Resilient Canine-Friendly Garden: 5 Drought-Tolerant Plants That Pose No Threat to Your Dogs
In the heart of summer, maintaining a beautiful garden that is both resilient and safe for our beloved canine companions can be a challenge. However, with the right selection of plants, you can create a garden that not only thrives in low-water conditions but also provides a safe haven for your dog to explore.
Sophie King, our new Gardens Editor at Gardening Express, has curated a list of excellent drought-tolerant, non-toxic plants suitable for a dog-friendly garden. These plants include the aromatic herb, rosemary, the ornamental grass maiden grass, the compact ornamental grass blue fescue, the colorful flowering plant zinnias, and the drought-resistant lavender.
Rosemary, with its robust growth and aromatic scent, is a perfect addition to an herb garden and is safe for dogs to nibble on. Maiden grass, a sturdy ornamental grass, thrives in well-drained soil and full sun locations and is non-toxic to dogs. Blue fescue, another compact ornamental grass, is also drought-tolerant and safe for canine companions.
Zinnias, with their bright and cheerful blooms, add a splash of color and are resilient through the hot months, making them an excellent choice for a dog-friendly garden. Lavender, with its gentle scent, not only helps repel pests like fleas, benefiting both people and pets, but is also drought-resistant and safe for dogs, although it should not be eaten in large amounts as a precaution.
For those seeking more options, general lists of dog-safe plants include marigolds and impatiens, but for the most reliable drought tolerance combined with dog safety, the five above are outstanding choices.
Among the top picks, Zinnia 'Profusion Mixed' from Thompson & Morgan produces bright and cheerful blooms, while Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus' from Crocus is a beautiful variety of maiden grass.
Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres, has confirmed the safety of both rosemary and maiden grass for dogs, adding to the confidence in these choices for a dog-friendly garden.
In summary, focusing on rosemary, maiden grass, blue fescue, zinnias, and lavender will give you a beautiful, drought-tolerant garden that’s safe for dogs to enjoy. These plants not only survive low-water conditions but also provide a safe environment for your furry friend to sniffle and explore.
Incorporating rosemary, maiden grass, blue fescue, zinnias, and lavender into your home-and-garden may enhance your dog-friendly lifestyle, as these plants thrive in low-water conditions and are non-toxic, making them suitable options for a pet-friendly garden.
By opting for these five plants – rosemary, maiden grass, blue fescue, zinnias, and lavender – you can create a pet-safe and visually appealing home-and-garden that is both resilient and enjoyable for your canine companion to roam and explore.
