Dream Garden Update
Our daughter is now seven and lots of things on our wish list in this blog post are now in place. A couple of things that have really stuck out as very important to Floss has been the mud kitchen and planting lots of herbs in the garden. We’re very much sensory seekers so herbs are wonderful plants for us.
Our Dream Toddler Garden History
It’s starting to feel like Spring is almost here. The snowdrops are piercing through the ground and daffodils are beginning to flower. We’ve been out in the garden while the sun has been shining tidying up and making plans.
We’ve now got the basic landscape of the garden in place and it’s time to get creative with the space. Last year we devised a wish list for our toddler friendly garden. Some things got completed, but others needed to wait.
Our Dream
Have you ever been somewhere magical? Somewhere peaceful, calm yet, intriguing and exciting that you just can’t wait to explore. That’s how I felt when I went to Japan and walked around many Japanese gardens. I was lucky enough to travel when it was Cherry Blossom season; so beautiful. I want somewhere magical for Floss to adventure in our own back garden.
Toddler Friendly Garden – The Reality
Sadly, our garden hadn’t even got turf! Spring sprung and turned the ground into a glorious green and purple carpet of wild weeds. From this view it almost looks like turf, but up close the milk thistles could swallow you whole and still be hungry!
Toddler Friendly Garden – The Plan
Luckily, I had a plan! A rough one, a work in progress. I wanted to work out how I could have a garden for our little one, Floss (18 months old), yet still have somewhere that DadDad and I could enjoy on the evenings without having to feel like we were in an early years outdoor classroom. I got inspiration from Garden Answers Magazine’s Design Solutions article.
What I liked about it was the idea of different zones in the garden, hidden areas and making a feature out of play equipment – like the house. So, my first job was to make a list of the lovely things I was hoping to have in our garden.
You’ll see separate post for different aspects of the garden at the end of this post. They include ideas and great resource finds to go with things on my wish list. I’ll also be sharing our wilderness as it transforms into a beautiful oasis for our family; well fingers crossed that’s the plan!
The Wish List
- Low level planting area
- Tuff trays at different heights
- Seating at different levels
- Herb garden
- Fruit trees
- Bug hotel
- Japanese maple tree
- Places to eat
- Den building
Additions to the Wish List
- Creative area
- Book nook
- Relaxing/ calming space
What would be on your wish list? Where did you get inspiration for your garden or early years space?
Garden Series Posts You’ll Love
Are you looking for a little garden inspiration? Would you like your children to be able to explore the outdoors and enjoy learning through play? This is the series for you. Click on the titles below to head to that blog post:
