The Poison Garden
About The Feature
Come face to face with some of the most deadly plants in the world. From belladonna (deadly nightshade) to tobacco plants, this garden is not for the faint hearted!
An educational garden full of mystery and intrigue, the Poison Garden is a place to hear ancient plant lore and learn about the dangers and benefits of plants.
Garden historian Caroline Holmes, working as a consultant for the Poison Garden, selected the planting to fit with the Wirtz designed garden. Caroline says "it's meant to be something of a secret place containing wild plants to poison the mind and body".
With Home Office approval, cannabis and magic mushrooms are some of the drugs grown in this garden, and programmes are being developed in consultation with the Education Department’s Drug Awareness Team. This garden is also a natural resource for programmes on other aspects of health, diet, history, heritage and gardening.
What You'll Experience
Once the giant gates have been locked, entering through intimate ivy-covered tunnels you will see plants displayed in flame-shaped beds and some that need to be kept behind metal bars for safety reasons. Trained guides share fascinating myths, legends and truths of how plants have killed and cured throughout the ages.
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