Re: brugmansia and other toxic plants

>Hi,
>After reading all the messages about Brugmansia, I decided I had to have
>one.
>Because there are children living on my street, should/must I warn the
>neighbours that the plant is poisonous?  I can check with the local
>police re the legalities involved.  What do the rest of you do in this
>regard?

>Cheers!
>Betty (Delta, BC, zone 8)
>

I think it is a responsible thing to be aware of which of our plants are
more toxic than others, but I, personally, don't get too carried away about
it.

I suppose if I had very small children around, I would at least place
certain plants where they were less accessable, at least until the children
could understand to avoid them.  As far as warning the neighbors, I really
don't believe this is necessary - it could result in the "forbidden fruit"
syndrome - actually causing more curiosity.   I have been growing Datura
meteloides for 20 years and have never had a problem.  In the southwestern
US, oleander is used extensively for landscaping and I have yet to hear of
mass poisonings.

The police tend to be paranoid about  things like this.  Many of us grow
Papaver somniferum in our gardens, yet don't create a culture of opium
addicts.    Let them concentrate on Cannabis if they must, but I'd rather
not encourage the "horticulture police".

The bottom line is to do what makes you the most comfortable.

Don Martinson
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin (Milwaukee suburb)
USDA Zone 5 (-10 to -20F)
AHS Heat Zone #4,  Map at: (  http://www.suite101.com/userfiles/79/hz1024.jpg )
l*@execpc.com

But list! A voice is near;
Great Pan himself low-whispering through the reeds,
Be thankful, thou; for if unholy deeds
Ravage the world, tranquility is here!"
              -Wordsworth, "Water Sonnets"
  

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