Potential Dangers in the Garden

From the Fresno Bee, May 23:

When considering a garden, make sure you know which plants are poisonous and which ones aren't, especially when you have children, visiting grandchildren, cats or dogs. Children and dogs are more likely to be poisoned.

Some plants cause skin reactions and some need to be taken internally to be toxic. One interesting thing to consider: a dog may be resistant to poison ivy, but could get it on it's coat and transfer it to a person.

Two websites that have lists of toxic and nontoxic plants:
--- http://www.mnpoison.org
--- http://www.library.uiuc.edu/vex/toxic/comlist.htm

Another problem to watch for is the use of chemicals used for lawn and plant care [ie--fertilizers, insecticides]. Read and follow package instructions carefully when you use these products. "If you apply liquids or granular products that are watered in, the lawn should be dry before animals are allowed on it." Any baits used for insects [ie--snail or ant bait] may be tempting, as well as toxic, to cats and dogs.

. . . . .

Gard'n Judy here---you can avoid the above chemical problems if you use organic products. Please read the package instructions, there may be specific ways to use the product. I know that Sluggo (bait for snails and slugs) won't harm children, pets, or the birds that eat the slugs that ate the Sluggo; and that the snails and slugs do, indeed, eat it.