Tips and hints for Kidsafe gardening

Kidsafe NSW has released 'Grow me Safely', a new website resource that provides information related to gardening with children.

The website provides plant lists for vegetable and sensory gardens, plants to avoid, and injury data information.

The initiative stems from Kidsafe NSW's aim to promote natural play environments for children. As part of that commitment to natural play environments, Kidsafe NSW is delighted that the website resource can support groups in planning for natural areas or developing veggie gardens in their playspaces.

Gardening with children is promoted in the National Quality Framework for Education and Care Services, and the NSW Primary Syllabus.

The website resource was developed in response to the large amount of enquiries that Kidsafe NSW receives regarding suitable plants in children's gardens, and has been funded by the 2011 Young Horticulturist of the Year Award (coordinated by the Australian Institute of Horticulture on behalf of the Ryde Horticulture Students Fund).

Many agencies and organisations contributed to the review, content, images and injury data collection to ensure the website tool is accurate, practical and promotes positive messages regarding gardening activities with children.

To access the website visit the Kidsafe NSW websiteand click on the 'Grow me Safely' sign at

http://www.kidsafensw.org/growmesafely/