Pretty dangerous

 

Pretty dangerous

Lily stamens stand proud of the flower

Many of the prettiest garden plants are toxic and potentially dangerous to domestic pets, though serious poisoning is very uncommon in the UK. Lilies are extremely poisonous. If an animal merely brushes against them, the pollen from the stamens will coat individual hairs and be ingested when the animal cleans its fur. Obviously, this applies more to cats, which are far more fastidious than dogs.

Close-up of pollen on lily stamens 

In the spring, we delight to see the dancing daffodils, which are toxic in every part, followed by stately tulips, which are equally poisonous. The tiny, dainty snowdrop carries poison throughout its structure, though the toxin is concentrated more heavily in the bulb.

Tulip

Hyacinths, sometimes overpoweringly fragrant? Toxic, particularly the bulbs, where the greatest concentration is found. Severe poisoning in dogs occurs when they dig up and chew newly planted tulip or hyacinth bulbs or have free access to great quantities of bulbs awaiting planting. Cats can be affected simply by smelling the flowers of hyacinths, indoors or out.

Hyacinth

Lily-of-the-Valley, that pretty, sweetly scented flower, is poisonous. In fact, there are very few garden plants that do not present a potential danger to our four-footed friends.

It is the youngest animals, the babies, and that includes human babies, who need to be watched most carefully, because they learn through their mouths. Older animals either do not have the urge to munch everything in sight, or discover that certain flowers make them feel a little unwell.

Primula (primrose)

Through many decades of human and animal babies, we have never had a problem with poisonous plants, though we have always avoided lilies and foxgloves, unless in the front garden, where our cats are not allowed and which our dogs pass through without lingering. Perhaps we have been lucky, but on balance, I think we will continue to grow primroses and crocuses, bluebells and hydrangeas, irises and chrysanthemums, love-in-a-mist and wallflowers. Our clematis will carry on clothing the garden arches with cascades of purple, pink or white blooms.

Love-in-a-mist 

We can safely appreciate our philadelphus, strawberries, blueberries and raspberries, lavender, rosemary, geraniums, roses and snapdragons, asters and violets, luscious honeysuckles and that dainty scented garden thug, jasmine, and the sweet, reliable, sometimes overlooked forget-me-nots.

Close-up of violet

Nature is on the move in the garden and soon the fruit trees will blossom. After that, as spring gives way to summer, an orgy of growth and colour will ensue, plants growing almost while we watch.

Forget-me-not