Perennials - Angel's Trumpet (Datura)
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  (August) In your recent article in the Home & Garden section, it mentioned how toxic Angel's Trumpets were. My sister has pulled all of these plants out of the garden, and I have been told to do the same. I have a seven year old grandson, but he doesn't eat the plants in my yard. I have heard, however, that simply walking close to these plants can cause problems. I really don't want to pull my plants, but will if needed.

  First of all, the article in question was not mine, but a DIY article written by someone else. While it is true that members of the Angel Trumpet family (Datura) can be poisonous if eaten, there is absolutely no truth that the air around them is toxic. I think sometimes people can overreact to what they read. If we were to remove every plant from our landscape that could have a toxic effect on people, we would be left with a pretty short list of plants to work with. Some of our common shrubs: azaleas, holly, Carolina jasmine, daffodils, boxwoods, hydrangeas, etc. are all on the list. As common as these plants are, we don't hear of widespread deaths from them or even people getting sick. The key is to educate yourself about the plants you have, but it is also not a good idea to try eating every plant in your yard Children and pets need to be taught what to put in their mouths and what not to. When doing yard work, wear gloves. Also, keep in mind that "poisonous" plant lists include plants that can cause a problem, from a rash up to something as serious as death. Poisonous does not mean deadly on these lists. Poison ivy causes me to break out in a terrible rash, but I am not likely to die from it. I can get a rash from English ivy if I work in close contact with it. Also, keep in mind that everyone reacts differently to different substances. Some people can roll around in poison ivy and not have any rash, while others can practically see it and break out (I am exaggerating! You do have to come in contact with the oils.) I would never try to determine how much of any plant can be eaten before harm is done. So in answer to your question, I do not think you need to pull your Angels Trumpets, nor any of the other above mentioned plants, but pay attention if you have small children or pets around who might be tempted.

 (September) I purchased several angels trumpet plants locally here in Desha County. They have had several blooms and are six feet tall and are planted in a flower bed. Will they usually be winter hardy here in southeast Arkansas? If not, what should I do to save them?

 There are two plants commonly called Angels Trumpet -- Datura and Brugmansia. Datura flowers normally face upwards and come in white or purple flowering forms, while the Brugmansia blooms usually face downwards and range in colors from yellow, orange, pink and white. The Datura forms are usually hardy throughout most of Arkansas (although they do die to the ground in the winter), while the Brugmansia forms vary by variety. Most are not hardy past zone 8. In Desha County, I would think you should be safe, unless we have a particularly cold winter. My guess, from the size plant you have is that you are growing a Brugmansia, which usually grow much larger than the Datura. Mulch them extra for the winter. If they are in the containers, they will be less hardy and should be moved indoors.

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