image and film from internet
Gardener, Know Thy Garden. Gatherer, Know Thy Garnishings
That bloom upon your table, trees in your “empty” lot
might feature in a bloody murder mystery’s plot.
Its fruit looks so inviting. Its seeds you gather with care,
just as an adornment, but there’s more than beauty there.
One drop can bring your ending. One fruit can cause great pain.
One time unknowingly eaten, you’ll never taste again.
Be careful what you gather and use care in your adorning.
What’s beautiful and delicious can kill without a warning!
(I’m adding this to Cee’s daily flower posting as I think it is important for us all to know that what is pleasing to the eye and palate is not always as innocent as it appears to be.)
Below are all photos of deadly plants and seeds that I’ve taken that are in my own garden, my jewelry box, or the gardens of friends. Who knew? I could go on with photos of lantana, lilies, oleander, but I’ve just been informed my startup disk is full again, so I’ll leave it to you to get to know your own garden. I’ve gotten rid of all the lantana because for some reason my dogs love eating it. Also my lilies, as some varieties can kill a cat who brushes up against them and then licks its coat.
Datura from beside my friend Harriet’s door. jdbphoto
My “empty” lot next door is filled with these deadly tree-sized castor bean plants. jdbphoto
Castor beans going to seed jdbphoto
Castor bean flowers jdbphoto
I’ve seen young girls in Bali drilling these seeds to string as jewelry. One slip of the drill could bring about their end. These earrings were purchased in Mexico. I’ve purchased others in Peru. Widely used for ornamentation, they are deadly poison. jdbphoto
lifelessons - a blog by Judy Dykstra-Brown 
So many so deadly — it’s a wonder we all live through childhood!
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Or that any dogs and cats live. I guess they have a natural instinct, but my dogs were eating lantana, for sure. I love it but had to dig it all up.
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I’m really glad I don’t eat plants as a general rule that grow wild. Great photos ….. just don’t eat them.
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I never will again. Actually, short of berries I never did but now no berries either, just in case.
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Yikes, that first one is wicked looking!
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That was Delightful! The poem and pictures beautiful together. All of these are new to me. Thanks for the education.
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Thanks, April.
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“That bloom upon your table, trees in your “empty” lot
might feature in a bloody murder mystery’s plot.”
Loved these two lines. My mind went wild with thoughts!
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Not dark ones, I hope. Come back to the light, Roger!!!!
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