Creating a family-friendly garden can be a challenge as you need to consider the wants and needs of different family members. This can vary from one person to another depending on their age, gender and personality.
Adults may want a place to relax with a book while younger kids see the garden as a place where they can run around, play games and have fun.
Here are a few excellent landscaping ideas for small backyards and big gardens alike:
1. Elevate the plant beds
Raising the plant beds from the ground protects the plants from damage. If you have kids, this prevents the plants from being used as a makeshift track for toys, or being turned into their playground.
In the case of pets, lifting the vegetable or fruit beds to a higher level prevents the plants from being used as their outdoor litter box.
2. Use durable grass
For high traffic areas, you will need to invest in hardier grass seeds or a similar turf mix. This allows your grassy areas to last longer, even if you have young kids or pets running around all the time.
Spread seeds where the grass has become thin. You can also move play areas and benches to other areas in your garden to help the ground recover.
3. Create play spaces
Designate areas in your garden as play spaces. If you plan to have playground equipment, you will need to consider the ages of the kids using the space. Use a layout and equipment that are adaptable or can be easily adjusted. This way, you can still use the space even when the kids have gotten older.
For instance, if you plan to have a sand pit for kids to play in, once they get older, you can place a raised plant bed in that same area.
Another idea is to use quality rye grass or even fake grass. With using these types of ground covers, you won't need to worry about the grass thinning out in some areas. You can play sports on the grassy grounds without running the risk of damaging your yard. Other than cricket and badminton, you could also turn your backyard into a putter's paradise.
4. Choose safe plants
Be careful with choosing plants to place in your garden. Avoid plants with brightly coloured berries such as holly bushes. The striking hues of its fruit are an indication that they are poisonous. Other poisonous plants you should avoid using in your garden include daffodils and bluebells. If you already have them in your yard and don't wish to uproot them, warn your kids not to eat the flowers or their fruits, and keep your pets away from these plants.
Try to pick blooms and plants that attract butterflies. Seeing colourful insects on your plants may get your kids interested in learning more about nature.
5. Casual seating areas
Place benches, bean bags or tie hammocks around the trees in your garden. Where you place the seats can make great private areas for relaxing and for spending some quality time with your family or friends.
When deciding on where to place the benches or seats, take note of where the sun is when you normally go out to your garden. You don't want to place your chairs or hammocks in areas where the sun will directly hit it.
6. Install a splash pad
Splash pads have small nozzles that spray streams of water upwards or towards the center of the pad. They have become a safer alternative to swimming pools as the water does not stagnate or stay in one spot for long. That means no need for a lifeguard, although you may still need to supervise the kids to prevent injuries caused by slipping on the wet surface.
Having your own splash pad comes in handy, especially during the hot summer months. Splash pads can become the perfect retreat for you and your kids if you need to cool off. No need to go to a crowded swimming pool. Your kids may even invite their friends to enjoy the cool water sprays.
7. Opt for built-in storage
Some toys and play equipment are meant to be used in a garden or a larger outdoor space. With built-in storage in your yard, you won't have to keep bringing the toys back inside the house once the kids have finished playing with them.
You can have specially designed storage areas in your garden or simply include them under seats in your yard.
You can turn your garden into any type of space you want: an extension of your home, a place to relax, an outdoor play area for your kids and pets, and so much more. Try out a few of the ideas listed here and watch your garden turn into a haven for you and your family.