Two things about Roger’s piece on edible plants caught my attention. He wrote “sometimes the novelty of finding out that a given plant has been used for food leads to intemperate discussion of it. An example is rue, which as far as I know is not palatable, and may be toxic, but which is described with little gasps of delight as having been used in salads. Phooey on that!” I’m in no hurry to try it. However, Mrs.Fox (early twentieth century writer on herbs and lilies among other things) quotes Marcel Boulestin (early twentieth century French cook who emigrated to England and conducted a successful writing career) “chopped [rue] leaves and brown bread make good sandwiches.” I’ll take their word for it. Roger also wrote: “Be aware that ordinary culinary alliums are toxic to dogs and cats.” I wonder. Many vets prescribe garlic, and lots of it, in food for dogs. Evidently it helps repel fleas. I have a hunch it’s the leaves which are the problem, not the bulbs. Does anyone know for sure? Jim McKenney jimmckenney@jimmckenney.com Montgomery County, Maryland, USA, 39.03871º North, 77.09829º West, USDA zone 7 My Virtual Maryland Garden http://www.jimmckenney.com/ BLOG! http://mcwort.blogspot.com/ Webmaster Potomac Valley Chapter, NARGS Editor PVC Bulletin http://www.pvcnargs.org/ Webmaster Potomac Lily Society http://www.potomaclilysociety.org/