A beautiful garden should be a place where every member of the family can relax—including your pets. Whether you have curious dogs, adventurous cats or other pets, creating a pet-friendly garden helps keep them safe while allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space with peace of mind.

Start by choosing plants carefully. While many garden favourites are perfectly safe, some popular ornamentals can be toxic if chewed or eaten. Plants such as lilies, oleander, foxgloves, sago palms and autumn crocus can pose serious health risks to pets. Before adding new plants to your garden, check whether they are suitable for households with animals. Store bought plants often mention on the labels whether the plant is toxic to animals and a skin irritant to humans, but not always so do some research or ask your friendly garden centre staff for some safe options.

Garden products require just as much care as the plants you choose. While fertilisers, herbicides, pesticides, fungicides and snail or rodent baits help maintain a healthy garden, many contain ingredients that can be harmful—or even fatal—to pets if ingested. Curious dogs, in particular, may be attracted to the smell of blood and bone, fish-based fertilisers or manure pellets, while cats may investigate freshly treated garden beds.

Always read the product label carefully before use and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates, storage and safety precautions. Keep all garden chemicals in their original containers and store them securely in a locked cupboard or shed where pets cannot access them. Never leave opened bags, measuring scoops or containers unattended in the garden.

After applying fertilisers or crop protection products, keep pets away from treated areas for the period recommended on the label. This allows products to dry, settle or be absorbed, reducing the risk of exposure through paws, fur or accidental ingestion. If granules have been applied, water them in thoroughly where directed and collect any spills immediately.

When possible, choose pet-friendly, organic or low-toxicity gardening products. Natural alternatives, such as compost, well-aged manure, seaweed solutions and certified organic fertilisers, can often provide excellent plant nutrition with fewer risks. Likewise, consider non-chemical pest control methods such as hand-picking pests, physical barriers, beneficial insects and traps instead of toxic baits.

Mulches can also present hazards. Cocoa mulch, made from cocoa bean shells, contains compounds similar to chocolate and should never be used where dogs have access. Instead, choose safer options such as sugar cane mulch, pine bark, hardwood chips or straw, depending on your garden’s needs.

Compost bins are excellent for recycling garden waste but should be covered securely. Decaying food and plant material can develop moulds that may produce toxins harmful to pets. Likewise, keep sharp tools, pots, stakes and irrigation equipment neatly stored to prevent injuries during play.

Water features can be a wonderful addition to a garden, but ensure ponds or pools have gentle exits so pets can climb out safely. Regularly refresh bird baths and pet water bowls to provide clean drinking water, particularly during hot weather.

Consider creating a dedicated pet zone with shade, soft ground covers and room to explore. Tough, pet-friendly lawns and sturdy plants can withstand playful paws, while raised garden beds or low fencing help protect delicate plants from digging.

With thoughtful planning and careful product selection, you can create a garden that is both beautiful and safe. A pet-friendly landscape allows your animals to explore, play and relax.

Highly Toxic Plants to Avoid Around Domestic Animals

• Lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species) – extremely toxic to cats, causing kidney failure.

• Oleander (Nerium oleander) – all parts are highly poisonous to pets.

• Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) – one of the most dangerous ornamental plants, especially for dogs.

• Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale) – contains toxic alkaloids that can cause severe illness.

• Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) – affects the heart and nervous system.

• Castor Bean (Ricinus communis) – seeds contain the highly toxic compound ricin.

• Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia species) – toxic flowers, leaves and seeds.

• Yew (Taxus species)

If you suspect your pet has eaten a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian immediately. If possible, take a sample of the plant with you to assist with identification and treatment.

Plants for pets

Many pets enjoy nibbling on plants, and some are not only safe but can provide enrichment or nutritional benefits. Different animals have different dietary needs, so it’s important to offer appropriate plants for each species.

Plants for Dogs

Dogs may occasionally graze on:

• Wheatgrass, oat grass, barley & rye grass

• Cat grass (a mix of cereal grasses)

• Herbs: Parsley, basil, mint (small amounts)

Plants for Cats

Cats often enjoy chewing:

• Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

• Catmint (Nepeta spp.)

• Cat grass (wheat, oat, barley or rye)

 • Valerian (some cats are attracted to it)

• Silver vine (Actinidia polygama)

Plants for Rabbits and Guinea Pigs

• Dandelion leaves and flowers

• Plantain weed (Plantago spp.)

• Chickweed & Clover

• Herbs: Basil, coriander, dill, parsley, mint,

thyme, rosemary

• Nasturtium leaves and flowers

Plants for Chickens

• Clover, chickweed & dandelions

• Nasturtiums & Calendula flowers

• Sunflower leaves and seeds

• Silverbeet (Swiss chard, in moderation)

• Kale & Lettuce

Important: Even safe plants should be offered as part of a balanced diet, not as a complete food source. Avoid plants that have been treated with pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilisers.

If you are growing plants specifically for pets, dedicated trays of cat grass, wheatgrass, or mixed cereal grasses are among the safest and easiest options for both cats and dogs.