A Children's Play Garden

Pedrin notes that a professional installation of this project will generally cost about $3,500, while an average do-it-yourselfer can expect to spend roughly $1,000 on materials and will need about two weekends to complete the work. In gauging the difficulty level of the project, Pedrin explains that obtaining assistance with the heavy labor involved (moving several boulders) will substantially lessen the difficulty factor. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the hardest, he rates the project a "3", provided the do-it-yourselfer enlists the help of a couple friends. (For those who decide to "go it alone," Pedrin rates the project a "5").

Step One: Building the Fence

When the project gets underway, the crew has already constructed a rustic-style play fort, a sandbox and steps that allow easy access to the area. Now, they're ready to build a curved, whimsical-style fence that will create a sense of privacy for the play area. To begin building the fence, the crew first gathers bunches of pre-purchased grape stakes (available in home supply centers), then sets 4"x4" wood posts in pre-dug holes filled with concrete; the holes have been dug about two feet deep. The posts are spaced every four feet along the border on one side of the play garden.

Note: Pedrin points out that grape stake fences are inexpensive and readily available, but stresses that they're not intended for climbing, so be sure kids understand that this type of fence is intended only for privacy, not for play.

Step Two: Placing the Boulders and Adding the Plants

In addition to the standard stairs that lead into the play area, Pedrin also wants to add a pathway of boulders that extend up the hill near the regular steps to provide a fun climbing place for kids. In selecting boulders for this purpose, Pedrin suggests finding a type of locally available rock to keep the cost reasonable; he advises choosing individual boulders that measure about a foot and half in diameter (figure D).

Above the path of boulders, Pedrin and the crew fill in the hillside with a wide array of plants that feature numerous colors, shapes and textures. The mix includes several plants that can withstand a fair amount of foot traffic, and Pedrin also includes a blueberry plant from which the children can pick berries to eat. (Pedrin stresses the importance of making sure that children understand they should never eat anything from the garden without parental consent).

Featured plant varieties include:

Sedum spectabile, Zones 4-9

Phormium tenax 'Bronze Baby' Zones 9-10 (can withstand some traffic, but not a hard frost)

Yucca filamentosa, Zones 5-10 (more cold hardy than phormium)

Scented Geranium (Pelargonium), Zones 5-8

Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium var. laevifolium)

Step Three: Building the Path and Adding the Play Features

In the small area behind the play space, Pedrin designs a network of paths, which the crew accents with curved sections of acacia logs to help hold the soil in place. First, they use a chainsaw (these rent for about $40 per day) to cut the logs into three- to four-foot-long lengths. (As the crew cuts the logs into pieces, Pedrin emphasizes the importanceof always wearing safety glasses while operating a chain saw).

After laying the sections of cut logs horizontally across the path at evenly spaced intervals, the crew fills the actual paths with a thick layer playground mulch, an inexpensive material that makes a great play surface for kids.

To complete the play area, Pedrin designs a durable tire swing suspended from a durable yet easy-to-build frame. The design utilizes an accordion shock boot with a pivot joint that allows full motion (figure I). Three carabiners attached to the boot allow the chains to be hung from the fixture and attached to the tire below at three equi-distant points.

The crew begins building the frame for the tire swing by setting two 6"x6" redwood posts in concrete-filled holes dug three feet deep. Once the posts have set, a third 6"x6" that measures ten feet in length and is bolted into the tops of the posts with long lag bolts (two per side) to form the crosspiece (figure J). For added strength, Pedrin suggests reinforcing the joints between the crosspiece and the end posts with construction adhesive.

Step Four: Project Review

With the project complete, the once-vacant area near the pool is now filled with visual interest, play equipment and wonderful plants. Outfitted with a flagstone chalkboard, a sturdy tire swing and a sloping boulder path, this uniquely wonderful play garden will provide kids with fun, safe enjoyment for many years to come.