Pet-Friendly Plants for a Low-Maintenance, Stunning Garden
Creating a beautiful garden shouldn’t come at the expense of your pet’s safety.
Whether you’ve got a curious puppy, a cat that loves to nibble, or both, it’s entirely possible to cultivate a visually striking, low-maintenance garden filled with plants that are safe for furry family members.
What makes a plant pet-friendly?
A pet-friendly plant is one that’s non-toxic to cats and dogs and doesn’t have features that might cause harm - think thorny branches, sharp fronds, or sticky sap.
Many common garden favourites, such as lilies, sago palms and aloe vera, are toxic to pets, so we always recommend cross-checking your selections with reputable sources like the RSPCA or ASPCA plant toxicity lists.
The benefits of low-maintenance gardening
Not everyone has time to spend hours each week tending to the garden. Choosing hardy, drought-tolerant and slow-growing plants can reduce your upkeep, save water, and let you spend more time enjoying the outdoors with your pets.
A well-designed low-maintenance garden also tends to be more resilient and cost-effective in the long term.
Pet-safe, low-maintenance plants that still impress
Here are some great options that balance beauty with pet safety:
Ground covers
- Baby’s tears (Soleirolia soleirolii): A soft, moss-like ground cover that’s safe for pets and lovely between pavers.
- Blue star creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis): Hardy, lush, and adds a gentle pop of colour with tiny blue flowers.
Shrubs and foliage plants
- Camellias: Known for their stunning flowers, camellias are non-toxic and relatively low fuss.
- Viburnum: A hardy choice with dense green foliage and small white flowers and great for structure.
Flowering varieties
- Snapdragons: Colourful, classic garden plants that are safe and cheerful.
- Marigolds: Vibrant and pest-repellent, marigolds are pet-safe and brighten any border.
- Roses (non-sprayed): While thorny, roses are not toxic - just be mindful of the variety and placement.
Indoor/outdoor crossover plants
- Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Pet-safe, easy to grow, and works indoors or in shady garden spots.
- Parlour palm (Chamaedorea elegans): A soft-leafed palm that adds a tropical touch without the drama.
Pet-friendly indoor plants that brighten your space
Indoor greenery is just as important, especially for apartment dwellers or those with indoor pets. Here are a few options that bring the outside in, without the worry:
- Areca palm: A lush, air-purifying palm that’s safe for pets and perfect for larger indoor spaces.
- Calathea: Known for their bold leaf patterns, these striking plants are non-toxic and thrive in lower light.
- Peperomia: Compact and available in a variety of colours and textures, peperomias are easy-care and pet-safe.
- Prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura): A beautiful, low-growing option with leaves that fold at night - safe and eye-catching.
- Boston fern: Great for hanging baskets or bright bathrooms, these ferns add a touch of softness and are non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Design tips for a pet-friendly garden
- Stick to safe mulch: Avoid cocoa mulch, which is toxic to dogs. Opt for untreated wood chips or gravel.
- Create shade and soft paths: Pets love lounging outdoors. Add shaded corners with pet-safe plants or pergolas and use grass or mulch paths that are gentle on paws.
- Use raised beds or pots: These can help keep prized plants safe from digging or nibbling, and they look great, too.
Plants to avoid
Keep these popular but potentially harmful plants out of reach:
- Lillies (highly toxic to cats)
- Sago palm (toxic to all pets)
- Aloe vera (soothing for humans, harmful to pets)
- Ivy (some types are toxic and invasive)
- Daffodils and tulips (especially bulbs)
Where to shop: Nurseries in Sydney's Northern Districts
If you're ready to get started, there are several excellent local nurseries in the Northern Districts that stock pet-safe and low-maintenance plants, along with knowledgeable staff who can help guide your choices:
- Swane's Nursery, Dural: One of Sydney's most established nurseries with a wide range of plants and a helpful team.
- Flower Power, Glenhaven: A large garden centre with both indoor and outdoor plant options and pet-safe mulch alternatives.
- Honeysuckle Garden Centre, Turramurra: A beautiful boutique nursery with curated plant collections, including pet-safe varieties.
- Bunnings, Thornleigh: While a general hardware store, Bunnings often stocks common pet-safe plants and gardening supplies at competitive prices.
- Plants Plus Cumberland Forest, West Pennant Hills: Located within the Cumberland State Forest, this nursery offers a peaceful shopping experience and a great range of native and pet-friendly plants.
Your dream garden doesn’t have to sacrifice beauty or safety. If you’d like advice tailored to your home and lifestyle, speak to your local nursery or landscaper, or simply start with a few tried-and-true pet-safe varieties and build from there.
Tips for gardening with pets in mind
Observe how your pet behaves outdoors. If they’re prone to digging, designate a “dig zone.” If they nibble on everything, stick to the safest varieties and avoid fertilisers or sprays that can be harmful. Having a pet-safe garden is about thoughtful design, observation, and ongoing adjustments.
Ready to grow a garden you and your pets will love?
Whether you're enhancing your outdoor space to enjoy with your pets or preparing your home for sale, your garden can make a lasting impression on buyers.
Thinking of selling your Northern Districts home?
Page & Co Real Estate in Thornleigh can help you showcase every pet-friendly, lifestyle-enhancing detail of your property. Get in touch with our team today to find out how we can help present your home at its best.
