Two White Puppies and a Pony Lined Up to Inspect the Garden Bed

Three heads line up along the edge of an old raised garden bed. Two fluffy white Samoyed puppies, with pointed ears and tongues peeking out, look over the wooden rim, and a shaggy tan pony leans in on the right to inspect the soil. Leafy greens and bits of moss dot the earth below, and a garden fence, tools and a blue watering can sit in the background. Their ears all tilt the same way, as though they have just heard something interesting underground.

We could call the pony Clover and the puppies Flurry and Flake. They look like a group of tiny, serious garden inspectors, each with a slightly different opinion about the lettuce.

Samoyed puppies are cheerful, fluffy and outgoing, famous for their upturned mouths that look like smiles. Their thick double coats need regular brushing, and they are happiest with company and lots of activity. In the garden, curious dogs and ponies may dig or nibble, so it helps to know which plants are unsafe. Common culprits include onions, garlic, rhubarb leaves and some bulbs. A low fence around a raised bed can protect your crops and your animals. Wash hands after gardening, and ask your vet for a list of safe plants if you plan to share your yard with pets.

Flurry, Flake and Clover look ready to give the garden a thorough review.