-----Original Message----- From: pbs-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:pbs-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org]On Behalf Of Diane Whitehead Sent: Saturday, January 27, 2007 2:56 PM To: Pacific Bulb Society Subject: Re: [pbs] noxious weed reasons Diane wrote: "Being deadly to humans doesn't necessarily count, and it took me a while to get Conium maculatum (which has killed one child here) removed from a public garden." As a director of a 'Public Garden' This comment disturbs me somewhat. While very aware of the responsibility of the safety and welfare of visitors to our gardens, banning species and varieties, takes us down a slippery slope. What next? Will there be a movement to remove the oleander, solanums, and lantanas? Will people be marching outside our gates demanding the removal of the euphorbias, hyacinths and artemisias because they can make your skin itch? Will the city council pass a resolution banning roses, cacti and agaves because someone might get poked? Taking a quick assessment of any garden you will most likely find more poisonous and dangerous plants than not. Personal responsibility has to come into play. Everyone, especially children, must realize a garden is fraught with danger No one is allowed to just willy nilly touch and ingest as one pleases. After welcoming children to our gardens for tours my next line is 'Please do not touch or taste anything in the garden!!!' A short explanation follows as to why. Just as you have to explain the perils of crossing a street, visiting a garden or a park, there can be danger in innocent behavior. I don't intend this diatribe to be critical of Diane. Death of a child is tragic and public reaction is called for. But education is more reasonable than banning or removal. Our gardens will suffer if limits are placed upon us what we can grow and what not. There is much debate on 'invasive species' or 'alien organisms'. I have not taken sides yet, I am listening and learning. I do recommend an interesting book; 'Invasion Biology, Critique of a Pseudoscience' by David I. Theodoropoulos. It certainly provides a compelling and alternate view of this subject. Terry Hernstrom Director, Gardens & Grounds Kimberly Crest House and Gardens Redlands, CA _______________________________________________ pbs mailing list pbs@lists.ibiblio.org http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/list.php