Creating a Family-Friendly Garden: A Case Study
A family-friendly garden provides a safe and engaging space for children to play, learn, and connect with nature, fostering their creativity and development.
It offers a relaxing retreat for adults to unwind and enjoy quality time with loved ones, strengthening family bonds and creating cherished memories. Furthermore, it enhances the overall value and appeal of a property, contributing to a healthier lifestyle and a greater sense of community.
This blog post explores how to make your garden more family-friendly, with reference to a recent project showcasing how we transformed a blank canvas into a vibrant and functional family garden.
Creating a Family-Friendly Garden
How do we make a garden that is family-friendly - an outdoor haven designed with the needs and enjoyment of all family members in mind?
Firstly, it should prioritise safety with smooth pathways to prevent trips and falls, secure fencing to protect children and pets, and the use of non-toxic materials throughout. The garden should also be a place of wonder and play, featuring dedicated play areas with swings, slides, or sandpits, open grassy spaces for running and games, and cozy nooks to spark imagination.
Learning and interaction with nature are also key elements. There may be a vegetable patch or herb garden where children can discover the joys of growing food, sensory plants that engage the senses, and features like bug hotels or bird feeders to attract wildlife.
For the adults, comfortable seating areas provide spots to relax and supervise, while shaded areas offer cool retreats for picnics and outdoor meals. A fire pit or outdoor fireplace extends the garden's usability into the evening, providing a cozy focal point for gatherings.
Durability and low maintenance are important considerations. Hardy plants that can withstand active play, durable materials for pathways and play areas, and easy-to-care-for features ensure the garden remains a source of enjoyment rather than a chore.
A family-friendly garden should be adaptable to the changing needs of the family, with a design that can evolve over time and accommodate new additions like a swimming pool or expanded play area.
Finally, in the unique context of Melbourne, Australia, a family-friendly garden should also consider the city's variable weather conditions, incorporating native plants to attract local wildlife, providing ample shade from the strong Australian sun, and prioritising water conservation. Designing for year-round use, with features that can be enjoyed in all seasons, is also essential in Melbourne's climate.
Ultimately, a family-friendly garden is a space where everyone can thrive, creating lasting memories and fostering a love for the outdoors.
A Case Study
The clients, a busy family with young children and dogs, recently purchased their first house, in the regional township of Winchelsea, 20km West of Geelong.
A high priority was to take advantage of the ability for a great landscape treatment to maximise the property value for future resale. A garden that was both beautiful and practical. Low maintenance was a key priority, along with dedicated spaces for play and entertaining.
Our landscape architecture Geelong team developed three initial sketch designs to explore different options for balancing the family's needs with the site's potential. We considered factors such as solar access, shade, and future building extensions.
The chosen design features a spacious circular lawn at the rear, providing ample space for play and relaxation. This area also includes a potager garden, fruit trees, a fire pit, and a sandpit, offering a variety of activities for the whole family.
The front garden showcases a mix of native plants, grasses, and small gum trees, creating a welcoming and visually appealing entrance.
To ensure the project remained within budget, we opted for cost-effective gravel paths to connect the different garden areas. Careful plant selection and thorough soil preparation minimised future maintenance needs. Much of the landscaping was straightforward
The finished garden provides a haven for the family, offering a beautiful and functional space to relax, play, and connect with nature. The design's low-maintenance nature ensures the family can enjoy their garden without being burdened by upkeep.
Recent valuations of the property have demonstrated the value of the improvements they have made, but with a second child on the way they love the garden so much that they've decided to extend for the growing family rather than sell!
Looking for a landscape architect in Geelong or Melbourne?
Contact Perry Mills Landscape Architects today. We specialise in creating beautiful, functional, and sustainable gardens tailored to your lifestyle and needs.
Keywords: landscape architect Geelong, landscape architecture Geelong, landscape design Geelong, landscape architect Melbourne