The Dog Gardener
Many cozy mysteries feature a main character who feels at home in garden clogs and with a trowel in one hand and a pack of seeds in the other. A few antagonists may even grow some deadly poisons for nefarious purposes. As for myself, I try to combine gardening with dog ownership without anyone getting hurt.
Despite decades of being both a dog owner and gardener, I never knew my yard contained toxic items for my canine companions. Fortunately, my previous dogs confined themselves to biting the head off the occasional flower and chasing out an abundance of wild rabbits. Any blooming, yellow flower became a treat for both dogs and finches. I really never saw my yellow rose bush in full bloom since dog and friends kept a close eye on the buds, too.
When I started to work for the Humane Society, I discovered many plants I grew in my yard were toxic to dogs. The second most poisonous plant is the humble tomato plant. Who knew? Not me! Now, some plants will just make dogs sick while others could be fatal. Here’s a list from the ASPCA of plants you might want to avoid in your back yard. The list is extensive, so I decided with having a curious Labrador puppy, that it might be easier to find what wouldn’t hurt my four-legged friend.
Safe Plants for Your Yard and Dog
Marigold
Zinnias
Sunflowers
Lavender
Roses
Petunias
Gerber Daisies
Snapdragons
Pansies
African Violets
Of course, after you plant your safe flowers, remember it might become a nibble for your pet. Pesticides are dangerous to your pet. Bugs aren’t an issue in our yard because we have dozens of birds who like to help me maintain my vegetable garden and flowers.
Another way to discourage insects is by spraying the plants with a mixture of water and peppermint oil. While peppermint smells good to most humans, pests aren’t a fan. Lavender, lemon balm, and oregano are also good at keeping insects away. Basil works for flies. Cooled raspberry tea sprayed on the plant discourages insects. Insecticidal soap won’t hurt your pet, either.
Before I can enjoy my plants, I have to protect them from a curious pet who investigates with both paws and mouth. Labradors enjoy gardening a bit too much, which encourages creativity in plant placement. Very raised gardens, planters placed up high, hanging containers, and sturdy fences all work. Older dogs tend not to care for investigating plants, or they can be like my old dog, who only ate yellow flowers.
It is possible to have flowers and puppies. Sometimes, those flowers might have to exist in the front or side yard. For those book lovers who enjoy house plants, here’s a list of safe houseplants.
Happy gardening with your canine friends.
The Way Over the Hill Gang, Book 6
The Senior Sleuths don’t mind a little peace now and then, but after a long bout of nothing out of the ordinary, they’re eager for some excitement.
No one could’ve imagined it would arrive with such a bang.
A mysterious explosion has rocked the assisted living community, disrupting life for everyone.
Despite the stern warnings from authorities, one of the Senior Sleuths can’t help but get involved. This is their home, after all.
Herman, always eager to root out the truth, ignores the warnings and hunts for answers. He’s convinced the explosion was a ruse to cover up something far more sinister. But the other seniors aren’t as eager to get involved. They’re focused on Marcy and Lance’s upcoming wedding.
Without his usual sidekicks, can Herman track down the bomber and a missing veteran who no one else remembers?
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