Non Toxic Garden
By John15
United Kingdom
Hi - My brother has Autism & lives in a shared house with others under 24/7 care staff, they have a garden in which I would like to plant some flowers/shrubs to brighten up this space & enhance their world with colour. The problem that I have is that one of the housemates tends to eat flowers/plants etc, I therefore need to identify & be advised on a range of plants that would not prove toxic to this person or others, but supply them with colour & scent.
I would like to thank you in advance for any help & advice that you can offer me.
Best Regards - John Isham
- 31 Dec, 2009
Answers
John there is a comprehenisve list of toxic garden plants on Google. Just type in Toxic Garden Plants and its at the top of the page.
We were only discussing the lack of such information the other day, at garden centres etc.
Good luck.
31 Dec, 2009
Wagger, we crossed in the post, well in a way!
31 Dec, 2009
A sensory garden would be nice, for taste and smell there are many non toxic herbs.
31 Dec, 2009
Far more plants than most folk imagine are toxic, whether they just give you an upset tummy or actually poison you... Once you've got a list together John you are welcome to run it by us in case we spot anything you've missed on the toxic front. Good luck!
31 Dec, 2009
See what you mean, Mad, lol.
31 Dec, 2009
In simple terms, here are a few. You can get Nasturtiums, Stocks (Ten week) English pot Marigolds, (Calendula). Sweet Peas (sown now in pots), gives you a good start, first year display.
In Autumn, Wallflowers, Polyanthus and Pansies, bulbs can be bad news as they can be dug up and eaten by animals. Good soil is all they need without bulk fertilisers. Andrea's herbs could be an added extra. All these plants will withstand wear and tear.
31 Dec, 2009
lavender then should be a 'must have'
31 Dec, 2009
Hello John have sent you a pm
31 Dec, 2009
All the best with your lovely gift which will enhance so many lives. sue x
1 Jan, 2010
Have you thought about growing vegetables and fruit in their garden?
1 Jan, 2010
Will that give the resident the same joy as flowers Ian? Also parts of some fruit and vegetables are toxic. F & V will also require more work and effort than just having non-toxic flowers.
2 Jan, 2010
Your very right MG, F & V will take more looking after but I do know of a scheme where people with similar conditions have a veg patch in their garden and they love it and care for it themselves. I know this would take an awful amount of work to set up but in the long run could help the residents to learn a lot more than just having a lovely flower bed would.
Holly goes there every so often (for assessment) and I roll my sleeves up and help out while the Dr's. are doing their thing. The residents at the centre are sooooo proud of the work they have done and the veg is as good as any I can grow.
2 Jan, 2010
I guess we need to hear what John has to say on the topic Ian...
2 Jan, 2010
I would like to thank all respondants to my question, I have now to sit down and work out what will suit this garden. It may be a while before I have sorted
this but I will come back with my ideas etc for comment.
Again thanks to all - John15
4 Jan, 2010
Good luck John, keep us posted and - maybe even a quick blog with pix. once you've sorted?
4 Jan, 2010
I would work this from the opposite direction - a list of plants to NOT include. Have a look at : http://www.which.co.uk/documents/pdf/poisonous-garden-plants-153943.pdf
A comprehensive list to check your planting list with.
31 Dec, 2009