Very young children will put things in their mouths and this is no exception in the garden. You will need to monitor them closely when in the garden.

As children get older you can encourage them to understand and grow plants in the garden. But with this educate them never to eat anything growing unless you tell them it is safe to do so.

This is when you think, do I know what is safe?

Garden Plants that make you sick

Here is a list of plants that can cause sickness

• bluebells (root bulbs)
• honeysuckle (berries)
• delphinium (all varieties are poisonous but not fatal)
• lupin
• lily of the valley
• privet
• rhododendron
• snowdrop
• wisteria
• potato plant (all parts except the potato itself)
• rhubarb (leaves and when raw)
• laburnum (seeds and pods)
• cotoneaster (berries)
• pyracantha (berries)
• fuchsia
• mistletoe
• holly (berries and leaves)

There are charts and books that show you what these plants look like. Take this list with you when you go shopping for plants and if you are unsure ask for advice.

Poisonous Garden Plants

• cherry laurel
• deadly nightshade
• woody nightshade
• foxgloves
• yew
• alder
• byrony
• ivy with berries
• monkshood

If you think your child has eaten a poisonous plant

• remove any remaining parts of the plant from their mouth
• do not try to make them vomit
• ring Accident and Emergency at your local hospital or NHS direct 0845 4647 for advice
• keep a sample of the plant and take it with you if you go to the hospital

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