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