GSPCA with St Andrews Floral Group need help with an educational garden for pet owners to learn the dangers of plants to pets
Submitted by Steve on 11:50, 10th Mar, 2017 |
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With all of the conservation work going on at the GSPCA and planting thanks to St Andrews Floral Group we have to stop and think of the plants that can put our pets at risk.
This thought and after a recent BBC Guernsey interview has prompted the GSPCA and St Andrews Floral Group into putting together a garden display to help pet owners.
Over the last 18 months vast improvements have been made to the grounds to help wildlife and also visitors at the GSPCA and we are now looking at putting together an educational area to help pet owners understand some of the challenges of plants you need to avoid or can use safely.
Ann Wragg Group Leader from St Andrews Floral Group said "There have been so many individuals, groups and businesses that have been helping us improve the grounds at the GSPCA for the visitors and wildlife but we still have many more areas we are looking to improve and care for."
"One of the projects we are looking for support with is an educational garden area to teach pet owners which plants you need to avoid as they could be dangerous to your dogs and cats and which are perfectly safe."
"Until listening to a radio interview on BBC Guernsey recently I didn't realise how dangerous some plants can be to pets."
"If you would like to help support the conservation and educational projects at the GSPCA with St Andrews Floral Group please do get in touch."
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said "With around 10,000 dogs and 10,000 cats in Guernsey we all have a duty of care to our pets."
"It's great choosing pretty flowers and plants at the garden centre but if we own a pet we really need to stop and think 'is it safe for my four legged friend?'."
"We are now working with Ann and the wonderful team from St Andrews Floral Group to plant an educational area to help pet owners in Guernsey and visitors to the GSPCA."
"With so many plants that create a risk to our pets we have to watch where we plant in our gardens and also the plants in our homes."
"Many of us know of the risks of certain plants like foxglove but from lillys to geraniums there are many we use we need to take caution with."
"We do run first aid course of dog and cat owners at the GSPCA and talk about plants that create risks and the next sessions are in May."
"If anyone would like to support this garden area or any of the conservation work or projects at the GSPCA please do get in touch."
Ann continues "I was very saddened to hear the interview with Jinny whose 2 dogs were poisoned by a common garden plant."
"I was not aware of the extent of the problem until I did some research and found that there are over 30 plants that are toxic to pets, some causing death."
"I wanted to do something to raise awareness of the potential risks and doing something at the GSPCA where St Andrew's Floral Group are working in the grounds seemed a good way to spread the word."
"The idea of a Poison Garden come to mind. It is more about people making a considered choice when buying plants for their gardens that are pet safe e.g. choosing Bizzie Lizzie as opposed to Begonias, Fuchsia instead of Marigolds."
"Anyone who would like more information on bad plants should follow the links on the GSPCA website."
"If you would like to donate plant for the Poison Garden please get in touch through GSPCA social media. Queux Patio plants are going to consider extending their Opals allergy scheme to highlight plants which are not pet safe to help."
If you would like to get involved or like to support us in improving the grounds or facilities you can email the GSPCA Manager [email protected] or Ann Wragg from St Andrews Floral Group [email protected]
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