Foxgloves and a baby

[davholla]

About 18 months ago I planted fox gloves in the garden now we have a 6 months old baby.  Should I get rid of them to stop him killing himself next year?

[davholla]

[ACE]

I know of no dangers to children from foxgloves. There are always perils in a garden, just keep an eye on the babe.

[Mrs Ava]

That whole child safety issue is one that has been raised on these boards from time to time and I believe it is a very personal one - no matter what someone says, someone else will come along with a completely different opinion.

My stance has always been, education.  We have 3 children, 13, 10 and 8 and since they were born we have had a pond in the garden, prickly plants, poisonous plants and berry producing plants but we have spent time with the children teaching them about nature and what they can and can't eat/do/touch.  There is as more risk, in my opinion, of them being stung by a bee or wasp, than there is of them eating enough of something to harm them.

You must decide what is best for your family and for your peace of mind.

[Hyacinth]

Emma! Congratulations on what I think is a well-reasoned sensible post. 8) Obviously, davholla, it's up to you and what you feel comfortable with, but I hope you'll take EJ's thoughts on board when you make your decision?

[saddad]

Berries are far more of an attraction Davholla and until (s)he is walking they stay put, you still have 6-12 months until the motoring stage. Now privet berries are a real nuisance... and you can't rip up everybodies hedges...  :-\

[manicscousers]

we have a neighbour's laburnum tree hanging over our fence, I had to teach mine not to touch any part of it  :)

[davholla]

Emma! Congratulations on what I think is a well-reasoned sensible post. 8) Obviously, davholla, it's up to you and what you feel comfortable with, but I hope you'll take EJ's thoughts on board when you make your decision?

I will, I think I will leave the foxgloves - although a gooseberry bush there would be nice.

[saddad]

That will cause very regular grief for the next decade...   ::)

[davholla]

That will cause very regular grief for the next decade...   ::)

I am sorry but I did not understand that.

[saddad]

Thorns!  ;D

[grannyjanny]

You should be very careful about gooseberry bushes. I was told that was where I came from.
Janet.

[thifasmom]

ditto on EJ post thats the stance i've taken with my kids in our garden as well.

[davholla]

You should be very careful about gooseberry bushes. I was told that was where I came from.
Janet.

Ironically November 2007  I planted them for the first time - and  July 2008 got my first baby.

I want one more (baby) and a few more gooseberry bushes - they are 100x times nicer than the ones you can buy.

[saddad]

Which Babies or Gooseberries?
???

[davholla]

Which Babies or Gooseberries?
???

Gooseberries.   I don't think you can buy babies or sadly any gooseberries to eat which are not invicta or pax.

[thegreatgardener]

With my limit experience with young children my 2 neices.
children age 6month to 1.5 years will put just about any thing in there mouth. Since fox gloves are the the orginal source for a heart medicine I would keep them away from all small children.  Looks like ace is incorrect.

Have a nice day.

[Flunky]

With my limit experience with young children my 2 neices.
children age 6month to 1.5 years will put just about any thing in there mouth. Since fox gloves are the the orginal source for a heart medicine I would keep them away from all small children.  Looks like ace is incorrect.

Have a nice day.

Googletastic !!!!!!

I think the best course of action is to educate and keep an eye out for them.

[Dadnlad]

Agree completely with EJ

Not eating foxgloves can be taught just as easily as not grabbing hold of nettles :o