A Garden of Poisons

Environmental & Science Education, STEM, Biodiversity, Nature,

Ed Hessler

We know that some plants  are toxic or narcotic or poisonous but often not know much about them, including their sometimes life-saving properties. This video (6m 25s) from the BBC's REEL takes us to Alnwick Garden, Northumberland, England, which is described in the written introduction.

The Poison Garden at the Alnwick Garden in Northumberland, England is one of the deadliest gardens in the world. It features around 100 toxic, intoxicating, and narcotic plants. Visitors require a safety briefing before entering and gardeners must wear full-body protective clothing.

It may seem alarming, but many of the plants can be found in ordinary gardens, with people completely unaware of their poisonous potential. However, in many cases these deadly plants can also have life-saving qualities too, so truly understanding their potential to both harm and to cure is vitally important.