Creating a Child-Friendly Garden: A Guide from Look Real Lawns

Case Studies

08 August, 2020

Creating a Child-Friendly Garden: A Guide from Look Real Lawns

At Look Real Lawns, we understand the importance of a safe, fun, and functional outdoor space for families, especially those with young children. Recently, one of our neighbors reached out to us with a challenge. Having just moved into a new home, they found themselves with a garden that was far from suitable for their two small children. The garden was filled with fish ponds and overgrown shrubs—a potential hazard and certainly not a space where their children could play freely.

Transforming a Hazardous Garden into a Child-Friendly Haven

The first step in transforming their garden was to clear the existing hazards. The fish ponds were removed, and the overgrown shrubs were trimmed back. This created a blank canvas for us to design a space that would be safe, enjoyable, and low-maintenance.

Key Features of the New Garden Design:

Indian Sandstone Patio: A stylish and durable area for the grownups to relax, entertain, and enjoy the outdoors.
Artificial Lawn: A lush, green space where the kids could run, play, and explore without the worry of mud or grass stains.
Safe Play Areas: With the removal of the ponds and overgrown plants, the garden became a secure environment for the children to enjoy.

5 Tips for Designing a Child-Friendly Garden

Designing a garden with children in mind involves more than just removing hazards. It’s about creating an environment that encourages play, imagination, and exploration. Here are our top five tips for creating a child-friendly garden:

Incorporate Soft Surfaces:
- Why? Kids are prone to falls and scrapes. A soft, cushioned surface like artificial grass can prevent injuries and provide a safe space for running and playing.
- How? Consider replacing hard surfaces like concrete with artificial lawns. Not only are they safer, but they also require less maintenance than real grass. Learn more about our artificial lawn services here.
Create Defined Zones:
- Why? Children benefit from having specific areas for different types of play—be it a sandbox, a climbing frame, or a quiet area for reading.
- How? Use plants, small fences, or different surface materials to create these zones. This helps to organize the garden and gives children a variety of play options. Explore our landscaping services for inspiration.
Choose Non-Toxic Plants:
- Why? Young children are curious and might try to eat or touch plants in the garden. It's important to select non-toxic varieties to avoid any risk.
- How? Avoid plants like foxglove, oleander, or yew, which can be harmful if ingested. Instead, opt for child-friendly plants like sunflowers, lavender, and marigolds.
Add Interactive Elements:
- Why? Gardens that offer interactive features can be educational and fun for children.
- How? Consider adding a small vegetable patch, a bird feeder, or a sensory garden with plants that appeal to touch and smell. These elements can turn your garden into a space where children can learn about nature.
Prioritize Safety in Design:
- Why? Ensuring that the garden is free from sharp edges, deep water, or unstable structures is crucial for child safety.
- How? Regularly inspect play equipment, ensure proper fencing, and remove or secure any potential hazards. Our blog on correct installation offers additional insights on how to maintain a safe garden environment.

Child-Friendly Garden Design Ideas

Creating a child-friendly garden doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. Here are some design ideas that balance aesthetics and practicality:

Feature	Benefits	Examples
Artificial Lawn	Safe, low-maintenance, and year-round greenery	Look Real Lawns Artificial Grass
Indian Sandstone Patio	Durable, stylish, and perfect for adult spaces	Our Landscaping Services
Play Zones	Defined areas for specific activities	A sandbox, a swing set, or a small climbing frame
Non-Toxic Plants	Safe for curious children	Lavender, marigolds, sunflowers
Water Features	If chosen carefully, can be a fun addition	Pros and Cons of Water Features

Additional Resources for Child-Friendly Gardens

For those looking to further explore how to create a child-friendly garden, here are some useful resources:

How Look Real Lawns Can Help

At Look Real Lawns, we specialize in creating gardens that are not only beautiful but also functional and safe for the whole family. Whether you’re looking to install an artificial lawn, design a complete garden makeover, or simply need advice on how to make your garden more child-friendly, we’re here to help.

Contact Us Today

Ready to transform your garden into a child-friendly paradise? Get in touch with us today to discuss your project. We serve a variety of locations, including Orpington, Crowborough, and Royal Tunbridge Wells.