The garden is a haven, but when curious pets are roaming, it can quickly become a hazard.

If you have a furry companion or two, fear not—there are plenty of plants that create an environment where nature and our beloved pets can coexist.

Safe, sound and stunning

Some plants are toxic to pets, with effects from mild discomfort to serious health issues.

But for every toxic plant, there’s an equally beautiful non-toxic option.

I rounded up some of my favorites below.

Cat’s Meow

There’s something special about feline-friendly plants: they’re not only safe, but they can actually attract cats!

Here are my top picks:

Catmint

This easy-care perennial flower is one of my favorites, pet-safe or otherwise. It has whimsical spires of blue-purple flowers that bloom in late spring into the summer. There are varieties both small and tall, and feature cat-centric names: Cat’s Meow, Cat’s Pajamas, and Kitten Around just to name a few.

Catnip

True to its name, around 50% of cats are attracted to this perennial plant. A member of the mint family, it’s super easy to grow (though can be invasive in states like Maryland and West Virginia, so may be best to keep them in pots!) and draws in pollinators as well!

Zinnias

Our summer sowalong flower is completely safe for cats! They’re colorful annuals and prolific bloomers that will last all summer long (learn more about their life cycle here!).

Dog’s Delight

While there aren’t dog-attracting plants per se, there are lots of beautiful non-toxic options that your canine can enjoy.

My top picks for pups:

Roses

This garden shrub staple is a safe bet. My Old English Sheepdog, Finn, loves smelling our roses. It makes my heart melt a bit every time.

Nasturtiums

Annual flowers and easy to grow, nasturtiums are not only beautiful but edible for humans and dogs alike!

Snapdragons

A summer favorite, snapdragons are annual flowers that bloom all through the summer. Easy to grow from seed, pollinators love them as much as you and your doggo will (maybe more!).

A note on fertilizers and pesticides

While many plants are pet-safe, chemical-based fertilizers and pesticides are not. Consider organic or natural options if you are using these items in your garden.

My go-to fertilizer is Neptune’s Harvest Seaweed fertilizer (higher in phosphate) and Neptune’s Harvest Fish & Seaweed fertilizer (higher in potash). Seaweed is excellent for plants, and Neptune’s Harvest fertilizers are completely pet-safe!

If I’m having insect issues, I turn to neem oil. It’s a natural compound from the neem tree, and is completely pet-safe. It’s even approved by the ASPCA Poison Control Center!

No-go plants

It’s worth mentioning a few plants and flowers that are toxic to both dogs and cats. Here are ten common ones to watch out for:

• Azaleas

• Chrysanthemum (mums)

• English Ivy

• Foxglove

• Geranium

• Holly

• Hydrangea

• Lilies (including the very popular daylily)

• Rhododendrons

• Tulips

Designated Pet Areas

If you have a yard, creating a designated area for your pets is a great way to keep them safe, while still growing garden favorites that may be on the toxic list.

For example, our backyard is an area where the dogs roam freely, unsupervised. The plants that are accessible to them are dog-friendly varieties.

Our front and side yards, on the other hand, have azaleas, foxgloves, hydrangeas, and a number of others on the above list. But if our pups are in these areas, they are passing through on a leash or completely supervised.

In splitting the gardens up this way, we’ve never had a health issue!

🌸 Flower I’m admiring

Suddenly, it’s hard to keep up with all the flowers in bloom. Each day, a new one surprises me.

But we’ve entered bearded iris season—one of my all-time favorite flowers—and I’m thrilled.

Take a look at these dazzling deep indigos. I’m not sure of the variety, as I got them from my mom’s garden. <3

🎧 Song I’m listening to

A Green Flame Gently Dances by Ulk. It makes me feel like I’ve just arrived in Wonderland.

🍄 What I’m inspired by

King Charles’ garden-office setup. Big vibes.

All the plants listed in the cats and dogs section are safe for any pet. If you need more pet-friendly plant suggestions, reply to this email and let me know!

xx,

Courtney

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