Veg Colette Charsley
Garden Design by Colette Charsley
A question I am often asked is how to make a garden that is beautiful but suitable for children.
With good design a garden can be created that is relevant to the whole family. Such a garden is not static. Just as children grow and their needs change so must the garden. Over time a flower bed can become a pond or a den can transform into a quiet terrace.
The most requested features asked for by children are:
• Water
• Somewhere to play
• A den or treehouse
• A little ‘garden’ of their own.
Unsupervised water and children are not really a good idea. However there are various ways of creating safe water for children to play with. A simple jet falling onto a porous base can look lovely and provide hours of wet fun. Older children (and adults) will get enormous pleasure from a wildlife pond which could double as a natural swimming or paddling pool.
Play can take many forms. If you do not have an area of lawn which can recreate Wembley, consider creating a garden in which budding explorers can hone their skills. Structures made of willow or areas of bamboo can make great dens. Rather than just have paths which lead from A to B make them into a circuit round the garden. Let some of the grass grow long and mow paths through it. Elephants have not as yet been discovered in Devon but there is always a first. Something as simple as a mown maze in the lawn will look interesting and provide fun for young and old alike. On a slightly larger scale you can create landforms – grassy mounds and curvy shapes. Play structures will blend into the garden better if they are made from natural materials. These will all spark a child’s imagination but will look good when the little darlings are back at school.
Children love getting their hands into the soil. Being ‘allowed’ to get muddy is very appealing. A tiny corner of the garden that they can call their own and grow easy flowers, vegetables or fruit will show rewards. Try to see what they like next time you are in a garden centre and encourage them to have a go themselves.
With a little lateral thinking and forward planning a well designed garden can keep everyone happy.
First Published July 2012 By The Dart
Colette Charsley 01803 722449
