Planning is key

When families with children need a special place, planning a landscape in your home you must take many things into consideration. To ensure safety, enjoyment and as less maintenance as possible for family members to enjoy your space, planning is key to success. Safety, of course, is the main concern for parents and carers. We discard sharp objects and electrical components and eliminate any hazards that are vulnerable spots in the home, likewise, we also need to take in consideration these things in our outdoor spaces. As a parent safety in mind is important, we know we cannot avoid any gashes or scrapes, but there are steps which can be taken to prevent injuries as much as possible when planning your landscape. Consider your space and its existing conditions and of course your budget. Here are a few tips.

Pool safety

If you are considering a swimming pool in your space it will make it more difficult for younger children to gain entrance to the pool area without supervision. The best solution would be to create a fenced enclosure, or alternatively placing a fence between the swimming pool and other areas of your garden such as patio area to play space so you are assured that children will stay in a safe distance from the pool. Children love water, but the water of just a few centimeters depth can be a potential drowning hazard for children. Always keep this in mind.

Paving Surface

Paving areas, for instance, pathways, patio areas, swimming pool surroundings are prime locations where children tend to slip and fall and there are hardscape materials which prevent any serious injury when slipping and falling. Consider using non-skid or non-slip surface pavers or coatings, in all areas or wherever surfaces are likely to get wet. This will be a good measure not only for cuts and grazes but also to prevent a child potentially from slipping and falling into the water around a  pool area.

Harmful vegetation

Avoid choosing toxic and harmful Plants that can cause allergic reactions, some of the prettiest plants usually are the toxic ones and you will be amazed that we do use them a lot without realizing which ones are toxic or not. Also, you may want to avoid prickly plants like cactus and agave and palms where children are playing, it’s not very nice when you get a splinter type feeling in your skin, we all know that feeling.

 

Ten Plants to avoid in your landscape

Botanical Name		Common Name	Toxic Parts
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides		Hardy Plumbago	All Parts
Datura spp		Angel Trumpet	nectar, seeds
Digitalis purpurea		Foxglove	All parts
Euphorbia characias		Mediterranean Spurge	Sap and Pollen
Ficus carica		Common Fig	Sap
Lantana camara		Lantana	All parts
Ligustrum spp		Privet	Fruit
Nerium oleander		Oleander	All parts
Plumeria spp		Frangipani	Sap
Schinus molle		Pepper Tree	Fruit

Open Space

Having grass is a popular material on children’s play areas. It is principally used for the spaces between equipment. It is a natural material and therefore has some strong developmental value for children, especially if mixed with wildflower seeds and subjected to a less enthusiastic mowing regime. Longer grass will help the soil to retain moisture for longer which has a softer feel and texture.

As much as I love natural grass areas I have to admit, I would also suggest synthetic grass lawns which provide a uniform surface with ultimately fewer trips and falls when in comparison to uneven surfaces of natural grass lawns. If properly installed artificial turf with appropriate infill and leveling also offers a softer surface to fall and plus no mowing, weeding, fertilizing which is low-maintenance and easy to care option. It can be easily rinsed off with a hose if dirty or when leaves and debris may crop up a blower will do the trick.

 

Structures and equipment

There are rules and regulations for playground equipment in parks or playgrounds which specify the amount of the impact area and freefall that is needed around certain objects. The same should comply in a garden space too, which protect against injuries.  When deciding on structures that will be implemented give consideration to positioning and secure fixtures. 

Shade

In the Mediterranean climate, many months of the sun is inevitable, so think also about your shade structures. Trees are an effective, economical and attractive way to provide shade. Using trees for shade will cool also down the environment as well as blocking UV rays. A variety of vegetation supports seasonal variations, colour, fragrance and wildlife. Careful planning of the appropriate trees will give greater play value.

Garden full of Love

A garden has to cater for all family members for it to be a success. Discuss the activities and needs for all ages and of course, the adult members matter too. All the family needs to enjoy the space while keeping an eye on the kids. The right steps in designing a safe family environment are to eliminate any potential hazards. Most of all it needs to be fun and aesthetically pleasing at the same time. Enjoy your landscape.