On Sun, 30 Mar 2003 01:18:13 GMT, Bill Gates
wrote:

I am new to gardening and I have a patio that receives full sun all
day long. I live in the south, North Carolina to be exact. I would
like to put some plants on my patio, perhaps some vine type plants and
other flowering plants to cover up the incredible ugly iron gate which
is there.

To this add that I have cats so I need to be careful to put plants
that are safe for comsumption for cats, should they get out. With all
that said, as I am new to plants and gardening does anyone have any
ideas or recommendations for Cat Safe, easy care and full sun tolerant
plants for one's patio?

Sun-tolerant is easy -- almost any flowering plant or herb. Trumpet
vine is a pretty wildflower that should cover your gate quickly.

http://www.scienceu.com/library/arti...mpet_vine.html

As for cat-safe -- just look up the plants you're attracted to, and
check for toxicity. Cats differ (understatement of the year!) -- mine
isn't a plant-nibbler, but some are.

I just stumbled across this site:

http://wellness.ucdavis.edu/safety_i...of_plants.html

IMHO, very few landscape plants are toxic, and those that are, are
well-known.

With hot summers and full sun, your main problem may be keeping plants
in pots sufficiently watered. Once or even twice a day may be required
in hot weather. Also, top up the pots after a windy day -- that
increases evaporation both from soil and plants.

Geraniums, thyme, and lamb's ears. Marigolds. Small ornamental chiles
and patio tomatoes. Basil.