Whether relaxing in the sun, playing with their favourite toys or exploring, your pet-friendly garden can be a haven for you and your pets. Creating a garden that’s both beautiful and safe takes a little planning, so this guide is here to help you choose safe plants, design a pet-friendly garden, and ensure that your outdoor space is a paw-fect paradise for both cats and dogs.
Why Create a Pet-Friendly Garden?
Your garden is an extension of your home, and a place where your pets can roam, play and relax. But it’s important to ensure that everything in your pet-friendly garden is safe for your furry companions. Some common garden plants and chemicals can be unpleasant and even toxic to cats and dogs, and with so many plants and garden products available, it can be hard to know where to start.
By choosing the right plants and designing a pet-friendly garden with your pets in mind, you can create a space that’s not only safe but also stimulating and enjoyable for your pets.
Pet-Safe Plants and Flowers
When selecting plants for your pet-friendly garden, it’s crucial to choose ones that are safe for your pets. Some plants that are commonly found in gardens can be toxic to cats and dogs, so it’s important to know which ones to avoid and which ones are safe.
Safe Plants for Cats and Dogs
Here are some beautiful and safe options to consider for your pet-friendly garden - including some Aussie favourites!
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Kangaroo Paw
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Spider Plant
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Bottlebrush
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Hibiscus
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Camellias
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Ferns & Palms
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Pittosporum
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Jasmine & Star Jasmine
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Marigolds
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Sunflowers
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Snapdragons
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Sage
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Thyme
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Rosemary
Popular Plants to Avoid
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Azaleas & Rhododendron
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Agapanthus
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Lilies
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Ivy
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Poinsettia
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Gardenia
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Geranium
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Hydrangea
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Oleander
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Philodendron
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Umbrella plant
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Wisteria
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Yucca
If you’re not sure about a particular plant, it’s always best to do a bit of research or check with your vet to make sure it’s safe for your pets.
Designing a Pet-Friendly Garden
Beyond choosing the right plants, designing a pet-friendly garden that caters to your pet’s needs can make it a truly special space. Here are some extra tips for creating a garden that’s not only safe but also fun and engaging for your pets.
Space to Roam and Play
Cats and dogs love to explore, and your pet-friendly garden should offer plenty of space for them to run around. For dogs, ensure there’s lots of open space where they can run and play fetch. If your garden is large enough, consider creating different zones where your dog can engage in different activities, like a play area, a rest area and a shady spot.
For cats, adding vertical elements like trees, shrubs or cat-safe climbing structures can create exciting opportunities for climbing and exploring. Cats love to perch up high and observe their surroundings, so providing safe, elevated spots will keep them entertained.
Shaded Areas
Just like us, our pets need to escape the sun’s rays from time to time. Ensure that your pet-friendly garden has shaded areas where your pets can cool off on warm days. This can be achieved with trees, shrubs, shade cloths or, for those who love a spot of DIY, a custom-made pergola!
Safe Boundaries
Secure the perimeter of your pet-friendly garden with pet-friendly fencing to keep your pets safe within the garden. Check that there are no gaps where they could escape, and ensure the fence is high enough to prevent adventurous jumpers from getting out… easier said than done!
Water Features
If your dog loves water, consider adding a pet-safe water feature to your pet-friendly garden. A shallow pond, water fountain, or even a simple kiddie pool can provide hours of entertainment. Ensure the water is clean, fresh, and easily accessible for your pet.
For cats, a gentle water feature might pique their curiosity without overwhelming them, offering a refreshing drink or a place to dip their paws on a hot day.
Sensory Experiences
Enrich your pet-friendly garden with sensory experiences that your pets will love. For dogs, create different textures with grass, sand for digging and paths. For cats, plant some catnip or cat grass to give them a special treat.
Safe Paths
Create clear, safe paths in your pet-friendly garden so your pets can wander around easily. Keep these paths free from sharp objects or rough surfaces that could hurt their paws - grass or ground cover is a great option to prevent tender paws from getting burnt on hot days.
Pet-Safe Maintenance
When it comes to maintaining your pet-friendly garden, opt for pet-safe fertilisers, weed killers and pest control products, or avoid them completely. Many common garden chemicals can be harmful if ingested by pets, so always choose natural or organic alternatives when you can. This vet from South Australia catalogued what has been responsible for poisoning pets at their practice: snail bait, fertiliser, compost, rat poison and mushrooms are all high on the list - so be very careful!
Final Thoughts
A pet-friendly garden is more than just an outdoor space—it’s a safe, enriching environment for your cats and dogs. By selecting safe plants, designing spaces for play and relaxation, and avoiding harmful chemicals, you’ll create a garden that both looks beautiful and keeps your furry friends happy and healthy.
Supporting Links:
How to create a cat-friendly garden | BBC Gardeners World Magazine
Pet-friendly garden ideas / RHS Gardening
Plants toxic to dogs | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine