The yard

What's planted, what it needs, and when to leave it alone.

3 of these aren't safe around pets

You told us there are animals in the house. Hydrangeas, six of them, Boxwood hedge, Sago palm — the sago palm is the serious one, and its seeds are the worst part of it.

What's planted

Live oak

Front yard, near the driveway

: Established — only in a long drought
: Late winter, never in spring or early summer (oak wilt)

Roots are close to the drive. Watch for lifting.

Hydrangeas, six of them

Not pet safeZone 3

North side bed

: Deep soak twice a week in summer
: Right after they flower — cut in spring and you remove next year's buds

Toxic to dogs and cats if eaten in quantity.

Boxwood hedge

Not pet safeZone 1

Along the front walk

: Weekly, more in the first summer
: Twice a year, spring and late summer

Bermuda lawn

Zone 2

Front and back

: Deep and infrequent beats daily and shallow — it drives roots down

Luis does this every other Tuesday.

Sago palm

Not pet safe

Back patio pot

: Let it dry between waterings

Seriously toxic to dogs — the seeds especially. Worth moving out of reach.

Raised vegetable bed

Zone 5

Back fence, sunny corner

: Daily in summer, early morning

Irrigation zones

Which valve waters what. The thing you need at the controller and never have.

1Front beds and boxwood12 min

2Front lawn20 min

3North side bed15 min

4Back lawn20 min

5Vegetable bed drip line25 min

6Back patio pots8 min

The shutoff is behind the left planter. Worth knowing before a head shears off and you're looking for it in the dark.