Enter the Philippines’ potentially
(and most) dangerous garden.
But it’s also one of the safest places I’ve been to; add artistic, imaginative.
Located in a quiet, residential area of Alfonso, Cavite, Titus Poison Garden is a peculiar, green and creative space meant to educate, entertain and provide relaxation to its guests. It is the brainchild of Roel Torres, a renowned wedding planner, flower connoisseur and artist, who has this interesting collection of poisonous plants that grow within the premises of his property. He named the place after his youngest child and only son Titus.
While the name of the place sounds dark like an evil witch’s lair in some fairy tales, I was surprised to discover a green wonderland, almost like the Shire, the moment I got inside.
A vine-covered walkway leads to the resort’s slightly hilly and verdant grounds.
The first art installation that caught my eye before settling to my accommodation was the “Green Bug”, a nature-inspired car. It appears as though it has been abandoned in the wilderness and grasses have grown all over the car’s surface.
There are three stand-alone themed rooms at Titus, each equipped with a king-size bed, air-con, cable TV, mini-bar, walkie-talkie (instead of a telephone), private bathroom with hot and cold shower – simply perfect for staycation.
The Earth Suite is an egg-shaped capsule. Among the three, this is the one I find very futuristic, fascinating, and egg-citing.
The Cabin Room is a rustic, fairy tale cabin-inspired, the most homey and cozy. Outside the room is another art installation of Jacuzzi and bathtubs in the garden.
The Sod Room is the biggest, patterned after the Hobbit Houses from J.R.R. Tolkien’s famous fantasy novels. I was amazed with the real soil with grasses growing on the roof. I had a lovely, comfortable stay in this quaint and whimsical room.
There’s a garden café that serves all-day breakfast, pasta, sandwiches and drinks. Their food, which is ample in serving, tastes delectable. I think they are personally prepared by their kind and friendly staff, Ate Ninya.
The main attraction of Titus is its Poison Garden, which exhibits some of the country’s most deadly plants such as giant dumb cane, pong-pong, cassava, lantana, potato, poinsettia, desert rose, devil’s backbone, croton and angel’s trumpet. Unfortunately, some of the plants have already perished.
Each of the plant is properly labelled (accompanied with a miniature skull), with short description and stating which part of the plant is toxic and must be avoided like the sap, roots, seeds or leaves Consumption of and exposure to these plants (depending on which) may cause either of the following: dermal irritation, eczema, mouth and throat swelling, diarrhea, nausea, possible loss of speech, irregular heart beat, paralysis, coma or worse death.
But not all plants growing inside are poisonous.
I like it that there are promenade and sitting areas.
The whole place is beautifully landscaped and enhanced with green art work installations – mostly an eccentric combination of machine and man-made products with Mother Nature.
The pieces are smartly titled “Watch in Green”, “Flush the Green”, “Alter the Green”, “Sleep with Green”, “Wear the Green”, Soak, Lather with Greens”. For me, they have this underlying message to “go back to the basics and spend more time with nature as it boosts happiness, inspires creativity, and teaches us about living in harmony.”
I give Titus a thumbs up for its quirkiness, aesthetic beauty, and for being almost like a world of its own. This is a place only nature-lovers and discerning art aficionados would truly appreciate.
And I learned a lot
which plants to avoid. Now I know that not only too much love can kill you. Eating as little as two raw cassava can
do that too.
From Manila, take
Nasugbu-bound bus from Buendia or South Terminal in Pasay. Get off at Splendido
in Brgy. Upli, Alfonso. From the highway, take a tricycle going to the resort.
Titus Poison Garden
Brgy. Sulsugin Ibaba
Alfonso, Cavite
Tel. Nos.: 0920-9266481