Whether or not you have pets of your own, it is important to have a pet friendly garden. Consider the tragedy if a guest, neighbour or passer by should have a beloved pet fall ill or be injured due to something growing or left unattended in the garden. As pets are unable to know which plants are hazardous or that chemicals may be deadly, it is up to people to protect them from the consequences of natural curiosity.
[photo by: TheTim]
To create a pet friendly garden, know what plants are growing there and whether they are harmful to animals. Remove any that are hazardous and replace with non-toxic alternatives. If a certain plant must be kept, surround it with a pet-proof barrier to keep away curious noses and teeth.
Pets like to romp and play. Provide a space for them to do so freely. Create boundaries by securely fencing any areas that are off limits to pets. Reduce the likelihood of garden damage by using raised beds, pots or planter boxes for ornamental plants kept in areas where pets are free to roam.
As with children, keep garden tools and chemicals put away in a secure place. Consider using natural and non-toxic alternatives to chemical fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides. There are many techniques and a wide variety of products available to deal with common garden problems. Identify your problem, be it an unwanted species of plant or an infestation from the insect world, and conduct a little research to determine what natural solutions have worked for others with a similar issue.
Tags: eco tips, Garden, Home and Garden