There’s nothing more enchanting than seeing your children’s eyes light up when they discover their own secret garden. A magical children’s garden is not only a wonderful place for your kids to explore and play, but it’s also a great way to encourage them to connect with nature. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through how to create a magical children’s garden. How to build a fort, house or tepee and what plants will grow up them into their own secret place.
Choosing the Right Space
Choosing the right space for your magical children’s garden is paramount. Look for a spot that is both safe and accessible, yet provides a feeling of seclusion and mystery for the young ones. The space should receive ample sunlight, necessary for the plants’ healthy growth, and should ideally have some shade to protect the children during hot days. If your yard is big enough, consider dedicating a corner that can be transformed into their own mini wilderness. If you live in a city apartment, don’t despair. A balcony or even a sunny window can serve as a perfect space for a small magical garden.
Creating a Secret Space all their Own!
One effective way to create a structure in your magical children’s garden is to use bamboo poles. Bamboo is sturdy, eco-friendly, and easy to work with. To construct a simple teepee or fort, position the bamboo poles in a circle, tying them together at the top. This creates a secret space that your child can call their own.
When it comes to choosing plants that will grow up and around the bamboo structure, consider fast-growing climbers. Climbing plants like ivy, pole beans, sweet peas, morning glories, or scarlet runner beans are fantastic choices. These plants not only offer beautiful blossoms but also provide a dense foliage, enhancing the secret and magical feeling of the garden space. Just place the seeds at the base of the bamboo poles and with some water and sunlight, they’ll soon climb their way up. Remember to use a trellis net for additional support if needed. The lush greenery and enchanting flowers will transform the bamboo structure into a living, breathing secret hideaway for your child.
Perfect Climbing Plants and How to Grow Each One
Climbing Flowering and Ivy Vines
Sweet Peas (Lathyrus odoratus): Sweet Peas are beloved for their fragrant blossoms and easy growth habits. To grow Sweet Peas, sow the seeds directly into the garden in early spring. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Regular watering and fertilizing will ensure a healthy growth.
Morning Glories (Ipomoea purpurea): Known for their vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers, Morning Glories add a splash of color to any garden. These climbers grow best in full sun and prefer moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Plant the seeds in late spring or early summer, after the last frost. Ensure the soil is consistently moist until the seeds germinate.
Ivy (Hedera helix): Ivy is another exceptional choice for a children’s garden. It’s a hardy evergreen climber that provides year-round interest with its glossy green leaves and clusters of yellow-green flowers in autumn, followed by black berries in winter. Ivy thrives in most soil types, and while it prefers shady locations, it can adapt to full sun. Plant ivy in spring or autumn, and keep the soil consistently moist until established. Regular pruning will keep this vigorous climber under control and maintain its health.
Climbing Vegetable Plants
Scarlet Runner Beans (Phaseolus coccineus): Aside from their decorative appeal, they bear edible beans, thus, they’re an excellent addition to a children’s garden. Scarlet Runner Beans prefer fertile, well-drained soil and lots of sunlight. Plant seeds in spring, after the danger of frost has passed. Regular watering and occasional feeding with a high-potassium fertilizer will support their growth and bean production.
Pole Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris): Pole beans are a wonderful addition to a magical children’s garden. They are a type of climbing bean that will happily grow up your bamboo poles or trellis, providing an edible treat along with a curtain of lush, green foliage. Pole beans are known for their vigorous growth and love of sun. Plant the seeds in the spring, once the soil has warmed and there is no risk of frost. They will need regular watering, especially in dry periods, and a rich, well-drained soil to thrive. Offering an added educational aspect, children will enjoy watching the lifecycle of the plant as the beans grow and mature. It’s a fun way to introduce kids to the concept of ‘farm to table’ in their own backyard.
Vertical Plants to Create Privacy and How to Grow Them
Creating a private, secluded space within your magical children’s garden can be achieved by using vertical plants. These plants grow upwards, providing a natural screen that fosters a sense of privacy and intimacy. Here are some options:
Greenery
Bamboo (Bambusoideae): Bamboo is a unique choice that also serves a dual purpose. These tall, hardy plants not only provide a natural screen, they can also be used to construct structures within the garden. Bamboos thrive in well-drained soil, and they prefer full sun or light shade. It’s essential to choose the right variety of bamboo as some can be invasive. Clumping varieties are often a safer choice for home gardens as they expand slowly and are thus more controllable. Plant bamboo in the spring or autumn, and ensure you water it thoroughly especially during dry periods. They also benefit from a springtime feed of a high-nitrogen fertilizer. With their lush, green foliage and towering heights, bamboo plants serve to enhance the magical feeling of a children’s garden, providing both privacy and an exciting, exotic appeal.
Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana): Pampas Grass is a tall, stunning ornamental grass that can serve as an effective privacy plant in your magical children’s garden. Noted for its spectacular feathery plumes, it adds an element of whimsy and beauty to the garden. Pampas Grass prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant once established and requires minimal care. Plant it in early spring, watering generously until the plant is established. Trim back the old foliage in late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. Please note that the edges of Pampas Grass leaves can be sharp, so position it in a place where children won’t brush against it while playing.
Flower Fence
Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus): A classic choice for a children’s garden, sunflowers can add a burst of color and height, creating a visually striking privacy screen. Known for their large, sunny blooms and towering stems, they are easy to grow and care for, making them the perfect plant for young gardeners. Sunflowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Plant the seeds in the spring after the last frost, placing them 1 inch deep and about 6 inches apart. Water thoroughly after planting and continue to provide water regularly throughout the growing season. Their rapid growth and the development of their iconic yellow petals will be a delight for children to watch, and their seeds can attract a variety of birds, adding another element of nature to the garden. Be aware, however, that some sunflower varieties can grow quite tall (up to 12 feet or more), so be sure to choose a variety that is appropriate for your space and needs.
Ornamental Bushes to Enhance the Beauty of Your Magical Children’s Garden
Ornamental bushes can serve as the perfect addition to your magical children’s garden, adding an extra depth of interest and wonder. Here are a few to consider:
Forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia): Known for its vibrant yellow flowers that bloom in early spring, Forsythia is a deciduous bush that serves as a wonderful ornamental plant. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Plant in early spring or fall, and prune after the flowering period to maintain shape.
Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla): Hydrangea bushes are renowned for their large, vibrant flower heads that come in a variety of colors, including blue, pink, and white. They grow best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil with partial shade. Plant in early spring or fall, and prune in late winter or early spring.
Lilac (Syringa vulgaris): Lilac bushes are beloved for their fragrant, colorful blooms that appear in spring. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun. Plant in late fall or early spring, and prune immediately after flowering to ensure vibrant blooms the following year.
Remember to select plants that are suitable for your local climatic conditions and soil type. Vertical plants can create a vibrant, living screen that not only enhances privacy but also contributes to the overall magical atmosphere of the children’s garden.
Sensory Plants
Introducing sensory plants to your magical children’s garden can stimulate children’s senses of touch, smell, taste, and sight. Below are some sensory plants to consider:
Lavender (Lavandula): Renowned for its calming fragrance, lavender can be a delightful addition to your garden. It flourishes in full sunlight and well-drained soil. Plant it in early spring, watering occasionally until established. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain its shape.
Mint (Mentha): Mint is an aromatic plant that can also serve as an edible element in your garden. This hardy perennial prefers damp, moderately fertile soil and can tolerate partial shade. Plant in spring, ensuring to contain its growth as it can spread rapidly.
Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina): This plant, with its velvety, soft leaves, offers a unique texture that children will love to touch. Lamb’s Ear thrives best in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Plant it in the spring, watering it regularly until it gets established. It requires very little maintenance, but removing the flower spikes will keep it looking tidy.
Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus): Snapdragons are appealing for their uniquely shaped flowers, which children can gently squeeze to make the ‘dragon’ open its ‘mouth’. They prefer moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Plant them in early spring and provide regular watering.
Edible Plants
Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa): Strawberries are a delightful addition to any children’s garden due to their sweet taste, vibrant red color, and the joy they bring when harvested. They prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter and need full sun to produce the juiciest fruits. Plant them in early spring, spacing them about 12-18 inches apart to allow room for their runners. Ensure they receive regular watering, particularly when the weather is dry. Keep an eye out for pests such as slugs and birds, which enjoy strawberries as much as humans do. Once the fruiting season is over, remove the old leaves to encourage vigorous growth for the next year’s crop.
Cherry Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme): Cherry tomatoes are a great choice for a pop of vibrant color and sweet taste. They need fertile, well-drained soil and lots of sunlight. Plant them after the last frost in spring, and provide support for their vine growth. Regular watering and feeding will yield a plentiful crop.
Chocolate Cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguineus): This intriguing plant is known for its velvety, dark burgundy flowers that give off a captivating chocolate scent, delighting the senses of both smell and sight. It grows best in well-drained soil and thrives in full sun or light shade. Plant in late spring, and water it moderately and regularly. Deadhead the flowers to encourage more blooms throughout the season. While this plant is a treat for the senses, please note that it is not edible and should be kept away from children who may be tempted to taste.
Incorporating sensory plants in your garden creates an interactive and immersive environment for children, making their visits a multi-sensory experience. Always remember to check the suitability of these plants for your local climate and soil conditions.
Happy Gardening!
Creating a magical children’s garden is an excellent way to help your kids connect with nature and stimulate their imagination. Follow these tips, and you’re well on your way to building a garden that will be your children’s magical wonderland. Remember to choose age-appropriate plants, build a fort, incorporate vertical and sensory plants, and choose the right location. Your children will have a place to play, learn, and create unforgettable memories. Get started today and watch your child’s imagination soar!
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