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An elderly Black woman in a green hoodie waters a flower planter by a window as a tricolor Australian Shepherd watches. 24 / 28

Mae Watered Her Petunias by the Window. Her Garden Inspector Arrived Right on Cue.

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Water sprinkles from a silver watering can over a planter box full of pink petunias, blue cornflowers, and orange marigolds. Mae stands by the window in an olive green hoodie, glasses tucked into the collar, tipping the spout carefully over the blossoms with a contented smile. Bandit sits right up against the planter with his nose near the flowers, mouth open in a happy pant and his blue collar showing against his black fur. Potted herbs line the windowsill behind them, a canvas bag of gardening tools rests nearby, and a basket of folded towels and a pair of sneakers sit by the wall.

Indoor and windowsill gardens are a lovely hobby, but they're worth planning with pets in mind. Many common houseplants and flowers are safe, while others can be harmful if chewed. Plants such as lilies, sago palm, oleander, azalea, foxglove, and dieffenbachia are among those known to be toxic to dogs. Before bringing a new plant home, check a reliable pet-safe plant list. Potting soil may contain fertilizers or pesticides, so discourage digging in planters, and store garden chemicals, plant food, and slug baits well out of reach. Excess water in drip trays can grow mold or bacteria, so empty trays regularly. Australian Shepherds are curious and clever, so raised planters or barriers can help keep noses out of the soil. If your dog chews a plant you're unsure about, contact your vet or a pet poison hotline.

Mae tends the flowers, and Bandit supervises with great enthusiasm. Their windowsill garden is thriving under the care of two dedicated gardeners.

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