Holding a positive attitude is all the rage right now. “If you focus on the things you don’t want, you will attract them to yourself” – is what’s on many peoples’ lips today. This no doubt is all very true, but without decrying the wisdom being imparted today, the amateur home gardener should be aware of the things that may be lurking in the backyard, some of which can actually endanger life and limb.

Poisonous plants

Admittedly, many plants are toxic to at least some extent. Some people are allergic to common favorites like Olive and Cypress trees. Furthermore, there is always the proverbial one in a million chance of a person being allergic to a particular plant that is not generally supposed to be allergenic. Taken to an extreme, we would be frightened of putting anything at all in the garden. There is of course no need for this. Nevertheless, common sense should prevail, and the life threatening species ought to be avoided. One such case in dry climate gardens, is the ornamental shrub Nerium Oleander, where all parts of the plant, if eaten, can be fatal. Even burning dry branches is liable to be dangerous.

Spiky and thorny plants

As with plants that posses some level of toxicity, the exclusion of every thorny species would mean that many excellent ornamental mainstays would be lost to the garden. Roses for instance, would suffer a banning order. Without going to such lengths, it is nonetheless prudent to avoid plants that can cause serious injury. The spikes of Yucca are horrific, and often spring out at a child’s eye level. I am always horrified to see them at the edge of a lawn, where children are innocently running around.

Another horror plant is the widely used date palm. (Phoenix dactilyfera) It is totally unsuited to a small garden or to any narrow space. I personally know a 5 year old boy who is suffering one year on after being stabbed in the arm from a date palm leaf, for the plant is not only dangerously thorny, but highly allergenic as well. If you want a palm tree in the garden, choose a non-violent type like Archontophoenix instead. For similar reasons, the Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) with its razor sharp leaves, should only be planted where there is no danger of people brushing passed it.

It is worthwhile therefore taking an inventory of the plants currently in your garden. Spikey plants in vulnerable places should be removed, while an expert specializing in poisonous plants should be consulted with, in order to ascertain as to which are dangerously toxic to an unacceptable degree.

My name is Jonathan Ya’akobi.

I’ve been gardening in a professional capacity since 1984. I am the former head gardener of the Jerusalem Botanical Garden, but now concentrate on building gardens for private home owners. I also teach horticulture to students on training courses. I’d love to help you get the very best from your garden, so you’re welcome to visit me on http://www.dryclimategardening.com

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Liliaceae

Appearance

Several varieties of Bulbinella Frutescens exist, some with long, thin racing green leaves, and some having a more yellowish leaf. The most common one is the yellow-flowered plant which looks a bit like a garlic chive but has round succulent leaves and grows to about 150mm (6ins)This is the bulbinella most commonly used as herb garden plants in many gardens as well as in rockeries.

History

Bulbinella has long been considered the pharmocopeia plant of the herbal world; the fleshy leaves yield a jelly like sap that has multiple virtues and applications – as you will see under the ‘usage’ section. Bushmen and iron age dwellers of Southern Africa knew and understood its virtues. It has long been a part of the traditional healers arsenal.

Usage

1. Medicinal Usage – Express some sap from a leaf to get immediate relief from:

Eczema
Fever blisters
Blisters
Pimples
Burns
Rashes
Itchy spots
Cracked skin
Cracked lips
Cold sores
Mouth ulcers
Sores and rashes on domestic and farm animals
Painful insect stings

2. Aesthetic Usage

Although referred to as herb garden plants, bulbinella is also regarded as a valuable landscaping plant for its reliable growth pattern and bright all year round colour. Drought and pollution resistant, it is almost impervious to frost.

3. Cosmetic Usage

Just like the better known and much vaunted Aloe Vera, extracts of bulbinella sap can be used as a basis for skin creams.

Cultivation

Bulbinella is a gardeners dream; simply split a bunch and replant without missing a beat. Wind resistant, drought tolerant and a prodigious grower – bulbinella is all this and more. Equally responsive to landscapers filling those awkward spots where nothing else can thrive and to apartment window sills, bulbinella responds well to light composting and regular watering and will reward the diligent gardener with hosts of flowers.

Propagation

Propagation is so easy that I feel guilty about including a sub-heading on the subject. Split a bunch of bulbinella and plant out or break off a leaf and plant. How about that.

Harvesting

Help yourself whenever you want but stop short of denuding the plant.

Pete Steel has grown herbs for 25 years in several different climates and soils. He reviews herb growing books and writes about herb garden plants and herb usage.

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Planning a garden can be a bit confusing if you do not understand how to use the many different types of flower garden plants. Using different plants effectively will lead to an excellent garden with blooming flowers throughout the entire season. Ornamental grasses, climbing vines, flower bulbs, biennial, annuals and perennials are all excellent garden plants. Each of these types of plants as well as species within the families will have their own growth requirement so you need to be aware of your soil type and yearly climate.

Perennials are flowering plants that bloom for a short time during the season, about two to four weeks. Despite this short flowering time they are extremely long-lived plants that will come back year after year. There are many perennials that will bloom at different times during the season. You should chose perennials that span the entire season to ensure you have bright spots of color the whole season long.

Annuals are different than perennials as the only last one season. Their entire growth cycle consists of one season as they grow, flower, produce seeds and die. Some popular annuals are the marguerite daisies, Brazilian verbena, cosmos, spider flower, nigella, sweet alyssum, and blue salvia to name but a few. These plants flowers last the entire season and are highly desired as they have lovely color.

Biennials are flower garden plants last one year longer then annuals as the first year they grow leaves and the second year they produce flowers. Then after the second year they die just like annuals. Biennials have a two-year lifespan. You rarely need to replant biennials, as they tend to re-seed themselves when found in gardens. Hollyhocks, verbascums and foxgloves are all biennials and produce stunning flowers.

Flower bulbs are a type of garden flower that store their organs in the ground. They store energy in the bulb for growth the next year. All bulbs do need a cold period in order to grow and germinate. Some popular summer bulbs are calla lilies, dahlias, canna lilies, begonias and gladioli. These bulbs need a cold season but it should not be below freezing, as a frost will damage the bulbs. Daffodils, crocuses, snowdrops and tulips are all early season bulbs.

Climbing vines are also lovely flower garden plants and a great choice if you have a lot of vertical space or trellises. Some easy to grow climbing vines that produce beautiful flowers are the morning glory, sweet pea, hyacinth and the clematis. These vines are all very easy to grow. Ornamental grasses are a good option as they produce color all year long, lovely greens during the summer, a color change and flowering in the fall and then a straw color during the winter. These grasses will move with the slightest breeze and provide texture to your garden. You can find grasses that thrive in shade and sun.

Get more tips on gardening and learn about more flower garden plants at Backyard Garden And Patio.

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