The Household Garden Blog

A pet-friendly garden: what to plant, what to avoid, and how pots help

A practical guide to making a South African garden safer for dogs and cats, from the plants worth removing to the pots and mulches that keep curious noses out of trouble.

How to bring more birds into a South African garden

Water first, then nectar and berry plants, shelter and no poisons: a practical guide to filling a South African garden with birds.

Common garden plants that are poisonous to dogs and cats in South Africa

A plant by plant look at the garden and houseplant species most likely to poison a dog or cat in South Africa, with the symptoms to watch for and safer alternatives.