As I sit down at my computer to write this update, it is a gorgeous spring day outside – finally! Trees are budding, the grass is turning green, the sun is shining, and winter jackets have been removed and replaced by short sleeves. With the arrival of spring, I am excited to get outside and start playing in my garden. It looks so sad after a long and cold winter, but I get great joy seeing the resilient plants start to poke their heads out of the soil.
Gardening can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors, get physically active, beautify the community and grow nutritious fruits and vegetables. If you are a beginner like me or an expert gardener, health and safety should always be a priority. I thought I would share a few tips to help keep you safe and healthy so that you can enjoy the beauty and bounty that gardening can bring.
- Dress to protect—gear up to protect yourself from lawn and garden pests, harmful chemicals, sharp or motorized equipment, insects, and harmful rays of too much sun.
- Wear safety goggles, sturdy shoes and long pants to prevent injury when using power tools and equipment.
- Protect your hearing when using machinery. If you have to raise your voice to talk to someone who is an arm’s length away, the noise can be potentially harmful to your hearing.
- Wear gloves to lower the risk for skin irritations, cuts and certain contaminants.
- Use insect repellent and protect yourself from diseases caused by mosquitoes and ticks. Wear long-sleeved shirts, and pants tucked in your socks.
- Lower your risk for sunburn and skin cancer. Wear long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, sun shades, and sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher
- Put Safety First—powered and unpowered tools and equipment can cause serious injury. Limit distractions, use chemicals and equipment properly and be aware of hazards to lower your risk for injury.
- Follow instructions and warning labels on chemicals and lawn and garden equipment.
- Make sure the equipment is working properly.
- Sharpen tools carefully.
- Keep harmful chemicals, tools, and equipment out of children’s reach.
I am so excited to see what Mother Nature has in store for my garden this year, and what bulbs can survive the onslaught of our community bunnies. I look forward to my daily garden inspections and admiring the new growth on my plants and the blossoming of colours and fragrances as summer approaches. To all Bethany gardeners, I wish you a fabulous and safe gardening season.
If you have any questions, or would simply like to share your ideas, please contact me directly at lisa.watson@bethanyseniors.com.
Kind regards,
– Lisa
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