Transform your garden for summer with these child-friendly design ideas

Do you want to create a space that not only looks great, but is easy to maintain and fun for the whole family? If this sounds exactly like what you’re after, then we’re here to help you get started. 

Marshalls, leading landscaping supplier, enlisted their garden design experts to share top recommendations for crafting a family-friendly garden, from planting to paving, and even some top tips on how to get started.

Garden paving

For families with young children, a low-maintenance garden is essential so that you can enjoy spending time relaxing and playing, rather than tending to it. This is why it’s important to do your research and choose your paving wisely – as it will set a precedent for how much time you spend maintaining your garden.

At MKM we have a huge range of garden paving available, from porcelain paving to natural stone and concrete.

Concrete paving is durable and hard wearing, more suitable for use as a shed base or in high traffic areas.

Porcelain paving is low maintenance as well as slip and weather resistant, the perfect choice for families and for those looking to match their paving to a contemporary home aesthetic.

Opt for natural stone for a unique and authentic choice, perfect for cottages or homes with aged character. Natural stone has natural colour variation and doesn’t require much maintenance.

Recommendation: Marshalls Infinia® paving is the perfect choice for a low-maintenance garden. This printed concrete range not only looks amazing but is also durable and can withstand the elements. You can choose from a variety of on-trend colours and natural-looking designs, so there's something to suit any garden setting. Infinia features digitally printed layers that help prevent scratches and staining, making it the perfect choice for a garden where children play. 

For more information about Marshalls Infinia® paving please pop into your local branch and speak to a landscaping specialist. Don’t forget, we offer a wide range of cleaners and sealers to ensure your patio looks it’s best all year round, no matter how busy your garden is.

Plants and flowers

Incorporating a mix of plants and flowers into your garden is an absolute must for a family-friendly space. Not only do they look great and add vibrant colours that change with the different seasons, but they are also a great source of biodiversity and education. All plants encourage different forms of wildlife, making them an endless source of fascination for children who enjoy bug hunts.

At MKM whilst we don’t sell plants and flowers, we do sell a range of planters that are available online to order straight to your door! Our Linear Corner Planter allows you to create zones whilst boasting a range of plants and flowers, whereas our Caledonian Rectangular Raised Bed allows for a vegetable patch right in your back garden.

Recommendation: Opt for non-toxic, damage-resistant plants that require minimal upkeep, allowing you more time to enjoy your garden. Consider planting Persicaria, Rudbeckia fuldigar, and Alchemilla mollis – all three of these varieties are not only beautiful, but very low maintenance too.

Zoned gardens

If you’re looking to add an outdoor kitchen or BBQ area, you might want to consider ways to divide the space so it’s a safe environment for young children. One of the best ways to create a clear divide is a living fence. The vibrant greenery creates a soft, organic look that blends seamlessly with your garden and offers a sense of safety and privacy.

Privacy is key when creating a zoned garden, at MKM we recommend browsing our huge range of fencing online. Whether you are after contemporary slatted fencing or more traditional featheredge, we’re sure you’ll find fencing to suit.

Recommendation: You can construct a living wall quite easily from willow or wire mesh and climbing plants such as privet, ivy or yew. It will then grow over time, and you can make it as large or as small as you’d like. Alternatively, opt for Everwall for a low maintenance artificial plant look that still gives a realistic finish.

 

Next steps for planning your family garden

If our garden design ideas have helped you decide what you want in your garden, then the next step is to research paving options and contact installers. 

To help you narrow down your product choices, try the Marshalls' award-winning Outdoor Reality app, which has been designed to make creating your dream outdoor space simple and easy. The app uses augmented reality to show you how different products will look in your space, allowing you to confidently choose the right products. You can also connect with a local Marshalls Register member who can help you with the installation.

Many of our branches boast incredible landscaping displays where you can see and feel the products on display, as well as in-branch landscaping specialists who are ready to advise you on your project. Pop into your local branch today or shop online at mkm.com