Plants Cannot Fight Back

It should go without saying that plants cannot, in fact, fight mammals. Sure, some South American plants are carnivorous; poison-ivy is a nasty, nasty vine; and, there’s a good chance that the Spanish Inquisition was overseen by a rose bush, but that’s beside the point. Having pets or children will influence what’s planted in your yard and what plants are potted in your house.

For the backyard, look for dense, hardy shrubs like hollies, junipers, acuba, mock orange, even anise bushes (plants thrive in zone 7). Some heirloom tea roses also make for good garden shrubs, but they may lack the large blooms of the more popular knock-out roses. Still, survival is key. To soften and add interest to the space, plants like Pachysandra, Ajuga, Lenten Rose, Yucca and Nandina can be great resources. Some bulbs also weather well, like iris and daylilies.

In the house, also choose hardy plants like snake plants and succulents (soft to the touch but tough growers). For a unique hanging plants, look at the Davallia (Hare’s Foot Fern).

Cast Iron Plant (great for indoors or outdoors)