Now that Summer is here, the boys have been out in the garden loads. Our garden is not always looking its best and I am really trying to make more effort to sort it at the moment so that we can make the most of it, especially with this lovely weather.
I have recently had some more paving put down in the back garden, as we had some sections of gravel and this was a nightmare for keeping the garden tidy as the boys were forever digging into the gravel and spreading the stones everywhere. It looks so much neater and tidier now with the paving from edge to edge and I am hoping to get some more paving or decking installed in another part of the garden where we currently have loads of overgrown foliage. I am thinking if we rip all of this out and added another patio section with some decking, we would gain a lot more use-able space.
An area like this where we could keep the picnic table and seating area would be nice so the adults could sit and chat and relax while the children play. I am also planning to buy some deck chairs and loungers so we have more of a chance of relaxing in the garden. The decking pictured is from richardburbidge.com
I am also planning to treat the children to some new play equipment as I won some money to spend in B&Q (thanks to my room for improvement challenge by MoneySuperMarket which you can see here)
I am thinking of this play centre from Plum but I have not yet made my final decision, so any recommendations will be welcomed! I’m trying to get a balance between one that will be easy enough for the younger children to use, but then won’t be outgrown too quickly considering my oldest is now five. I might go for a trampoline and/or a playhouse too – depending how much space is left! As I mentioned in my chalk activities post, I want to add a chalk board section on one of the outside walls too
I also need to think about the plants and how to keep them well maintained. I admit, I don’t always find it easy to keep my plants in a good condition! There is plenty of advice available from Gardenhealth.com, covering plant care, bird care, lawn care and more – which I am desperately in need of. I would really love to have a garden with beautifully blooming flowers, always looking its best. We are very lucky to have quite a good sized garden so it would be better to really make the most of it! It is also a great idea to take the kids for a day out at your nearest garden center. They always have a cafe for a little break, thee kids can explore the different types of plants and the one close to our house has a fish shop with variety of fish and you can also feed them which is always fun!
I would also really love to add some cool features like a sensory garden or little sound garden, but don’t think this is feasable for the moment! I would love a water feature too but I will leave this for now as I would worry about the children and possible drowning risks if I turned my back for a minute so that will be something to keep in mind for when they are all older.
What are your plans for your garden? Please do share in the comments and pass on any ideas or suggestions
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
It’s hard work trying to keep on top of the garden isn’t it – we don’t do a great job but now Little Mr A has started enjoying helping a bit more we have planted a few plants this year. We also finally treated ourselves to some new outdoor furniture which is great!
We love our garden, but it isn’t the biggest garden so we had to be clever with the layout. We have a decked area, a slabbed area, a chipped area and then a bit for the bins. The kids love the trampoline and we have the pool up just now. I’d love one of those big activity gym things but we haven’t the space. Gives us the excuse to go to the park though!
My garden needs loads of work. I want a swinging chair out there for me to enjoy warm evenings on.
I need a play house or a shed to put all kids junk in there.
I have to be honest, I hate maintaining a garden! I am liking the look of decking!
I’ve only got a small garden so we covered it in slabs with gravel around the edge – but what a nightmare the gravel is – Mister B is forever digging his hands in and sprinkling it across the patio!! Some good decking would be nice and I’d love a lawn if we move.
I love my garden and the kids enjoy it too. It is so lovely to see them playing out in the fresh air rather than being cooped up inside when the weather is bad. Luckily I have four children who enjoy gardening and they are quite willing to help me keep it looking nice!
decking is the way forward: clean, easy to maintain and stylish
We only have a small front garden. Would love to have a bigger one :O/
There are loads of things I want to do – and I am just lucky that my Dad usually helps out! This year I need to get on top of the weeding and need to cut some of the big trees down to make some room. I also need to revamp the play area as the bark is looking past its best!
Why don’t you make a chalk board for outside you can buy the special paint in B&Q and then you would have more for a climbing frame 🙂
yes I am thinking of doing that just have to get round to it, but hopefully by the end of the summer! 😀
We have a smaller garden her than I ever had before, it’s hard to balance nice plants and space for Monkey and his garden toys. He has a great Plum sandpit and a swing that is tucked behind the garage (garden is L shaped). A sensory garden would be great for your guys – Lavender, Rosemary etc and fab for insects!
My garden is lovely and big too, but it’s overlooked for about 200 metres by people walking up and down the street – given the opportunity and money I’d definitely put up a higher fence! 🙂
that would drive me mad if people keep looking in!! although saying that half our fence is broken and the neighbours can see in.