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Gardens - Child Friendly

Children love to play in the garden, and the good news is that it’s easy to make any garden child friendly.  Read on for some great ideas.

Safety in the Garden

Safety is a vital consideration in any garden with children.  Tools and chemicals should always be kept out of reach – preferably locked in a shed that children can’t access.  Remember to pick up your gardening tools after you have used them.

Kids love to play, but play equipment such as swings, trampolines, and monkey bars can lead to falls so it is a good idea to ensure that there is a soft surface for them to land on such as mulch or a thick lawn.  Ensure that play equipment is located away from pathways, patios, or garden edging.  Sand pits are also a popular fixture for kids but ensure that the pit is covered when not in use to stop cats or other pets from getting into it and leaving nasty surprises.

Water is a great feature in any garden but if you have children, you need to make sure that the pool, pond, or water feature doesn’t pose a danger.  Pool fencing is mandatory in Australia.  Ponds and water features can be fitted with a safety grille so that children cannot fall in.

Finally, be aware of the plants that you have in your garden.  Before planting, check the label or with your nursery to ensure that they are not poisonous.  Also be aware of things such as sharp or spiky leaves and thorns, as these can soon pose a danger.

A Garden of their Own

Children will love an area of the garden that they can care for and call their very own.  This area doesn’t have to be designed or look great – it’s all about the child having somewhere to do what they want.  Let your kids decide what they want to grow in their garden.  Quick growing plants are usually best so that kids don’t get bored – try beans, peas, tomatoes, sunflowers, nasturtiums, or radishes.  Herbs are also great – they are fast growing, smell great, and you’ll have a ready supply for your kitchen!  If using larger plants in your child’s garden, choose ones that have interesting textures or colours.  Bright colours will also go down a treat!

Play Areas in the Garden

The best children’s gardens are those that have the play areas integrated into the larger garden, as well as providing hiding places for kids (that you can still see, of course).  Try making a teepee out of long poles and twine that can then be covered by climbing plants.  Or you could create a “room” by planting a circle of plants of flowers with an opening in the middle.  Some child sized furniture in the middle will really top it off.

Kids love to use the garden so don’t make it difficult for them to do so.  Place a container outside that can hold all of their toys such as skipping ropes, balls, and sports equipment.  A well-maintained lawn is a must and an area of the garden that the kids will always use.  this could be for simple “chasey” type games or for games of soccer, football, cricket, etc.

Trampolines, swing sets, sand pits, slides, and climbing equipment are classic backyard additions that every child will love.  Ensure their safety by placing the equipment carefully and installing soft surfaces below.  Also make sure that the play equipment is located in an area that has shade.  No child wants to play on plastic or metal equipment when it has been baked hot by the sun.

Don’t just stick to the traditional items either.  Look for something unique that the kids can play on that may just become a backyard feature in itself.  This might be some rocks that you can form into a mini ghetto, an old boat, logs that kids can crawl over, a treehouse that they can use as a secret meeting place, and so forth. You really are limited only by your imagination! 

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