How do you make a garden better for the whole family? In today’s mini guide, we’ll look at some great ideas to enhance the appearance, design, and functionality of your family garden. Let’s dive in!
Lawn Area
More than likely, you’ll want to make use of a suitable lawn space for the whole family to enjoy. While this can be beneficial to all, a nice lawn area can prove especially enjoyable for children as it offers a space to play games. Most family pets would also appreciate a sizeable lawn area.
Even if you can only fit a small lawn space in your garden (perhaps because of the size of your garden or due to limited space from having a patio or decking installed), it’s worth holding on to what lawn you have.
A small lawn can still be a lot better than no lawn when it comes to a family garden.
No-Risk Water Feature(s)
Water features can add aesthetic value to a garden as well as attracting wildlife. Of course, it’s important to only have zero-risk water features installed that are suitable for the whole family.
So, what exactly is a safe water feature? This is possible by having a feature installed where most of the water is stored in an underground sump or tank.
Either way, the sump or tank would perform the role of a reservoir. You should also consider fitting an outside tap to make the installation, maintenance and cleaning easier.
With this fitted, you can have a framework of steel rods or mesh to contain the feature. Then, you can have the pump added to the water.
Lastly, cobble stones or/and plants could be added at the top of the steel mesh. This way, you can create a water feature without hazards. If in doubt, consult a professional.
Decking or Patio
Another great way of improving the look and feel of your garden is with the construction of decking or a patio.
Whether you go with one option or the other, this type of installation can create a great spot to relax as a family, especially on warm summer days (don’t forget the sunscreen).
Of course, more than likely, the deck or patio will benefit the adults most, with a lawn area for the kids or/and pets to enjoy.
Child- And Animal-Friendly Plants
If you’d like to add plants to your garden, you should ensure they are suitable for a garden with children or/and animals.
For that reason, you’d want plants that are durable and are best able to resist potential damage. You should also opt for plants that are not poisonous to animals.
Some good ideas for child- and animal-friendly plants include:
- Hydrangea (a.k.a. Preziosa)
- Bloody Cranesbill
- Jasminum officinale f. affine
Blend Materials for A Neat Design
Using a range of complementary materials can have a positive effect on the outlook of a family garden.
For instance, you may want to include:
- Timber installations such as a deck or a shed.
- Artificial grass.
- Garden stepping stones, perhaps made of slate, quartzite, fieldstone or flagstone.
Vibrant Colours and Fun Shapes
This approach can enhance the look of your garden and do so in a playful way that children and adults could both appreciate.
Getting creative can pay dividends. Vibrant colours like bright green, blue, and pink can give a playful character to your family garden.
The same applies to shapes, whether it be in the form of tables, walls, garden steps, stepping stones, or otherwise.
Adding curves throughout your garden can give your garden a new lease of life.
You may want to consult a professional garden designer to brainstorm a range of ideas that would work well with your garden in particular.
What Else Should I Consider?
Here are a few other ideas:
- Wrap-around seating the whole family.
- Installing a chic playhouse.
- Have a comfortable reading nook setup in your garden.
- Add play equipment that is child- or/and -pet friendly.
- Play equipment with natural materials (if safe and suitable).
- Set up a specific space growing plants (e.g., a spot that you and the kids could water flowers together and watch them grow).
- Install fun garden lights to decorate the space. There are plenty of fancy garden light designs on the market, including playful ones that all the family could appreciate.
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