Two Gardening Questions.

[Tilly2]

I have found an unopened packet of sunflower seeds with an expiry date of 2013. Will they germinate?
Can anyone recommend flowers/shrubs that are not affected by male dog urine?

[scorpiojo]

Bear's breeches

[Redhelen72]

They may but the best way to find out is to soak them for half an hour place in damp kitchen roll and seal in a clear box somewhere warm. They should germinate in 14 days.
Have you considered plants in pots to keep them away from the dog

[Tilly2]

I'll have a look at Bear's Breeches. Thank you, Scorpio.
Helen, he's a tall dog and can reach up plantpots.

[Redhelen72]

Hmmm Colin is tall but planting in pots or raised beds seem to do it

[Tilly2]

A raised bed would be fine but I want to put some plants around a drain cover on the lawn. There's a rhododendron in a tall stone pot in the centre and I want something compact to go around the circumference of the circle. The boxus has died and now the yew has died.
.

[Redhelen72]

Have a look here

https://www.fallsgarden.com/dog-urine-resistant-plants/

[Tilly2]

Thank you, Helen. That's an excellent site with lots of options.

[Redhelen72]

You’re welcome, have fun plant shopping

[Old_Geezer]

Regarding the seeds; you can but try. Individual ones will become unviable in it's own time, so don't assume all will germinate, but you won't know until you try.

[Tilly2]

I have planted my sunflower seeds in individual pots. Fingers crossed.
As you say, OG. I won't know until I try.

[Tilly2]

My sunflowers are germinating! :-)