If your dog has ever trampled a freshly planted bed or chewed something they shouldn't have, this one's for you.
A yard that works for dogs isn't complicated, it just requires knowing which plants are safe to have around curious noses and which ones aren't.
Plants That Are Safe Around Dogs
Most garden staples are fine. Marigolds, snapdragons, lavender, rosemary, coneflower, black-eyed Susans, and blanketflowers are all non-toxic and hold up reasonably well in active yards. If your dog grazes the vegetable garden, green beans and strawberries are safe bets.
For ground covers along paths, thyme and creeping phlox both handle light foot traffic and won't cause problems if a dog rolls through them.
Plants to Keep Out of the Yard
This is the more important list.
Avoid these or plant them where pets can’t gain access:
Yews, oleander, rhododendrons, and azaleas are toxic when chewed
Lily-of-the-valley, foxglove, and bluebells have serious toxins throughout the plant
Tulip and daffodil bulbs are known for mild toxicity in foliage, but eating a bulb can be dangerous for a small dog
Lantana berries, hydrangeas, and hostas are commonly found in gardens and are commonly overlooked as risks
Trumpet creeper, grapes, and honeysuckle vines have toxins that cause severe gastrointestinal distress
Onions are worth a separate mention. They're toxic to dogs even though they're fine for us, so keep them fenced off in the vegetable garden.
A Few Design Details That Matter
Paths are worth thinking about. Hot pavement and sharp-edged gravel are hard on paws by mid-afternoon. Cedar chip mulch, sand, or a low ground cover are easier on dogs and keep mud from coming inside.
Shade matters more than most people plan for. A tree takes a few years to establish, but it changes how much time a dog can comfortably spend outside in summer. Oaks, lindens, and dogwoods are solid choices.
If you're planting roses or any thorned shrub, train the lower canes up and away from nose level while the plant is young. It's easier to do early than to retrofit later.
The Full Picture
Jackson & Perkins has a complete guide to dog-friendly garden design on the blog that includes toxic plant lists, path and surface ideas, shade trees by region, and tips for keeping dogs comfortable year-round.
Read the full guide at jacksonandperkins.com
All articles are copyrighted and remain the property of the author.
The hardest part of a new garden isn’t the digging. It’s figuring out which plants work well together in your landscape. You might want to consider garden kits that solve this specific problem. To learn more click here for an interesting article:
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