What Kind Of Vegetable Do You Get When An Elephant Walks Through Your Garden?… Squash!
I hope everyone is staying cool and hydrated during this hot spell. There seems to have been a few incidences of over heating although we’ve had it way hotter than the current temperatures but with the additional humidity it makes it easier to get into a medical problem if not careful. Hopefully the rain that has been forecast does make an appearance and without the thunder and lightning which have started a couple of fires.
In the last little while I have noticed a new weed that with some research have found to be an issue and should be watched for and irradiated if possible. Hoary Alyssum also known as False Hoary Madwort is an invasive weed that tends to grow in dry, disturbed sites. This includes Roadsides, rail embankments, Range land and is also invading yards and hay fields.
It is spread by seed only and is considered a bi annual the seeds can spread rapidly by birds, the wind, footwear, animals and contaminated hay. It is very toxic to horses it will cause fever, edema and will cause them to founder. It is not toxic to other animals or humans as a matter of fact it is used to garnish fruit, cakes and is also used in soups and salads. It is a strong flavoured member of the mustard family. Medically it is used by naturopaths for treating colds, coughs, and abdominal pain. It is a natural diuretic that is used to treat water retention, edema and to treat kidney disease. It also attracts predator insects that devour aphids and such. However the spread of this plant will cause more damage than good. Fortunately it is easily pulled before it seeds out. These should not be put in your compost but instead bagged and burned when possible or taken to a landfill. You will recognize this weed by its grey green foliage with star shaped leaf hairs and then its small white flowers and later by its many many seed pods that will rapidly spread.
I’m sure any of us with pets have wondered about what plants can be a danger to our dogs and cats, and there are many. Here is a list that contains many but not all of the plants one would normally see in our houses and gardens. The symptoms range from drooling, nausea, abdominal pain, lethargy, diarrhoea and some can even cause more serious symptoms like central nervous system depression, erratic or slowed heart rates, tremors, convulsions and even death. Watch young animals closely when out in the yard and if you think or have seen them playing with or ingesting any garden plant be sure to watch for any unusual behaviour or symptoms and try and get a sample of the plant that may be suspected to be the cause of this behaviour. Here is the list of the most common plants.
Daffodil, Lily, Poinsettia, Hydrangea, Tulip, Aloe, Amaryllis, Yew, Begonia, Crocus, Chrysanthemum, Coleus, Dracaena, Iris, Larkspur, Laurel, Lavender, Leeks, Onion, Verbena, rhubarb, Hosta, Holly, Geranium, Day Lillies, Dahlia, Yucca, Portulaca, Shamrock, Eucalyptus, Nasturtium, Yew, Morning Glory, Bleeding Heart, Sweet Pea, Azalea, Rhododendron and Baby’s Breath. Tomatoes are not good either and Herbs like Lovage, Mint, Marjoram, Oregano, Thyme, Tarragon, and Chamomile all can pose a threat. The leaves, stems and seeds from trees like Apple, Plum, Apricot, Peach and Cherry all contain cyanide and are definitely not to be chewed on or consumed by animals. Be vigilant and ensure your animals are trained early not to mess around in your garden and all should be well.
Happy Gardening!
Samantha Nason
BS Ranch & Greenhouses
250 547 6567
sam1nason@gmail.com
