Overgrown Backyard Redesigned Into Family-Friendly Garden

Overgrown plants have been replaced with new, child-friendly ones in the garden. Herbs, such as rosemary, thyme and marjorum, were planted for Jeff to use in his cooking. Shade lovers including white bleeding heart (Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba'), hosta, solomon's seal (Polygonatum), lady fern and anemone thrive under the two honey locusts.

Plant choices are important in creating a child-friendly garden. Spiky plants such as yucca or agave can be a real hazard to eyes and little hands as can thorny specimens like barberries and roses. Foxglove (Digitalis) is poisonous if ingested, and euphorbia can be a skin irritant. Of course not every plant is poisonous, but if you're concerned, the best thing to do is to assume every plant is poisonous until you know different and teach children never to eat any part of a plant.

Resources
stainless steel grill (38-inch Grand Turbo on stainless steel cart) - Barbeques Galore
cedar decking (STK grade) - Riverhead Building Supplies
fencing (Cedar Stockade) - Natural Beauty Fence Co.
railroad ties - Bissett Nursery
table and chairs (Gala Butterfly oval table) - Yardiac.com
low voltage lighting (Malibu) - Intermatic
bluestone paving - Copperline Garden Center