Family Friendly Outdoor Rooms

A successful family garden  needs to cater for the demands of family life and fulfill a number of uses - from a play to planting area. The priority for most families is to incorporate a safe play zone and a comfortable patio eating area, with of course a splash of greenery courtesy of lawns, trees, hedging and planting displays. The challenge is how to create a desirable space for children without compromising on your aesthetic requirements.   While the kids may think there's nothing wrong with the array of toys strewn across the entire garden, parents don't want to lose their stylish barbeque area for entertaining. The solution to this dilemma is quite simple: plan your garden carefully before you spend a fortune. Alternatively, work with a garden design or landscaping company that also has the relevant expertise and experience to create your family's dream outdoor area.

 As part of the planning process you'll also need to take into consideration some important safety factors:

•       If your garden is hedged, it will need to be checked regularly for gaps. You might want to run chicken wire down the base of a hedge if it isn't bushy all the way to the ground, to keep children or pets contained

•       Secure, robust fencing and a well-hung gate are vital to keep your kids within the safe confines of the garden.  Pressure wash patios & paths ahead of the onset of winter to remove any moss or algae that may form a slippery patch. Clear away wet, slippy leaves from paths & paving and use for composting or mulching a shrub border.

•       Beware of dangerous plants in the garden and educate the children on the hazards of eating them. Some plants have sharp stems which are quite capable of delivering a nasty cut (such as pampas grass), while the pointy leaves and thorns of holly or roses can give a nasty prick

•       You'll definitely win brownie points if you install a climbing frame or a playhouse in the garden. Be careful where you position these features, they should be well away from concreted areas and not too near any walls, fences or large bushes. Ideally, you should set up any play equipment on a dedicated play surface

•       Take a good look at the condition of the paving in your garden and be sure to repair any broken or loose pavers