If you have a young family and you have recently moved into a new home, you may be looking for child-friendly ways in which you can landscape your garden. Below is a guide which contains great ideas on how you can make your garden a safe place for kids.
1. Think about shade
Australian summers are known for their sunshine, with Australian cities enjoying between 8 and 11 hours of sunshine during the summertime. While being out in the sunshine can be a lot of fun, it is also important that you are aware of the potential dangers posed by sustained exposure to strong sunlight. The ultraviolet rays in sunlight can lead to sunburn. While sunburn can be very uncomfortable, the damaged caused by UV rays can be much longer lasting.
For example, long-term exposure to UV rays can lead to increased risk of skin cancer. To protect your children from the dangers of sunlight, you need to think about access to shade. You can increase the amount of shade in your garden by planting large trees such as the Japanese maple or the Cape Chestnut. If you don't feel that you have space for a large tree, you should consider installing a sail shade.
2. Be wary of water features
If your garden has existing water features such as a pond or fountain, you should be wary of them. While a water feature can add to the beauty of your garden, they can also pose a serious risk to young children. Kids are naturally drawn to water, particularly on hot summer days. Studies have found that every year an average of 40 kids aged between 0 - 4 are involved in near-drowning incidents in Southern Australia. These incidents can result in death or brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen.
The easiest way to deal with a water feature is to remove it. A landscaping contractor will be able to help you to fill in your garden pond so new plants can take root in the fresh soil. Fountains can also be removed. If you wish to keep an ornamental fountain, you should consider switching off the water supply.
If you would like further advice or information about how a garden design professional can help you to transform your garden into a space which is safe for children, you should make contact with a local company today. A member of staff will be happy to discuss your needs.
Welcome to my blog which is all about the art of landscaping. My husband and I live on a two-hectare sloping block of land. It has fabulous views of the valley below, and we have truly created our own little piece of paradise. It has been a ten-year project to complete our garden with a lot of blood, sweat, tears, and professional help. When we started landscaping, it never occurred to us that there were so many choices to be made about drainage, types of materials, and the best plants for different sections. It has truly been a labour of love, and we recently won the "Best Garden" award for our district! So many visitors have been asking for advice that I have started this blog to share expert tips I have picked up over the years. I really hope that other garden and landscape lovers enjoy browsing my posts.