Garden Design for Children
Children's Learning Experiences
Whilst you want your children to spend time in the garden because of the health and exercise benefits, it is also a learning experience. That doesn't mean formal lessons but it means incorporating features that aim to capture their interest and encourage them to learn about nature.
For example, children can learn about the lifecycles of plants if they have a plot where they are able to grow their own choice of fruit, vegetables or flowers. You may find that fruit and vegetables that your children have rejected when bought in the supermarket become foods of choice when they have grown them in their own garden.
It helps if children have interested adults to point out some of the wonders of how things grow, the need for pollination, what happens in each of the seasons and the effect of the weather, for example. You can expect some searching questions so you may need to brush up on your own knowledge. In fact, it is a good idea to go to the nursery or garden centre with your children so that you can choose together what plants or seeds to buy.
If the plot is big enough, encourage ownership by your children. For example, they can choose the design of the plot, including paths and possibly raised beds. They might also try their hand at constructing a scarecrow or other deterrents for pests. And to clarify beyond doubt who owns the plot, you might suggest ways in which they can create a sign or plaque that carries their name(s)
If your garden isn't big enough for a separate plot, then you could include one or more containers that children can use to grown their choice of plants. If even this is not possible, then try to "share" whatever growing area you have and allow the children to have a say in what is grown, even if the final effect is not quite as pleasing to the eye as you would like.
Similarly, if you encourage wildlife in your garden, children can learn about the fascinating lifecycles of birds, insects, amphibians and fish if you can incorporate a pond.
A word of warning is needed about any feature that incorporates an area of open water. Very young children have been known to drown in the shallowest water so either ensure water features are well safeguarded or, better still, only incorporate them when your children are sufficiently grown to fully appreciate the dangers.
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