what about rue

It nearly fills the end of my herb bed. View from the near side, where I just cut down the green onions- light through the delicate foliage.

It's shouldering out the sage- I thought that plant was doing poorly end of this year because of the leaf hoppers, but read somewhere that rue actually inhibits the growth of sage for some reason. I have plans to move this plant in spring, anyhow- I think it will get too big for the little garden space. Going to put it where my sensitive fern is coming out, by the old cherry stump and turtlehead patch.

The plant had an uneven shape, so even though it's the wrong season for it (recommended to do at end of summer) I took two cuttings. Stuck them under plastic-bottle cloches for humidity while they (hopefully) root. They're in a cooler basement window, inside the house for winter. If they don't take, I'll try again at the proper time. I really love the fact this plant seems to keep the japanese beetles away- I did not see nearly as many in the garden this year and found only one grub when I turned the compost pile. Thus I want to plant it in a few more places around my yard- especially in the front- which has more sun- if it will keep the nasty beetles from my lawn and whatever else they're destroying.

But now I am having doubts. The plant's odor is a bit unpleasant, but never really bothered me before. I have never got a rash from it. I did wear gloves while taking the cuttings, but afterwards- having pinched off the dozen lower leaves of the stem and stuck them in the pots- I can't seem to shake the odor from my nose, and have consistent, unpleasant nausea hours later.

The plant is highly toxic. It can be fatal if ingested (but I would NEVER do so, and my kids have been warned about it. Moving it out of the garden plot, will discourage any notion visitors might have). It can cause rash, itching or serious skin burns on contact. I've never had that issue, but feeling ill from the smell seems to affect me more each time. However, if I just remember never to brush up against it in the yard, I think it's still worth it for the pest deterrent. I swear there were far fewer stink bugs around this year, too.