A garden adds colour to your yard - and your life!

But the maid service experts at MOLLY MAID note that if dogs or cats share your home, it's important to know that some common plants and flowers are actually toxic to animals. That doesn't mean you have to dig up the plants and get rid of them.  But you do have to keep a watchful eye on your pets especially if they tend to be chewers and eat just about anything.

If your pet digests any of these, symptoms can include: vomiting, diarrhea, excess salivation, loss of appetite, convulsions, hallucinations and/or kidney pain. If you think your pet is having a reaction, call your vet or take your pet to an emergency veterinarian clinic.

Here's a list of plants that pose a health risk:

1. Ivy
2. Carnations
3. Lilies
4. Baby's Breath
5. Tulips
6. Aloe Vera
7. Daffodils
8. Morning Glories
9. Poinsettias

If the leaves of your houseplants are looking dull - and let's face it, once winter starts to wrap up everything in the house starts looking dull - grab a jar of mayonnaise.

Yes, mayonnaise can help make leaves all beautiful and shiny again. And, that's one of those housekeeping details that can help keep your whole house looking and feeling fresh and clean!

Here's what you do:

1. Place a small amount of mayonnaise on a piece of paper towel
2. Gently rub each leaf.

It's a bit time-consuming but the healthy glow will last for weeks!

MOLLY MAID will post more of these neat cleaning tips over the next several days. And, with spring around the corner and spring cleaning on everyone's to-do list, the timing couldn't be better.  

Of course if you run out of time and energy, MOLLY MAID, an expert in cleaning services, would be pleased to help out.