HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1992-05-13, Page 24PAGE 24. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1992.
9-(ome & (garden 1992
Learn to recognize poisonous plants
Unlike other flora and fauna, the
most important fact gardeners and
other outdoor enthusiasts can leam
about members of the beautiful
Rhus family (poison ivy, poison
oak, and poison sumac) is how to
avoid them.
Likewise, it pays to know the
basics of treating the itching,
burning, redness which result from
contacting - often simply from
touching - the poison plants.
According to Charles Zugerman,
M.D., associate professor of
clinical dermatology, Northwestern
University Medical School,
treatment should be “ASAP” (as
soon as possible):
“If you have come into contact
with poison ivy, oak or sumac,
wash exposed skin within
approximately 10 minutes of
contact with a mild soap and warm
water to remove toxins. Do not rub
to the point of irritation,” Dr.
Zugerman advises.
“If itching starts, apply a
medicated cream or lotion, such as
Ivarest, that contains an astringent
to dry oozing blisters and an
anesthetic to relieve pain and
itching, as well as an antiseptic to
prevent secondary infection.
“After initially washing, keep hot
water, soap and rough clothing
away from the affected area. Avoid
caffeine and alcohol, which can
increase itching. Warm compresses
can be soothing. If the rash
becomes severe, consult your
physician,” he adds.
Here are a few basics to pin on
your refrigerator door, garden shed
or campstove:
• Poison ivy grows as a bush or
as a climbing vine. Leaves appear
red in the early spring, shiny green
in summer and red-orange in
autumn. Each leaf has three leaflets
with ragged edges. Small greenish
flowers grow in bunches attached
to the main stalk, later becoming
ivory-coloured berries.
• Poison oak is more of a low,
branching shrub. Each leaflet is
shaped somewhat like an oak leaf.
• Poison sumac is a long stalk
with six or seven spade-shaped
leaves attached to either side.
“Reportedly, more cases of
allergic contact dermatitis affect
Americans each year from these
poison plants than from all other
causes combined.
Be aware, loo, that virtually
everything around you is suspect:
Golf clubs, fishing rods, hiking
boots, baseball bats and other
sports equipment - as well as the
clothing that you wore last summer
- can retain a layer of poison ivy
resin if they came in contact with
the plants and were not adequately
cleaned.
Plant toxins, which may remain
under fingernails for a brief period,
can continue to spread on the skin
and result in a rash.
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Watch your step
Learning to distinguish poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac leaves from other, friendlier
species is the first rule in avoiding a skin rash. These plants are A) poison ivy, B) poison oak,
C) azalea, D) poison sumac, E) rose, F) raspberry.
May is National Garden Month
There is no doubt that gardening
- an avocation enjoyed by thou
sands of Canadians - is a grass
roots contribution to the greening
of our country. The activity is
backed by the professional contri
bution of nursery professionals,
seed suppliers, and instructors. The
members of the Canadian Garden
Council should be saluted for their
work in promoting and supporting
this healthy and beautifying activi
ty-
The Minister of Agriculture has
officially recognized May as
National Garden Month. This will
develop greater awareness of the
importance of gardening as a con
tribution to air cleanliness and a
support of the ecosystem.
This year, tree planting cere
monies sponsored by the Canadian
Garden Council across Canada will
help to highlight how gardening
contributes to the beautification of
our surroundings, while serving as
a healthy pursuit for participants. It
is fitting that one venue for these
ceremonies is the Ottawa Experi
mental Farm of Agriculture Cana
da, where work on horticulture has
contributed to gardening activities
for over 100 years.
It IS
Planting, Potting, Pruning, Mowing,
Mulching, Hoeing, Growing Time!
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Bedding Plants and Perennials
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Winthrop 527-2979
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PLANT A LITTLE
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Enjoy Your Own Private Paradise
Garden this Spring
VICTORIA DAY
This is Canada's 125th birthday!
Let's celebrate by planting a commemorative tree
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THE GARDEN I
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