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An older man in red flannel waters pink petunias with a metal watering can while a small white Maltese sits watching. 35 / 35

Grandpa Tipped the Watering Can Over His Petunias. Pearl Kept a Careful Distance.

AI imagemaltesegardeningflowers

Water streams from the spout of a dented metal watering can, raining down over a bed of pink petunias, orange marigolds, and purple lavender. Grandpa Gus leans over the garden in his red plaid shirt and glasses, tipping the can carefully so each plant gets its fair share. Pearl sits on the edge of the bed in a little red collar, watching the water fall with a curious, slightly cautious expression, as though she'd rather not be part of the splash zone. Stacked terracotta pots, a basket of hand tools, a pair of work boots, and a tray of succulents fill the cozy patio behind them.

Gardens and dogs can coexist happily with a little planning. Some common garden plants, including certain lilies, foxglove, sago palm, and azaleas, can be toxic to dogs, so it helps to check before planting. Petunias and marigolds are generally considered low-risk, though eating any plant can sometimes upset a dog's stomach. Store fertilizers, pesticides, slug bait, and cocoa mulch well out of reach, as these can be very dangerous for pets. A fresh bowl of water outside on warm days keeps small dogs like the Maltese comfortable while you work.

Pearl seems content to supervise from a safe, dry distance. She's a garden companion in the truest sense: always nearby, always watching, and never once digging up the flowers.

A garden grows better with a little water, a lot of care, and a loyal friend sitting by the flower bed.

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