Household animals rarely have the same ideas about how to treat green spaces as their humans. Learning how to plant a pet-friendly garden will provide a host of benefits to both you and your furry (or not so furry) friends.
Safety first
When planning a garden with pets in mind, the first priority should obviously be safety, so avoid toxic plants. In South Africa, planting indigenous plants is a great start, although there are some toxic yet popular indigenous garden plants that can be fatal for animals. Steer clear of impala and arum lily (Adenium multiflorum / Zantedeschia aethiopica), lucky bean (Abrus precatorius), and various species of Agapanthus. Common exotics that will also pose a risk include oleander, bougainvillea (mildly toxic), and flowers like hydrangeas and rhododendrons.
For rabbit owners who want their bunnies to have some outdoor time – proceed with caution. There are many plants that are harmful and potentially fatal for rabbits, including tomato leaves and vines, various fruits or fruit tree leaves, and many different types of ivy and flowers. There are some great tips for a rabbit-friendly garden, but if you don’t want to take any chances, keep them in a large enclosure in open grass so they cannot access potentially dangerous areas.
To avoid infections and other issues, stay away from thorny species, and consider what you are using for mulch. Try to substitute chemical fertilisers and insecticides with natural alternatives such as worm composting, and use vinegar spray for pests.
Know your limits
While cats are harder to train, it is relatively easy to teach dogs where they can and cannot go in your garden. Rabbits, too, are more intelligent than many people know, and will generally understand and follow boundaries if trained properly.
When planting your pet-friendly garden, leave enough open space for animals to run and play – the size of this exercise area will vary depending on the type of animal and the species or breed (border collie owners will understand). Using small fences or barriers to delineate no-go areas can be helpful, while you can also try planting sensitive or valuable plants in raised beds to keep them out of harm’s way.
Planting some areas with dense stands of robust plants can help to protect less sturdy species, while pathways can help to keep dogs away from sensitive areas.
Pet-friendly design considerations
When thinking about how to plant a pet-friendly garden, there are various other “petscaping” ideas to enhance your pets’ lifestyle. Provide shady areas where your animals can relax without overheating and make sure they always have access to enough water, but do not leave any standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
A plant and pet paradise
There are also many plants that your animals will love. Catgrass, for example, is great for feline digestion, while there is always the fan favourite: catnip. Dogs are partial to a variety of vegetables and other plants, while other less common pets will have their own favourites – so do your research and plant what they love. This has the added benefit of drawing attention away from other plants/potential victims of mischief.
So there you have it! As a pet owner, there are many things you can do to enhance the lives of your animals while also avoiding damage to your garden, ultimately fostering a harmonious and enjoyable environment for both your beloved companions and your thriving plants.
By putting in the planning time and learning how to plant a pet-friendly garden, you will go a long way to ensuring a happy home for everyone under your roof, no matter how many legs they may have, creating a shared space where both green life and furry friends can flourish together.
