These pictures are from the Poison Garden at Alnwick Gardens, in Alnwick. We went there by chance on our way up to Lindisfarne. It was a Saturday and it was school holidays. The garden was teeming with small children and we took refuge on this guided tour.

The poison garden is kept locked and we were warned not to touch/sniff/eat anything because all of the plants are dangerous in various ways. Check out the cool living roof here!

It was a pretty fascinating tour. I can’t remember all of the plants we saw except for belladonna, opium poppies and marijuana. The Alnwick Gardens also have a Roots and Shoots section which is used to teach children about food growing. Sadly I didn’t get to see it this time. But it just means I’ll have to go back!

Oh and if you’re wondering about the rather large amount of gardens being posted at the moment, it’s because I was on holiday with my mom and aunt who are both gardening nuts. I was just the photographer but I think it makes a nice change, especially since my actual work is all about food growing. I promise to bake something soon!

Some plants have to be kept in cages

Others can only be grown with special permission and licences