Grandma Was Watering Her Petunias. Pip Made Sure He Was the Real Showstopper.
A gentle shower sparkles from the spout of a galvanized watering can, splashing over pink and violet blooms in the garden bed. Grandma June crouches behind it in her denim jacket and glasses, silver braid draped over her shoulder, watching the water soak into the soil with quiet satisfaction. Bright petunias, small purple flowers and a few orange blossoms crowd the edge of the bed. In the foreground, Pip sits tall and handsome, his silky coat catching the light and his big dark eyes looking straight ahead as if he knows he is the real centerpiece of the garden. Potted plants, a fence and gardening gloves fill the sunny yard behind them.
Gardening alongside a dog is a lovely way to spend a morning, but it is worth knowing which plants are pet-safe. Petunias are generally considered non-toxic to dogs, which makes them a nice choice for pet-friendly beds. Other popular garden plants, such as lilies, azaleas, foxglove and sago palms, can be dangerous if eaten. Fertilizers, weed killers and slug baits can also be harmful, so follow label directions and store products where pets cannot reach them. Small dogs like Yorkies can get chilled after being splashed, so towel them off if they wander into the spray. If your dog eats an unfamiliar plant, call your vet.
The flowers are getting their drink, and Pip is getting plenty of admiring glances. It is a perfect morning in June's little garden.






