Keeping Flower Pots Away from Plant-Shredding Puppies

I love to sit outside on nice days, especially on a patio with lots of flowers. This year, the prospect of planting flowers — or plants of any kind — was temporarily hindered by two troublemakers: large-breed puppies who were ruthlessly digging up, pulling out, and demolishing everything that grew within their reach!

We tried placing a few small flowerpots on tables and wide railings, but it wasn’t long before one of the pups started climbing up to play with them. Although we managed to train her not to climb, having all those flower pots within reach was a constant temptation.

We had all but resigned ourselves to a flowerless spring this year.

Then my husband came up with a beautiful solution. He purchased several metal plant hanger stakes (about $15 each) at our local garden center, and installed them along the fence in the backyard. He even mounted a few onto the side of the deck. Then he hung potted flowers on them and, voilá, we were surrounded by spring blossoms that the dogs could not reach!

Sonja de Lugo