Australians have a deep love for the outdoors, evident in our passion for swimming, barbequing and playing backyard cricket. This outdoor lifestyle is woven into our identity. However, planning a family-friendly landscaping project can be challenging due to the myriad of options that may not be suitable for children or pets. Choosing the right professionals for your landscaping can ensure a seamless process and stunning results. To help transform your outdoor space ahead of summer, Josephine Day from Melbourne Pool + Outdoor Design discusses essential tips with Craig McLachlan from Smart Landscapes, focusing on how you can create an enjoyable environment for all.
Whether you have a growing family or a furry new friend, maximising your outdoor space is essential for keeping everyone entertained and creating lasting memories. However, designing a space that caters to both kids and pets requires a thoughtful blend of safety, functionality and fun. This is where the professionals come in. With more than 15 years of experience, the team at Smart Landscapes has evolved from specialising in turf and irrigation to offering comprehensive landscaping services. Having worked with high-profile landscape companies, McLachlan understands the latest trends and homeowners’ evolving needs. While the kitchen is often called the heart of the home, outdoor spaces serve a similar purpose, providing areas of entertainment, relaxation and reconnection.
PLAYFUL RETREATS
The best outdoor spaces deserve the same thoughtful design as indoor areas. To create an inviting environment for both children and pets, McLachlan advises that you should start with a clear vision of what you want the space to achieve. “Aside from safety, we want to design a garden that draws you into it, encourages exploration, play, movement and most of all, is calming.” Incorporating durable materials, secure fencing and soft landscaping is essential for safety. As a parent, ensuring a safe play area is crucial, so establishing clear boundaries is key. You can achieve this by using hedges, fences and walls to define different areas within your yard. The choice of materials significantly influences the functionality and atmosphere of your outdoor space. Wooden decking and furnishings create inviting areas for entertaining, while open lawns encourage playful activities. For smaller yards, faux grass can be a practical option, although it may be costly and requires shade to prevent overheating.
McLachlan emphasises that safety is paramount in any family home. Incorporating features like pool barriers and addressing potential fall risks is essential. However, he also stresses the importance of designing a garden that invites families in, fostering exploration and tranquility. Cleverly concealed water features and fencing can enhance the visual charm of the area, while thoughtfully planned hardscaping elements – such as paving, decking and steps – can improve safety by accounting for varying levels and accessibility. Ultimately, a well-designed outdoor space harmoniously blends safety, functionality and aesthetic appeal, transforming it into a cherished extension of your home.
ELEMENTAL DESIGN
Landscaping is all about creating a beautiful, enjoyable outdoor area that remains resilient against the wear and tear of children and pets. Designing a family-friendly space requires a thoughtful blend of hardscaping elements, fencing, natural features and effective landscaping techniques. According to McLachlan, the overall design should be inspired by the family’s current needs and future aspirations, taking into consideration how the space will continue to appeal as children grow. For instance, hardscaping elements such as patios, walkways and retaining walls create functional spaces for family gatherings and play, ensuring both durability and low maintenance. It’s essential to select materials that can withstand the test of time. It is important to ensure that you select moisture and heat-resistant stone options. To preserve its beauty and longevity, sealing is highly recommended.
Fencing plays a vital role in safety, establishing clear boundaries while enhancing privacy and security for children and pets. McLachlan suggests that “open fencing allows plants to grow through,” and closed fencing types utilise plants as a private screening. Incorporating natural elements such as trees, shrubs and flower beds adds beauty and biodiversity, creating a vibrant environment that invites exploration for all ages. Yet, a minimalistic look is often the best choice for adaptability. “Keep the flatter areas open. If some areas are more of a slope, these can be the garden,” McLachlan advises. He continues to mention that by employing landscaping techniques to prevent accidents, such as creating steps and hardscape connections between different levels, this ensures a safe environment for the whole family – pets included!
AN EXPERT TIP
Maintaining a family-friendly outdoor space involves thoughtful planning and regular upkeep. Key maintenance tips include managing plants and trees around pool barriers and keeping steps and hard surfaces clean. McLachlan emphasises that it’s essential to plan for resealing surfaces “every 3-5 years, depending on the material and exposure to elements,” protecting against moisture, stains and wear. You should opt for a sealant specifically designed for the surface material, such as a water-based penetrating sealer for natural stone, ensuring it is slip-resistant.
Creating safety features whilst maintaining the space’s aesthetic appeal is vital. Utilising pavers with varying textures enhances grip and prevents slipping, allowing for rougher surfaces on walkways and smoother finishes in seating areas to add both safety and visual interest. He continues to mention that selecting pavers in contrasting colours is one clever way to define pathways and safe zones, “making steps and edges more visible and guiding users safely through the landscape.”
McLachlan reflects on a recent project with Smart Landscapes that transformed a challenging sloping site into a family-friendly outdoor oasis. The design team faced difficulties positioning a pool barrier while ensuring ample space for children to play. They overcame these challenges by levelling sections of the garden and creating connecting steps. The layout of the pool fencing not only enhanced the overall outlook but also met council regulations. The pool is enhanced by Chalazia Quartz paving and stepping stones from Yarrabee & Castlemaine, all slip-tested for safety in wet environments. This commitment to safety applies to every product they offer, ensuring a secure and elegant outdoor space. For families looking to design their outdoor spaces, their advice is simple: “Engage in an experienced landscape designer,” as Smart Lanscapes construction expertise brings practical insights that enrich garden design, ensuring a safe and beautiful outdoor area.
Images courtesy of Erik Holt Photography.
