For families with children, safety is always a major priority. After listening to my client’s needs and visions for their space for many years, I’ve developed an understanding of how to effectively design an outdoor space that aligns with the homeowner’s needs and I’m sharing some of those tips with you here:
Choose Non-Toxic Plants
Sunflowers, marigolds and ferns are just a few plant species that are typically safe to ingest in small amounts. Young children can be unpredictable, so it’s important to consider all possibilities for them to harm themselves. Accidentally ingesting a plant species that is known to be poisonous is a situation that can be avoided altogether simply by choosing the right plant species in your design.
Strategically Incorporate Soft Surfaces
Grass, rubber mulch and sand are just a few material choices you can make to create a safe play area. In the unfortunate event where a small child falls down, landing on a softer surface instead of a hard one can make a big difference. Providing a safe environment for active play should be at the top of the list for how to design an outdoor space that will entertain small children.
Create Define Play Zones
Sandboxes, swings, and playhouses are examples of defined play zones that will help keep the outdoor space organized. Designing the space this way helps parents enforce where their children can and cannot play to reduce accidents.
Safe Pathways
Install smooth, even pathways that allow guests to walk through easily without tripping. Materials like pavers or flagstones with non-slip surfaces keep the space fairly safe year round. Add pathway lighting to illuminate the safe direction after sunset.
Fencing
Fences can be used not just to discourage small children from getting out of sight, but they also keep dangers outside of the property like dogs.
When designing any outdoor living space, the lifestyle of the homeowners determines largely how the project comes out overall. Designing outdoor spaces for homes with small children must have an element of safety baked into the outcome. Selecting non-toxic plants, incorporating soft surfaces, defining play zones, ensuring safe pathways and adding property boundaries help create a secure and enjoyable outdoor space.
Ready to design a child-friendly landscape? Contact Design Scapes Inc. for a consultation, and let us help you create a safe and fun outdoor environment. Visit our www.design-scapes-inc.com for inspiration and see examples of our work!
