As your family grows and evolves, the way in which your outside space is used is going to change. From creating a safe space for adventurous and curious toddlers, to nurturing quiet spots for calm relaxation for tired adults, creating a multi-purpose garden that appeals to all involves a blend of functionality, aesthetics, and activities that cater to various interests and age groups. Here’s a step-by-step guide to designing such a garden:
How much space do you have, and what is your budget?
Whether you are fortunate enough magic show to have several acres at your disposal, or are limited to a few square metres, planning your space is still an essential element of the process. For example, for larger gardens, if you have small children you want to make sure that they are contained within a safe and secure area, away from any water or other hazards, where they can play and explore within convenient earshot. Assess you space, clarify what you need.
Divide that space into ‘zones’
Have a good think about the people in your family and how they each want to be using your outside space. The needs of smaller children are different to those of teenagers, so have a chat with them and ask what it is they want to do. If anyone is particularly sporty, for example, you may want to look at sourcing some sports netting for gardens to give them an established and permanent area for practice. Teenagers may want to simply have an area where they can hang out with friends and get rid of some hormonal energy without disturbing the rest of the house.
Creating a safe play zone for smaller toddlers
The littlest members of your family are probably the easiest to satisfy in terms of structuring an enclosed area for play. Locating it close to the house, where you can observe them from the kitchen window, for example, means that you can confidently crack on with your household chores safe in the knowledge that they are close by, in a safe space, and within immediate reach.
Installing a calm and tranquil zone for relaxation
With some careful thought and a bit of imagination, you can create a sitting room in your garden which is as warm and welcoming as your sitting room in the main house. With the right structures, there is no reason this space can’t be used throughout the year – even when the weather turns a little bit chilly.
Some comfortable seating, lots of cushions and blankets, a roaring fire pit and some solar powered lighting will give you an escape into the fresh air which only rain might prevent (and even that can be protected against with a pergola).
Surrounding your seating area with flowers and bushes is the foundation of creating your natural wallpaper – wallpaper that can also emit the most amazing of fragrances at various points throughout the year. The addition of a water feature – a small pond or fountain – will add a soothing ambiance, creating outside music that will add to your overall enjoyment and relaxation.
Outside games for adults
There is such a wide variety of games available that can be played by kids and adults alike, and that add an element of fun to your outside space, encouraging families to put down their electronic devices and get out into the fresh air to come together and have a good laugh. Family favorites such as Connect4, Jenga, Twister and Ring Toss will fuel the competitive spirit between parents and offspring. More traditional games like Petanque and Croquet will allow you all to wile away the afternoon in familial companionship.
And the best thing is, if looked after properly these games can be passed down the generations for years to come.
