August 2025 Kinglake Landcare News

Creating a Garden for Kids

We’re incredibly fortunate to live in a place like Kinglake—where the air is fresh, the soil is rich, and space isn’t just a luxury—it’s part of daily life. Our surroundings are perfect for creating thriving gardens, and even better, they’re ideal for involving children in the fun.

A garden built with kids in mind doesn’t need to be manicured or fancy. In fact, the best kind of children’s garden is a little wild, a bit messy, and full of opportunities to explore, imagine, and create. And a kid-friendly garden isn't just about play - it's about planting the seeds of connection, confidence, and curiosity. It's a place where kids can grow alongside the plants, where dirty hands and muddy boots are part of the fun, and where lifelong memories take root.

Start with the big stuff—trees. A strong Blackwood Wattle or a deciduous tree with spreading branches makes a fantastic climbing tree down the track. Sure, it might be a while before it’s ready, but that little sapling could be the perfect playground for future grandchildren.

Shrubs and bushy plants are great for creating secret cubbies or quiet hideouts, while logs, rocks, and stepping stones encourage imaginative play and exploration. Think of your garden as an adventure zone, not just a planting space.

When choosing plants, go for variety. Bright flowers like marigolds or sunflowers add colour and cheer. Herbs like lavender, mint, and rosemary engage the senses and invite kids to touch and smell. Look for interesting textures and seed pods to keep little hands busy.

Set aside a corner for creativity—a messy patch with sticks, bark, and leaves becomes the perfect spot for building cubbies and teepees. It’s often the process of building, not the finished product, that kids enjoy most.

Add a sandpit or even a simple mound of dirt to dig in, roll down, or climb. A swing, rope, or even a flying fox (for the brave-hearted!) adds excitement and encourages active play. And don’t underestimate the magic of water—an old pot and spoon can become the heart of a mud kitchen where hours slip by in the blink of an eye.

Edible plants like strawberries or cherry tomatoes are always a hit, and a worm farm is a great way to introduce composting and responsibility. Equip kids with a magnifying glass, some collecting jars, or a pair of binoculars, and suddenly your backyard becomes a living science lab.

Best of all, your garden doesn’t end at the back fence. Our local National Park offers stunning trails, towering trees, and endless opportunities to extend that love of nature beyond home.

A kid-friendly garden isn’t just about play—it’s about planting the seeds of connection, confidence, and curiosity. It’s a place where kids can grow alongside the plants, where dirty hands and muddy boots are part of the fun, and where lifelong memories take root.

So, this weekend, gather the kids, grab a shovel, and start something special. The garden—and their imaginations—are waiting.

Membership

New members can contact Landcare through our website kinglakelandcare.org to join for $16 per year. Alternatively, you can be added to our free “friends” mailing list for notification of events.

Coming up this month

An invitation from Whittlesea Landcare to attend a talk by Ron Litjens about owls at 6.30pm on Tuesday 5th August.

Rabbit Control information session hosted by Cathedral Landcare at Taggerty on Saturday 16th August, 7pm-9pm.

For further information contact John 0419 858 504.