Dog-friendly alternatives to lawn

That's a great idea, thanks @Plantminded!

 

I usually use mine when the neighbours are out @CostasK, unless the loud mouthed one at the back is in his garden, I just carry on regardless .

 

I just use a normal broom on our slate chippings. If you are gentle it can sweep away detritus and not disturb the chips at all.

It all looks lovely.

 

Thank you very much @Thevictorian

 

I've only just come across your thread @CostasK. I've had a read through and as far as I can see nobody has suggested replacing the lawn with clover. It's worth considering as an alternative for the dogs.

 

Thanks for the suggestion @Sheal I did consider in the beginning. I love clover. I'm not convinced however that it would be hard-wearing enough for a high traffic area (dogs running around as well as people constantly walking on it). Furthermore, I didn't know if the amount of sun the area I was going to replace gets would be quite enough for it to do well. Overall I'm happy with the solution & right now I'm not looking to replace the area of lawn that I have kept.

 

Clover is tougher than many think and it would be happy in shade. That said, you're happy with the outcome and that's all that matters. You've made a fine job of your garden, it all blends very nicely.

 

Thank you very much @Sheal There is a lot that could be better but perhaps they are not so obvious in a zoomed out photo (I think that if there was nothing left to fix, I would be bored anyway).

 

You're welcome. Gardens are like paintings, there's always something that can be added or adjusted but it's knowing when to stop. If at anytime you get bored and you fancy a busman's holiday in the Highlands, there is still plenty to do in my garden.