DOG-FRIENDLY PLANTS FOR THE GARDEN

SNAPDRAGONS

Snapdragons love the sun. These dog-safe plants are easy to grow from seed in full sun, and produce a range of colors from yellow to red on tall stems. They also make great cut flower arrangements.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

CAMELLIA

These flowering shrubs take some work to establish, but once they’re firmly rooted in your garden, they’ll keep coming back each year with little effort.

Camellias prefer partial shade, and mature plants are able to survive with little watering. If the plant is brand new, it will require some watering to establish its roots.
 
 
 
 
 

DILL

Culinary dill is obviously safe for humans, but this feathery weed is also a dog-safe plant. This herb goes well in creamy dressings, soups, and meats. Just make sure you give it plenty of room to grow—these plants get bigger than you would expect.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

MARIGOLD

These flowers aren’t just beautiful—they also help bring bees to your garden and act as a form of natural pest control that can deter beetles and other harmful bugs from infesting your edible plants. Their stunning, sun-like blooms aren’t too bad either. A dog-safe plant that’s a win-win all around!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

FUCHSIAS

These elegant pink and purple flowers look great in hanging baskets outdoors. They do best in mild, temperate climates like the Pacific Northwest, and they can remain in bloom from late spring to late fall.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

MAGNOLIA BUSHES

Most people think of large, stately trees when they picture magnolias, but this dog-safe plant also grows as a bush. Most magnolia bushes offer spectacular flowers in purple, pink, or white. They do well in full sun if you can give it to them.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

PURPLE BASIL PLANT

This gorgeous variety of basil whips up into a delicious (purple) pesto and also brings stunning color to your garden beds. Plant these guys after all chance of frost is over, and give them plenty of water and a place in the sun. Cut and eat what you want, and you and your dog can enjoy it in the garden until the first frost of the year.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

CREEPING THYME

Another practical herb that won’t harm your pets, thyme is a perennial plant that doesn’t need a lot of attention and is a great ground cover. Just a little water and sun, and it’s good to go. This herb pairs well with roasted vegetables, meat, soups, and potatoes.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

SUNFLOWER

Sunflowers are the epitome of summer. This annual plant is available in a huge range of sizes and colors. These dog-safe plants can grow several feet tall, make a great border along fences or in front of the house, and love a sunny spot with plenty of water. As sunflowers lose their bright petals, the seeds mature and attract birds through the fall.
 
 
 
 
 
 

ROSEMARY

All rosemary is suitable for culinary use and is considered a dog-safe plant, but a creeping variety is a hardy way to fill empty spaces in your yard with a low, fluffy cloud of evergreen. The trailing stems look especially beautiful cascading over the edge of a raised bed or container. This sun-loving ground cover will release a waft of scent whenever your dog scampers through.
 
 
 
 
 
 

NASTURTIUMS

Nasturtiums are my favorite annual flowers to grow for a few reasons. The flowers are edible and have a surprising spicy flavor. Nasturtiums grow in poorer soils and they do not need fertilizers, so you can plant them in the odd spots in your yard. They drape down garden boxes and rock walls with colorful elegance, and they smell like heaven.