A child-friendly garden

How to make a garden the most exciting place for learning, imagination and discovery…

Engaging all senses

Plant a wide variety of interesting textures, colours, and scents.

Bird watching

A garden that provides an enticing habitat for birds is also irresistible to children who love to engage with nature. In the magnolia tree Toby points to a birds nest.

Bug watching

Insects provide a wonderful opportunity to learn about the life cycles, pollinators and other fascinating intricacies of nature. Teach children to look after beneficial insects and how to be safe around bees.

Space, shade and safety

A wide open space with a soft, hazard free lawn to run and play or kick a ball is worth prioritising for a young family. In a smaller garden, free up space by keeping planting and play equipment around the boundaries. Play spaces need protection from the sun. Make the most of any trees as the ultimate sun shade. Soft surfaces are important under play equipment, and fencing off swimming pools, roads and other unsafe areas is critical.

Grazing

A snack picked and eaten straight from the garden is far more enticing than one served up on the dinner plate, especially if you were involved in growing it. Child friendly planting includes the likes of fruit trees, blueberries, snow peas, broad beans, crunchy cucumbers and cherry tomatoes. Teach them about the dangers of eating unknown plants.

Fun!

Play equipment doesn’t need to be an expensive eyesore. Challenging yet safe play elements can be integrated into green spaces to maintain an exciting sense of wilderness. Lauren and Elliot chose materials that blend with their natural environment. Something as simple as a set of log stepping stones or a rope swing hanging from a tree can provide hours of fun.

Future proofing

Plan for change as children grow. A sandpit may be a future garden bed. A playhouse may be a future storage shed.