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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Planting an herbal garden that includes scented geraniums is not common to container gardening. Most gardeners think of scented geraniums as a floral plant, not an herbal plant but the species, called pelargonium, is an herb with many uses. This delightful herb has many different aromas and gorgeous colors to delight your senses. The scented geranium is best used in container gardening for two reasons. One, you can control the soil and moisture, and two you can bring it indoors when a frost is imminent.

The scented geranium was found in Africa in the 1600′s and shipped to England where it became most popular. The gardener of King Charles I grew a variety of scented geraniums in the royal greenhouse. The Victorians thought they were geraniums rather than an herbal plant but if you look at their asymmetrical leaves you can see the difference between scented geraniums and regular geraniums.

The scented geranium is truly a herbal plant for all seasons. It grows and has a lovely aroma throughout the spring and summer and when the chilly winds of autumn threaten this sturdy herbal plant will gladly co-exist inside with you. Nothing could be better when container gardening includes scented geranium with their exquisite flowers, lovely scented leaves, and sturdy characteristics for year round enjoyment of your senses.

True to their name scented geraniums come in a multitude of fragrances. Seemly, the favorite is the rose scented geranium but others are gaining popularity quickly. Some of the more robustly planted are the apple scented, peppermint scented, wood, like cedar or balsam, nutmeg and citronella (also know as the mosquito buster.) You can plant a whole container garden with this one type of plant and have a beautiful diversity. Their leaves alone will contrast interestingly to give you a spectacular container garden. The tiny smooth leaves of the nutmeg scented geranium, or Lady Mary, to the large musk scented leaves of the Lady Plymouth.

The rose scented geraniums are gaining popularity for calming and are increasingly used in mediation and for healing purposes. The plant truly releases a delicious rose scent when rubbed against or crushed. Just brush the leaves to release their scent or make a soothing rose geranium tea to help you relax.

There are many culinary uses for the scented geranium to delight your taste buds. Chop up the leaves and mix with your other favorite herbs such as chives or chervil or thyme to make interesting flavored butters or dips and spreads. A really clever way to use the leaves is to line a baking pan when making pies, puddings or cakes to impart a wonderful flavor to your desserts. Use them for desserts, syrups or custards for another unique flavor. You can even make flavored sugar by layer dry, fresh leaves with sugar. Let them sit a few days, remove the leaves and store the sugar in an air tight container. This can be used in teas, baking goods, or as a sugar scrub. They are delightful in baths and infused in water to rinse your hair.

The scented geranium is a great as a room freshener or added to potpourri. Try adding some to your vacuum bag or put them in a mesh bag and add them to your dryer for a new fresh scent for your clothes.

Scented geraniums are grown from cuttings taken from the mother plant. Cut three to four inches just above a leaf. Strip the lower leaves off and place in a rooting medium, such as a mix of sphagnum peat moss. Place your cutting in bright light and keep it moist. When roots have been established it is time to place it in your container garden. Make sure the soil is porous and fast draining.

When the scented geranium is indoors it is necessary to feed it once a week to ensure full leaf growth. Pinching back the plant not only encourages bushy growth but releases a delicious aroma into the air. Keep the soil evenly damp; do not over water them as this will kill them. They can come back from overly dry situations but not wet ones.

Now it is time to add this multi-talented plant to your container garden. Just one word of caution, once you get to know the scented geranium your herbal garden will never be without it.

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Mary Hanna is an aspiring herbalist who lives in Central Florida. Mary has also published articles on Cruising, Gardening and Cooking for more information on these subjects visit http://www.GardeningHerb.com, http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com, and http://www.ContainerGardeningSecrets.com

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