Beware of garden hazards for children

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Children love exploring and experimenting with new things and need to be surrounded by safe products in an even safer environment.

Precautions are better than regret as the latter may often be fatal and irreversible.

I often stand amazed at the number of toxic plants found in nursery schools, primary schools and even residential homes.

It is therefore advisable to ask professional help in identifying the plants in your garden.

An oleander is a beautiful hardy plant with colourful flowers, but don’t be deceived by its looks – it is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Several fatalities have been recorded that this plant was responsible for. Even using a small twig as a toothpick at a braai is extremely dangerous.

Small children use all their senses while experiencing their environments and often small objects land in their mouths, causing a choking hazard. Plants with berries and small fruits are very inviting to eat and should be positioned with care in the garden.

Water masses form swimming pools and water features need to be safeguarded.

Children love water – the movement and the sound it brings. A child can drown in only a few centimeters of water.

Pool nets and fences are suggested to keep children out of reach of water.

Through careful planning and design, safety measures need not be unsightly and something that will distract from the beauty of the outdoor living space.

Children often like climbing onto objects. It is suggested that heavy concrete products be safely secured to ensure that an innocent child does not pull the product onto themselves when trying to climb onto it.

Climbing into tall trees can also pose a health and safety risk and children need to be educated to only climb trees under adult supervision.

Thorns are a good security measure to have in the garden and are meant to inflict pain on intruders and not loved ones.

Beware of positioning thorny plants too close to entertainment or children’s play areas. Thorns are not only a problem on the actual plant – fallen thorns from especially thorn trees can dangerously be hidden on the ground in between ground covers and lawns.

Flowers are always a bonus to have in the garden. People with respiratory problems should not be surrounded by pretty flowers that produce great amounts of pollen.

Flowers attract bees for pollination and bee stings can be rather painful and a great health risk to people with allergic reactions to bee stings. Fragrant plants can also pose a risk to asthma sufferers.

Always ensure that walking surfaces are well constructed. Smooth surfaces can be very slippery when wet. Choose your pavers and tiles with care and test their safeness and non-slip characteristics carefully before permanently laying them down in concrete.

Hidden steps or a slight level change can cause visitors to the garden to lose their balance and trip.

Emergency numbers are always handy when they are within reach, in case of emergencies.

Accidents happen really quickly and a watchful eye is not possible at all times. Safeguard a child’s environment for peace of mind and a happy child.

Article compiled by David Viljoen from Mercury Designs.