PLANT FOCUS
Not everything in the garden is quite as lovely as it seems. We discover the dark side of some of our favourite garden plants
We discover the dark side of garden flora with a look at poisonous species.
At this year’s RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, Paul Hervey-brookes’ garden, sponsored by Dogs Trust, was designed as a welcoming and safe space for both human beings and dogs. In particular, he made a point of using only plants that are non-toxic to dogs and in doing so, highlighted just how many of our common or garden plants, their beauty notwithstanding, have some potentially dangerous or harmful aspect and so require careful handling.
The foxglove, for example, is an English cottage garden classic and its tall spires are increasingly seen in town gardens, too; but beware, every part of this majestic plant is quite poisonous. However, while it is important to take great care not to ingest any part of the foliage, flowers or the seeds, the good news is that scientists have been able to harness its properties to make the cardiac drug Digitalis. Another familiar plant to treat with caution is
Arum maculatum, commonly called lords-and-ladies. This pops up out of the woodland floor like bright red-berried lollipops in autumn and blossoms with hood-shaped flowers in spring. While all parts are toxic, the berries are particularly so, and children should be taught never to eat them. We look at some more of our favourite garden beauties, to discover what they have been hiding in plain sight.
Important note If you think someone has touched or eaten part of a poisonous plant, seek medical advice immediately. Do not induce vomiting, and take a sample of the plant with you. In the case of an animal, seek veterinary advice.