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Design Dilemma Exteriors Gardens

Kids garden, 6 and 8. Creative options

8 years ago

Hi all, I'm looking for some advice with what to me is a large garden and presently not very kid friendly. Advice I've had so far, "move house". Lol. I want the top turfed but not sure on what to do with the bottom, as you can see it is stepped down and sleepers are used for retaining, of which are very rotted.
So I'm looking for creative options and things I can do myself.
Thanks

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Comments (4)

E D
8 years ago
Don't move, improve! :)

Your garden seems a great size and full of potential.

And all that against a backdrop of what seems to be some serious woodland. Great.

I'm sure you'll get some useful tips her.
Paul Donnelly
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks, I've had a suggestion of a gabion wall replacing all of the sleepers but feel I would lose a feauture, make the bottom area too dark and it is very expensive.
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rachelmidlands
8 years ago
Hi there, if you think the sleepers have rotted then I would be looking to replace them with a more solid wall, brick or stone etc. possibly plant a hedge in the mid level with an end goal of removing the middle fence however that will mean yearly trimming so depends how much maintenance you want. Looks like you have two areas of hard standing on the bottom level, ideal for sheds and storage, although I’m guessing you’d like to keep kids play equipment down there. Ideally I would remove grass and put down play bark or rubber chips. Perhaps the kids would love a play house on stilts with a slide.... or..... you could even incorporate this into the main garden by having a raised deck on stilts level with the top tier then going straight out to the back fence, kinda like a viewing platform into the woods, and then have slide one side and rope climb the other. A combination of jungle gym and treetop terrace!
buzzmummy
8 years ago
Hi there I think you've been given some good ideas already. Definitely replace the retaining wall this will have a massive effect on the overall look and feel of your garden. Search retaining wall photos on here and there are literally hundreds of ideas! Something as a nice focal point with steps going down to the lower level. And definitely some planting on the mid level whether grasses, shrubs or just perennial flowers would soften the look. Definitely lose the fence in the middle, and I would paint all other fences (if in good condition) dark grey to make them "fade from view".

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You don't mention budget much or what your ideal style would be, but thinking about similar things ourselves at the minute thought I'd share with you some ideas! Hope it helps!

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