Gardening with Your Fur Babies
Gardening is all about creating a space that’s beautiful, bountiful, and, most importantly, safe for everyone who shares it—furry friends included! Whether you’re a dog lover, cat person, or have a small zoo at home, designing a pet-friendly garden in Georgina doesn’t have to be tricky. Let’s dig into the details!
Pet-Safe Plants: Trees, Shrubs, Perennials, and Annuals
When planning a pet-friendly garden, it’s essential to choose plants that won’t harm your curious companions. Here’s a breakdown of some safe and stunning options:
Trees:
- Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.): These native trees offer beautiful spring blossoms and edible berries, perfect for attracting birds while being safe for pets.
- Red Maple (Acer rubrum): A lovely choice for shade, this tree is non-toxic to pets and provides vibrant fall colour.
Shrubs:
- Dogwood (Cornus spp.): With its vibrant red stems and white spring flowers, dogwood is a great addition to any garden, and it’s safe for pets.
- Spirea (Spiraea spp.): These hardy, easy-to-grow shrubs provide colourful blooms and are non-toxic to pets.
Perennials:
- Bee Balm (Monarda spp.): This pollinator magnet is both beautiful and safe for pets. Plus, its aromatic leaves can add a lovely scent to your garden.
- Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.): With their striking foliage and pet-safe nature, coral bells are a great choice for adding colour to shady spots.
Annuals:
- Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus): These cheerful, pet-safe flowers come in a variety of colours and can brighten up any garden bed.
- Marigolds (Tagetes spp.): Not only do they repel pests, but marigolds are also non-toxic and can add a splash of sunshine to your garden.
Interactive Plants for Pets
Why not make your garden a playground for your pets? Here are a few plants that offer more than just visual appeal:
- Catnip (Nepeta cataria): If you have cats, you probably know how much they love this herb. Plant it in a dedicated spot where your feline friends can roll around and enjoy themselves.
- Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus): This fragrant grass can be a fun addition for dogs who enjoy munching on greenery. Plus, it smells amazing!
- Blueberry Bushes (Vaccinium genus): Who doesn’t love a blueberry snack? Safe for pets and delicious for humans, these bushes are a great addition to your garden.
- Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum): An excellent, safe snack for both cats and dogs, wheatgrass is easy to grow and can be placed in pots or directly in the garden.
- Lavender (Lavandula): While too much lavender isn’t great for cats, a few sprigs won’t hurt, and it can help keep your garden smelling divine.
- Chamomile (Matricaria recutita, Chamaemelum nobile): Not only is chamomile safe, but it also has calming properties. If your dog is a bit high-strung, having a few chamomile plants around might help everyone relax.
How to Naturally Keep Pets Out of the Garden
While we love our pets, there are times when we need to keep them out of certain garden areas—like that newly planted vegetable patch or your prized flower bed. Here are some natural ways to create pet-free zones:
Use Smells They Dislike:
- Citrus Peels: Scatter orange, lemon, or lime peels around your garden. Most cats and dogs aren’t fans of citrus smells.
- Vinegar: A diluted vinegar spray around the perimeter of garden beds can deter pets. Just don't get too close to your plants or you'll harm them.
Create a Barrier:
- Chicken Wire: Lay chicken wire just beneath the soil surface in areas where you don’t want pets to dig. They’ll quickly lose interest when their paws hit the wire.
- Mulch with Pinecones: Pinecones are spiky and uncomfortable for pets to walk on, making them an effective natural barrier.
Designate a Pet Zone:
- Sand Pile: For dogs who love to dig, provide a dedicated digging area filled with sand or loose soil. Bury some toys to encourage them to stick to their zone.
- Cat Garden: Set up a small area with cat-friendly plants like catnip, cat grass, and catmint. Cats will be more likely to stay in their own little oasis.
Use Motion-Activated Sprinklers:
- These sprinklers can be set up to startle pets away from areas they shouldn’t be in. They’re safe and only activate when something moves in their path.
So there you have it, creating a pet-friendly garden in Keswick is all about balance—choosing plants that are safe for your pets while ensuring they have their own spaces to explore and play. With a little planning, you can design a garden that’s both a feast for the eyes and a safe haven for your furry companions. Go ahead, get planting, and watch your garden and pets thrive together!
Happy gardening!
Note: All pets are different, some plants may affect some but not others. It is advised you never leave your pet unattended.