Before we had kids, my husband and I used to spend our weekends working on our house and in the yard. We loved new projects! We never did anything too big – but painting, repairing, planting and growing things was definitely a part of our life! But, once the kids came along, it was harder to find the time to do those “extra” things – especially the ones that are outside the house. But, now that they are getting older, we are able to get back into all those extra things. Yay!
This past summer we started our own garden again with raised vegetable beds. It was so much fun and a great lesson for us all! We actually built our vegetable beds together and planted it all together. Such a good family activity. With a little planning, you can create a child-friendly garden that the whole family can enjoy!
Check out these 5 Tips to Create A Child-Friendly Garden to get you started!
Design and Inspiration
Many people think that child-friendly gardens have to be stuffed with outdoor toys. But, it doesn’t have to be. You can have a family garden that appeals to all ages! Just think about those who will use it and what appeals to them! Look up examples on garden websites and Pinterest. There’s a ton of inspiration and even planning apps to help!
The Vegetable Plot
A small plot of land can be dedicated to growing fruit and vegetables. This is one of the easiest ways to get your children interested in gardening. It’s a great idea to start early teaching your little ones all about responsibility. Growing your own is one of the best ways to do this. You can add seedlings of your favourite fruit and vegetables and encourage the kids to jump in and help! This is an excellent way to teach them about nutrition and save you money on your produce!
A Place to Learn
The garden should be an educational tool. After all, there are a wide variety of animals, plants and creatures living within the depths of your yard. You should take the opportunity to equip your kids with all the tools that they need for learning about the great outdoors. There is a wide range of science sets that are aimed for use in the garden. Encourage them to go outside and see what they can find.
Adding Color
Let’s face it; a child is never going to appreciate the luxurious design of Patio Living Perth or a Japanese Zen garden. But, they will appreciate color. This is something that everyone can enjoy. A bright, happy garden needs to be filled with lots of colors – from vegetables to flowers! The planting can be done with the kids, and you can take the opportunity to spend some time together. Ask what they want to see in the garden. What do they love about the bright colours? They will love being out in the yard with you. Keep them involved and engage them in every way that you can.
Play Time
You need to make sure that you plant flowers and shrubs that are hardy. After all, a game of football or a skipping rope can play havoc with the overall look of your garden. Having hardy plants are great as they will be more resistant to your kids and their boisterous play activities. You need to make sure that you garden can withstand any rough and tumble play. When you have kids running around, you need to be careful with how you are planning your garden, but it can be a safe and child-friendly space!
