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Your garden is your happy place—but if you share it with a four-legged friend, you probably already know that not all plants are safe for pets who like to munch. Whether you’re designing a lush backyard oasis or just want a few cheerful pots on the patio, gardening with pets in mind doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice beauty, variety, or fun.
In Northwest Arkansas, we’re lucky to have long, warm growing seasons and a wide variety of plants that thrive in our soil. That also means more time outside for our pets—and more opportunities for them to come in contact with what we grow.
Some common garden plants (like lilies, azaleas, or foxglove) can be toxic to pets, especially dogs and cats that love to nibble or dig. Although keep in mind, many plants are not toxic except in large quantities. We are a pet-loving bunch at Westwood Gardens! (You’ve likely met our resident greenhouse cats!) So our own pets have taught us how to strike the right balance between a thriving garden and a safe space for every member of the family. Here’s how you can do the same.
First, let’s consider the design of your pet-friendly spaces in the garden. Starting with your furry friend’s needs in mind helps prevent accidents, encourages healthy activity, and strengthens the bond you share. Below are some practical tips and creative ideas to help you build a garden that’s beautiful, functional, and tailored to your pet’s natural behaviors.
1. Try designating a “dig zone.”
Have a dog who loves to dig? Give them a specific area with soft soil or sand to play in, and plant more durable greenery around the rest of the yard.
2. Use natural barriers.
Fencing, raised beds, or dense shrubs can help redirect curious pets away from more delicate or toxic plants. Love foxglove but also have a dog that loves to chomp down on foliage? Move it to the front yard, where your dog won’t be left alone to graze.
3. Choose pet-safe mulch.
Skip cocoa mulch (which is toxic to dogs) and opt for untreated wood chips instead like cedar or pine bark mulch.
4. Avoid chemical sprays.
If you’re treating pests, always let us know you have pets at home—we can recommend safe, organic options that won’t harm your furry companions. Neem oil and insecticidal soap are great starting points.
5. Shade and water matter.
Just like us, pets need relief from the Arkansas sun. Plant shade trees or tall grasses, and keep water bowls accessible while you garden with your furbaby.
As you begin to consider the plants to include in your pet-safe zone, rest assured - you have many options that are colorful, hardy, and safe. Here are a few we love and regularly carry at the nursery, plus a few others to avoid, or plant in spaces that are off limits to your furry friends. (Check with your veterinarian for a full list of plant-safe and/or toxic plants if your pet regularly eats plants.)
⚠️ Avoid: Tulips, Lilies, Delphinium, Autumn Crocus
⚠️ Avoid: Creeping Jenny, Ajuga, Hellebore, Hosta, Daylily
⚠️ Avoid: Hydrangea, Azalea, Boxwood, Yew, Privet
⚠️ Avoid: Black Walnut, Sago Palm, Cherry, Peach, Plum, Apple
⚠️ Avoid: Onions, Garlic, Leeks, Chives, Rhubarb, Hot Peppers - most pets will avoid these on their own.
⚠️ Avoid: Oregano, Chives, Mint, Tarragon, Bay Leaf
⚠️ Avoid: Pothos, Peace Lily, Snake Plant, Aloe
Our team is here to help you choose the best plants for your space and your pets. Swing by one of our four Northwest Arkansas locations, and we’ll walk you through options that are beautiful, resilient, and worry-free.
👉 Find your nearest Westwood Gardens location
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Happy (and safe) gardening!
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