Outdoors
Kids’ outdoor toys taking over? Here’s how to rescue your garden’s aesthetic
We all aspire to have a beautiful home, but when children are part of the picture, this can be even more of a challenge than usual. This is especially true when it comes to our gardens, which have likely taken a hit since the start of the school holidays with children spending more time at home.
But the kids’ enjoying the garden doesn’t have to be the end to your carefully curated outdoor space. James Whiteley, Founder & CEO of the garden furniture brand White Stores, has some useful tips for creating a stunning garden that remains functional and safe for children.
Whether you're looking to balance aesthetics with practicality or simply rescue your already ravaged garden from weeks of summer fun, theachieve a garden that everyone can enjoy.
1. Choose your garden’s style and aesthetic
“The first step in creating a garden that is both beautiful and functional is to assess its size and natural layout,” says James Whiteley. “Consider whether you want the space to prioritise functionality or focus more on visual appeal. This decision will guide the next steps in your planning process.
“Next, think about which colours would best complement the environment around you. Consider the colour of your home's exterior walls and the current colour of your fence. Deciding on the overall aesthetic of your garden should be one of your top priorities when planning your new design as this choice will influence not only the plants you select but also the children's toys and other entertainment features that will suit your garden.”
2. Design play areas that blend with your garden
James says: “Natural play elements are an excellent starting point for blending beauty with functionality in your garden. Simple features like trees for climbing, bushes to define play spaces, and rocks for exploring can seamlessly integrate play with the garden’s design. For those with a bit more budget, consider adding a treehouse to an existing tree or installing a sandbox that doubles as a decorative feature.
“To unify the play areas with the rest of the garden, consider creating attractive pathways using rocks or sand. These pathways can transform a garden that might otherwise feel disjointed, into a well-organised and beautifully decorated space.”
Wikipedia
Foxglove (Digitalis)
3. Choose kid-friendly plants
“When choosing plants for your garden, it’s crucial to consider those that are safe for children to play around. Some plants, like foxglove (Digitalis), which is highly toxic and can affect the heart, and oleander (Nerium oleander), which is extremely poisonous and potentially fatal even in small amounts, pose significant risks. Neglecting this aspect can quickly turn playtime into a dangerous situation,” James warns.
“Meanwhile, many plants are completely safe for children. For example, the spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is non-toxic and easy to care for. The Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is safe and excellent for improving air quality. African violets (Saintpaulia) are non-toxic and add a vibrant splash of colour. The bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii) is safe and helps purify the air, while the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) is non-toxic and produces beautiful blooms. These plants are ideal choices for creating a safe and beautiful garden that children can enjoy.”
4. Create zones for different activities
“Depending on the size of your garden, it’s a good idea to create separate areas for different activities,” The CEO suggests. “Designate a safe space where your children can play freely and bring out their toys. This should be the most secure part of the garden, ensuring you don’t have to worry about injuries or anything that could disrupt playtime.
“Consider also creating a dining and relaxation zone where adults can unwind while keeping an eye on the kids. You might add a pergola and a stylish dining table, providing a perfect spot for you and your friends or family to gather and enjoy the garden together.”
5. Incorporate educational and creative features
“To make the most of features that are both visually appealing and enhance your child’s experience in the garden, consider incorporating educational and creative elements. For example, an educational garden patch with herbs or vegetables can be a wonderful opportunity to teach your children how to care for plants, as well as looking aesthetically pleasing,” James says. “You can even use the produce to begin teaching them how to cook with the ingredients they’ve grown.
“Another idea is to create an art corner, where you can place an easel and paints, or set up a kid-size table for DIY projects. These areas can be easily decorated to match your garden’s overall aesthetic, blending education with beauty in a way that suits your garden’s style.”
6. Ensure garden safety and durability
“One of the most important aspects of your garden should be the safety features that allow your children to play securely,” James Whiteley says. “To achieve this, make sure that all materials used in the play areas are child-friendly, such as soft grass or rubber mulch. The play area should be a space where you can be confident that no harm will come to your children while they enjoy the outdoors. Ensuring they feel safe will also encourage them to spend more time outside, which is a significant benefit.
“When separating different areas of the garden, ensure that all structures and fences are well-built, secure, and of high quality. While these features may be more expensive, they will guarantee that your garden remains both beautiful and safe.
“When planning where to add fences, consider placing them to separate the garden from roads or pools, if necessary. Children are naturally curious and prone to wandering, so it’s essential to keep them safe from potentially dangerous areas.”
7. Get kids involved in maintaining the garden
The CEO adds: “The final step to ensuring your garden remains beautiful and child-friendly is to maintain it as much as possible. Get your children involved in simple tasks like watering and weeding plants, helping them to appreciate and care for their outdoor space.
“Maintaining a garden that includes plants, outdoor furniture, and a space for kids can be both enjoyable and manageable with a few easy strategies. Begin by choosing low-maintenance plants that thrive in your local climate, such as hardy perennials and native species, which require less watering and care. Adding mulch around your plants helps retain moisture and reduces the need for weeding.
Adobe
“When selecting new garden furniture, opt for weather-resistant materials like teak, metal, or high-quality plastic, and clean them regularly to prevent wear and tear. Regularly check the play area for hazards and encourage children to keep it tidy. By following these steps, you can have a beautiful, functional garden that the whole family can enjoy for the remainder of the school holidays.”
James Whiteley, Founder & CEO
