Hey everyone, I'm reaching out because my dad has fallen seriously ill with a mystery illness. He's been quarantined and is fighting hard for his life. They've run a bunch of tests, but I realized they didn't really focus on his passion for gardening and working with his allotment. He often has cracked skin on his hands, which makes me wonder if he might have come into contact with something harmful from a plant or seed. Does anyone know if there are any dangerous seeds, unusual pests invading UK gardens, or strange fungi and germs that might be a concern? I'd really appreciate any insight or advice! Thanks so much!
3 Answers
There are a few plants that can be toxic if mishandled. Foxglove is well-known, but it might be too late in the season for that. I'd suggest checking his garden using something like Google Lens to identify any unfamiliar plants he's been in contact with. Also, make sure he’s current on his tetanus shots and maybe look into any possible carbon monoxide issues in your home. Wishing you all the best in finding a diagnosis soon!
I'm really sorry to hear about your father. Have they ruled out tetanus? That can be a big risk for gardeners, especially if they have cuts on their hands from handling soil.
Make sure to check if he’s been around any Datura plants—those have been showing up in gardens and are super poisonous. Also, exposure to cat or fox feces could lead to other infections. It's worth looking into. Good luck, and I hope he gets well soon!
Yeah, it's definitely good to investigate all possible sources. Just because something seems safe doesn't mean it is!