All parents worry about whether their home is kid-safe. It’s normal to think about things like whether bookcases are mounted or whether there are any exposed sharp edges that children can fall onto. What about the outside area?
Having a beautiful garden is amazing, but you also need to ensure it’s as safe as possible for any curious little ones that may explore out there. So, whether you have children of your own or your family/friends bring their kids over from time to time, here are five essential gardening tips to keep children safe.
1. Put a Fence Around Water
Are you lucky enough to have a pool or a pond in your garden? These outdoor features add so much beauty and luxury to an outdoor space, but remember that they can be dangerous in certain situations, especially when kids are running around. You don’t want a child who doesn’t know how to swim to fall in.
There’s a simple solution: place a fence around any pools or ponds you have out there! There are great ways to do this without obstructing the beautiful view, if you’re worried about that. Getting glass pool fencing installed means you can still see your pool perfectly, but your kids don’t have easy access, especially without adult supervision.
2. Research Plants First
Are you getting ready to plan some greenery in your garden? If so, be sure to research any and all plants you want to showcase in your garden, as some might not be as safe as you would expect. Some toxic plants to avoid include:
- Foxglove
- Water Hemlock
- Lily of the Valley
- Hydrangeas
- Oleander
Some of these cause skin irritation if touched and can even be fatal if ingested. If you have any already, it might be best to remove them.
3. Store Tools and Chemicals in a Locked Shed/Garage
Many of the tools and chemicals used to keep your garden looking tip-top are extremely dangerous for kids to be around. Any sharp tools should be locked away, as should any fertilizers and weed killers. It’s a simple tip that can prevent a serious accident.
4. Aim for Stable, Level, Soft Ground
The safest type of ground for children is anything soft and stable, grass is always a good idea. If you have any paving, make sure it’s fitted properly without any cracks, as these are trip hazards. Any sharper paving or wall edges should be dealt with, too. Lastly, make sure there aren’t any tall heights for children to fall from. This height might be lower than you think, as even a 3-foot fall can be hazardous to little ones.
5. Light Up the Garden
Last but not least, give your garden plenty of light. This is beneficial for several reasons; not only does it look great in the evening, but it also reduces the risk of injury from a child running into a wall or shrubbery. There are so many types of garden lights, so you can get as creative as you like, perhaps embedding glowing lights in shrubbery for a gentle effect, adding underwater lights into the pool, and sticking bollard lights into the grass to create a lit-up walkway.
Alex Hamilton