Unveiling the Deadly Secrets of The Poison Garden! #funfacts #didyouknow #london #sequoia

Only Toxic Plants: The Poison Garden is home to over 100 toxic, intoxicating, and narcotic plants. All plants are either deadly or dangerous, and touching or smelling them can cause harm!

Deadly Purpose: The Poison Garden was created in 2005 by the Duchess of Northumberland. She wanted it to be both educational and fascinating, showing visitors how some plants can heal but also kill.

Mandrake Root: This garden features the infamous mandrake root, which has been linked to ancient myths. Legend has it that the plant screams when uprooted, though in reality, it contains powerful toxic alkaloids.

Locked Gates: The gates to the Poison Garden are always locked, and visitors can only enter on a guided tour to ensure safety. Many of the plants are so dangerous that they are fenced off, with warning signs everywhere.

Illegal Plants: Some plants growing in the Poison Garden are so toxic or mind-altering that they are illegal in the UK, like cannabis, coca (from which cocaine is derived), and opium poppies. Special government licenses allow their presence for educational purposes.

Beware the Monkshood: Monkshood, also known as “wolf’s bane,” is a common plant in the garden. It’s incredibly toxic and was once used in ancient times to poison wolves and even humans.

Belladonna’s Dark History: Deadly nightshade, or belladonna, is one of the most notorious plants in the garden. Historically, it was used as a poison in assassination plots, but it was also used in cosmetics to dilate pupils, giving women a more “attractive” look.

Foxglove’s Double-Edged Power: Foxglove may look beautiful, but it contains digitalis, a powerful compound that can treat heart conditions or lead to fatal heart failure if improperly used.

The Poison Garden is a reminder that nature can be as deadly as it is beautiful!