It’s that time of year, when we all want to get outside and work in the garden.  

 

It is also the time of year that the Poison Ivy is leafing out, and threatening tidy gardeners.  

 

I love this picture of it growing up the white oak just below George and Priscilla’s.  Look at that root system:  been around for years, I’d say.  The roots are hairy, and the oil that causes dermatitis is present in every part of the plant:  leaves, stems, roots, even the smoke if it is burned.

 

Here is the reminder:  you can shake hands with 5 fingers, but not with three.  Virginia Creeper looks similar, but has five leaflets and Poison ivy has three leaflets.  It grows small, medium and large.  It creeps along the ground and climbs trees.  It is everywhere.  So learn to identify it, so you don’t fall into the nasty trap of weeding it out by hand.  Best to wear your gloves when weeding.  And for everybody’s safety, never burn garden trash that may have poison ivy in it.  Even the smoke is toxic.  

 

Just a note:  I noticed some growing down near the mailboxes, so be on the lookout.  It won’t jump out and grab you, but if you brush against it, you need to wash as soon as possible with soap and water.

 

HAPPY, SAFE GARDENING!!!