Mike wrote in message ...
In article , Christine
writes
I hope you can give me some pointers! I have a long thin garden with
a patio, but at the moment the grass area is in a right state. It's
bumpy, bare in patches, and has no definition. The dog also enjoys
using it as his personal toilet.

Trouble is I've got twin toddlers, and with the nice weather coming I
will be letting them into the garden alot more. So what is the best
thing to do with the garden? Grass is not a priority, as we back
straight onto a park. What I was thinking was large flower borders
and bark for the kids to have their slide or whatever on. My question
is, do dogs still do their business on bark? Is there anyway I can
attract the dog to a different area? I would turf the lawn but with
it being so bumpy it's going to be difficult, isn't it?

I would also like to have a small veg patch at the top of the garden.
Do dogs poo on such things?!

Any help and pointers appreciated.

Christine

Christine it really depends on you ...... and your dog:-)

How old is your dog and has any attempt been made to 'encourage' the dog
to go in any one area? (I use area as opposed to spot because the area
has to be defined as the dogs area).

Guide Dogs, right from the start are encourage to go in their own
specific area. This is part of the Puppy Walker's job and as we Puppy
Walked when we were in Leicester, I know it can be done.

BUT, if your dog has been set in its way that 'I can go anywhere' you
will have to re train. And yes you can teach an old dog new tricks if
you have a way with dogs :-))

With regards to the children, we had a huge garden when they were
growing up and lots of countryside on the door step as well.

Veg? Very easy to fence off an area and train your children and the dog
not to go in there. A cheap post and wire netting will do.

We have had dogs and children and yes they do mix.

Rough bumpy grass. Depends how bumpy, but if it is not dangerous, let
the kids romp on it :-))

When we moved into our present house, the garden had been for the
children, all 6 of them, plus the dogs (2 I think) and friends. The
garden was a dreadful site, but suitable for them. Bit prettier now just
a few years later. 16 actually.

Hope that helps.

Mike

By the way. No ponds please. I have fished one toddler out thanks :-((
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Thanks for that Mike, you sound like my kind of gardener! I shall
definately get to grips with my dog, and sort out a veg patch. It
sounds like thats all I need do for the time being. What you said
made good sense, and will save me alot of time and effort.

By the way, I admire you finding time to garden in between 6 children!

Cheers

Christine