Soon we’ve been out in the blazing sun for several hours, minus sunscreen, digging in the dirt or trimming the grass with only flip flops on our feet.

We forget that gardens harbour safety hazards along with flowers, shrubs and trees.

Being in a garden can be an accident waiting to happen. Bones are broken and ankles twisted on uneven paving stones or rocks that we swear weren’t there yesterday.

Tips of fingers are badly cut when they get in the way of razor sharp pruning shears, toes are lopped off by wayward lawnmowers and backs are put out by lifting rocks the size of boulders and the list goes on.

To avoid those preventable accidents in the garden act like a boy scout: be prepared and follow these tips:

• Wear sturdy shoes.

• Use the right tool for the job.

• Wear garden gloves appropriate for the task.

• Pay attention to your surroundings and watch where you’re stepping.

• Lift heavy objects correctly.

• Wear a hat, sun screen, sunglasses and long pants and tops if feasible.

• Repair loose paving stones and broken concrete on walkways, driveways and patios.

• Keep trees and shrubs healthy and well trimmed.

• If you must use chemicals do it wisely.

• Lastly, forget those gardening marathons in the noonday sun. Instead, sit in the shade with a glass of something cool and refreshing.

Growing Green is prepared by Mount Hamilton Horticultural Society and appears biweekly. This week’s column was written by Helen MacPherson, one of the society's directors. She also serves as their Outreach Chair.