Designing a Child-Friendly Garden
Most families with children are happy for their kids to spend time outside in the garden, where it’s safe. But while a patch of grass will be fine for a game of footy, there are lots of ways to create a more exciting child-friendly garden. Here are several key factors to consider if you are ready to embark on a garden makeover with your children in mind.
Safety First
Safety should always be the top priority when planning a garden for children. Identify and remove any hazards or toxic plants. Use rounded edges on furniture and fixtures to prevent injuries. Soft surfacing like woodchips or rubber mats under play equipment can help absorb falls. Consider fencing off hazardous areas like ponds or steep slopes. Install secure gates to prevent wandering. Check interior design magazines for more garden divider ideas if you want to separate your veggie patch from the kids’ play area.
Play Zones
Create dedicated areas for different activities so children have space to play freely. An open lawn is ideal for running, ball games and using ride-on toys. Build a playhouse or install a play set with swings, slides and climbing frames in one corner. Use another area for playing with water and sand, with access to spigots and drainage. Have a space for quiet play like reading, drawing or puzzles. Grow child-friendly plants they can touch and smell. A lavender hedge or small picket fence are two inexpensive garden partition ideas.
Seating and Storage
Provide adult seating like benches around the garden perimeter so parents can supervise play. Have a picnic table for outdoor meals and crafts. Sheds and lockable cabinets allow storing outdoor toys when not used, keeping the space tidy.
Weather Protection
Install a sunshade, pergola or gazebo to provide shade and allow play on hot sunny days. A polytunnel can create a rainproof play space for wet weather. You could also have a mud kitchen under cover so splashy messy play can happen year-round.
Creature Comforts
Remember to include child-friendly facilities. Low sinks and taps in a miniature potting shed make for an accessible gardening station. A pint-sized picnic table with seats is ideal for snacks and crafts. Building a custom cubby house creates a secret den. Pathways and stepping stones encourage exploration.
Accessibility
Ensure the garden is accessible for children of all abilities. Include wide paved pathways with no steps between areas. Raised planter beds enable gardening at wheelchair height. Use tactile and sensory elements like textured plants, wind chimes and rustling bamboo.
Build a Playhouse
Playhouses allow imaginative play and roleplaying games. Custom built wooden playhouses with windows, doors and accessories encourage fantasy and storytelling. Miniature versions of familiar buildings like castles, shops or fire stations spark creative adventures. Playhouses provide a dedicated play space for make-believe and inventive play.
With thoughtful design and planning, you can create an engaging garden that provides physical and imaginative play opportunities for children of all ages. Safety, separation of spaces and weather protection will allow the garden to be enjoyed year-round. Incorporate fun and whimsical elements for a child-friendly space they will treasure.