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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Gardens4u.co.uk on January 28, 2010 at 17:07

i would think so !! but not 100% if they dont 'look' edible they usually are poisonous.....

ive grown up eating a few berries - rosehips ,damsons, crab apples .............so have a good instinct.

i dont fancy those 'bright red' berries in my mouth . spells danger to me - sorry :-/

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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Gardens4u.co.uk on January 28, 2010 at 17:09

All parts of aucubas are poisonous. This is very good news if you have a deer or rabbit problem, but you want to site these shrubs carefully while keeping this fact in mind if you have children or pets around who may eat the shrubs.
http://tinaramsey.blogspot.com/2009/03/aucuba-japonica.html

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Permalink Reply by Janine Pattison on January 28, 2010 at 17:24

Thanks Robin, I'll delete them from my planting plan:) and find something else.

Janine

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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Gary RK on January 28, 2010 at 17:28

As much as can remember from my Horticultural training, all parts of Aucuba japonica (Spotted Laurel) are considered poisonous if ingested and normally needs Doctor or A&E involvement. If it were a small child I would imagine the results are more 'intense'.

I know the HTA do a great plant list that shows all plants considered dangerous (ie irritant, poisonus etc). I've got a copy somewhere, if I can find it I'll scan it and post it.

If someone can confirm the above, that would be great or correct me if I am wrong

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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Gardens4u.co.uk on January 28, 2010 at 17:28

Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Leaves.

Leaves - cooked. An emergency food[177]. It would have to be quite an emergency to convince me to eat them[K].

http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Aucuba+japonica

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Permalink Reply by Andy Woodason on January 30, 2010 at 22:44

Hi Robin, just to let you know we have Aucubas here that have been eaten by deer on a regular basis. I myself planted these thinking they were safe from these pests.

Robin Ainsworth said:

All parts of aucubas are poisonous. This is very good news if you have a deer or rabbit problem, but you want to site these shrubs carefully while keeping this fact in mind if you have children or pets around who may eat the shrubs.
http://tinaramsey.blogspot.com/2009/03/aucuba-japonica.html

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Permalink Reply by John on January 30, 2010 at 23:24

I have always thought that an area full of stinging nettles in the garden is a great way to teach children about the dangers of plants.

Much better than all those boring lectures.

Although I did learn at an early age, the trick that enables you to grab them without being stung. But that is another story.

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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Gardens4u.co.uk on January 30, 2010 at 23:58

do dock-leaves always grow near nettles , ??

Ace Garden Services - John said:

I have always thought that an area full of stinging nettles in the garden is a great way to teach children about the dangers of plants.

Much better than all those boring lectures.

Although I did learn at an early age, the trick that enables you to grab them without being stung. But that is another story.

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Permalink Reply by John on January 31, 2010 at 11:48

Usually they can be found close by, but I do not think it is the dock leaf that helps alleviate the pain. The rubbing sensation overides the pain, something to do with the way the nerves are wired into the brain.
Grabbing the stinging nettles with 100% concentration usually prevents you from getting stung. People say that it is down to the way the tiny barbs ? are facing, but the technique works for whatever direction you want to run your hand along the plant.

Robin Ainsworth said:

do dock-leaves always grow near nettles , ??

Ace Garden Services - John said:

I have always thought that an area full of stinging nettles in the garden is a great way to teach children about the dangers of plants.

Much better than all those boring lectures.

Although I did learn at an early age, the trick that enables you to grab them without being stung. But that is another story.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Rice on January 31, 2010 at 14:08

Hi Janine - I'd suggest Elaeagnus as an alternative - similar form, height, spread; tolerates light shade, evergreen; can use "straight green" or "varied" foliage cultivars, has attractive silvery underside to the foliage; has insignificant but fragrant flowers and produces edible berries. It also fixes Nitrogen - wonder plant or what!

Steve R.

Janine Pattison said:

Thanks Robin, I'll delete them from my planting plan:) and find something else.

Janine

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Premium SupplierPermalink Reply by Ofer El-hashahar on January 31, 2010 at 23:43

Hi Janine,

a well known designer said once:
'' If you have a poison plant in your garden you can teach your children and they will be safe, if you do not have it - they are under risk of eating it somewhere else''

I adopted this attitude in many gardens that I made- sure it was up to the customer to decide.
I found that children are not eating anything!


I recently saw amazing garden that I made in Israel with the biggest datura that I have ever seen - near a wooden jacuzzi in a raised deack

that datura had lots huge orange flowers- I saw it at night and it was magical.

due to the fact it is poison plant, it is really hard to find it in gardens -in Israel.

(It can not grow in the uk) I was glad that they agree to have it.

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Permalink Reply by Janine Pattison on February 1, 2010 at 11:25

Good advice, Ofer. Much better to teach children what not to eat than over-protect them. The datura sounds great, did you get any photos? I suppose the conditions you have to deal with are quite different to the UK. Today we have a deep frost and the landscapers are struggling to get much done. We are due to plant up a whole new garden on Friday - everything is arranged; plants, compost, labour, mulch etc so hoping that we don't need to postpone.
All the best
Janine

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