FSI Landscape Supply weighs in on fifteen landscape ideas for kids! (Source, The Spruce, written by Lisa Hallett Taylor, June 22, 2020, https://www.thespruce.com/kids-backyard-ideas-4174052.)  

Lisa begins the article by suggesting asking the kids first what they think would be a fun outdoor experience before creating a landscape that compliments their development. FSI Landscape Supply shares, “landscape contractors and landscaping professionals should advise their clients to keep their children’s activities in mind before designing and constructing the area. That way, each detail can be part of the plan, and each additional feature is not just taking up space. It is also advisable to construct a landscape that children can grow into. Rock climbing, slides, and swings may be appealing now; however, kids aren’t children forever. Therefore, it is best to discuss how the new play area can transform and grow with the household.” 

Number two suggests creating a bee and butterfly garden. Lisa highlights a landscape created with natural stumps used as stools. Natural elements can be left untouched. After the children have grown, the natural features will create a natural habitat for wildlife. FSI Landscape Supply shares, “creating a garden or landscape that welcomes wildlife visitors is a great way to teach young ones about science, nature, and the environment. It may even teach them some responsibility. Gardens are a great place to escape, relax, unwind, and for children, a garden offers an adventure and space to be creative. To create a sustainable garden landscape, landscaping contractors will need basic landscape supplies such as 

topsoil, mulch, gravel, and compost. Adding a safe water feature such as a bubble fountain with small natural stones will help encourage wildlife visitors and encourage young ones to interact and play.”   

A family gathering courtyard is number three on the list. Lisa suggests a patio made of decomposed granite, accommodating many activities that lead to forever memories. FSI Landscape Supply agrees, “a courtyard or patio created with natural stones and retaining walls will provide a landscape for the whole family to enjoy the outdoors comfortably. If you have the space, use it! As the article mentions, a landscape with a courtyard or patio can accommodate various activities for all ages. It really comes down to the amount of yard space available.” 

Lisa shares a Colorado-based landscaping company at number four that used local rocks and redstone to bring some colour and adventure. FSI Landscape Supply shares, “incorporating various aggregates and natural stones can help add texture and dimension to an ordinary landscape. Natural stones are being used to create paths leading to the play area, used as garden bedding, or used to accent other landscape features. Small natural stones in different shapes, colours, and sizes can also be used as an educational tool. Children learn building skills, sorting, counting, patterns, and planning! Landscaping contractors and professionals may want to let homeowners know that most landscaping elements being implemented into a design can serve multiple purposes.”  

Garden sandboxes are a staple for any homeowner with young children. Lisa shares an example designed by Falling Waters Landscape which incorporates a sandbox surrounded by plant life. FSI Landscape Supply expresses, “with a few landscaping supplies, you can create a sandbox perfect for keeping young ones entertained for hours. Water tables are also a perfect option for little ones. The great thing about these two play features is that they can be easily deconstructed or put away as the children outgrow sandcastles and splashes. For example, a sandbox can be turned into a vegetable garden, and water tables can be repurposed into planters. The key is to implement features that will grow with a family.”      

Number six showcases a beautiful playset with mulch bedding. FSI Landscape Supply shares, “mulch is the perfect bedding for any play area including ones with playsets. A surface covered in mulch will provide an easy surface to soften hard falls or tumbles and is excellent for allowing water to drain correctly. Therefore, assisting with providing a dry play area. Keep in mind; it is essential to add landscaping fabric underneath when adding mulch. Landscape fabric will help prevent lawn grass and weeds from taking over the area. Landscape fabric will also prevent soil and mud from mixing with the mulch. Not to mention, landscaping fabric will also help to extend the life of the mulch bedding.” 

A kids oasis, Lisa brings our attention to an elaborate custom design playset. FSI Landscape Supply expresses, “when it comes to designing a children’s play zone or area, you have to consider the small details. As the article mentions, the playset featured at number seven shows various activity equipment and organization pockets to store outdoor toys or accessories. Number eight highlights a zip line as an additional recreational feature, which children and adults can enjoy. The key is to get creative!” 

At number nine, Lisa highlights a walnut treehouse! FSI Landscape Supply shares, “using existing landscape elements will bring a whimsical yet natural feel. Children are not looking for symmetrical lines or luxury aesthetics. They just want to have fun, explore, and play. The image shown in the article is a perfect example of using the natural walnut tree to host a play area.”   

A raised playhouse with a wrap-around porch with a rope bridge is featured at number ten. FSI Landscape Supply highlights, “a raised playhouse can bring any landscape to life. If this is the intention, be sure to use soft mulch bedding for safety. Raised garden beds can also be added to encourage an interest in nature, create a realistic look and have the raised playhouse fit in with the rest of the landscape.”   

Number eleven showcases a clean and simple play space. Landscape architect Teresa Rosano shares, “we begin to believe that play is found around colored plastic contraptions resembling paler adult trappings. But play is more about imagination and soaring in the contemplation of possibilities.” FSI Landscape Supply agrees, “a play space does not have to be elaborate. As the article mentions, we as adults forget how to pretend play. Imagination, creativity, and all the elements that go into pretend play comes naturally to young ones. A simple space can offer the perfect stage for imagination and play.” 

Big fun, small yard is listed at number twelve. FSI Landscape Supply expresses, “with a few landscaping supplies, any size yard can be completely transformed. The article shares a small backyard area that was turned into an elaborate jungle gym. Complete with a deck, sandpit, climbing wall, and a few additional elements to encourage play. When space is an issue, build up! A deck will help create more space.” 

Faux lawns are presented at number thirteen. Lisa highlights a landscape that includes an artificial lawn with subtle lighting allowing extended hours of outdoor playtime. FSI Landscape Supply agrees, “more and more homeowners are choosing artificial turf as opposed to traditional sod. Artificial turf will help a homeowner achieve a low-maintenance landscape. Artificial turf also allows more time for outdoor activities without having to consider the condition of the grass due to weathers elements or fertilizing treatments including weed prevention treatments.”    

Lisa brings our attention to two fabulous playhouse designs. Complete with sandboxes, a rock wall, platforms, windows, doors, and other fun features. FSI Landscape Supply shares, “number fourteen and fifteen highlight elaborate playhouses which would be on every child’s wish list. Even with these large structures, you can definitely add some soft landscaping elements. For example, sand, mulch, raised garden beds, and some fun, safe water elements will add to the overall outdoor fun experience.” 

Lastly, the article shares a modern house with an artistic side yard feature that allows family members of all ages to enjoy. FSI Landscape Supply expresses, “the fun outdoor chalkboard shown in the article is a great example that outdoor activities can be all-inclusive. Separate sections for children to play and adults to lounge is great; however, there are simple things to incorporate into a landscape for everyone to enjoy.”