Planting With Your Pet
Planting With Your Pet (8)
Make your yard into a place that's great for both you AND your pets!
"Its about time that some of you had the opportunity to hear what we pets have to say in this publication. Being a natural born digger . . . and founding member of "Diggers R Us, " I can speak with some authority and have helped my owner considerably on landscaping questions.
Did you know that hundreds of dogs and cats are poisoned each year by residential pesticide and fertilizer use? Most fertilizers and pesticides include specific language that neither you nor your pet should enter a treated area for 24-72 hours after an application. In 2003, we surveyed veterinarians in the Houston and surrounding areas to ascertain the commonality of lethal and non-lethal reactions from chemical fertilizer and pesticide use.
Having firsthand knowledge of a pesticide fatality, I was not surprised with our findings. 87% of our survey respondents noted a client’s pet had an adverse reaction to a chemical fertilizer or pesticide. 147 veterinarians reported 55 fatalities and 626 non-lethal cases last year.
An average non-lethal reaction could be: a paw / pad / foot disease, hair loss, or vomiting - with the average cost of treatment between $218 – 381.00. Thirty-nine percent of our respondents claimed an ingredient in chemical fertilizers as the cause of the reaction.
As a landscape architect, I had been using various organic products on the market for my clients, but we still relied on chemical spot treatments. I started to look for a pet safe alternative within the existing fertilizers on the market. There really weren’t any.
With the assistance of my veterinarian, we augmented fertilizer contents of various existing organic products to create a pet safe product that would perform beautifully in high profile landscapes. The result became the basis for the Pet FriendlyTM Fertilizer system.
Pet Friendly TM Fertilizers are landscape fertilizers that are safe for pets, children, and the environment. We have been using our custom concoctions in our clients’ landscapes for over nine years. Clients using these fertilizers, on a monthly basis, do not need any chemical applications or pesticides. To view landscapes utilizing the Pet Friendly TM Fertilizer system visit www.landscapehouston.com.
As my “side project” started to get more attention, we realized that there was a market for landscape fertilizers that are safe for pets. Our retail division was started in May of 2003. In December of 2003, we were honored to donate our services to The Houston SPCA where the Pet Friendly TM system is used to treat the dog run areas and beautify their landscape.
As part of our commitment to make the world safer for our pets, we encourage veterinarians to offer any thoughts or suggestions that might help us further improve our products.
For more information about Pet FriendlyTM Fertilizer or to purchase our products, visit www.petfriendlyfertilizer.com
Article by Ms. Appel, a registered landscape architect (#1930) and parent to three rescued dogs.
Natural Pets Controls (Safe For Poochy & Pussycat)
Written by Administrator- ANTS: Catnip, lemon juice and rind, tobacco tea spray, natural ant traps [keep up from chewers]
- APHIDS & WHITEFLY: Spray with hose, tobacco tea, ivory liquid solution. For roses plant Society Garlic among bushes.
- CUTWORMS: Can and paper collars.
- FLEAS/TICKS: Oil of Orange, Yeast and Garlic in pet food, Eucalyptus and Pennyroyal herb teas rinse.
- NEMATODES: French Marigolds planted among the vegetables.
- SNAILS: Broken egg shells, beer in shallow pans, citrus peels [this may also keep cats out of your garden as they don’t like the smell of citrus]
**Few bugs can tolerate a hot pepper spray solution. This may also deter “a pruning pet” [see below].Many of the strong smelling herbs such as mint, rosemary, opal basil, tansy and coriander planted throughout the garden will repel insects. Choose your herb carefully making sure to leave plenty of room for the “spreaders” like mint.
- Flowers That Add Color And Also Repel Insects:
- Marigolds repel aphids.
- Nasturtiums draw aphids away and repel whitefly & squash bugs.
- Geraniums keep beetles from roses.
- Petunias repel ants & black aphids.
- The Pyretheium flower which resembles a daisy is one of the most potent bug and insect repellents and can be ordered from most seed catalogs.
DOGGY DIETARY DETERRENTS... OR BAD TASTING POTIONS YOUR POOCH [OR PUSSYCAT / OTHER PET] WON’T LIKE
ALOE AGGRAVATION: use commercial aloe jell or partially peeled leaves [put in juicer or blender] from your plant and mix approximately 1/2 lb. to 2 gallons of water . Sprinkle on leaves or use medium size brush to paint on plant. This gives a bitter taste and also repels rabbits.
PEPPER POOCH AND PUSSYCAT PROHIBITOR: There are pepper sprays on the market made up of cayenne peppers and a water solution. Some contain wax to aid in the solution adherence. You can also make your own potion by placing 2 Tbs of cayenne pepper and 6 drops of dishwashing soap in one gallon of water. Place solution in a spray bottle and apply to plants make sure to avoid spraying when your pet is around so as not to get near eyes or fur.
KITTY CITRUS CONTEMPT NO.5 and No. 6: Cats don’t care for citrus! Spray a citrus scented oil such as oil of citronella lightly on the soil near your plants. Scatter pieces of orange and lemon peel over the ground around your plants. If left on all night, these peelings will also so attract snails in the garden that they will be found clinging to the pieces and can be readily picked off in the morning.
For more information, call: [760] 631-7886 and find out how you can get a copy of the upcoming “PLANTING WITH YOUR POOCH” garden book.
Pets and the Garden ...Can Your Plants and Pooch Be Friends?
Written by AdministratorAre you hesitating to adopt a pet for fear of losing your beautiful lawn or garden? Here are some tips that may help you, your pet AND the garden to coexist happily.
Sizing Up the Situation:You must first consider what type of plants you can have in the same area with your pet. You need to ensure that there are no plants that may be toxic to your pet, especially with a puppy or dedicated “chewer.” Toxic vegetation can include azaleas, foxglove, bleeding heart, lily-of-the-valley, oleander, philodendron, mistletoe, iris below ground stems, and bulbs of hyacinth, narcissus and daffodil. It might also be wise to give up on tender shrubs, like camellias with roots close to the soil surface, and to avoid sharp-leafed plants like yucca which can blind an animal. For more info, call your local Orange County Master Gardener Hotline at 714.708.1646 or go to www.uccemg.com.
Now that your pet is surrounded by safe plants, how do you keep your plants safe from your pet? Is your pet a “digger?” Digging is an ancient instinct going back to hunting days. For your dog, it may be related to comfort, hormonal urges or just plain fun. Compulsive digging often occurs when a dog is left alone for extended periods of time. Your pet may be expressing his loneliness in a very physical way. Daily leash walks with a chance to do some territorial “marking” can help.
If you have a true digger or area terrorizer, there is an option: You can divide the yard into two parts – one landscaped area for you and one for the dog. But remember that dogs like to be close to us, and if possible arrange it so he can perhaps even see in the house windows. Put a fence around his special area where it will be okay to dig and enjoy doggie fun. You may also bury some treats there for a “doggie” treasure hunt! Allow him in your part only when you are there to supervise his activities. Make his yard inviting to him; include some sand for digging, platforms for sunning (not too close to the fence for jumpers), include some chew toys, and perhaps a plastic swimming pool for those water loving breeds.
If you can catch your pet in the act of digging a hole, hold your dogs head to the hole and correct him in a low warning voice, then guide him over to his “ok” area and praise him soothingly. And remember, NEVER punish your animal in anger. Dogs speak tone of voice and body language, not English, and certainly not harsh punishment.
Desperate Measures:Severe digging behavior could lead to the necessity of a “hot wire” or other electronic pet enclosure device available at feed or pet supply stores. As with any electronic device, read the directions very carefully to avoid injury to small wildlife in the area.
Plants Good For Poochie and Pussycat Herbs Your Pets will "Dig"!
Written by AdministratorYou can put these wonderful plants for your Canine or Feline Herbivore in pots, or a garden of their own for casual "grazing." It is fascinating to see how they will instinctively choose what to eat and when. This can also give you tips on what might ail them. Remember herbs have a tendency to "spread," so choose your locations carefully!
Alfalfa, Barley, and Wheat grass- these grasses containing at least 20 amino acids are rich in proteins,vitamins and minerals and act as over all body tonics for both pet and owner (you might just picnic together on this lawn). You can also put in large, easily accessible planters to avoid spreading.Borage - A lovely blue-flowered plant good for upset intestines and bronchial type coughs.
Catnip - This herb notably attractive to most cats is good used in moderation to stimulate a lazy cat to exercise. If applied to a scratching post or toys it might make them more desirable to your cat than your new chaise lounge! Keep in pot and use sparingly.
Dandelion - Excellent for lymph system and as a blood cleanser and liver tonic. [At last it’s good for something!]
Fennel- Relieves cramps, constipation and may improve memory and reduce obesity.
Article from "Planting with your Pooch & Other Pets." Please call [760] 631-7886 for additional info.
Re-thinking Your Back Yard in a Pet-friendly Way
Written by Administrator
Some of you have just adopted a dog...hopefully from one of our wonderful shelters. Other pet owners may be considering some new land-scaping either as a direct result of fires or rainstorms here in Southern California, or are just considering updating the yard in general.We have multiple microclimates and geographical terrains here in San Diego and not all instructions are generally applicable. I would suggest before doing any new planting in your area that you call the Master Gardeners Association of San Diego County. They have a hotline number at (858) 694-2860 [also www.mastergardenerssandiego.org] and will be able to provide the latest information on your specific area.As for your new pooch, basic necessities for his safety and comfort include: good fencing, shady spots to lie in, shelter from the elements [unless you have a doggie door] and a good location for plenty of fresh water and food safe from insects...and dont forget toys! Checking out your dogs habit patterns can make the layout an easier solution. As you begin to think where everything should go, it would also be a good idea to ask yourself the following questions:
- Where does Poochie like to sleep when hes outside?
- Where is his favorite shady spot?
- Where is he starting to make paths in the yard? This usually involves a border near the fence... is this area dangerous to your pet or plants?
- Is he starting to dig or tear up the yard in general...or just certain spots?
Answering these questions can start you on the path to a pet-friendly yard. You can also access more information on pet-friendly landscaping, tips on eliminating bad habits, pet-safe plants and pesticides, and natural wildlife deterrents from your local shelter or from Planting with Your Pooch classes and information packets available here at PetLovers Publications [760] 631-7886. We all want you, your pooch and your plants to live happily in your yard together.Judy Macomber, Master Gardener and Editor of PetLovers Publications