How do you make your garden safe for children and pets?

A garden is a wonderful place to relax, play and enjoy the outdoors. But if you have children or pets, it's important to pay extra attention to safety. From sharp objects to poisonous plants and open passages, there are several risks to consider. Fortunately, there are simple ways to make your garden child and animal friendly, so that everyone can enjoy it without any worries.

A sturdy and secure fence

Children and pets are naturally curious and can easily explore. A good fence is therefore essential. This can be a sturdy fence or a natural hedge that closes off the garden in a safe way. For small animals, it is important to regularly check that there are no holes or openings for them to crawl through. Garden wire can also be incorporated into a hedge  to prevent pets from slipping through, while still maintaining a green and natural look.

Choose a suitable surface

Taking risks is essential for children's development. They must be given the opportunity to discover risks in a playful way. Nevertheless, it is important to limit dangers in the environment. For example, a fall on hard stones can quickly lead to abrasions or bruises. That is why it is wise to think carefully about the substrate in the garden. Grass provides a soft and natural base, while wood chips or rubber tiles can provide additional security, especially around playground equipment. It is also important for pets that the surface is comfortable and safe, so that they can walk and lie down easily.

Shade and cooling on hot days 

During the summer months, the sun can burn brightly, which can not only be uncomfortable, but also dangerous. Too much sun exposure can lead to sunstroke, sunburn, and dehydration, especially for children and pets. It is therefore essential to create a place where they can sit out of direct sunlight and cool off. This can be a natural shade spot under a tree, but you can also install a shade cloth or pergola to create a sheltered corner. This keeps children protected from the harmful effects of the sun, while pets have a cool place to rest. Remember to always make fresh water available, both for children in a bottle or cup, and for pets in a drinking bowl, so that they stay hydrated, especially during the hot days. It's important to recognize the dangers of excessive sun exposure and take steps to ensure the safety of your family and your pets.

Create a safe playing environment

For children, the garden is a great place to play, but it is good to think about the décor. Make sure that playground equipment is sturdy and that there are no sharp edges or loose stones. Hiding places and small play corners also make a garden extra fun for children. A vegetable garden, a place to climb or a hidden corner among the greenery stimulates the imagination and invites play.

Pay attention to the planting

Not all plants are equally suitable in a garden where children and animals play. Some species can be poisonous or have sharp thorns. It is therefore wise to choose safe plants and flowers. Would you like more greenery in the garden? Then you can, for example, create a shielded area where you put plants that are not accessible to curious hands or legs.

Avoid unnecessary hazards

Finally, it is good to consider possible risks. Chemical pesticides can be dangerous for both children and animals, so natural alternatives are a safer choice. Sharp tools or loose materials should also be cleaned up after use to prevent children from coming into contact with them. Mountain rakes, spades, lawnmowers, fertilizers, weed killers, and other hazardous material in an inaccessible place, such as in a garden shed.

In addition, it is important to properly shield ponds, cisterns and buckets of water. Children and pets can fall into the water at an unsupervised moment, which can lead to dangerous situations. By covering ponds with a sturdy grid and closing cisterns properly, you reduce the risk of accidents.

Conclusion

A safe garden for children and pets doesn't have to be complicated. With a sturdy fence, a soft surface and sufficient shade,  you create a place where everyone can enjoy carefree. By consciously choosing child- and animal-friendly plants and taking into account possible dangers, you ensure that the garden remains not only beautiful, but also practical and safe. Small adjustments make a big difference, so that your garden becomes a pleasant and carefree environment for the whole family.