Children in the garden
The pleasures of the garden are wondrous and unlimited. We all have different styles of gardens, different needs and uses for our gardens, however each and every one of us, and very importantly for the children, we all have a great requirement to be safe in the garden.
The educational and learning potential a child can get from the garden is unbounded from growing their own herbs, salads, fruit and vegetable to watching flowers grow with their colours and shapes right though to learning about insects and birds etc.
Many schools have garden projects to encourage interest and make the learning progressive, interactive and real.
As well as providing a place of stimulation and delight the garden can be a dangerous place for children. The safety of your child is paramount. We have included in this article some points to note to keep you child safe and happy in the garden.
Supervision
The correct level of supervision depending on the age and capability of the child is essential; the ultimate responsibility is on the adult. Keep an eye on them at all times, encourage questions, take time to explain things to them so they understand, show them how things work.
Garden design
When originally designing the garden think about the children and plan pathways, fences, steps, plants with care and consideration to young ones.
Think if height in the garden, i.e. walls and steps – are they suitable for your children needs and capabilities.
Create a play area for the child and perhaps consider special matting or surfaces foe example at the bottom of the slide.
Plants
Avoid prickly, spiky or thorny plants, poisonous one or with sharp edged leaves
Where and how you plant up a border can make it safer. For more details and advice e mail freeadvice@gardenadvice.co.uk
Electrical equipment
Keep all electrical equipment out of reach to children, hang high on hooks or pack away out of reach. Ensure outside socket are protected and any wiring/lighting or electrical appliances are regularly checked. When using the equipment makes sure the child is well away from the area. i.e. mowers and strimmers. Watch for leads and flexes when using to avoid trips and accidents.
Tools and equipment
The more dangerous tools – cutters, secutiers, rakes, spades, mowers etc, always store safely, supervise use. Don’t leave rakes spike up or tools lying around. Wrap up hosepipe after use to avoid trips.
Do not let young children climb stepladders.
Ponds
A child can drown in just a few inches of water. Keep paths and surrounds slip free to reduce falls and fence off ponds it have toddlers.
Alternatively netting or wire mesh can be put over the top of the pond and securely fixed to avoid contact with the water.
Keep the water clear and clean. Remove excess weeds.
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Canes
Canes are very useful for supporting plants etc but are very dangerous if fallen on or catch the face. Ensure they are tied well back and keep children at a safe distance.
Chemicals
Keep all garden chemicals locked away in a box or shed and follow manufacturers instructions re usage and after use of treated areas. Clearly label all chemical and items i.e. fertilisers, sprays, particularly when original labels fade or get damaged.
Fences and gates
Not only increase the security of your garden they can increase safety by keeping children off roads, away from ponds or just in their own enclosed space.
Pets in the garden
Keep the garden clean and do not let dogs and cats foul the garden. There are a variety of methods to scare cats, rabbits etc for more details see www.gardenadvice.co.uk/search/supplier/index.html and look under pest control.
Disinfect patios and pathways and regularly check borders.
Always collect any mess and dispose in plastic bags in the bin.
Sweep up and wash under bird feeders to avoid spread of disease.
Clothing
Wearing the right clothing for the garden will greatly enhance the enjoyment and safety of your child. For a downloadable PDF on winter children’s clothing
Click here to download the guide (pdf format)
