Garden

It can be surprising to see how many of our favorite Christmas plants, which we bring into our homes to decorate, are not kid or pet friendly. Then even more Spring and Summer blooms we should admire from a distance.

Here are 10 plants to be mindful of if you have young child(ren) or pets.

1. Amaryllis

   Isn't it so fun to have an Amaryllis for the holidays and watch it grow? The blooms are so big and brighten up the room, but the toxin in the bulb as well as the sap can make you very sick if ingested. If you do want one of these plants in your home, it's best to keep these located high and out of reach for young children or pets, such as on an entryway table or a mantle.

   
   

   Common side effects if ingested: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain; sap can cause irritation to skin, mouth or gums
   

   

   
   

2. Mistletoe

   There's a reason this Christmas favorite is hung - to invite a smooch or two, but also because it should not be easily accessible for children or pets. Accidental doses are mild, but if a large amount is consumed, low blood pressure and heart rate issues can occur.

   
   

   Common side effects if ingested: Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
   

   

   
   

3. Poinsettia I so hate to see this on the list, and though side effects are usually not severe, it's best to keep these out of reach for children and pets as well. Common side effects: If ingested, nausea and vomiting. If touched, rash, itching or burning sensation for some.
   

   

   
   

4. Christmas Trees To varying degrees, of course. Real trees have pine needles which can be problematic if ingested, and artificial trees may have lead or flame retardants. Of course, the lights and ornaments are very attractive to little hands and paws, so consider keeping the lower portion of the tree bare or pile up the presents as a festive barricade!
   

   

   Now, for some non-holiday favorites...
   

5. Easter Lily

   It's one of the first signs of Spring, but one you must be cautious of if you have a cat. Just a small amount can cause severe reactions in cats, even the vase water can contain enough to harm cats. It's best to contact a vet right away if your cat eats any part of the plant or plant's water.

   
   

   Common side effects if ingested: Acute kidney failure
   

   

   
   

6. Hydrangea Though we adore hydrangeas, human and animal stomachs do not. A friend of mine's golden retriever can attest to this. For children, touching is not typically a concern (though sensitive skin can be irritated) but ingesting is.

   Common side effects: Vomiting, diarrhea; large amounts can cause severe central nervous system issues in animals.
   

   

7. Morning Glory

   Is there anything more fun than watching flowers open up in the morning and close in the evening? Not just for kids but as adults, it's fun to watch, but be sure to keep little hands and all paws away from this beauty. Though they are helpful for attracting bees, hummingbirds, and moths, their seeds are poisonous.

   Best to keep the seeds and any seed packets out of reach of children if you choose to grow these annual vines.

   
   

   Common side effects if consumed: disorientation, nausea, and diarrhea
   

   

   
   

8. English Ivy

   There's a good chance your flower beds have this vine as it's a very common evergreen ground cover. However, the leaves (and the fruit, which is less common to see) are toxic. When cutting or removing this vine, wear thick gloves and wash your hands and pruners well. Educating children to look and not touch or eat is a good idea with these seemingly harmless but toxic vines.

   
   

   Common side effects: If touched, dermatitis for some. If ingested, severe sickness.
   

   

   
   

9. Elephant's Ear The leaves are big and beautiful, making flower beds full and easy to maintain. However, we want to be careful our children and pets do not ingest the leaves or stems. Common side effects: If ingested, oral irritation, swelling and pain which can cause difficulty swallowing, vomiting or excessive drooling.
   

   

10. Lantana We love our lantana so it's a bummer to see it on this list. In fact, our lantana plant is over 60 years old and is the most low-maintenance plant on the farm. Thankfully, it's located at the end of the driveway so children are not tempted to play with it or the berries, as it is toxic.

    
    

    Common side effects if ingested: Sickness
    

    

    
    

Many of these we can continue to enjoy, but we must be smart about where we plant these and how we educate our kids about interacting with plants so we can ensure our families and furry friends stay safe.

Our strength grows as we rely on strength from above. Our joy grows as we get out and see God in and through His beautiful creation. Our peace grows as we spend time in God's presence, and we find rest when we intentionally seek the Lord first in our lives, for the Lord is ever our portion.

The good life, well it starts with a good day. Then another. Then another. Let's choose to live #TheGoodDay one day at a time.