As the warmer weather and spring season arrive in Tennessee, gardening enthusiasts are eager to get planting. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, it’s essential to consider the safety of your furry friends when selecting plants for your garden. Tennessee falls within USDA plant hardiness zones 6a to 8a, offering a diverse range of options for pet-friendly gardening.
Safe Plants for Pets
When choosing plants for your garden, it’s crucial to select those that are safe for both cats and dogs. Here are some beautiful and pet-safe options:
- African Violets: These delicate flowers are safe for dogs and add a touch of elegance to any garden.
- Asters: Suitable for both cats and dogs, asters provide vibrant colors and are easy to maintain.
- Celosia: This versatile flower is safe for both pets and offers stunning blooms in various colors.
- Orchids: Known for their exotic beauty, orchids are safe for both cats and dogs.
- Pansies: These colorful flowers are dog-friendly and can add a playful touch to your garden.
- Petunia: Another dog-safe option, petunias are easy to grow and bloom profusely.
- Roses: Classic and timeless, roses are safe for both cats and dogs.
- Sunflowers: These towering flowers are safe for both pets and can add a dramatic flair to your garden.
- Zinnias: Vibrant and easy to grow, zinnias are safe for both cats and dogs.
Plants to Avoid
While many plants can be toxic to pets, some are more hazardous than others. If you have curious pets, it’s best to avoid these plants altogether:
- Aloe Vera: Mild to moderate toxin for cats and dogs.
- Azaleas: Moderate to high toxin for both pets.
- Chrysanthemum: Highly toxic for cats and moderate for dogs.
- Cyclamen: Moderate toxin for both pets.
- Daffodils: Moderate to high toxin for both pets.
- Ferns: Mild to moderate toxin for both pets.
- Hyacinths: Moderate to high toxin for both pets.
- Hydrangeas: Mild toxin for both pets.
- Irises: Mild toxin, especially the roots.
- Ivy: Certain species are moderate toxins for both pets.
- Lilies: High toxin for cats and mild for dogs.
- Oleander: Moderate to high toxin for both pets.
- Peonies: Mild toxin for both pets.
- Poppies: Mild to moderate toxin for both pets.
- Tulips: Moderate to high toxin for both pets.
For a comprehensive list of plant toxicity, consult the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or your pet’s veterinarian. By choosing pet-friendly plants, you can create a beautiful and safe garden for both you and your pets to enjoy.
