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Gardening: Plants to avoid

Whilst we enjoy our garden and all it has to offer us, we also need to be aware of the potentially dangerous plants and flowers we could be growing. Even the most beautiful of flowers or the innocuous looking shrub could be poisonous if eaten.

But don't think you need to rush out and concrete over your greenery, as serious plant poisoning is very rare in the UK. The best thing you can do is educate your children never to put anything in their mouths without asking you first. Make it the number one rule:

"if it's from the garden, don't eat it - ask a grown up first."

Symptoms of poisoning include stomach ache and cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea and very occasionally convulsions and irregular heartbeat. If you suspect your child has eaten a poisonous plant, telephone your local casualty department or GP. If you do have to see a doctor then take some of the plant with you or at least make sure you can describe it properly if you don't know the name.

We've put together a brief list of the most common poisonous plants you might find in your garden below. This isn't a complete list of all poisonous plants though. Just assume every plant is poisonous unless you know different.


Plants to Avoid

Azalea & Rhododendron

Daffodil bulbs

Hyacinth bulbs

Holly

Ivy

Lupins

Poppies

Potatoes, the green tubers, leaves and fruits

Privet leaves and berries

Rhubarb leaves

Tomatoes leaves and stem

 

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