Ideas please

lisalewis29

Hello all, I just wondered if anyone has some ideas for the design of our garden, at the end there is a considerable dip which we would ideally want to utilise. we have a young baby so will need to secure the area. It is covered by a number of trees so doesn't get an enormous amount of sunlight. Will attach photos

Thanks a lot

Liriodendron

Mmm.  Those steps aren't exactly baby-friendly...  do your neighbours have a similar steep bit in their gardens?  Does it lead down to anything?

lisalewis29

Our section is bigger and deeper due to being at the end. I think we may need to put a fence across with a gate perhaps depending on what we do with it

Fire

"we have a young baby so will need to secure the area"

Can I ask what you mean by this?

Posy

I understand exactly what you mean! I think you have to plan in these terms:

Safety first. Make a barrier which prevents your little one from falling down the slope. Keep in mind that babies are escape artists and will always surprise you, so go for belt and braces.

Clear away all the bits and bobs, rubbish, bits of wood, plastic etc until you have only what you want to keep. Tools and machinery need a secure place when you are not using them.

Now you can really think about what you want for your garden and what you will have the time to manage. You may need space for trampolines and swings or you may want vegetables and fruit or just a place to relax. Whatever you choose, it will change with time. Perhaps the dip will become an adventure playground or you could clear it, terrace it and plant it up. You could have a woodland garden with bluebells. There's a lovely range of wild flowers that will enjoy those conditions.

Anyway, my point is, think long and hard before you actually do anything. Working out what YOU want is half the fun.

Slow-worm

I'd have a decent sized pond in the dip, or maybe cut in two levels with a wall or wood support. Perhaps build a base and put the shed there, or a little summer house, or a bog garden, or put in a raised deck. You could fence it off with a decorative fence & gate if necessary, for kids/pets.