CHILD-FRIENDLY GARDEN DESIGN

PLAY AREA SURFACES

Designing a garden that is suitable for both children and the adults in a family is not easy, but my no means impossible. With a little though, careful planning and some selective zoning of the available space, it can be achieved. Most families dream of having a good-size garden which will entertain their children both safely and securely, without compromising too much on the more sophisticated elements suitable for the adutls to entertain their friends and family.

When looking to transform a standard garden space into one which is suitable for children, it's all too tempting to simply turn it into a mini-playground with bark on the ground. That is an option of course if it suits requirements, but there are ways to more subtly design a garden which makes it compelling for children without completely destroying the ambience craved by adults.

The easist way to accommodate children is to pop to Argos and a set of play equipment and shoehorn it into whatever space is in any way suitable. But let's look at other ways, which, undoubtedly more expensive, will create a haven for a family for years to come.

Rubber Mulch

Rubber mulch is a modern innovation used in play areas, both domestic and commercially in playgrounds, schools and nurseries. It is a remarkably soft and springy material which is almost a pleasure to fall on. It's most compelling attribute.

Rubber mulch also acts as a barrier against weeds, and is extremely low-maintenance. It should be noted that much of the rubber mulch available is made from recycled rubber, such as car and truck tires.

Play Sand

Sand is a traditionally popular and simple play area surface choice. It is cheap and soft (if deep enough when laid), but it does have its drawbacks.

Sand is prone to moving, spreading and spilling into other areas, which means it will need to be regularly checked to ensure it is deep enough to create a cushion.

Sand can also be harsh on skin, but play area sand is specifically intended for that use and is softer and safer than other types. It is also worth noting that if a garden is to be shared with pets (intentionally or otherwise), sand is attractive for non-too-pleasant reasons and potentially hazardous to children.

Sand is messy, but great fun overall. On balance, it offers value for money but is likely to introduce various problems over time.

Artificial Grass

Synthetic grass is a modern wonder. Laid professionally, it provides an even, level surface which drains well, doesn't need to be weeded or hydrated, looks every bit as lush as most natural grass, and offers a soft and safe landing for children.

It is fair to say that the initial installation of artificial grass is more expensive than laying turf or seeding an area for grass - however, it is ultra low-maintenance and cleaner which saves a huge amount of time and expense compared to natural grass. A huge advantage.

Overall, artificial grass is a low-maintenance play area surface option that is soft and cushions falls, limits slipping and will last long a long time. One other future benefit is that when a play area no longer need to be used as such, any equipment in place can be removed and a lovely grassed area remains for other uses.

Poured Rubber & Rubber Tiles

Solid rubber surfaces such as poured rubber and rubber tiles are hugely popular in playgrounds, schools and nurseries. They are resistant to slipping, low maintenance and laid well, creates a surface which drains well, while forming a flat, level and even surface.

One big advantage is the availablity of various colour schemes to create a more vibrant appearance which may appeal to children.

Solid rubber in its various forms is considered one of the safest surface options, but it is addmitedly one of the more expensive. Overall, as soft and safe as surfaces come, more so than the loose rubber lunch given its solidity, low maintenance, visually attractive and flexible - but more expensive than most other options.

Natural Grass

Using natural grass as a play area surface obviously provides a natural look to blend in with other parts of a garden, and more often than not, is already a surface in a garden to be utilised without being replaced or laid from scratch.

Grass is naturally soft, especially in our wet nothern climate. But as beautiful as real grass is, we are all aware of its drawbacks. Upmost is its maintenance demands. It needs mowed, weeded, fertilised and watered (in dry spells) - none of which is free of cost or effort.

Grass is slippery when wet and ideally shouldn't be used after rainfall until it has had time to dry. Grassed areas can also become muddy with combined rain and play. Overall, not ideal due to its drawbacks of maintenance and weather dependence.