Gardening with your kids can be a great way to get them out in the fresh air for some quality time. Helping children learn about nature and teaching them how to grow flowers and vegetables will help them develop lifelong skills and wonderful memories.
My dad was an avid gardener with a green thumb. My mom shared his love of nature and took great pride in her peonies, tulips, poppies, and roses. On warm evenings we were allowed to eat at the picnic table in the backyard where the scents of flowers mixed with the smell of sliced watermelon fresh from the garden. The dog and our cats waited patiently under the table for scraps of food.
No outdoor issue would be complete if we discuss pets and outdoor safety. If your dog will be joining you on family outings there are certain plants and foods, you should make sure they do not consume. If your cat ventures outside (I now have a strict indoor-only policy for my cats) you need to be careful which flowers, plants, or vegetables you grow in your garden. This includes some herbs commonly used for cooking. Also, be careful which flowers you bring inside. A bouquet of fresh flowers from the garden is a beautiful way to brighten any room, but it can be dangerous or even fatal for your pet.
Consumption of any plant material may result in vomiting but according to the ASPCA certain non-toxic plants will not harm cats or dogs. Almost any plant can cause digestive distress or illness if your pet eats too much of it.
Certain flowers or indoor plants, herbs, and vegetables can be toxic for pets. Keep it safe for your furry friend and be sure to plant pet-safe non-toxic plants in areas your cat or dog can access.
Here is a link to a site featuring information about which people foods are safe or unsafe to share with your pets, https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets?ms=MP_PMK_GGPoisonControl&initialms=MP_PMK_GGPoisonControl&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5Pjw7quP-AIVRsvICh0xjwEJEAAYAiAAEgJbI_D_BwE
Non-toxic plants that are safe for dogs and cats:
Acorn squash
Butternut Squash
African Daisy
Barberton Daisy
Blue Daisy
Blue Eyed Daisy
Gerber Daisy
African violet
Alyssum
American rubber plant
Asparagus Fern
Boston Fern
Bamboo
Bamboo Palm
Feather Palm
Dwarf Palm
Good luck Palm
Lady Palm
Basil
Beets
Camellia
Carob
China Aster
Giant Aster
Chervil/French Parsley=
Christmas Cactus
Cilantro
Cinnamon
Cocks Comb
Coreopsis
Cornflower/Bachelors Buttons
Cucumber
Dill
Edible banana
Fennel
Friendship plant
Garden Marigold
Garden Snapdragon
Gloxinia
Grape Hyacinth
Hens and Chickens
Hibiscus
Hollyhocks
Honeydew melon
Impatiens
Pansies
Jasmine
Seedless watermelon
Lemon Balm
Nasturtium
Painted Lady
Pampas Grass
Petunia
Platinum Peperomia
Polka Dot Plant
Rose
Rose of Sharon
Rosemary
Sage
Spider Plant
Stevia
Strawberry
Sunflower
Sweet Potato
Thyme
Cantaloupe
Variegated wax plant
Violet Slipper Gloxinia
Zinnia
Zucchini
Toxic Plants to avoid
Aloe
Amaryllis
American Holly
Baby’s breath
Apples
Cherries
Peaches
Plums
Apricots
Potatoes (causes vomiting)
Rhubarb leaves (causes vomiting)
Oregano
Asian Lily (cats: vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, kidney failure, death)
Autumn Crocus
Azalea
Begonia
Butterfly Iris
Calla lily
Carnation
Chives (causes anemia in cats & dogs)
Daffodil
Tulip
Hyacinth
Iris
Chrysanthemums
Garlic (causes anemia in dogs & cats)
Onions (causes anemia in cats & dogs)
Gladiolus
Hydrangea
Lilies - toxic to cats
Satin Pothos
Schefflera
Shamrock Plant
Snake Plant
St. John’s Wort
Stargazer Lily
Sweet William
Dahlia
Lily of the Valley
Peony
Forget-me-nots
Peace Lilies
Coleus
Lavender
Lenten Rose
Gardenia
Tomato plants
https://www.preventivevet.com/pets/safe-vegetables-for-dogs-and-cats#safe-vegetables