 Recently a video popped up in my YouTube feed. The Alnwick Garden Poison Garden I was fascinated by it, so I decided to google Poison Garden design and the most fascinating book title appeared... Botanical Curses and Poisons: The Shadow-Lives of Plants I knew some every day plants are considered by definition poisonous (a plant that when touched or ingested in sufficient quantity can be harmful or fatal to an organism_, however, I didn't realize that the list is so long. So, I decided to I walk through my backyard and see what plants have a shadow side:
I was surprised that "Stinging Nettles" wasn't on the list. Anyone that is familiar with this plant, knows that it is notorious for stinging everyone that does not respect its boundaries. A little secret for those who tend to get stung by Stinging Nettles - break the stem and put the milky liquid on the wound and it will stop the pain and itching immediately. The Stinging Nettle plant contains its own cure. I've grown this plant for years and I know my neighbors are annoyed by it (as they consider it a weed), but it is also one of the most nutritious plants around. Not only is it a great companion plant to your vegetables (feeds them nitrogen, magnesium, and potassium), but you can dry the leaves and make yourself a tea that is packed pull of vitamins and minerals. For this week's sound bath, I decided to share the beautiful music of my backyard Nettle patch (taped late summer). I also have a taped Jimson Weed - which has inspired me to start driving around the area next spring and summer and locating poisonous plants so that I can create a Poison Garden Nature Essence album. It's fascinating how stumbling across the Poison Garden is gently guiding me in a new direction. What have you stumbled across lately that excites you? |
Robin RosenstielStories to inspire you on your own journey to rediscovering joy in your life. Archives
July 2024
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