Home Garden

Have you ever considered setting up a garden for your entire family? Wouldn’t it be neat having a space for everyone to enjoy and to work together in? Here are a few tips for you to think about and consider when you start planning for a family garden:

1. The garden needs to be green. You might say this is pretty obvious. I am however referring to the new definition of the word “green”. The garden needs to be environmentally friendly. You want to add something to the planet, not create more damage. So carefully consider what kind of garden you want and the types of vegetables, flowers, shrubs or trees that you want to plant. What type of layout do you want to have? Will you have a pond, a small waterfall, or just plants? These are all questions you need to consider before you put the shovel in the ground the first time.

2. The garden needs to be functional. Now you are really starting to wonder where I am coming from. What does functionality have to do with a garden? Your garden could be the most elaborate in the neighborhood, but if it is not functional you have wasted your time, money and effort. While beautiful and colorful plants may be visually appealing, they may not be the optimum usage of space for your family. Consider having several smaller spaces in your garden for different uses, for example: a sitting area; a quiet meditation area; a children’s play area and/or an area for pets.

3. Consider the needs and desires of the entire family, including your pets. Everyone has a different opinion as to what is beautiful or not. Some people are formal and want every leaf just so, others just want a place to run and play. Think about a spot for picnics, or open spaces to play in. Think about what would make this a fun, yet relaxing and entertaining space that the entire family will enjoy. You’ll be surprised what you can come up with. Get the entire family involved. Go to home and garden shows and go visit public gardens. See what others have done and go for it.

4. Do you know what you want to get out of the garden? I think I have already touched on this, but it is important. What area of the world do you live in? Do you have 4 seasons? Or are you in a hot environment? The area you live in and the climate changes you experience will give you some things to consider. You might not want to have an acre of green grass if you live in a desert type of environment. And if you live in the north, tropical plants will not be a good fit. So please keep in mind the region you live in before you start your garden project. Also consider using plants that are native species to your region, as they will be hardier and not upset the local bio-system.

5. Will you have a need for privacy? Are you looking for a private spot to meditate or to relax? This would imply that you might want vines, or bushes to give you privacy. Or how about a small maze that ends in a seating area? Let your imagination soar.

Hopefully this has given you some food for thought. Getting a garden going will be something the entire family can get into and it will be good for the environment and planet. It will also give you something to be able to enjoy when you have time off and need to get away – right in your own backyard!