Hi there, I have a side garden I'm about to cement in (just kidding). We have 2 dogs and during summer's heat they want a cool place to dig and lie...and they have chosen this small side garden along the north side of the house. I have planted and fenced and chased for 3 years now, and it's still bare dirt from all their digging and sleeping. I've got some extra rock and I'm seriously thinking about just putting it over everything, but I do love the look of it when it's had plants in it. So here's my question: What are some good perennial plants or bulbs I can put in that love shade? I plan on planting this fall, cover with rock and hope that rock is nowhere near as comfortable as dirt next year. I don't want to be redigging it every year so that's why perennials would be best. I have tried hostas and ferns and both looked great but didn't do well being sat upon. Mostly I'd like some flowers there. We're in zone 2/3 prairie but being next to the house and being covered in snow probable would put this section into 3/4 at least. Thanks!
Nothing small is going to be able to hold up against the dogs. Even fairly large shrubs moved in could be spoiled by digging or chewing.
How about a rock garden with some flowers planted inbetween the rocks .. that might deter them from laying there .. i know what you mean i have 4 dogs and they all get the run of the front yard so no planting there .. Marion