There are so many varieties of plants that can beautify your garden or landscape.  Often plants are selected because they have a certain desired look or color, but you may want consider more that just what is aesthetically pleasing when planning your garden.  If you have pets, there may be some plants that you will want to avoid, especially if you will be planting in an area that they will have access to.

May plants can be harmful to cats and dogs (or other pets for that matter).  Symptoms can range depending on the animal and the plant.  In some cases, symptoms are mild.  For instance, catnip can be grown and can cause hyperactivity in cats (some people purchase forms of catnip at the store).  In some cases, mild symptoms could be slight nausea.  In more severe cases, serious health risks could occur (including death).

It is not always the entire plant that is poisonous, like a buttercup.  In some instances, it is the seed or the bulb that is toxic.  For example daffodil and hyacinth bulbs can be toxic if your pet eats them.  In other cases, it might be the berries that the plant produces.  If you suspect that your pet may have come in contact with a poisonous plant, or is displaying symptoms that aren't normally, you will want to contact your veterinarian.  Below are some links that might be helpful.  The first is a page by the Humane Society that is a list of poisonous plants.  The second is the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals which lists symptoms if your pet has encountered a specific plant.  Both sites warn that the lists are not of all plants that could be harmful.  They do list several common varieties for informational purposes.

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/protect_your_pet_from_common_household_dangers/common_poisonous_plants.html

http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc_toxicplants