if you where landscaping garden for your dc, what would you do/include?

[robinredbreast]

im planning on having our garden landscaped all in order for dd

and i'd like to ask people if they where going to relandscape there whole garden what would they do?

we have a good sized garden the only things in it are a cherry tree an an apple tree
the rest is just lawn
the trees ar staying,but the trees are not big enough for a treehouse

the things id like are
must haves
a play house
swings
slide[s]

and maybe
trampoline
seesaw

my dads a bulider and he's doing it for us

i was also thinking of having some type of path going all round the garden so dd can ride her bike/push her pram etc all round the garden.
do you think this is a good idea?
ill use different materials so it does look like a concreate jungle
we also are having a patio area and we have a swining hammock too

my dh thinks im going ott as usual lol

but we hardley used the garden before and i really think its gonna get good use now we have dd
is there anything you think is a good idea or a must of ? or would would of done

thanks

[PrincessSnowLife]

definitely a path for riding bike, preferably flat-ish
a sandpit
how old is she? would she like to grow things? DS does this and loves eating his own fruit and veg, especially strawberries! He is also extremely fascinated by making compost... but your child might be a bit more refined than mine!!

[tortoiseSHELL]

I wouldn't have a swing, simply because I think they can be dangerous - it depends on the age of the children. We have a little baby swing for ds2, and considered a bigger one, but it would mean I could never leave the children in the garden, as I would always be scared one of them would run in front/behind the swing and be whacked.

We have a climbing frame with a slide this one which is fantastic - it really provides a focus for the garden, the kids always congregate on their and it's a pirate ship, a fire station, a space rocket....

We also have a playhouse - we got this one which we painted. It's small but they love it.

We incorporated our drive into the garden, so they have some hard standing area to play on with chalks/bikes/scooters. I wish it was bigger, but we have a smallish garden.

We have a table and chairs by the back door for eating outdoors.

We have 4 chickens, in a homemade chickenhouse, which really bring the garden to life.

Would you consider having a planting area for the children? So they can grow either flowers or veggies.

[tortoiseSHELL]

Trampolines - kids love them, again I wouldn't get one as they are the biggest cause of injuries to children in the garden - at the xray dept of our childrens hospital, there is a big poster outlining all the dangers! So I would avoid that, but having said that, I know loads of people who have them and have never had any problems.

[robinredbreast]

oh thanks for the help
chicken roaming free now that is a great idea,do they take alot of work how large does the garden need to be?
what about cats ?
dd is only 6 months
but im planning it all out in advance

yes i think a veggie patch would be great
what are the easiest veg of all to grown

[Countingthegreyhairs]

your plans sound terrific robinredbreast. I you the space (small town garden here!)

If it's any help there's an upmarket garden designer - I think she's called Bunny Guinness - who specialises in children's gardens. She's written lots of articles on the subject for newspapers which contain tips about planning a garden for children (and one that evolves with them). Perhaps it would be worth googling?

She suggested setting trampolines low in to the ground so that the bouncy surface is level with the surface of your lawn for example. That way, injuries are less apparently! Would definitely recommend a net for your trampoline anyway.

How about a few artificial hills (or gentle slopes) for running up and down - always popular - and adds variety? Also, as with any garden plan, good to add a bit of excitement/mystery by not being able to see the whole of the garden all at once (if this wouldn't be too much of a safety issue with little ones). So a meandering path that leads in to a shady area around a corner for example (shade always necessary for picnics -reading books etc)

Would also recommend raised beds for veg. Radishes are the easiest but dd (4.5) grows carrots, marigolds, French beans, sunflowers and strawberries in pots on our terrace. Children like to have their own designated area for this.

Space permitting, we have have also incorporated lots of bird feeders, bird houses, areas for logs (to encourage beetles etc) and put in a special area for composting bins (good for children to learn this from an early age)

Would NOT recommend a sandpit but I have a garden with French windows that opens on to our sitting room. A huge amount of sand gets traipsed in to the house ...

Have fun!

[robinredbreast]

wow thanks for th fantastic tips ctgh ive looked up bg and wow is all i can say

i love love love her rattys house
i think im giving dd everything sh could wish for in her garden,as when i was growning up you couldnt even play with toys in the garden

i want to make it the bst gardn ever for my little dd

thankyou for taking the time to post all those tips

[Countingthegreyhairs]

My pleasure RobinRB. Sounds like your dd is in for a treat!!

[missingtheaction]

Bunny Guinness Family Gardens is the book - it's wonderful (if you haven't found it). I wish I'd planted a willow maze early enough for my kids to enjoy it - if dd is only 6m you can start now!

From experience I recommend keeping stuff close to the house - they NEVER go down to the end of the garden to play on their own!