With Halloween just around the corner, I finally got my decorations put up outside. I love seeing the neighborhoods kids in their costumes when they come to trick-or-treat. Some of my scarier decorations have even been known to send little kids running. It’s all in good fun.
While I love getting trick-or-treaters at my door on Halloween, I also love my garden. Some of the kids, especially the little ones, are eager to get to the front door and have been known to trample some plants. It’s no reason to get upset – plants will grow back, but over the years, I’ve learned a little preparation can help keep the kids and my garden plants safer.
Remove Any Potted Plants or Container Gardens from Your Door
I always have seasonal container gardens scattered around the yard. For now, there are a couple at the front door. But, to keep them safe and to keep kids from tripping over them, I will be removing them and putting them far away from where trick-or-treaters might be.
Rope off Your Garden
The walkway to the front door is narrow and there are a couple of rose bushes (with thorns) on either side. To help protect the garden from trampling and keep the kids from getting stuck by thorns, I used themed “Caution Crime Scene” tape to rope off my flower beds. Not only does it go with the theme of Halloween, but it should help keep everyone on the sidewalk and away from the plants. I’m not going to be upset if something gets broken or trampled, but this will give the plants a fighting chance.
Remove Any Fragile or Sharp Garden Decorations
I do have some garden art that is pointy and if someone accidentally fell on it or ran into it in the dark, it would not be pleasant. More than likely no one will get close to it, but just to be sure, I’ll be moving it to another location for the week.
Don’t Use Fake Spider Webs Outdoors
You know that fake spider web stuff that comes in a ball and you stretch it out to make spider web like decorations? I strongly encourage you to NOT use it outdoors. I made that mistake one year and ended up having to cut free several bumblebees. I felt awful about it. I wouldn’t be surprised if hummingbirds would even get caught in that stuff. There are at least a couple hummingbirds still hanging around my garden, so you can be sure I won’t hang up any spider webs outside. Learn from my mistake and us it as indoor decoration only.
Have Fun!
Half the fun of Halloween for me is having scary decorations around the house. Here are a couple of my favorites.
