Pets are often extensions of our human families. We adopt our four legged friends as companions in life, as they journey with us through our most exhilarating highs and devastating lows. Pets remain loyal and give us unconditional love, which is why it isn’t surprising how attached we can sometimes get to these furry animals. After all, pets like dogs are man’s best friend. Cats can be amazing too, as they give us the funniest moments with their oftentimes peculiar behavior. Having pets around the house and in one’s yard isn’t as easy, though, as fairy garden lovers might already know. Because of their playful and curious nature, dogs often like to chew on different plants and other knick knacks in the garden. So how do we keep them safe from any danger? We must know the best pet-friendly fairy garden plants we can keep around our four-legged furry pals.
Creating a Pet-Friendly Garden
To strike a balance between caring for one’s fairy garden plants and our pets, it’s best to either put a fence or barricade between a yard specifically for your cats and dogs to keep them safe from any poisonous or dangerous plants that may harm them if ingested. Oftentimes, plants have their own defense mechanisms that are harmful to other creatures. It’s best to keep these plants away from pets by placing them inside a barricade or fence. Another tip would be to create a scent barrier for your pets to avoid certain areas in the garden. You can do this by installing coffee grounds, orange peels, and spices, as these are repulsive for cats and dogs. They’ll most likely stay away from parts of a garden with an abundance of these scent barriers. Lastly, you can always create a separate section in your yard that’s strictly for your dog or cat only. Giving them enough space to play around without ruining your plants. But just in case there isn’t enough space and you still would like to take care of some greenery, here are some pet-friendly fairy garden plants you might want to consider growing.
1. African Daisy
For those who are looking to add a pop of color to their garden but are worried about their furry pals chomping down the flowers, you can go for African daisies, which are safe for your four-legged friends (but maybe don’t let them eat any plant). This type of daisy is great for hot weather and come in different colors, so it’s also best for those who really want to redecorate. African daisy seeds are available at Amazon for $2.63.
2. Sunflowers
Also for the bright and sunny, sunflowers are not only just a really gorgeous addition to any garden, but it’s so easy to grow! Your kids will enjoy growing and taking care of this plant and your pets will thank you because it’s totally safe for them to be around. One ounce of sunflower seeds costs $7.50 on Amazon.
3. California lilacs
How gorgeous are these tiny blue flowers? Add a vibrant blue to your garden without posing a health risk to your furry pals with the California lilac, which is in fact a shrub that’s native to North America and often grows wild in the west. It’s also very easy to grow. You can get live california lilacs for $51.31 on Amazon.
4. Tiger orchid
At first glance, the tiger orchid looks quite predatory with its coloration that brings to mind the wild. But these beauties are in fact non-toxic and pet-friendly. Note, though that these flowers best thrive in cooler weather, as they are native to the high areas of the American tropics. Make sure that they get enough light and humidity and repot them every couple of years to ensure optimal growth. Tiger orchid plants are available at Amazon for $40.00.
5. Coral bells
Coral bells give a gorgeous gray-pink hue to your garden with its large leaves that come in different purple, red, and green tones. It’s a versatile plant that is safe for you pets because you can grow it in both a pot or director into your garden. This plant is also easy to grow, which is great for busy parents who have their hands full with kids and pets alike. Coral bells are available at Amazon for $40.63.
6. Pineapple sage
More than its gorgeous pink blooms against its deep green pointed leaves, the pineapple sage gives off a fragrant smell that’s enjoyable to hummingbirds. Expect them to drop by your fairy garden if you have these beautiful plants around. What’s even better is that it’s safe for your pets and you can use it in the kitchen! Pineapple sage is great for salads and other dishes and even sangrias! What a treat! Get pineapple sage plants from Amazon for $19.50.
7. Purple basil
Here’s another one you can use in the kitchen: the purple basil adds a gorgeous green-and-purple hue to your garden. Make sure to give them enough water and place them under the sun, so they can grow optimally. What’s great is that this is also safe for your furry ones, so no worry there. Get organically grown purple basil seeds at Amazon for $4.21.
8. Marigold
Marigolds are non-toxic to both cats and dogs. It’s also a great addition to any fairy garden with its vibrant yellow-gold hues. It’s an easy-to-grow plant that won’t post as a threat to your pets and is also great for kids. In fact, it’s commonly one of the first plants many people try to grow as a child because of its easy-to-grow characteristics. Marigold pollinated seeds are available at Amazon for $6.95.
9. Petunia
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) lists petunias as safe for cats, dogs, and even horses, so it’s great for garden owners who have a lot of four-legged creatures hanging around. Petunias best grow in well-drained soil and lots of sunlight and can be grown in soil beds where other flowers also reside. They also come in a wide range of colors to brighten up any fairy garden. Petunia plants are available at Amazon for $29.99.
10. Roses
These classic blooms are totally safe for pets and are such a gorgeous addition to any fairy garden. As one of the most common and most loved flowers today, roses are best grown in easily draining soil and lots of sunlight. Just beware of its thorns that might harm your pets. As for its flowers, it is considered non-toxic. Get seeds at Amazon for $2.09.
When designing or building your backyard, it’s best to take into consideration which pet-friendly fairy garden plants go well with your soil, the seasons, and of course, your four-legged family members. Remember that everyone’s safety comes first and that the best way to care for a garden is to be fully knowledgeable about the different types of plants and blooms that reside there.
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