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What Do Children Need in a Garden Design

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    What Do Children Need in a

    Garden Design?

    Designing for children, whether in a

    home setting or in a schoolyard habitat,

    requires not only an understanding of basic

    landscape design, but also special

    consideration of the needs of children. A

    childs safety, stimulation, and development

    are crucial principals in designing these

    special garden spaces. A childs garden

    should appeal to all five senses, and whenever

    possible, bring wildlife into a childs world

    (Moore, 1997). Such gardens are not only

    entertaining and educational, but instill in

    children a love of nature that will grow into

    stewardship and environmental sensitivity.

    It is important to identify both the

    common needs of adults and children, and

    special needs particular to the young. Whileadults see the world on a large scale, children

    are attentive to details. Gary Nabhan,

    co-author ofThe Geography of Childhood,

    recalls a time he gave his young son a camera

    for photographs of a trip to several western

    National Parks (Nabhan, 1994). Upon

    viewing his sons photos, Nabhan was struck

    by the difference between the subjects of his

    sons pictures and those of his own. While

    amazing vistas dominated his own

    photographs, the child seemed more

    interested in rocks, twigs, lizards, and othermore tactile, small-scale objects he could

    explore on an intense level. Children are

    intrigued by the miniscule details that give an

    object beauty or interest; often adults take the

    simple and small elements for granted,

    preferring to see the big picture from a

    more removed standpoint. When designing

    for children, this is an important fact to

    remember, and when designing for adults, it

    may be challenging and beneficial to

    encourage them to see the same level of

    detail, as through a childs eyes.

    It is essential to realize the similarities

    between children and adults as well as the

    differences. Many adults treat children with

    less respect or attention than they would a

    peer. However, adults must remember that

    children are individuals, with varied

    and dynamic personalities that add

    immeasurable insight to the design

    When designing for children, natures rich detail and variety is a good model.

    Erin J. Knight

    11

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    process. Children express the same range of

    emotions that adults do, but the source of

    their feelings may be alien to an adult

    perspective. Some adults see childhood as a

    time for play, free of the stress and carecommon to later life. Just as adults need

    private spaces in which to relax and escape,

    children must have a retreat. Gardens are

    wonderful, safe spaces to fulfill this need.

    Child Development Through Play

    Play has important roles beyond

    recreation; it is the exploration of a world still

    fresh from the perspective of a child

    (JOPERD, 1994). Some play, such as games

    of make-believe and role-play, or investigative

    play such as exploration of nature, develops

    the mind of a child and expands the thought

    processes. Other play is more active, and

    directly effects a childs development of

    motor skills and physical fitness. Yet another

    kind of play is the controlled and deliberate

    release of feeling, an expression of self, such

    as drawing a picture or making any unique

    When designing gardens and outdoor

    play spaces for a child, the many experiences

    of discovery that teach children about the

    world must be incorporated (Moore, 1997).

    Molly Dannenmaier, author ofA Childs

    Garden, proposes that these needs are best

    met through 9 basic elements desirable in a

    childrens garden: discovery, water, loose

    elements, plant life, wildlife, heights,

    enclosure, movement, and make believe

    (Dannenmaier, 1998).

    Elements of a Childrens Garden or

    Other Outdoor Space

    Discovery

    Discovery is essential to childhood.

    Through a childs opportunity to define the

    parameters of his or her play, creative,

    constructive activity occurs. Plant life,

    wildlife, heights, enclosure, construction with

    loose parts, and games of make-believe all

    provide opportunities for discovery.

    Water

    Perhaps the greatest joy for children

    discovering a landscape is found within water.

    Water is the most desirable element in a

    landscape for children, but it is also the least

    provided, since liability and safety issues as

    well as issues of cost must be considered and

    overcome.

    Loose Elements

    Through play with loose elements

    such as dirt, twigs, cones, and leaves, children

    develop skills in construction and creation.

    For a child, comprehension of these

    principles may be as basic as knowing that

    wet soil can be sculpted better than dry, or

    and artistic object. Each type of

    explorative play contributes to a

    childs education.

    12

    William F. Jordan

    Children need these loose parts as an element of

    creative play.

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    that flowing water will eventually break a dam

    of twigs and sand. These are important

    concepts for children to grasp to develop

    spatial intelligence.

    Heights

    Heights give children a sense of

    escape, providing a unique and exciting

    perspective. However, safety issues concern

    many adults.

    There are safe ways to provide height

    exploration to children, such as well-designed

    treehouses and play towers. Thoughtful

    design of spaces, paired with safety educaiton

    for children, minimizes risk.

    Movement

    Physical development is currently the

    primary focus of outdoor spaces for children.

    Though childrens mental and emotional

    needs must also be met to ensure healthy

    childhood development, it is also crucial to

    maintain safe places where children can bephysically active (Moore, 1997).

    Development of motor skills and

    physical health is essential, but it is important

    to realize that different children need

    different types of spaces for movement and

    physical play. Some children enjoy group

    activities, but others prefer active games they

    can play alone.The skill level of the child may reflect

    greatly on their preferred physical play

    (JOPERD, 1994). It is important to allow

    physical development to occur in a

    non-threatening atmosphere in which the

    child has control of his or her type of

    involvement. Children who fear the ridicule

    of their peers in team sport situations or

    group games can gain confidence before

    interacting in situations in which they must

    prove their skill. Movement and physical play

    should be enjoyable and comfortable for

    every child, and spaces should be versatile to

    Water is an important element to provide for children. Through thoughtful design, safety issues are minimized.

    meet childrens varied needs and

    skill levels.

    Erin J. Knight

    13

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    Make Believe

    Creative play is one of the most

    important exercises of childhood. Often,

    creativity is strongest in childhood, but when

    it is not cultivated, it can be lost. When

    encouraged and stimulated by a healthy play

    environment, a childs imagination will thrive,

    easy to provide, by definition. Children can

    fill in the details of their games with their

    minds and have entertainment with very

    rudimentary tools, or no tools at all.

    However, a natural environment is best forencouraging creativity, for within nature are

    many elements that children can adapt into

    their play (White, 1998). Sticks, leaves, acorn

    caps, and rocks can represent the dishes and

    food of a tea party, or be fashioned into tiny

    houses and miniature figures to inhabit them.

    When a childs mind is given tools to create a

    new world, the possibilities are endless.

    Enclosure

    Children need places where they feel

    safe and can think and play privately, away

    from the constant supervision of adults. This

    is essential to the development of a sense of

    autonomy, and gives children a place for

    creative play (Dannenmaier, 1998). Spaces

    for enclosure should be situated within a safe

    environment so adults can remain nearby and

    assure safety of the child, without invading

    the private spaces the child seeks. Safe spaces

    of enclosure may be built structures, such as

    tree houses or the tubes of a plastic

    fabricated play structure. They may also be

    part of a natural garden environment. Woven

    willow branches can create sculptural spaces

    for children to hide in or move through, and

    vines trained over a low, simple arbor can

    create a private space through a screen ofgreenery. Creative spaces for enclosure can

    be very beautiful and fitting to a garden

    setting that adults use as well. Ideas for such

    structures can be found in books and

    magazines, a good source being Sharon

    Lovejoys Roots, Shoots, Buckets, and Boots

    (Lovejoy, 1999). In this book, many

    proposed gardens give children a sense ofprivacy within walls constructed purely of

    plant material, such as the Sunflower House.

    With walls made of sunflowers of varying

    heights, and a roof of flowering vines

    improving his or her mind, thought

    process, and potential.

    Spaces for make-believe areChildren love loose parts such as leaves and twigs,

    which they can use in creative play.

    Erin J. Knight

    14

    The Cottage Garden at the Michigan 4-H Childrens

    Garden is a great place for discovery.

    Erin J. Knight

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    clinging to a grid of twine strung between the

    tallest sunflowers, a beautiful and magical

    space is created.

    PlantsSelection of plant material requires

    careful consideration when designing for

    children. Plants should be hardy, interesting

    to children, and safe for their environment

    (Dannenmaier, 1998). Two primary dangers

    must be considered: plants that are poisonous

    or have poisonous parts, and plants with

    hazardous parts, such as thorns, barbs, or

    sharp blades.

    Many common plants, or their parts,can be hazardous or fatal to children if

    consumed (Moore, 1993). Anemone,

    caladium, foxglove, hydrangea, lantana,

    mistletoe, and philodendron are poisonous if

    eaten. The bulbs of amaryllis and daffodil,

    the leaves of apple and privet trees, the seeds

    of apple and wisteria, and berries of holly

    and privet are all poisonous (Dannenmaier,1998). Should these be totally eliminated, or

    should children be taught to respect their

    dangers? This is a question any parent,

    supervisor, or designer for children should

    answer for his or her particular situation and

    landscape.

    Some plants provide particular

    attraction and interest to children, often

    based on bright color, unusual behaviors,

    fruits, flowers, or plant parts that can be used

    creatively for play, projects, and crafts.

    According to Lovejoy, the top twenty plants

    for children are as follows (Lovejoy, 1999).

    Pumpkins-most popular plant for kids,

    come in all colors and sizes.

    Sunflowers- come in many heights, kid-

    size or gigantic, and are great for many

    reasons.

    Gourds- can be made into birdhouses,

    drums, dolls, instruments, etc.

    Carrots- can be made to branch into

    Pumpkins are one of the most popular plants for kids

    interesting shapes when rocks

    and pebbles impede natural

    growth.

    Children love berries and other edible plants.

    William F. Jordan

    William F. Jordan

    15

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    Mimosa- sensitive plant good because

    it responds to a childs touch. However,

    this is an invasive species, and can spread

    uncontrollably

    Corn- can be used for mazes, or plant

    colorful varieties.

    Berries-kids love to grow something they

    can eat. These can also be strung as

    necklaces and used to feed animals.

    Alliums- colorful, fascinating blooms

    Potatoes- can be a rainbow of colors,

    from gold to purple. Kids can carve them

    into stamps, or make them into characterswith other veggies.

    Lambs Ear- fun to pet

    Four O Clocks- these multi-colored

    flowers are exciting in their punctual

    unfolding of petals

    Poppies- can be made into puppets.

    Their delicate beauty and bright color is

    great for kids.

    Tomatoes- good for snacking

    Trees- plant a birthday tree and take a

    picture of tree and child on every birth-

    day. Moon Plant- silver dollars or fairy

    pennies are fun for kids and do well in

    problem areas

    Lemon Verbena- edible, lemony leaves

    can be shredded and added to ice cream,

    or put in lemonade or tea. Can be put in a

    bag and kept for fragrance in a drawer.

    Evening Primrose- magic explosion offlowers at sunset.

    Radishes- grow fast to satisfy young

    gardeners, many colors.

    Nasturtium- vibrant flowers shine like

    jewels. Peppery taste, good in salad.

    Wildlife

    Plants are essential, beautiful elements

    for childrens outdoor spaces. Often, these

    plants serve a double function, by attracting

    wildlife into childrens spaces. Observation

    of wildlife is a favorite pastime of childhood,

    and is beneficial both in developing a sense

    of the wonders of nature and in teaching

    children about animals (Dannenmaier, 1998).

    Providing children spaces to interact with their favorite plants will encourage them to explore the natural world.

    Hollyhocks- attracts insects,

    and good for making dolls.

    William F. Jordan

    16

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    It is simple to invite animals into a landscape.

    Birds and butterflies are particularly easy to

    accommodate, and can come into childrens

    lives even in a city setting. The National

    Wildlife Federation (NWF) has many helpfulguidelines for the attraction of wildlife into

    the landscape and will certify spaces in

    schoolyards or backyards that meet the

    criteria demanded by animals (NWF, 2001).

    These landscapes must provide a means of

    food, water, shelter, and a place to raise

    young. However, in extremely small spaces

    or city gardens, even the most basic answer tothese demands is acceptable for certification.

    A certified garden may be no more than a

    birdhouse, a pan of water (cleaned and filled

    regularly), and a feeder. Once the space meets

    these criteria, it may be certified as a Wildlife

    Habitat through a simple application process.

    Schoolyard Habitat certification requires aslightly more rigorous application process, for

    these spaces are typically larger in scale, and

    need a large team of committed partners to

    maintain lasting health, growth, and beauty.

    All these elements are basic tools

    from which to construct a landscape. When

    combining and applying them, it is important

    to use creativity, and to give the child orchildren for whom the space is provided a

    strong voice in its construction. Often, as

    adults, it is hard to not straighten and

    enhance the creations of children, but it is

    important tha children feel a sense of

    ownership for their landscapes.. It is also

    important to be sure that while learning andgrowing, children develop a lasting love for

    the act of nurturing life and watching nature

    give birth to the landscape.

    Beginning the Design Process

    When beginning a design project in a

    residential, public, or school setting for

    children, the first steps are an evaluation of

    the design problems and objectives, and an

    exploration of all possible resources. For

    those with little or no design experience,

    there are many options to developing a

    successful design.

    Design Resources

    Many national and regional resources

    can be propositioned for advice. The NWF

    is an excellent resource for public childrens

    gardens as well as for elements of private

    This information is provided by the National Wildlfe Federation in their Schoolyard Habitats Planning

    Guide.

    spaces at homes. Literature on

    Schoolyard Habitats is available

    from the NWF, including a Planning

    17National Wildlife Federation

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    Guide that gives detailed planning, design,

    and implementation strategies.

    Horticultural societies, Master

    Gardener Programs, and Extension Services

    are also great resources. The American

    Horticultural Society (AHS) is exemplary in

    its involvement of the development of

    successful childrens garden designs. The

    educators, parents, and others benefit from

    national organizations, successful program

    leaders, and many other resources.

    One particularly helpful service

    provided by the AHS is a series of

    demonstration gardens designed for George

    Washingtons River Farm Gardens in Virginia

    (AHS, 2001). These twelve childrens

    landscapes were created by school groups and

    landscape designers, many at a scale that is

    adaptable for backyard childrens gardens as

    well as a school landscape. Each was created

    with the desires and needs of children in

    mind, and plant material particularly

    appropriate to childrens gardens was applied.

    The elements of each are readilyaccessible and duplicable, and detailed plans

    of all twelve are available for only $2. To

    order, write to: AHS, Childrens Program

    Guide, 7931 East Boulevard Drive,

    Alexandria, VA 22304-1300.

    This service is a great option for

    those desiring a comprehensive, attractive and

    safe space for children, but who dont havethe knowledge to create one without

    guidance, or the budget for a designers

    perspective.

    For schoolyard gardens, the resources

    are even greater than for the private home.

    The importance of these spaces is recognized

    by schools world wide, and many programs

    aid in their creation.

    Not to be overlooked are local

    sources of support, such as businesses,

    garden clubs, and service organizations.

    There are also numerous organizations

    dedicated to curriculum development to make

    these outdoor spaces optimum areas for

    learning.

    These demonstration garden designs from the George Washington River Farm were designed for general use in

    both private and public childrens gardens.

    Annual National Youth Garden

    Symposium is sponsored by the

    AHS. There, experts, designers,

    18

    American Horticulture Society

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    Forming the Design Team

    The National Wildlife Federation

    recommends development of the Habitat

    Team as the first step toward creating a

    schoolyard habitat (NWF, 2001). In a schoolsetting, it is imperative to develop a strong

    team to ensure a successful program. One

    determined educator or an excited parent

    cannot carry the project without an organized

    group of supporters equally committed to the

    continued health and success of the garden.

    On this Team, children are the most

    important members. Their ideas shoulddefine the components, structure, and goals

    of the project (White, 1998). Educators

    should be involved as mentors to the

    children, offering resources, facilitating

    student ideas and goals, and acting as

    co-workers with the children.

    The next partner in the Habitat Team

    is the schools habitat staff. Budget concerns,

    future building plans, liability issues,community relations, and funding

    opportunities are issues in which their

    assistance is fundimental (NWF, 2001). Most

    administrators see garden development as a

    valuable asset; they improve the image of the

    school, offer cost savings, provide teaching

    opportunities in all aspects of the curriculum,

    and foster student involvement anddevelopment within the project.

    The maintenance staff is an

    important asset to the Team. They must have

    a clear understanding of the projects scope

    so they can offer assistance in assessment of

    the tools and equipment needed for the work,

    as well as issues of construction and

    maintenance.

    Parents, too, must be included and

    involved, not only so the Schoolyard Habitat

    is successful, but also so its goals and ideals

    can be reinforced in the home environment.

    Local businesses and civic

    organizations are great resources and team

    members as well, for they often offer

    technical support, material contributions,

    grants, volunteers, and other donations.

    Finally, resource professionals are

    important to the Team. They have invaluable

    knowledge of habitat development to offer

    The Imagination Garden incorporates many elements

    children enjoy with varied plant material.

    the school, and often will offer free

    or reduced rate consultation and

    This Ditch Garden is great for small lots and spaces.

    19American Horticulture Society

    AmericanHorticulture Society

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    design assistance. Local landscape architects

    and landscape designers may have affiliations

    with the schools of their communities that

    strengthen their commitment to affordable

    assistance.

    After the team is defined and formed,

    set a clear and workable goal and determine a

    identify areas where assistance is needed.

    These lists and estimates may change after the

    site analysis, updates may be needed as

    information becomes available.

    Site Inventory and Mapping

    The next steps in the design process

    are site inventory and mapping. The site

    inventory is a list of everything (natural and

    manmade) that exists or occurs on the school

    grounds.

    Identify physical elements, such as

    soil, topography, and drainage patterns, and

    note existing ecological components, such asanimals and plants. It is important to look

    beyond the school property as well. Do

    bordering land uses enhance or detract from

    the Schoolyard Habitat? If existing wildlife

    corridors surround the school site, a plan

    might extend these and create a greater space

    for animals for the whole community.

    However, if neighboring sites createundesirable views, noise, traffic, or other

    concerns, screening may need to diminish

    their negative impacts. All observations

    should be recorded and organized. As in all

    stages of the process, it is important to

    involve children in the information gathering

    and organization process.

    Mapping should begin by obtaining a

    base map with the schools footprint,

    footprints of any other existing buildings on

    the property, property lines, parking lots and

    drives, and other substantial features.

    In many cases, base map information

    is readily available, but if not, a base map can

    be constructed accurately and easily with

    time line. Estimate planning,

    budget, and material needs, and

    The outdoor classroom can become a vehicle for teaching subjects accross the curriculum.

    20

    Erin J. Knight

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    basic tools. First, the school and any nearby

    buildings should be drawn to scale. A simple

    measuring tape can be used to manually

    measure all sides, and graph paper or a rough

    sketch with accurate measurements can berefined after the information is gathered.

    Next, property lines should be

    determined in relation to the existing school.

    Straight lines can be pulled on the measuring

    tape from a particular building corner to the

    property boundaries of that side, then the

    other corners can be used likewise as

    reference points.In this method, move to the property

    line or other boundary, and look back at the

    building. Move slightly left and right with

    one eye closed, and the open eye focused on

    the corner. When the next face of the

    building is slightly visible, move slowly in the

    opposite direction until it can no longer be

    seen. This is a good method for maintaining

    accuracy in measurements.

    With the tape lying on the ground in

    this position, additional measurements can be

    made with a second tape held perpendicular

    to various points on the measured line to

    locate drives, parking lots, significant

    landscape features, and other points on the

    property lines. This is a process students can

    According to the NWF, these are a few of the professional members of the community that can become

    instrumental parts of the design team.

    Children can be involved in every phase of the design and implementation process

    assist in, but supervision and

    assistance by one or several adults is

    advisable to ensure accurate results,21

    Erin J. Knight

    National Wildlife Federation

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    as the process can be complex and intricate.

    Once a base map is created or

    obtained, make copies to accommodate

    different types of information, preferably on

    a transparent material so all maps can be usedas overlays to compare land use and patterns.

    Locate important trees, plants, and

    elevation changes noted in the inventory, and

    indicate general drainage patterns by drawing

    arrows in the direction of water flow (NWF,

    2001). This may be most easily observed

    during times of rain, and problem areas

    identified.Next, record soil types in general

    terms, such as sand, clay, silt, loam, or

    combinations of these types, with

    consideration for the adaptability of plants in

    moisture content with students. Then,

    observe and record the sun and shade

    patterns of the site. Both for the success of

    plant material and for the greatest energy

    efficiency of the site, this is an importantstep. Indicate compass directions on the

    map, from which further sun/shade

    information can be determined.

    Consider traffic and human use

    patterns. Sketch in the general foot traffic

    paths in non-paved areas. When designing, it

    is often beneficial to develop these paths, but

    if it is preferable to keep children out of suchareas, plantings should be dense enough to

    discourage foot traffic from recreating the old

    patterns and destroying plant life.

    Next, consider the needs of the site.

    Often in school settings, outdoor classrooms,

    areas for recreation and outdoor play, quiet,individual student reading areas, tables for

    class projects, and functional areas for

    demonstration gardens or class planting beds

    are desired. Any combination of these may

    be applied, but some should not be in the

    same vicinity. For example, consider the

    noise and distraction of active recreation, and

    avoid areas where it can be readily seen orheard when locating an outdoor classroom or

    such soils. Take samples from

    different areas and compare their

    color, texture, particle size, and

    We can be there with them as they climb on

    rocks, play in streams and waves, dig in the

    rich soil of woods and gardens, putter and

    learn. Here, on the land, we learn from each

    other. Here, our childrens journey begins.

    -Stephen Trimble, co-author ofThe Geography of Childhood

    Students should help with site analysis and design ideas. They provide valuable insight into the design process.

    Erin J. Knight22

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    reading area.

    Take note of existing wildlife habitat

    components and select elements that should

    be preserved or developed. To attract

    wildlife, four essentials are necessary: food,water, shelter, and a place to raise young.

    This can be provided in many ways, and while

    most schools develop habitat for birds and

    butterflies, some school landscapes may

    provide opportunities to attract deer, rabbits,

    and other larger animals as well.

    Creating a Wildlife Habitat

    When providing food, it is best to

    utilize the natural sources, which means

    implementing native vegetation. Trees,

    shrubs, and other plants that produce acorns,

    nuts, berries, and other seeds are great

    attractions, while leaves, buds, catkins, nectar,

    and pollen are also important. By providing

    food for the animals through the natural food

    chain, children learn about ecology while

    animals get the best possible source of

    nutrition. According to the NWF, native

    plants can support ten to fifteen times asmany species of wildlife as non-native species

    (NWF, 2001). Most states have a native plant

    society, and contacting a local chapter is a

    good way to learn about native species.

    Natural food can be supplemented

    by feeders, and particularly in winter, this is a

    great benefit to animals. The best foods for

    feeders include sunflower, niger, safflower,millet seed, cracked corn, meal worms, and

    suet, according to the NWF. Each type

    attracts particular kinds of birds, and a variety

    of feeders and food types ensures a diverse

    bird population. In warm months, humming

    bird feeders containing four parts water to

    one part sugar can supplement the

    hummingbirds diet.

    When providing feed, there are

    several important rules to follow. Make sure

    feeders have proper drainage holes and arecovered to keep seed dry, so mildew wont

    develop. Do not place feed directly on the

    ground, for mold, mildew, animal droppings,

    lawn fertilizers, pesticides, and bacteria can

    contaminate the seed and harm birds. Also,

    keep in mind that bird droppings may

    accumulate under the feeder, so avoid areas

    where the mess will cause problems. Followthese steps, and children and teachers will

    enjoy hours of watching and listening to

    birds of all kinds.

    All animals need water throughout

    the year for drinking and bathing. Adding a

    water feature to your yard is the best way to

    insure you will attract birds to your home.

    Water is helpful to the health and happiness

    of birds because clean feathers insulate the

    bird, and bathing helps prevent parasites.

    Birdbaths provide this necessity, but a few

    basic rules apply to ensure that they are safe

    Providing native grasses as in the photo above gives

    many animals nesting sites and cover.

    The type of feeder and type of feed will determine the

    species of birds attracted. To have a diverse bird

    population, a variety should be provided.

    and beneficial to birds. Basins

    should be no more than one-and-a-

    half to three inches deep, with small

    Mary Haque

    Erin J. Knight

    23

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    pebbles in the basin to provide areas for

    perching and preening. They must be placed

    in an open area safe from predators, but with

    cover available nearby, and should be fifteen

    feet from feeding areas. Fresh water should

    be added every 2-3 days.

    To provide shelter for wildlife, it is

    again advisable to look to the natural state of

    the area. The same plants that feed wildlife

    often provide natural sanctuary. Brush piles,

    fallen logs, rock piles, and other natural

    preferable. Evergreen and deciduous plant

    material should be combined to provide for

    animals needs throughout the year. Often,

    the same spaces can also be used for

    courting, nesting, and raising young.

    Manmade cover is also helpful in

    many cases, such as birdhouses, bat boxes,

    and other protected homes. Be sure that the

    construction of these houses suits the needs

    of the animal. For example, different types

    of birds require different locations for their

    homes, as well as different shapes and sizes

    of boxes and their entrances. Even the color

    of the box can be a factor in its safe use by

    wildlife. The box should not be attractive or

    accessible to predators. Height, hole size, and

    location are key factors in birdhouse safety.

    Spaces to raise young are often

    identical to those of cover, but certainadditions can ensure a variety of wildlife in

    the garden. Again, native plants play a key

    role in provision of these spaces, for many

    types of native wildlife, such as butterflies,

    require these plants for laying of eggs.

    The key factors in spaces to raise

    young are safety and proximity to reliable

    sources of food and water. It is easy toprovide such spaces for animals, and

    educational for children.

    Wildlife habitats have many benefits,

    not just for animals, but for children and

    adults as well. Children can learn about their

    native environments through observation of

    wildlife, and feel gratified when their work in

    elements can give animals safety and

    shelter. A variety of sizes, heights,

    and densities of material is

    Erin J. Knight

    William F. Jordan

    24

    Children gain appreciation for plants and nature when they can observe wildlife in the garden.

    Using native plants one simple way to attract wildlife

    to the garden.

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    the garden calls to animal visitors and

    inhabitants. There are many solutions to the

    four requirements for a wildlife habitat, and

    no matter what the size of a school or home

    garden may be, it is possible to provide

    habitat.

    Conclusion- Designing for Children

    Even someone with no prior design

    experience can be a part of the development

    of a creative, healthy outdoor space for

    children. The key to creating such spaces isusing all the resources available,

    understanding the needs of the child, and

    providing natural or naturalized spaces that

    allow children to engage in play that is not

    predetermined. If design is too great a challenge for

    all those involved in the design team,

    consulting a professional regarding problem

    issues, or hiring someone to design the

    project is an option. There are also national

    resources such as the NWF and the American

    Horticulture Society.

    The design process cannot be

    completed without consideration of child

    safety. In the next chapter, safety issues are

    explored. Yet, it is important to consider

    design principles alongside safety precautions

    to create successful childrens spaces. A

    design cannot be masterful without meeting

    the safety needs of children, yet issues of

    safety and liability cannot overshadow the

    various desires and needs of the child. The

    two are not exclusive, and when used

    successfully in cooperation with one another,

    William F. Jordan

    25

    Childrens landscape designs come to life when inhabited by youth, whose cr eative minds expand the potential of

    the space.

    provide the best spaces children can

    have to further their development,

    happiness, and health.Involve children in the development of their garden.

    Erin J. Knight


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