Family Garden Design

When designing any garden it is important to remember that a good garden will appeal to the five senses. This is perhaps more easily decided and executed in the design of a single user or couple's garden. Designing a garden to suit a family is a more complex business because the features of the garden need to be matched to the family each of whom have varying individual needs and desires.

Elements of a Family Garden Traditionally the desirable elements in a family garden include a lawn, curving path, paving terrace, pergola, interesting plants and a variety of trees. These types of design create a more asymmetrical balance (or abstract) in the garden. However contemporary designs offer new versions of what constitutes the family garden and are often more suited to current lifestyles. These types of garden are generally more likely to create a symmetrical balance in the garden. There is then, a wider choice of family garden design. Size Matters However, it is important to recognise that the type of garden design chosen will depend to a degree on the size and location of the garden. A long and thin garden for example, is easily divided into compartments and can suit a symmetrical design. A country garden can be elongated by blending the garden into its surroundings giving the impression that the garden extends itself into this view. A town garden can be influenced by the surrounding gardens and be subject to little or an excess of sunlight affecting what plants may be grown. However it is easy to adjust design according to requirements relating to size and location of the garden.

Something for Everyone

What requires real genius in designing a good family garden is assimilating the long list of demands into the garden design. Children require play areas, for example. There are many different choices of play areas such as swings, tree houses and climbing frames- the majority of which require help from professional garden designers who include these in the packages they offer.

The age of the children is also an important factor in the design of the garden. A sandpit is a lovely play area for very young children but will not suit older children. The demands of children change and it is well worth designing for the future. A sandpit for example might be converted into a water feature when children are old enough for this to no longer be a hazard and professionals can design a garden which enables such conversions.

Accommodate, Don't Dominate

Children need their own areas of play and access to the garden without the opportunity to spoil it. Garden levels can be changed to create both the illusion of more space and also to avoid child bikes and other toys. Children's toys can also clutter and spoil a garden. These toys could be stored in a shed, along with the dustbin and compost out of sight at the bottom of the garden. Access to this area can be screened off by creating a wide side path which can be shrouded by shrubs and bushes which can create colour in the garden but also protect a potential vegetable patch at the back. In this way the garden can be divided up and separated to enable children to have play areas and also offer other family functions.

Maximising the Use of Space

Difficulties present themselves with smaller gardens or concrete gardens or when users have little time to maintain the garden. Professional designers often offer multi-functional family gardens where some areas have a dual function. A patio with a dining area can also incorporate storage space. A concrete garden can offer off road parking and a play area for children. A lawn can be converted into a play area. There are numerous ways in which to fit the demands of a family into one garden; even when the garden is small through the effective use of space.

The Maintenance Burden

There are numerous guidelines to adhere to when choosing the style of the family garden. Remember that a traditional, abstract, informal style of garden is best suited to a family who have the time to maintain it. Traditional gardens require a lot of upkeep but can retain traditional features such as a lawn and separate areas of the garden for various uses. This can be achieved with flower beds, differing heights and paths. It is easy to introduce the five senses into these types of garden with plantation. Herbs, plants, flowers and trees can treat the senses visually and offer rich scents. Long ferns and similar plants offer movement and sound when the wind blows. The herbs and plants can cater to taste. Cherry blossom trees and the growth of citrus fruits are particularly popular now.

For families that require a low maintenance garden a formal, symmetrical style of garden with a contemporary feel is a good choice. Hard landscaping and the use of synthetic materials solves many of the problems of upkeep. Such gardens can still be designed to appeal to the five senses with the use of plants that retain water and a lot of greenery that moves, has a delectable scent and is visually rich. Often this look of green plantation combined with hard landscaping gives a jungle look to the garden which is quite exciting in the city and easy to look after and keep uncluttered.

Regardless of whether a traditional or modern design is more appealing it is import to consider the different functions of the garden, the needs of different users, the size and location of the garden and the practicalities of managing a family garden when considering the design.

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