Do you dream of having an idyllic English cottage garden? Many of us do – the beautiful colours and shapes from cottage garden plants paint a calming and romantic atmosphere, which can feel like a step through a portal to a simpler time. I recently moved to the countryside and I’m in the process of turning my patch of grass into a serene cottage garden. Gardening is growing in popularity among Gen Z and Millenials as a hobby that helps with mindfulness while creating something beautiful. An important aspect of gardening many of us need to consider though, are my plants dog friendly?
Creating a beautiful cottage garden doesn’t mean compromising on your pet’s safety. If you have a dog, it’s essential to choose plants that are non-toxic to them. Here are some dog-safe cottage garden plants that will not only enhance your garden’s charm but also ensure your furry friends can enjoy the space without any risk.
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Cornflowers
Cornflowers are a staple in cottage gardens, known for their striking blue petals and delicate, fringed appearance. These hardy annuals bloom from late spring to summer, providing a vibrant splash of color. Cornflowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden. Their tall, slender stems make them perfect for cutting gardens, allowing you to bring their beauty indoors as well. Not only are they easy to grow from seeds, but they also thrive in poor soil, making them low-maintenance and dog-friendly.
Click here to view Cornflower seeds on Amazon
Roses
Roses are a quintessential cottage garden plant, admired for their stunning blooms and intoxicating fragrance. They are definitely my favourite flower on this list, my roses bring me so much joy! With a wide variety of colors and forms, from climbing roses to bush varieties, there’s a rose for every garden. Roses can be pruned to shape, creating structure and providing a continuous display of flowers from spring through autumn. While the thorns can deter dogs from damaging the plants, it’s important to place them where pets won’t easily brush against them. Roses are non-toxic to dogs, ensuring a safe and beautiful garden. I would recommend picking up an established rose plant from your local garden centre.
Camellia
Camellias are evergreen shrubs that bring elegance to any garden with their glossy green leaves and large, rose-like flowers. Blooming from late winter to spring, they offer a burst of color during the colder months. Camellias are available in shades of white, pink, and red, making them versatile for various garden designs. Their dense foliage also provides shelter and privacy. As a non-toxic plant for dogs, camellias are an excellent choice for pet-friendly gardens. I would recommend picking up an established Camellia plant from your local garden centre.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are synonymous with summer, with their towering stems and bright, cheerful faces following the sun. These annuals are easy to grow and add a bold statement to any garden. Sunflowers are not only visually striking but also attract pollinators and birds, enhancing the garden’s ecosystem. Their seeds are edible for humans and birds alike. Being non-toxic to dogs, sunflowers are a fantastic addition to a pet-friendly garden, bringing height and a splash of sunny color. Sunflowers are super easy to grow from seeds!
Click here to view sunflower seeds on Amazon
Rosemary
Rosemary is a versatile evergreen shrub with aromatic, needle-like leaves and pale blue flowers. It is well-loved for its culinary uses and its ability to thrive in various conditions, including poor soil and drought. I love to cut a sprig of Rosemary to add to a gin and tonic on a summer evening – it’s so satisfying to use what you have grown yourself! Rosemary’s dense, bushy growth makes it an excellent plant for borders and hedges. Its fragrance can also deter pests. Non-toxic to dogs, rosemary is a practical and attractive addition to any cottage garden, providing greenery and utility year-round. Another super easy plant to grow from seed.
Click here to view Rosemary seeds on Amazon.
Dahlias
Dahlias are tuberous perennials renowned for their spectacular blooms, which come in a myriad of shapes, sizes, and colors. From small pom-pom varieties to large, dinner-plate-sized flowers, dahlias can be the showpiece of your garden. They bloom from mid-summer until the first frost, providing a long-lasting display. Dahlias are perfect for cutting gardens and floral arrangements. Their non-toxic nature makes them safe for dogs, allowing you to enjoy their beauty without worry. Dahlias are grown from tubers instead of seeds.
Click here to view Dahlia tubers on Amazon.
Marigolds
Marigolds are bright, cheerful annuals that bring a burst of orange, yellow, and red to any garden. Known for their strong, distinct fragrance, marigolds are excellent for repelling pests. They bloom profusely from spring to frost, offering continuous color. Marigolds are easy to grow and maintain, making them a favorite for gardeners. Safe for dogs, marigolds are a vibrant, practical choice for a pet-friendly garden, adding both color and function.
Click here to view Marigold seeds on Amazon.
Pansies
Pansies are beloved for their charming, colorful faces and are a popular choice for adding color to the garden in cooler months. Available in a wide range of colors, from deep purples to bright yellows, pansies can be used in borders, containers, and hanging baskets. They bloom in early spring and can last until summer heat arrives. Pansies are easy to care for and, importantly, non-toxic to dogs, making them a delightful addition to your garden.
Click here to view Pansy seeds on Amazon.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons are classic cottage garden plants with their unique, dragon-shaped blooms that come in a variety of colors. They are fantastic replacements in your garden for Foxgloves, which are NOT dog safe. Snapdragons bloom from spring to fall, providing a long-lasting display. They are great for adding vertical interest and texture to garden beds. They attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to a healthy garden ecosystem. Safe for dogs, snapdragons are an excellent choice for a pet-friendly garden, combining beauty and ecological benefits.
Click here to view Snapdragon seeds on Amazon.
Zinnias
Zinnias are vibrant annuals that bring a burst of color to any cottage garden. Known for their wide range of bright hues, including red, orange, pink, yellow, and white, zinnias are a favorite for creating cheerful garden beds and borders. Their large, daisy-like blooms attract butterflies and other pollinators, enhancing your garden’s biodiversity. Zinnias are easy to grow from seeds and thrive in sunny locations, blooming profusely from summer until the first frost. Their seeds can be sown directly into your flower beds! Their tall, sturdy stems make them ideal for cut flower arrangements. Importantly, zinnias are non-toxic to dogs, ensuring a safe and beautiful garden space where both you and your furry friends can relax and enjoy the vibrant display.
Click here to view Zinnia seeds on Amazon.
By choosing these dog-safe cottage garden plants, you can create a stunning and secure environment for both you and your canine companions to enjoy. Creating a dog safe garden is part of my puppy proofing guide – click here to see my other tips!
