The close-to-the-end-of-winter days are the best ones for dreaming of spring. One of the things we’ve been talking about a lot lately is how we’d like to enjoy our backyard come spring and beyond.
Our backyard space is somewhat … unfinished. We inherited a couple of trees and some grass from the previous owners – and that’s about it.
The upside to having a somewhat blank canvas is that it’s constantly evolving and we’re open to trying new things until we can figure out commit to something more. That makes planning our backyard garden a perfect activity for the kids.
If you’re looking to get your kids out in the garden this spring, start planning now! Here’s how:
Talk About Last Year
Think about what worked and what didn’t in your garden space last year.
In our case, we planted some veggies in containers and weren’t thrilled with the results. But our tomato plants and herbs thrived. As for flowers, we only planted sunflowers, which made us very happy, but not as happy as more flowers will.
Search for Nearby Inspiration
Stuck for ideas? Tour neighborhood gardens, visit a local nursery and look in favorite magazines for inspiration. We love this swing in the front yard of a house around the corner from ours.
Think Fun
We love accommodating our bird friends with bird feeders and a birdbath. We also have a couple of benches to make our backyard space more inviting.
I long for some naturalistic elements like tree stump stools, a dry creek bed or sand pit area, even a deck. Think about what features would make your space fun and appealing to you and your family.
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| How dreamy is this tree deck in my step-mom’s garden? |
Get Started Inside
Why postpone all the planting fun until spring (or beyond)? Some seeds can be started indoors, then moved out when the weather warms. We’re currently growing a sweet potato plant, which we hope to plant either in our own garden or in the school’s.
Let the Kids Create Their Own Space
Last year the kids painted an outdoor mural, created their own bug world and built their own backyard beach.
This year, the big explorer is wishing for a sand path through the grass and more flowers. Oh, and a fairy garden, too.
I’m hopeful we’ll be able to accommodate at least a few of his garden dreams this year.
What plans do you have for your backyard this spring?
Couldn't agree more! Thanks so much for stopping by. 🙂
Mini patios and walking stones are always a great addition to any garden, it makes a more welcoming appearance in nature. Great snapshots.<br /><br />-Evergreen Tree & Shrub Inc.
@SquiggleMum: :o)
Loving the tree deck!
@watching Kereru: It sounds like your girls have had a delightful summer. Hope you find new ways to enjoy the colder months, too!<br /><br />@Eric: Don't be afraid! I was, but the truth is kids are much more forgiving of failures than we adults. Good luck!
That tree deck looks so great. I've always thought about growing my own garden but get scared when I think of the maintenance, but your post has me thinking of putting something small for my boys to care about.. hmmm.. The possibilities
We are nearing the end of Summer and have loved living outside for the last<br />4 months. The girls harvest vegetables and pick flowers daily, dig in the sandpit and lie in the grass. Now the seasonal wheel is turning toward the summer ending, I know this time out of doors has filled us up for the coming colder months.