Not all of us have the luxury of a large garden. If you're limited for space and can't get twenty five metres between your fireworks and the spectators, you may need to scale down your event and use just garden (category two) fireworks. If this is the case, don't despair! In this section we dispel the myth that a garden display has to be tame or quiet.

Fireworks for sale to the public currently come under two classifications: Garden and display fireworks. Display fireworks have a spectator distance of at least 25m. This makes them unsuitable for many smaller gardens. That leaves Garden class fireworks which have a spectator distance of at least 5m.

The huge gap between these classifications is frustrating, and debate continues over whether there should be an intermediate rating of, for example, 10m or so. Unfortunately until there is a change in classification, you should not use display fireworks in your garden if you cannot get at least 25m distance to your audience.

Do not ignore the safety distance. It is there for a reason. Be aware of other implications of ignoring this safety distance too: If anything goes wrong, you could be deemed to have used the firework irresponsibly (or illegally) and it could render any insurance void.

Make sure you have a proper fall out area for your fireworks! Do not use rockets in your garden if, for example, they may land in someone else's garden or in the street.

Here's when you might want to consider scaling down to garden fireworks:

	If you cannot get 25m safety distance between your fireworks and the spectators.
	If you do not have a suitable fall out area for the debris created by display class fireworks.
	If you want to scale things down a little, for example if you are displaying for a very young audience.
	If you are a complete beginner and have not used fireworks ever before. Garden fireworks make a nice start!

Despite their smaller size, you can still create quite a stir with garden fireworks if you pick the right ones. Check out our review sections and look for fireworks with the "5" key (for garden fireworks).

Perhaps the best garden fireworks are rockets. Many garden rockets are so good for the money, even experienced amateur displayers use them. We use dozens of these each Guy Fawkes, packs like Kimbolton's Medusa rockets and many, many others offer stunning performance.

Garden fountains look great at 5m but pick a good ones like Kimbolton's Glittering Gemstones - avoid the really small ones found in garden selection boxes.

Glittering Gemstones in action

Garden class cakes are slightly harder to find, but several brands do have these in their range. Try Britannia or Imperial, for example.

If you want a really small display or are on a very tight budget, a garden selection box might work well. These can be notoriously poor in some cases, so stick to well known brands. Kimbolton's selection boxes are the best we have come across so far.

We used to suggest "beefing up" a selection box with airbombs and screech rockets. This is no longer possible as these smaller items are being phased out. But, you can still add a good fountain or a garden rocket pack (many small boxes lack rockets).

Here are some more suggestions and tips for you:

	Don't underestimate the power of category two fireworks. They can still badly burn or injure. Take the same precautions as you would with display fireworks. Always make sure the fireworks cannot fall over (small garden fireworks are easy to part bury in soil).
	Don't let children play with, or near, the fireworks.
	Don't light them the wrong way up! No I'm not joking, it's not always as obvious with tiny category two fireworks (especially from selection boxes) which way up they should go. Read each firework's instructions well in advance of the display.
	Don't leave any selection boxes open and uncovered near the display area.
	Don't be tempted to show off and hold the fireworks, no matter how small they are!
	Do have a bucket of water and a first aid kit handy. People can get complacent with small fireworks. This results in injuries.
	Dispose of used fireworks carefully.
	Don't be tempted to slip in a few display fireworks to liven things up, unless you can comply with their safety requirements.

We hope that you have found the information in this section useful and wish you a safe and enjoyable display. Don't forget to read our extensive safety section for help setting up and firing your display.

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