures in person, or speak to Claire in the Furniture department for expert advice on pieces built for real life with dogs.