Regarding the big plant in the ground nearby, it's quite possible to grow an angel's trumpet (brugmansia) to 8 feet in a single season, with lots of sun, water and fertilizer. It's also possible to dig it up, roots and all, and overwinter it in a basement or garage with almost no light or water (check out the brug forum for more details).

The other option is just put it in a big pot, overwinter as above, and come spring, repot and go.

Regarding its toxicity, yeah, all parts are poisonous and can be lethal in high enough doses. That being said, only someone bent on damaging themselves would eat more than one bite, so the most likely problem is someone getting a skin rash from contact with the leaves and stems. Wear gloves when pruning, don't burn or compost the leaves, and you and your friends will be fine.

Enjoy the trumpets!

Jim

I fell in love with angels trumptes too. Growing 2 first time this year. A pink and an orange and they are great.

I plan to leave them in the ground, but will take some cuttings. A lot of people in my area do this.

By the way, you can visit brugmansia forum. A lot of great people there and they also suggest different ways to overwinter your plants, like Jim mentioned.

Happy gardening

Changsong

By the way, be careful not to get into your eyes. That will cause dilation and you will feel bad for days.

I'd put a note in the brug house's mailbox. "Have been admiring your brug; do you mind telling me about it?" and phone #. They won't call if they feel too uncomfortable about it, but chances are they will. Everybody enjoys having their hard work appreciated. And let's face it: plant people rock!

If you do put yours in the ground, though, I'd wait till spring to give it a whole season to get its roots deep and established.