Pet-friendly plants and hedges: inspiration for a safe garden

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Pet-friendly plants and hedges: inspiration for a safe garden

Making a pet-friendly garden doesn't need to be difficult. With the right plants and hedges, you can create safe and green surroundings in which your dog or cat can roam freely. In this blog, we share inspiration for pet-friendly plants and hedges so that you can ensure your garden is both beautiful and safe.

Pet-friendly plants

Luckily, there are plenty of plants you can have in your garden without causing you any headaches. Here are a few attractive and safe options:

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote’)
Lavender is known for its wonderful fragrance and small purple flowers. This plant is not toxic to pets and attracts useful insects.

Coneflower (Coreopsis verticillata)
The light-yellow flowers make Coreopsis a cheerful addition to any garden. This plant is safe for both dogs and cats and blooms for extended periods.

Lady's mantle (Alchemilla mollis)
This plant has soft, fan-shaped leaves and greenish yellow flowers. Lady's mantle is not harmful to pets and makes ideal ground cover.

Catnip (Nepeta x faassenii)
As the name suggests, catnip appeals to cats. It's safe for both cats and dogs and produces petite purple flowers.

Aster (Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard’)
This plant flowers in the autumn and adds colour to your garden when many other plants have finished blooming. Asters are safe for pets.

Sage (Salvia nemorosa 'Ostfriesland')
Sage is an aromatic plant with gorgeous purple flowers. This plant isn't toxic to pets and attracts bees and butterflies.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Aside from its culinary uses, rosemary is a pretty, evergreen bush that is safe for pets.

Bergamot (Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet')
Also known as beebalm, this plant produces striking flowers and is safe for pets. It attracts pollinators too, which is beneficial for the garden.

Purple top (Verbena bonariensis)
This tall plant with purple flowers is a favourite among gardeners and safe for pets. It adds height and structure to your garden design.

Pet-friendly hedges

Hedges are a beautiful and natural way of bordering your garden. However, some hedges are toxic to pets. Here are a few safe options:

Beech – a robust and dense hedge that doesn't contain any toxic substances and creates a green partition.
Privet (Ligustrum vulgare) – a common hedge plant that is safe for pets and tolerates hard pruning.
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) – this hedge has pretty flowers and is safe for dogs and cats.
Cherry laurel – a robust hedge that provides shelter and doesn't contain any toxic substances.
European hornbeam – a hardy and pet-friendly hedge that offers privacy and shade.

Hazardous plants to avoid

Apart from choosing safe plants, it's also important to know which plants you should avoid having in your garden. Here are a few plants that can be toxic to pets:

Lilies (Lilium varieties) – these are lethal to cats, even in small quantities.
Oleander (Nerium oleander) – highly toxic to both dogs and cats.
Hortensia (Hydrangea) – contains substances that can cause stomach and intestinal complaints.
Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia varieties) – toxic on ingestion and can cause irritation.
English yew (Taxus baccata) – highly toxic to animals and humans.

Enjoy your green oasis

A pet-friendly garden doesn't need to be dull. With colourful flowers, fragrant herbs, safe hedges and plants, you can create a wonderful outdoor space in which your pets can roam safely. Make informed choices, consider their needs and enjoy a safe, green garden together!

These tips will help make your garden a place where both you and your pets feel completely at home. Enjoy your gardening!

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