Composting is gaining favour as waste management increasingly becomes an issue. As financial and ecological considerations take hold in the UK we are rediscovering ways of embracing the cycle of life. Composting and safety It's not hard to see the benefits of composting – all your vegetable cooking waste and [...]
A horrifying gardening accident made the news in the summer of 2011 when an American gardener slipped and pushed a pair of secateurs through his eye socket and into his skull. Remarkably, surgeons were able to extract the gardening tool and the man survived with very little to show for [...]
Electricity has become such a necessity in our everyday lives that we sometimes forget how dangerous it can be. Data collated by the Electrical Safety Council from the World Health Organisation (WHO), local government in the UK and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) delivers some surprising statistics: on average [...]
We are all more and more aware of the dangers posed by over-exposure to the sun. Hats and sunglasses can protect you from the major problems, damage to the eyes and heatstroke from literally over-heating. Sunhat Choices If you're really stuck then grabbing any hat will do. That will be [...]
There are two aspects to planting in gardens for people with failing sight. The first is using tools and aids to make potting of seeds, bulbs and seedlings easier, in their early stages. The second stage is planting out in the garden as the year moves on. Potting Seeds, Bulbs [...]
Protection from the sun makes a garden more accommodating in the height of summer as well as being safer. Over exposure to the sun is responsible for well-documented problems with skin cancer, not to mention the not-so-flattering leathery skin look. Conventional Options for Garden Shade In other articles on this [...]
A snow covered garden looks enchanting but that blanket of white can hide a multitude of dangers below. In recent years we’ve had a number of cold snaps that have seen parts of the UK reduced to a standstill for days, so it would be prudent to assume that it [...]
Ponds and fountains can be attractive and relaxing elements of your garden design, but the long winter months can present problems for water feature owners. A little time spent preparing for bad weather will keep your garden safe and ready to enjoy when spring arrives. Keep Safe from Frost Winter [...]
Decking needs cleaning regularly throughout the year to prevent moss and algae building up and making it slippery. The secondary aspect of cleaning decking is the safety of the cleaning products you use, both for you and the environment. Some sources for example, recommend hydrogen peroxide (bleach to you and [...]
This case study warns of a few perils that we haven't actually covered in articles on this site yet, probably because they are so bizarre. Safety Second, or Even Third! Who would have thought that removing a tree stump could be so dangerous, being launched across a garden? And a [...]
Children love to play in the garden, when the British weather gives them the option, and safety is of paramount importance. But how can you go about removing real risks while not getting in the way of their sense of fun and allowing them to explore nature and find out [...]
Although the sun is a source of energy the dangers of over-exposure are well documented. In another article in this section we talked about these dangers and how to enjoy your garden but keep in the shade, with various lightweight and portable solutions. In this article we'll look at more [...]
At the risk of making it seem that he is a relentless pyromaniac this case study about the dangers of fire in the garden tells a true tale that happened to Brian Shaw*. He already appears in these pages in our case study about Safety and the use of flammable [...]
Decking has taken the country by storm over the last decade or so. It's a low maintenance alternative to lawns and plants and looks good in the right situations. But it can be a tricky surface for those who are not so fleet of foot, so care is needed to [...]
Time and time again you hear the warnings about bonfires and how dangerous they can be, particularly around bonfire night. But this isn’t a story about Guy Fawkes Night. No, it's a story about a common or garden bonfire that just wouldn't lie down and die. And it's a salutary [...]
Britons are finally waking up to the dangers of excessive sunbathing but still many more people die of skin cancer in this country than in hotter countries, Australia for example. This is possibly because awareness of skin cancer is higher and early diagnosis more prevalent because of the experience there. [...]
Planting out is a job that needs to be made as easy as possible. When it's time to plant out all the new seedlings that you've nurtured, either in the garden or allotment, you need the proper tools for the job. Help Getting to Ground Level To take the strain [...]
When the frost lifts and the sun begins to shine weakly in the sky, it's time to think about sowing seeds. Arthritis or reduced flexibility in your joints can make this simple task more difficult as you get older, but there are measures you can take to make sowing seeds [...]
As a home owner you have certain obligations concerning your garden. Boundaries, trees and the holding and disposing of toxins are the main legal aspects of having a garden. What's allowed and what isn't? What should you know? Boundaries, Ownership and Responsibilities When you buy your house you should ask [...]
Fountains, statues, garden gnomes, bird baths... most of us have some kind of ornament or feature in our garden to add that finishing touch. But while you are admiring the fruits of your labours, have you considered whether they are safe? The last thing you want is for your statues [...]
Making your garden secure will help to keep thieves out of both your house and your garden. A lot of burglaries are crimes of opportunity and a property that is properly secured is less likely to be targeted. Good, Strong Fences A strong fence is a good way to keep [...]
Home owners today are much more aware of security. Burglar alarms are commonplace, people lock their doors and windows and are careful when it comes to their spare keys. But securing the house is not the only way to deter intruders. How you organise your garden plays an important role. [...]
DIY enthusiast or not, most gardeners own some form of power tool, be it a lawnmower, a hedge-trimmer or a chainsaw. We all exercise caution when using these tools, but it is just as important to look after them when they are not being used. With a hefty dose of [...]
One of the problems with arthritis, which affects many people as they get older, is a loss of grip and mobility in the fingers and hands. Gardeners feel this very keenly as much of the work in the garden needs strength and mobility. As people are living longer the market [...]
Taking care of a lawn is something of a burden for fit able-bodied people, after all they have to drag the mower out once or even twice a week sometimes, in the summer. But for people in wheelchairs or otherwise less able to move around, lawn care can be difficult [...]
Here we look at some great hose and watering products that won't put you at risk of trips or strains in the garden: Curly Hoses One innovation on the market at the moment is a curly hose, a bit like a massive coiled telephone handset cable. This can be drawn [...]
We've covered pool fencing and pool covers in an earlier article, so here we're taking a look at more safety devices that can help families, children in particular, to enjoy domestic pools in safety. These devices divide into two broad categories, flotation devices to support those who fall in a [...]
Increasing numbers of people are turning to keeping chickens and other poultry in the garden and there's a need to make sure they are kept safe. This is a two way process; as well as making sure that your poultry are safe from foxes and other predators, you'll need to [...]
Sharpening garden tools and safety might seem to be at odds with each other, as a sharp edge can do a lot of damage to flesh. But in fact the opposite is true: a blunt blade will need more force to make it cut and is more likely to slip [...]
There are many reasons for felling trees and just as many for keeping them as long as possible. Safety is one of the main reasons for felling trees though, probably second only to household insurance claims, but there are a number of checks that need to be made before a [...]
Gas heaters for patios were not really seen in the United Kingdom until about ten to fifteen years ago, when they began to appear in commercial situations, outside cafés, pubs and restaurants. Similar models, again using liquid petroleum gas (LPG), very quickly began to appear on the domestic market as [...]
Getting children involved with gardening at an early stage can be very rewarding and this is not lost on activity groups like Cubs and Brownies. They do, of course, have to be very sensitive to the safety of the children in their charge though. This is usually applied to background [...]
Water features have become much more popular in the United Kingdom in the last decade or so as we now take more time considering the design of our gardens. But most water features, apart from a simple pond, require electricity and sometimes a water supply to make them work. As [...]
Recent stories in the news of a girl who died falling from a tree have highlighted the dangers involved in the traditional children’s pastime of climbing trees. Without wanting to wrap children in cotton wool it does make sense to assess the dangers as serious injuries can be sustained by [...]
As climate change forces wider extremes of weather on the United Kingdom, gardeners are increasingly saving water in butts and tanks to use in times of drought. This is all well and good but water storage is rife with dangers, especially for those who might not be aware of the [...]
As people throughout the UK become more sensitive about ecological issues, looking for green and non-toxic wood paints and stains has become more popular. The dangers of wood paints and stains were brought into sharp relief by the banning of creosote sales to the DIY market by the European Union [...]
Safe use of pesticides is of increasing concern to gardeners in the United Kingdom as the awareness of their affect on people and the environment becomes more widespread. This article will look at alternative methods of pest control but if it is necessary to use pesticides then it's essential to [...]
Well, you're right, your neighbour has no right to spray weedkiller into your garden. There are few laws that specifically control this kind of behaviour so you have to fall back on the property based legal framework, as the garden is as much a part of your property as your [...]
One the main considerations that we try to get over in Safe Gardening is that people need to be made aware of the dangers in gardens but then make their own choice about the precautions that they need to take. Gardening would simply be no fun if safety measures made [...]
How safe is my garden? The question might be better phrased "how safe do you want your garden to be?" because no garden will ever be safe from every single threat to safety. The approach needed is to assess what the threats are and then what the risk is of [...]
Lawns can look fantastic but it takes a lot of work to get them that way and, more to the point, keep them in check. Many people are turning away from lawns in any case because of the ecological consequences; all that watering in particular. It's hard to keep lawns [...]
Maintaining access to a garden can be straightforward for some properties and a nightmare for others. Laying paths and putting in gates and fencing is reasonably straightforward on a flat, square plot but if you have different levels to cope with or an unusually shaped plot, then it gets more [...]
Pruning is a necessary part of maintaining an ordered and productive garden. Even if you're going for a natural look, if you don't prune then certain trees and plants will get very unruly and take over where you don't want them to. Overview of Pruning and Safety Pruning can control [...]
Domestic swimming pools are still a mark of luxury in the UK although as they are coming down in real price terms they are becoming more popular. The most effective safety device of a swimming pool here is the whether in the UK; the less attractive going for a swim [...]
The days are long gone when parents could put up a wendy house or play house in their garden made from scrap pieces of wood and let the children clamber all over it. The litigation conscious attitude that seems to have worked its way over to the United Kingdom from [...]
Espalier is the art of training trees, usually fruit trees, in two-dimensional forms, often against a wall. This can be seen in older kitchen gardens in the United Kingdom, particularly those attached to country manor houses, although it is a form that has been in and out of fashion since [...]
If you are restricted to using a wheelchair, you can still enjoy gardening. All it takes are a few modifications to your garden and the use of some specially adapted tools. Choosing the right plants to grow and where you intend to grow them will help as well. Gaining Access [...]
Gardening can be dangerous at the best of times but for those who have poor eyesight or who are visually impaired, it can be even more precarious. Of course, it’s important to use your common sense when it comes to actually gardening if your eyesight isn’t great, especially when it [...]
If you are asthmatic, it shouldn’t prevent you from spending time in the garden, whether that’s to relax or to do some gardening, as there are several things you can do to reduce the effects of pollen and other allergens if you’re an asthma sufferer. However, it should also be [...]
If you suffer with arthritis, it doesn’t mean that you should have to give up on your gardening. On the contrary, it’s can be an ideal activity which will help with the flexibility of your joints, improve bone density and will help you with your overall degree of motion. There [...]
Trellises can make a very attractive addition to gardens. They can be used to separate off one part of your garden from another. They can be designed in such a way that they become a ‘feature’ of your garden and they can help with privacy or to cover up an [...]
Raised flower bed gardening is a good alternative to conventional gardening and is rather like container gardening, except on a grander scale. It is the perfect form of gardening for elderly people or those who may have difficulty bending down a lot. They are ideal for planting small plots of [...]
Container gardening is an ideal alternative to having to tend a garden, especially if you’re elderly or you have mobility problems. A patio, greenhouse or deck is an ideal place to produce an impressive display or even a doorstep will do. The Benefits Of A Container Garden Container gardens offer [...]
If you are elderly and you’re no longer as capable of using traditional gardening tools or if you are disabled, this does not mean that you have to give up on your gardening activities. Although you may have to make some slight adjustments or hand over certain tasks to someone [...]
Medical opinion would support the notion that gardening is a beneficial activity for the elderly to get involved with in an effort to maintain and improve your general physical fitness and mental well-being. Nevertheless, it’s important not to overdo things and to know your limitations. Even when you think you [...]
It is hardly surprising that many elderly people enjoy gardening as it’s a healthy way of maintaining your fitness and is an activity which can be as strenuous or gentle as you want it to be as you can carry out tasks which suit your capabilities. Even if you have [...]
A garden hose is a very useful piece of gardening equipment. It also seems a pretty innocuous tool but it can cause harm in terms of the way it is stored and used unless you take care and know what you’re dealing with. The Benefits of Garden Hose Reels Garden [...]
Whether you’re an elderly person who has enjoyed gardening all of your life but have now found that it’s become a bit of a struggle physically or you’re a younger person who has always had some kind of disability – it doesn’t necessarily mean that gardening should be off limits. [...]
Garden ponds make an attractive addition to any garden and, for the most part, providing the pond has been designed and situated correctly and you keep on top of the maintenance of your pond in terms of cleaning it out, skimming the surface for rotting leaves and vegetation, for example, [...]
Even the smallest of garden centres will usually boast enough of a range of attractive plants to keep most gardeners happy, but unfortunately for homes with pets, sometimes even the most beautiful-looking flowers can hide a more dangerous side. In nature, with so many different types of animals ready to [...]
Although most of us are familiar with crop rotation when it comes to farming, keen and knowledgeable gardeners will also understand the safety benefits of crop rotation even within a garden setting. At its most basic level, it’s not too difficult to achieve and can also make gardening even more [...]
Pond algae are a natural occurrence, which occurs in any pond as free-floating matter if left untreated after a period of time. It manifests itself as a collection of tiny slimy plants such as plankton and string algae and this can ruin the appearance of a pond which can, if [...]
Whenever you hear the word ‘tetanus’, many of us tend to think only about being cut by a rusty nail or being bitten by a dog or some other animal. However, the bacteria associated with tetanus can be found in common garden soil and it can be hazardous to your [...]
Greenhouses have always been popular and not only help to protect and encourage certain types of plants to grow but they are also an ideal way for you to enjoy gardening all year round. The manufacture and design of greenhouses has also improved over the years and they’ve become much [...]
Many gardeners fall into the trap of buying far more chemicals than they need each year and many of us will have some kind of garden chemical containers which have not been fully used up gathering dust in our sheds or garages somewhere. The problem is that some of these [...]
Water is an extremely precious commodity and no doubt that many keen gardeners will have been affected by hose pipe bans at some time or other. The fact is that there are so many different ways in which you can conserve water in the garden. Some methods are more obvious [...]
Tractor mowers, or ‘ride on’ mowers as they are more commonly referred to in the UK, can save you a lot of time and manual labour if you have an extremely large garden to maintain but, as with all petrol driven or electrically powered garden tools, it’s important that you [...]
Like any kind of ‘den’ or a ‘special’ place which children can call their own, a tree house can be a magical place for a child and they’re sure to have so many special memories of their time spent playing in and around their tree house when they get older. [...]
Garden trampolines have become extremely popular over the past few years and they are a great way for children to keep fit and active. However, it’s important that safety issues are considered carefully as although bumps and bruises are part and parcel in the life of a child, trampolines can [...]
As more and more people have been looking at improving their homes and gardens than ever before one of the more recent areas of growth has been in the sale of garden hot tubs and Jacuzzis. And, what better way to relax than a hot soak in the tub after [...]
There may be numerous reasons why you want to cut down a tree in your garden. It may already have died or might have become infected and begun to rot or it might simply be so tall and wide that it creates too much shade in your garden. Or perhaps [...]
An anaphylactic reaction can be caused by being stung by a bee or a wasp if the person who is stung is allergic to the venom. As bees in particular, leave the stinger containing the poisonous sac embedded in the skin, the sooner you can remove the stinger, the less [...]
We will all know somebody who has an allergic reaction to pollen and suffers from hay fever and from around May to September their lives can be made a complete misery. It’s not simply flowers that cause pollen allergies. People can also suffer from tree pollen and grass pollen. You [...]
Although most bees and wasps won’t bother you unless they feel they’re being threatened or they become highly excitable, there’s always the possibility that you might get stung at some point and you’re almost certainly going to get bitten by mosquitoes and, perhaps, by black flies too if you’re out [...]
When we usually think of ‘bonfires’ we more often than not think of Guy Fawkes Night on November 5th and the accompanying firework displays in commemoration of that particular event. Because of the symbolic nature of that date, people are more readily able to accept the presence of bonfires within [...]
Garden fountains are an attractive feature to have in your garden. They come in all different designs and sizes and can be free standing or attached to your wall. They can help to block out background noise and can add peace and tranquillity to your garden especially late at night [...]
Gardens are places for children to enjoy as well as grown-ups and in later life, kids will have fond and vivid memories of the games they played and the equipment they had to play on when they were young. There are so many different types of play apparatus for children [...]
Firstly let’s differentiate between the ‘axe’ and the ‘hatchet’. A hatchet is simply a smaller version of the axe which can be used easily with just one hand. More often connected to outdoor camping and wildlife adventures, the hatchet is also used in the garden for chopping up smaller pieces [...]
Gardens have never been more popular. This has possibly been driven by the increase in TV programmes on the subject and other media coverage which provides us with lots of useful information as well as inspiring us with ideas. This has resulted in our insatiable appetite for spending our leisure [...]
There are many reasons why you might decide to erect a fence in your garden and these will be the main determining factors as to the style, type, cost, material and height of your fence. Reasons for Having a Fence In general, people will choose to erect a fence for [...]
We would all tend to think of a beautiful garden as a safe haven in which to relax and soak up the peaceful bliss, but there are many things contained within a garden environment that can be poisonous if we are not careful. These could include garden chemicals such as [...]
The main risk in having a garden pond is that young children could fall in and drown. Prevention is better than precaution, however, and it's best to avoid building a pond until a child is at least 5 years old and can understand the inherent dangers associated with garden ponds. [...]
Using chemicals in gardening probably attracts more debate than most other issues. There are those who have always used traditional herbicides insecticides and fungicides to control insects, weeds and to protect plants from disease and they will swear by their benefits and positive effects. On the other hand, organic gardeners [...]
With increasing concerns about mankind’s effects on the planet we should all try to do our bit to reduce the amount of refuse we cannot recycle, even in the garden. Fortunately, most councils are encouraging us to address these issues and, over the past couple of years, the majority of [...]
A previous article on composting in this series has highlighted the types of materials which are suitable to use in the construction of a compost heap. Once you've gathered enough material it's then really just a simple matter of maintaining it. This is really about keeping it at the right [...]
Composting is a great solution to the effective conditioning of your garden and more and more people not only keen gardeners, have taken it up over recent years as part of their commitment to recycling. What do you keep compost in? The compost ‘heap’ itself is usually a large container [...]
For some people the idea of the word ‘frugal’ might seem to indicate that someone is a bit tight with their cash and simply want to do everything on the cheap. However, whilst this may be true in some cases, the frugal gardener is more to do with the satisfaction [...]
Growing your own vegetables is one of the best aspects of gardening to many people. It has several benefits too. Firstly it can help you physically get in shape as a useful form of exercise and it can also boost your psychological well-being. Home grown also scores highly against similar [...]
It is very easy to visit somebody else’s garden or to go and visit a garden centre and see a beautiful array of flowers plants and vegetables and fruits and think, “Yes, that would all look great in my garden.” However, the reality might be very different and it’s crucial [...]
One of the key things to remember is that if you’re a keen gardener and/or like to spend a lot of time in your garden, you’re going to need to take into account safety when it comes to laying a suitable surface as you won’t want to trip or fall. [...]
It’s important to remember that any kind of prolonged exposure to the weather outdoors particularly the sun, is bound to have an effect on your skin and that includes gardening. Therefore, it’s important that you look after your skin and take extra care when you’re out and about in the [...]
Weather and climate both have a profound effect on gardening, especially so in the UK where the weather can be unpredictable. The most important periods of the year occur during the growing season (between spring and autumn) are sunlight, rainfall, temperature, wind, and frost all play a role in determining [...]
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) and Cumulative Trauma Disorder (CTD) are quite often associated with injuries and medical conditions most associated with the work environment, e.g. people who use computer keyboards every day often suffer with RSI if they fail to take proper health and safety precautions. However, both of these [...]
One of the best things about keeping a nice garden is the wildlife that may visit it. This will vary depending upon both your local environment and also by the kinds of wildlife you may want to attract but there are certain steps you can take to encourage wildlife to [...]
It's important to maintain healthy soil in order to grow plants and regular cultivation is vital. It allows air to get into the soil which enables it to get warmer quicker during the growing season which speeds up the growth of your plants. It makes weeding a lot easier and [...]
When it's autumn, the thought of raking up all the dead leaves can often be a daunting prospect for even the keenest of gardeners. But a blower or vacuum can make light work of this both in terms of physical labour and in time saved. Different Varieties They basically come [...]
Every year, lawn mowers cause serious injuries. Electrically powered ones are even more dangerous simply because there is electricity involved but people suffer injuries from even using just a basic manual push model and by following some simple safety procedures, the chances of you or anyone else suffering an injury [...]
Chainsaws are potentially one of the most dangerous tools that can be used in the garden and they can cause catastrophic injuries, especially if you're not familiar with using one. Whilst it's not compulsory to be formally trained in how to use a chainsaw for use in your own garden, [...]
There is no specific time of the year when you should begin harvesting your produce as fruit and vegetables become ripe and ready to harvest at different times of the year. Climate, variety and the particular season are other factors that have an impact but you should always remember that [...]
Growing your own fruit is one of the most rewarding aspects of working in your garden. Home grown fruit cultivated in your own garden tastes much better than the supermarket variety, saves you money and is far better for your health. Plus, if you have children, it can also encourage [...]
If your child develops a natural interest in gardening, it's a great way to keep them occupied while you work in the garden and allows you to spend more quality time together. It gets kids outside and teaches them about nature. Teaching Them the Basic Rules Right from the off, [...]
If you use petrol or diesel driven lawn mowers or other fuel driven gardening tools and need to store the fuel, you need to pay close attention as petrol and petrol vapour, in particular, are extremely flammable and must be treated with caution. What the Law Says Keeping fuel at [...]
When you're pruning smaller hedges, small trees, flowers and plants, you're going to need several smaller hand tools as you'll only complete the job satisfactorily if you use the appropriate cutting tool to match the size of the task. Secateurs are used more for trimming smaller branches on plants whilst [...]
It isn't just electrical power tools and lawn mowers in the garden that need to be operated with care. Virtually every smaller garden tool will be sharp or pointed in some way and considerable care needs to be taken when operating these tools also. Hand Safety Many gardening injuries involve [...]
Although creatures such as slugs, snails and certain types of flies can cause problems to gardeners, it's important to remember that all these kinds of creatures form part of the natural eco-system and it is possible to still maintain a healthy garden without resorting to the use of pesticides. Dangers [...]
This is never an easy question to answer unless you know your wild plant book from back to front, inside and out and can identify every plant within it. The most crucial factor in using plants for food is to avoid accidental poisoning. The general rule is if you can't [...]
The nearest most of us get to consuming fungi is as part of a fry up breakfast with mushrooms bought from the supermarket and although there are many varieties that are safe to eat, there are also some incredibly poisonous species out there that should be avoided at all costs. [...]
Gardens provide a safe place for children to experience the wonders of nature at close quarters and to discover the cycles of life and getting them to participate in the actual gardening helps them to develop an understanding of the environment and instils a sense of respect for nature. It [...]
The taste and scent of any flower can be deceiving to a dog and cat when the flower tastes good. Naturally, the pet will continue to eat the flower despite the poisonous content. There is a high toxicity in the Easter lily, morning glories, buttercups, oleander, tulips, lily of the [...]
For the most part here, we are talking about cats and dogs but we'll briefly come to other pets who might live outdoors later. It's important to make sure that your garden or backyard is a safe, secure and fun environment for your pet and there are several things to [...]
Most keen gardeners who are also nature lovers may actively encourage wildlife into the garden in appropriate ways. It can be something as simple as putting out bird seed on a bird table or hanging nuts for squirrels. However, on occasion, certain species of resident or visiting wildlife may be [...]
Pesticides are any types of chemical or spray that are used to control things that can be classed as 'pests'. These can include chemicals to stop slugs from eating your lettuce, keeping fruit flies at bay or trying to control and eliminate the weeds on your path. The term 'pesticide' [...]
All digging and raking tools are designed to achieve a specific function and it's useful to have several different implements for different tasks around the garden. If you're new to gardening, you may find that you can get by with perhaps 2 or 3 different digging or raking tools but [...]
There are quite a number of poisonous plants and shrubs to be found throughout the UK and to list them all would take several pages. You should be able to get advice from the Royal Horticultural Society if you wanted to find out where you might be able to obtain [...]
Pressure washers are the best solution to have your patio and pathway gleaming like a shiny new pin. They're a great way to clean the grunge and grime from brick, stone and concrete pathways. Using a pressure washer properly, they will bring out the best in your stone work but [...]
Pressure washers can be very useful in the garden. They can be used to eliminate dirt, weeds and moss from paved areas and flags or for cleaning fences or sheds. They are also great for things like rounding up litter into one spot for collection and disposal, for cleaning up [...]
Whilst a beautiful, scenic garden is a joy to look at and to spend time in, we must also be aware that there are a number of dangerous plants and trees that are poisonous if we are exposed to them incorrectly. Therefore, when you're considering which plants, flowers and trees [...]
Nothing tastes better than fresh produce and what better way to have fruit, vegetables and herbs readily available than by growing them yourself. A kitchen garden not only gives you fresh produce but it also makes your garden look and smell more interesting. You can simply start off by growing [...]
Soils are often categorised as sandy, silty or clay, although there are other varieties too. To find put which type you have, simply rub a small amount between your fingers. If it's smooth, it's silt. If it can be rolled into a ball it's clay and if it's gritty, it's [...]
If you are considering a water feature for your garden, it's important to make safety a top priority, especially if you have young children. Anyone can stumble or fall into a water feature, with young children being particularly vulnerable. Types of Water Feature The term 'water feature' encompasses a whole [...]
Every keen gardener wants to have a lush, green lawn, colourful flowers and thriving plants and to do this, a garden needs careful tending and water. Therein lies the problem. Here in the UK, warmer, drier summers look set to be the norm and with drier winters reducing the amount [...]
Gardening is a passion for many people. It's worth mentioning, however, that working in the garden can be very hazardous as you may be dealing with sharp tools and electrical equipment so you need to pay due care and attention when operating this kind of equipment. Hedge Cutters Although a [...]
At the first sign of a hot, sunny day here in the UK, it has become common practice to wheel out the barbecue. Barbecues can be a lot of fun. It's a good opportunity to hold a social event and is the perfect way to cook whilst still getting outdoors [...]
Toxic commercial fertilisers, with their toxic chemical ingredients, can frequently be replaced by easier and safer organic methods. You can eliminate the use of most commercial chemical fertilisers, weed killers and pesticides and still grow healthy and flourishing gardens. Do a Soil Test To determine the right sort of fertiliser [...]
One of the most common tools in any home and garden-the ladder-can also be one of the most dangerous. Worried? You needn't be, as long as you exercise reasonable care in using a ladder. Following common sense guidelines and working smart means that you can work safely in your home [...]
Storing tools safely not only extends their life but also additionally ensures nasty accidents are avoided. When selecting your garden storage area, be it a shed, garage or storage cupboard; always ensure it has adequate room for not only tools and equipment, but also for you to move around freely. [...]
With water shortages becoming more common and a greater concern being shown for our natural resources many people are now looking at ways to use water more wisely, particularly in the garden. Many people now channel used or wastewater into their gardens and get a double usage from a resource [...]
A common problem that occurs eventually with many gardeners is back pain. This is usually brought on by many years of incorrect and risky back use and abuse. By observing a few simple safety rules, you can avoid back pain in later years, or cope with the back pain you [...]
Nighttime in the garden can be magical, particularly if it is complimented by outdoor lighting. Outdoor lighting serves a number of purposes. It can be employed to extend the number of hours you can spend enjoying your garden, highlight features of your garden, a floodlit statue at night can be [...]
There are many types and styles of garden seating on the market. They range from inexpensive plastic chairs through to Cast Iron Outdoor Dining Suites. A lot of this furniture is fine when first brought but as it ages it can become a hazard. When It All Falls Apart. Many [...]
Many of the beautiful plants we choose for our gardens produce berries. A large percentage of these berry-producing plants are responsible for deaths every year. A Fatal Feast. A host of plants produce tasty looking berries that could be a last meal for anyone unwise enough to sample them. Boston [...]
Every year people end up in hospital due to self-poisoning from weed killer use. By following some simple safety precautions, you can safely eliminate your weeds without attempting to eliminate yourself in the process. Is it a Good Spray Day? Never spray in windy conditions, even a slight breeze can [...]
