Time keeps bringing change, and it seems as if every part of our lives has cautions these days. Do you remember when we rode bicycles with no helmets? Our parents' car had no seat belts. Allergy concerns once focused primarily on goldenrod. Children's pajamas didn't have flame retardants. There were few warnings on food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicines. Warnings such as "Do not put your hands in the way of the blade" or "This product was made on machinery that also processes peanuts" were non-existent. We didn't have child car seats or safety locks in vehicles . . . and despite all these absences, we survived.

Once upon a time we did not look at our environment as a frontier of hazards. I think we have built in so much concern for safety that sometimes the warnings and cautions seem hyper-reactive and tend to get taken lightly. Let me make the point by asking you a question. Have you looked at your yard for enemies that may lurk? Yes, there may potentially be as many dangers in your yard as there are in your house or workplace. Just step outside and check. We know there are insects that can harm, but are you aware of the plants that can be hazardous?

Do you know the plants growing in your yard that could be deadly? Let me mention a few: Bleeding Heart, Daffodil and Hyacinth bulbs, Lily of the Valley, Datura, Delphinium, Dutchman's Breeches, Digitalis (Foxglove), Helleborus (niger) or Christmas Rose, Angel Trumpet, Nightshade, Castor Beans, Rhubarb (green part), Monkshood, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Wisteria, Yew, Elderberry (stems/roots), Mayapples, Tomato (leaves), Ivy, Poison Ivy, and Poison Oak among them. These plants vary as to their toxicity. Some pose serious threats of illness, injury, or even death.

Taking stock of your yard is important if you have small children and animals. I know the plants, shrubs, and trees in my yard and try to get rid of dangerously poisonous plants. I am known for teaching how to garnish with and eat edible flowers. The rule I advocate is "Unless a plant is known to be edible and untreated with chemicals, it most likely is not edible and could cause illness or worse." I encourage you to know the plants in your yard. You can check online or better yet with the Department of Natural Resources, Purdue Extension, Marion County or Master Gardeners Answerline Phone Center. Call (317) 275-9292.

Knowledge of the plants, shrubs, and trees in your yard helps in case you ever need to go to Plan B. Should need arise, Plan B kicks in if a child eats something you don't know to be either edible or not. Call the Poison Center (located at IU Methodist Hospital) at 800-222-1222. For animals you can call the ASPCA Poison Center at 888-426-4435 which applies a $65 consultation to your credit card. I have had to call both upon occasion.

Don't assume if a plant is in your yard that it is safe to eat. Don't assume if a plant is eaten that it won't cause a toxic reaction or even dire consequences. We need to know about the contents of our yards for the well-being of all who come into them.